One of the things we love best about visiting Athens, Greece is how walkable it is. The sprawling city is comprised of fascinating districts, ancient sights and sublime architecture. It’s almost guaranteed that something intriguing will be lurking around the next corner.
During our extended trip to Athens, we routed our way through the heart of the city on numerous occasions. We were dazzled by the top attractions and relished finding hidden gems.
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We were in constant awe of our surroundings as we strolled, sauntered, wandered and rambled through the streets on self-guided walks.
While we highly recommend stepping out on your own to see what you might discover, there are certainly a few spots you don’t want to miss.
Based on our personal sightseeing treks, we created this Free Self-Guided Athens Walking Tour to help you navigate your way to the must-see attractions in the Cradle of Western Civilization.
Free, Self-Guided Athens Walking Tour Info
Athens is a great city to tour on foot. This self-guided walking tour of Athens allows you to enjoy the sights at your own pace. It also fits in perfectly on Day 2 of our 3 Days in Athens Itinerary.
The self-guided Athens tour is about 3 miles in length and will take 2-3 hours to complete, depending on how long you linger at each sight.
To get from one place to the next, use the map links provided. Below, you will also find an Athens map marked with all the stops on this self-guided tour.
Bear in mind that you will need wireless connectivity for the walking directions. We share the most economical options in the Travel Tips section later in the article.
Want this tour without the ads? You can buy the PDF version for less than a cup of coffee!
WALKING TOUR: ATHENS, GREECE
Alright, know that we’ve sorted out some basics, let’s get to it and go explore the glorious city of Athens on foot!
#1 Greek Parliament
MAP. Begin your self-guided walk in Athens, Greece at Parliament. Also known as the Hellenic Parliament, the grandiose neoclassical building is an unmissable sight.
The building originally served as the Royal Palace. Built in 1843 by Otto, the first King of Greece, the royal family used the palace as a residence until the monarchy was abolished in 1924.
In 1934, the palace was renovated to house the Hellenic Parliament – and it is still used by Greece’s politicians to this day.
#2 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Evzones Guards
MAP. You don’t have to go far for the second stop of this self-guided tour of Athens. Sitting right in front of the Old Royal Palace is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The cenotaph is dedicated to all Greek soldiers who have been killed in battle. Members of the Presidential Guard – called Evzones – protect the tomb.
The elite and proud Evzones soldiers wear a characteristic uniform embellished with details.
From the intricately embroidered Fermeli top to the Foustanella kilt (complete with 400 pleats symbolizing Greece’s freedom from the Ottomans) to the Tsarouchia shoes with a distinctive pompom on the toe, the Evzones soldiers are clearly recognizable.
The ceremonious Changing of the Guard in Athens takes place every hour on the hour. Watching it is a must-do activity!
During the regal handover, the soldiers perform a choreographed exchange that is carefully executed and closely scrutinized by their commanders.
An even more formal ceremony occurs on Sundays at 11am. The extravagant event features multiple soldiers and a marching band.
#3 Syntagma Square
MAP. Next up on your DIY Athens tour is Syntagma Square. Also called Constitution Square, the vast open space marks the center of modern Athens.
It’s the beating heart of the country’s politics, as it sits on the doorstep of Parliament.
Demonstrations and other events are often hosted in the public square. In fact, it was due to a military uprising here in 1843 that King Otto granted the first Constitution of Greece.
Today, Syntagma Square also serves as a busy transport hub. Metro Lines 2 and 3 both stop at the underground Syntagma Station – and many buses, trolleys and trams call here, too.
#4 Ermou Street
MAP. From Syntagma Square, walk west on Ermou. The long, pedestrian route is the city’s fashionable shopping street. It hosts international retailers, local department stores and boutique shops.
Street vendors sell snacks – like Koulouri, a Greek pretzel-like ring coated in sesame seeds. You can often find musicians and performers entertaining the crowds on Ermou Street, as well.
#5 Church of Kapnikarea
MAP. You literally can’t miss the next stop on this Athens free walking tour. Sitting smack in the middle of Ermou Street is the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea.
Dating to the 11th century – and built on top of a former temple – the Greek Orthodox church features Byzantine architectural styles and ranks as one of the oldest churches in the city.
Glittering mosaics adorn the entrance and frescos cover the walls of the dimly lit interior. Step inside if the church is open – but be aware that there is a strict policy against taking photos.
#6 Holy Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
MAP. Continue your Athens City tour to the grand and imposing Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation. Known more simply as the Metropolis, the two-story structure features double bell towers.
It stands as the most important church in Athens; a lofty title indeed! Built in the mid-1800s, marble stones from former churches were used to construct the Athens Cathedral.
The interior is lavishly decorated with painted frescos, glittering icons and burning candles. The historic landmark is free to visit; the museum and crypt can also be toured for a fee.
#7 Church of St Eleutherius
MAP. The next sight on this self-guided walking tour in Athens is right next door. Sitting is the shadows of the sizeable Cathedral is the quaint St. Eleutherios Church – or the Little Metropolis.
The exact age of the Byzantine-style church is unknown, but it is unique in that it is built almost completely of spolia – parts and pieces of former structures.
Visitors are allowed to take a look inside the tiny interior – it’s one of the free things to do in Athens!
#8 Oldest House in Athens
MAP. Continue your Athens self-guided walking tour to the Benizelous Mansion, which stands as the oldest konaki house in the city.
The 17th century home, which was typical of noble families during the Ottoman era, belonged to the aristocratic Benizelou family. It features a stone ground floor, wooden upper level and a garden.
Visitors can wander the dwelling and there are signs in English to help explain the use of the rooms. The museum is technically free, but staff instruct guests to make a donation (the amount can be whatever you wish).
#9 Adrianou Street
MAP. Now wander south onto the pedestrian-only Adrianou Street. A historic street in the Plaka District, it now serves as a commercial tourist zone. That said, its route has changed little in its nearly 2,500-year existence.
Although it is lined with shops selling trinkets, the lane still has an ancient atmospheric feel to it. We think it’s a good spot to find unique items alongside inexpensive souvenirs.
Just keep your belongings secure, as it’s a prime place for sticky-fingered thieves – and you don’t want to get pickpocketed.
#10 Arch of Hadrian
MAP. At the end of Adrianou, veer left onto Lisikratous – where you will get your first glimpse of Hadrian’s Arch.
Also called Hadrian’s Gate, the striking archway is worth seeing up close. It stands along the side of the busy Amalias Avenue and is a fascinating ancient site.
Built during the 2nd century, the marble arch is capped with a second level of Corinthian columns reaching 60 feet high.
There are two inscriptions on the arch. On the side facing the Acropolis, This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus. The engraving on the opposite side reads, This is the City of Hadrian, and not of Theseus.
It is believed that the Arch marked a separation of the city into old and new…or possibly meant to connect Athens as a whole.
#11 Temple of Olympian Zeus
MAP. A project that took more than 600 years to build, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was enormous. Completed in the 2nd century AD, the 104-column temple ranked as the largest in all of Greece.
As impressive as it was, the temple did not stand the test of time. After falling to ruins, the remaining stones and pieces were picked over and repurposed.
However, 16 original columns still stand (with a bit of help). You can view the archaeological remains from outside the gate or buy a ticket to stroll the grounds.
Pro Tip: We discuss options for tickets to enter all Athens Ancient Sights below.
#12 Lysicrates Monument
MAP. The next stop on your DIY Athens sightseeing tour is less extravagant, but still quite intriguing.
Standing in a quiet garden, the round Chaoragic Monument of Lysicrates was erected in the 4th century BC. It was built to celebrate the winners of a musical contest and to showcase their trophy.
Unique at the time, the Lysicrates Monument is believed to be the first of its style – with the Corinthian order on the exterior.
Since then, it has been replicated for garden adornments and atop buildings around the world. For example, the cupola on the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville mimics the design.
#13 Anafiotika Neighborhood
MAP. The next portion of this Athens, Greece walking tour weaves through the unique Anafiotika District.
In our opinion, it is one of the most charming and interesting places to visit. The neighborhood is situated on the sloping northern side of Acropolis Hill.
The community was developed in the 1800s, when workers from the Cycladic Islands came to Athens to build the Royal Palace. Rather than adapting to city dwellings, they constructed homes in a style similar to their island residences.
Only about 50 of the small, cubic, whitewashed homes stand today, many of which are draped in bougainvillea that is so prevalent on the islands.
Visitors are welcome to walk through the jumble of narrow, unnamed streets (but be respectful of the people who live there).
In addition to the architecture and the foliage, Anafiotika features some intriguing street art murals.
We highly encourage freely wandering this distinctive neighborhood, but following this route will get you into the depths of it.
Using the map, you will walk from the Holy Church of St Nicholas (the oldest in Athens) through the shaded Ragava Olive Grove – aka Playground 199 – to the Holy Church of St. George of the Rock and then into the pretty lanes of Anafiotica.
#14 Church of the Holy Unmercenaries of Kolokynthis
MAP. One of our favorite hidden gems in Athens, the Kolokynthis Church (sometimes called the Church of Agios Anagyros), is easy to miss. It’s concealed behind walls between Anafiotika and the busy Plaka District.
Dating to the 17th century, the venue was originally a nunnery. If the doors are open, go inside; otherwise, enjoy a moment of silence in the lush courtyard. Rest for a moment on the benches in the garden (and refill your water bottle).
#15 Plaka Steps
MAP. Depart Anafiotika via the famous Plaka Steps. The stair-stepped Mniskleous Street in Plaka is one of the most picturesque places in Athens.
Walking the Plaka stairs – and possibly stopping for a beverage and snack – is a must during your Athens trip!
The long staircase descends from the northern side of Acropolis Hill – and is lined with cafes and restaurants that spill out onto the steps.
Patrons squeeze into tight-fitting tables and some places allow you to grab a cushion and sit directly on the stairs.
#16 Athens Roman Forum and Tower of the Winds
MAP. Continue your walk to one of the most important ancient sights: The Roman Forum of Athens – or the Roman Agora – which served as the city’s marketplace.
Built in the 1st century BC at the direction of Julius Caesar and Augustus, the colonnaded market was a central gathering place – complete with public toilets.
The Tower of the Winds that stands on the east end of the Forum is 40 feet tall and dates to the year 50 BC. With a weathervane, water clock and sundials, it is believed to be the first meteorological station in the world.
Visitors can look down into the Roman Forum at various angles from the surrounding streets or buy a ticket to go inside.
#17 Ancient Agora of Athens
MAP. The Ancient Athens Agora – which pre-dates the Roman Agora by more than 500 years – was the center of the city – politically, culturally and socially.
Although only a smattering of what the Ancient Agora was can still be seen (the rest needs to be imagined), it’s a fascinating archaeological site and one of the most significant in Athens.
With a ticket, you can walk through the Athens Ancient Agora. It is also possible to get a peek at it through the fence.
The most impressive sights are the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalus, which dates to the 2nd century BC. It was recently reconstructed to house the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
#18 Library of Hadrian
MAP. Proceeding with your Athens historical walk, make your way to Hadrian’s Library. Built in 132 AD, it housed old papyrus scrolls and even had reading and lecture rooms.
Visitors can go inside to see the ruins – and the remains of three Christian churches that were built on the site (in the 5th, 7th, and 12th centuries) – with a ticket. That said, the library is clearly visible from the street.
#19 Monastiraki Square
MAP. Step into the crowded and sometimes chaotic Monastiraki Square, which has long been a meeting place for Athenians.
A rather small space, Monastiraki is mostly ringed by concrete buildings and restaurants. Yet, it is home to two Athens attractions: a mosque and a church.
The Tzistarakis Mosque, built in 1759 and now housing the Museum of Modern Greek Culture, is the most prominent building on Monastiraki. It is perched up next to Hadrian’s Library.
The often-overlooked Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa was originally part of a larger monastery, but now stands alone on the north end of the square.
#20 Monastiraki Flea Market
MAP. The final stop of this Athens DIY walk is the bewildering Monastiraki Flea Market. Follow the narrow street on the west side of Monastiraki Square into the busy market space.
Here, you will find shops packed with an array of antiques and souvenir trinkets. Work your way down to the west end of the street for the most authentic, random and bizarre items.
Athens Walking Tour Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our walking tour of Athens map below.
Top Tips for Athens Walking Tours
Our outlined walk is the perfect way to get acquainted with Athens, but we have some advice to help ensure your stroll is exceptional and easy.
Wireless Connectivity
As we already mentioned, you will need a wireless connection to use the map links provided.
For those visiting from beyond Europe, we recommend adjusting your cellular data to an international phone plan, using an eSIM (for unlocked phones) or buying Pocket WiFi – like GlocalMe.
Comfortable Shoes
Although Athens is quite walkable, it’s best to wear good travel shoes for this tour. Choose shoes that are comfy, have a good sole and are lightweight.
Sun Protection
The Greek sun is intense! Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed travel hat to keep from getting burnt.
A travel umbrella can also provide shade from the sun. Oh – and don’t forget your favorite sunglasses!
Travel Camera
Capture the true beauty of Athens with a real camera. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens for our cityscape shots.
Buy an Athens Combo Ticket
In our outlined walk of Athens, we include several ancient sites. While it is possible to glimpse the attractions from the perimeter, you can enter these with a ticket.
You can purchase multi-site tickets online through the official ticket seller – or via a trusted tour site, like Get Your Guide.
Start planning your trip to Greece! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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