The moment you first set foot in Athens it’s clear you’ve arrived somewhere special. It’s the birthplace of Western democracy, arts, science, and philosophy – steeped in ancient history and brimming with architectural wonders worth travelling for. The Acropolis. The Temple of Olympian Zeus. The icons are well known, but they’re not the only things worth seeing.

Beyond the ancient tourist trail, Athens is a living, breathing city that continues to grow and evolve every day. It’s a place where street artists have transformed bare walls into vibrant canvases, people happily queue round the block for the best gyros in town, and nondescript doorways lead to rooftop bars with views that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

Keen to explore? Here are four ways to see, do, touch and taste Athens in style.

Athens Food Tour

Varvakios Market is the biggest and most popular market in the whole of Athens. It’s a fun and energetic place where you’ll find locals shopping for fresh meats, fish and vegetables, stallholders calling out to attract the attention of passers-by, and a delicious mix of produce is just waiting for you to try it. This is just one of the essential foodie haunts worth exploring in Athens – and it’s somewhere most travellers probably wouldn’t even know to visit.

You can explore Varvakios Market, sample tasty local olive oils and wines, and much more on a top-rated Food Tour of Athens. Just remember to pack a hearty appetite!

Athens Segway Tour

In the shadow of the Acropolis, you’ll find Plaka – the oldest neighbourhood in Athens. Strolling through its narrow, maze-like streets, gazing up at the neoclassical buildings and impressive bougainvillea arbours, it almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

Although this charming area is fantastic to explore on foot, there’s so much to see that it won’t take long for your feet to ache. A Segway Tour could be a better option. Zipping and weaving through the colourful streets, stopping to view some of the local gems, it’s an easy way to cover more ground and maximise your sightseeing time. It’s also a lot of fun too!

Hot Tip: Once the tour is over, be sure to stop by Ciel Hotel in nearby Akro for rooftop drinks overlooking the Acropolis. It’s one of our favourite spots for cocktails with a view!  

Athens Bike Tour

Prefer something a little more active? A Cycling Tour could be just what the doctor ordered. In just 2.5 hours you can tick off all the important historical landmarks – such as the Acropolis, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus – and many more. You needn’t be an Olympic athlete either, as all the bikes are electric.

A GPS guided audio tour in nine languages is included to help get the most out of the ride.

Athens Hop On, Hop Off Bus

For a more relaxed and carefree sightseeing option, you can’t go past a double-decker Hop On, Hop Off Bus. Taking in more than 100 sights and monuments, with an accompanying audio commentary in 12 languages, it really is the ultimate way to explore the city. Climb aboard and head up to the open-air deck and let the beauty of Athens unfold before you.

After seeing the main sights on tour, chances are you’ll be itching to keep exploring further.

The Athens Unlimited Attractions Pass powered by Smartvisit is your passport to more amazing attractions, tours, dining, and entertainment, all curated by local travel experts.