Free, tip what you liked · ★ 9.5/10 (2,658 reviews) · on Civitatis
Quick answer
Yes. There is 1 free walking tour in Athens listed here, bookable for free on Civitatis. It is Free Walking Tour of Athens: it meets at Steps in front of Epimenidou 9, lasts about 3h and is guided in English, rated 9.5/10 from 2,658 reviews.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
Athens packs most of its history into a small area. The Acropolis rock stands in the middle, and around its foot are Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in the city, the flea-market streets of Monastiraki and the wide square of Syntagma with the Parliament on one side. You can walk between all of them in under half an hour, which is why a walking tour works so well here.
The free walking tour covers that central loop in two to three hours. It goes to Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament, where the Evzones guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then down old streets to Hadrian's Library and the Roman Agora, through Plaka and into Monastiraki Square. Depending on the route of the day it also passes the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch or climbs into Anafiotika, the cluster of whitewashed houses under the Acropolis. The archaeological sites are seen from outside.
Plan your visit to Athens
What to see in Athens
The Acropolis with the Parthenon is the reason most people come, and the Acropolis Museum at its foot holds the sculptures that used to decorate it; opening times and tickets are on the museum's official website. Below the rock, the Ancient Agora was the civic centre of classical Athens and keeps the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best preserved Greek temples.
The Roman Agora with the Tower of the Winds and Hadrian's Library sit a few streets apart in Monastiraki. For a view of the whole city, walk or take the funicular up Lycabettus Hill towards sunset.
Getting around and when to go
The historic centre is walkable and the metro covers the rest. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; in July and August start early and rest at midday. If you are continuing east, Istanbul has free walking tours as well. See the month-by-month guide for timing.
Good to know before you go
The tour does not go inside the Acropolis or the other archaeological sites; those need a ticket. Do the walk first and visit the Acropolis afterwards, early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
From June to August the midday heat is hard. Pick a morning departure, bring water and a hat, and wear shoes with grip: the marble paving of the old streets is slippery.
Metro line 3 links the airport with Syntagma and Monastiraki, so you can reach the centre without a taxi.
The Evzones in front of the Parliament change guard every hour. If the tour does not coincide with it, come back to Syntagma on your own; it takes a few minutes to watch.
Rest those walking legs
Where to stay in Athens
Well-reviewed stays from our partner Booking.com. Check rates and availability for your dates on their site.
Yes. The Free Walking Tour of Athens on Civitatis covers Syntagma Square and the Parliament, Hadrian's Library, the Roman Agora, Plaka and Monastiraki with an English-speaking guide. You reserve for free and tip at the end.
Where does the Athens free tour start?
The English tour meets at the steps in front of Epimenidou 9, in Plaka. The exact point and how to recognise the guide are confirmed in your booking.
How long is the free tour of Athens?
Between two and three hours, depending on the group and the route of the day. Plan the Acropolis for another slot rather than straight after.
Does the free tour include the Acropolis?
No. The tour stays in the streets and squares around it and explains the monuments from outside. The Acropolis and the other archaeological sites have their own tickets.
How much should I tip on a free tour in Athens?
There is no fixed amount. At the end you give the guide what you think the tour was worth. Our tip calculator shows the usual range for Greece.
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