Need a change of pace while visiting Athens? Use this free walking tour of Athens to experience some amazing hidden gems, all in a single day!
Athens, with its rich tapestry of ancient history and vibrant modern life, is a city that invites exploration at every turn. Don’t believe me? Check out my blog post for The Best Itinerary for Touring Athens over a 4-Day Weekend.
While I was there, I set out on a self-guided walking tour to immerse myself in its unique blend of past and present. From the bustling Syntagma Square to the serene Parthenon views at night, each stop revealed a new layer of Athens’ charm and complexity.
Stop One: Syntagma Square
I started my Athens walking tour at the iconic Syntagma Square. After a delicious cup of coffee from the cafe near my Airbnb, I took the subway to Syntagma Square to begin my tour. The sun was out and thankfully, it was a weekday. This meant most people were leisurely transiting to their jobs instead of flooding the sidewalks with selfie sticks.
I sat on the stone ledges of one of the fountains within the Syntagma Square and took in the surroundings. A street performer’s saxophone filled the air with a beautifully soothing tune, pigeons gathered around (and annoyed) a handful of people eating their breakfast pastries, and the water from the fountains delivered a calming white noise that made it serene.
Athens Walking Tour Stop Two: Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Parliament House)
The real reason I walked across the street from the Syntagma Square to the Parliament House wasn’t because of the architecture or some grandiose gesture. It was the incredible symmetry and precision timing showcased by the guards at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
While the outfits are slightly bizarre, the individuals wearing them clearly commanded respect. Equally as impressive is the monument itself, which is comprised of a dead, naked soldier grasping the mighty circular shield and wearing a Greek helmet.
Stop Three: The Academy of Athens
Continuing on with my Athens walking tour, I reached the Academy of Athens. The Academy is interesting because of the three neoclassical buildings that make it up. The one on the right is the actual Academy of Athens and is flanked by pedimented sculptures depicting the birth of Athena, and the historical philosophers Plato and Socrates
The middle building is the University of Athens, showcasing a painting in the Propylaea (i.e., monumental gateway) which depicts King Otto of Greece but, seated on a throne as Zeus.
The building on the left is the National Library of Greece, arguably the most photogenic of the trilogy. As I left the University building, I stopped in the middle of this small grassy path to take some fun photos of the awesome stone staircase leading to the entry way.
Athens Walking Tour Stop Four: Lunch at The Falafellas
After a solid couple of hours on my feet, my dogs were pretty tired as you can imagine. Additionally, I could hear my stomach rumbling thanks to the delicious smells floating along on the light breeze in the air. In all my travels, my nose has guided me to some pretty damn good food spots. So, I stayed true to my gut (no pun intended) and landed at this amazing falafel place called The Falafellas.
Hands down, this was the best falafel I had in Greece, and probably in the entire time I’ve been in Europe. The outer shell of the chickpeas was perfectly crisp, the temperature and texture within each ball was perfect, and the spicy sauce covering this delicious thing was just the right amount of heat to spice my mouth up, but not send me into a sweat lol.
Stop Five: Church of Panagia Kapnikarea
After lunch, my walking tour of Athens led me to some inredible architecture. I noticed an eye-catching byzantine structure right in the middle of a rather modern street so, I headed in its direction to investigate. What I had discovered was the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea, dating back to the early 11th century.
Turns out the church’s destruction was considered an attractive idea when city planners wanted to make Ermou street a straight-through corridor but, King Otto’s sun Ludwig I prevented it. Oh, and the stone blocks that make up the church are made of seashells. Pretty cool!
Athens Walking Tour Stop Six: Aperol Spritz at Monastiraki
Ok, what’s a vacation without a little day drinking amiright? I mean after all, I only had like two beers on Aegina Island; I needed to step my game up!
As I drifted away from the church and made my way back towards the crowds amassed in Monastiraki Square, I felt that I needed an Aperol Spritz: the iconic drink of choice among Europeans in the warmer months. So, I found this incredible little bar/cafe on top of the A is for Athens hotel and had the BEST view of Athens while I sipped down on a few Spritzes; it was the perfect break!
Stop Seven: Hadrian’s Library
This was the shortest stop on my walking tour around Athens, but for a rather comedic reason. Since I had a slight afternoon buzz, I was ready to stop reading historical signposts and just enjoy the sights. My next stop: Hadrian’s Library.
I’ll admit, the buzz from the multiple Spritzes was pretty strong, and I don’t remember all the details about this stop…but I can at least say I did it lol. Moving on!
Athens Walking Tour Stop Eight: Instagram Photos on Kidathineon
Kidathineon is a picture perfect neighborhood, especially around sunset. I happened upon this amazing little district right as the sun began to set. Around every corner, the pictures just kept getting better and better!
Not only was the area great for Instagram photo ops, it was also a great little spot to do some shopping. Within just one block, one could easily find handmade leather sandals, olive oil soaps, pottery inspired by ancient art, hand-crafted jewelry and more!
Stop Nine: Catch a Sunset at the Tower of the Winds
Originally built as a clock tower, the eight sides of the Tower of the Winds monument showcase the eight principal winds on the friezes, each figure carrying its symbol. It’s a seemingly benign statue in the heart of Athens but, definitely worth a quick visit, especially around sunset.
When my mind drifts back to the Tower of the Winds, I’ll always remember it by the crazy sunset I was afforded alongside it. After walking around the fun shops and streets of the Kidathineon area, the Tower of the Winds felt like the perfect place to relax for a moment and simply marvel.
Athens Walking Tour Stop Ten: Admire the Parthenon (at night) from Areopagus Hill
What better way to finish a walking tour of Athens than with the Parthenon. Finished with my marvel sesh, I wanted to end my final night in Athens with the Parthenon in my sights. I had seen pictures of the Parthenon at night and now I wanted to see it with my own to eyes. So, I made my way over to an incredible viewing location just west of the Acropolis.
Standing on Areopagus Hill in Athens and staring at the Parthenon as it became illuminated by lights from below, I wasn’t sure what was more impressive: the sights, or where I was standing.
Yes, the Parthenon at night truly was everything I had pictured however, the location I was viewing it from (Areopagus Hill) was, in my opinion, even better. I say that because about two thousand years before I stood on Areopagus Hill, one of the first Christians ever had already done so.
Yep! In Acts 17:22-31, Paul preached to the men of Athens from the very spot I found myself as I ended my amazing self-guided tour of Athens; it was surreal!
Walking in the historical footsteps of my faith was as magical as it was humbling.
Final Stop: Craft Beer at Nomads Athens
My self-guided tour was absolutely epic, and I struggled with having such high levels of inspiration and fatigue simultaneously. Thus, I did what every weary traveler does: I found the nearest tap room and ordered a drink lol.
Nomads Athens is a great little gem right on the north side of the city. From craft IPAs to imports, this fun little bar at the end of a main street north of the Acropolis served as the perfect resting place for me to take a load off and reflect on my day.
As I scrolled through my camera and looked at the hundreds of photos I had taken that day, I also took inventory of my blessings. Travelling throughout the ancient city of Greece was never really on my bucket list; not sure why. But now, as I reflect on my travels, I can’t believe I hadn’t discovered this gem sooner!
In Conclusion…
As my walking tour came to a close at Nomads Athens, I reflected on a day filled with historical wonders, culinary delights, and stunning vistas. Athens had exceeded every expectation, blending its ancient heritage with a lively, contemporary spirit. This city, once off my travel radar, has now etched itself into my heart, leaving me eager to return and explore even more of its timeless allure.
For more ideas on what to do in Athens, check out my post on The Best Itinerary for Touring Athens over a 4-Day Weekend. Happy travelling!
