Athens is a bustling metropolis – about half of Greece lives in the city. This means that there is always something to see and new parts of the city to discover. Of course, it also means there are countless places to eat and drink. Come along with us on this self-guided Athens walking tour, which includes some of our favorite traditional and contemporary Greek snacks, as well as panoramic views of this sprawling city.
Monastiraki Square
Start your day in Monastiraki Square, the very center of Athens. The metro station has stops on both the Green and Blue lines making it easy to get to. Standing in the middle of Monastiraki you have a view that stretches over a Greek church, an old Mosque, an ancient Roman library, and up to the ancient Greek Parthenon– so many layers of Athenian history.
If you walk down Aiolou Street with the Acropolis behind you, you will find, Krinos, one of our favorite donut shops. Going strong for 100 years, this sweet shop has been running since 1923. They are famous for their loukoumades – Mediterranean fried pastries similar to donuts.
Krinos: Traditional Greek donuts
There’s nothing like a bit of sugar to kick-start your day, and there’re no better sweets than loukoumades, traditional Greek donuts. Krinos makes some of the best loukoumades in Athens, served slathered with honey or chocolate. Entering Krinos is a bit like stepping back in time – all of the decor looks untouched for decades, and the sweets are still served on little metal cafeteria trays. We recommend a stiff Greek coffee to go along with the sugary bites.
Varvakios: The market with a little bit of everything
No Athens walking tour would be complete without a visit to a market. Leaving Krinos, head west towards Athinas street and you will find yourself in the middle of the Central Athens Varvakios Market. This open-air market sells spices, cheeses, olives, meat, fish, flowers, glassware, carpets, and more. Meander through the stalls see the different wares but make sure you get some Greek oregano and olives as a souvenir. The olive sellers usually have a little machine that can even vacuum seal the olive bag, making it perfectly travel-ready.
Rex Theater and the Academy of Athens
When you weave your way outside of the market, keep going down Athinas street, and you will soon arrive in the Omonia neighborhood. Stroll around the massive fountain, take a selfie if you’re feeling inspired, and head to your right down Panepistimiou street. If you keep walking you will pass the historical Rex Theater, considered Athen’s first skyscraper. Soon after, you’ll reach the Academy of Athens– the national university building where students study history, law, and literature in a neoclassical building erected in the 1800s.
Kora Bakery: Innovative and classic sandwiches
After you pass the Academy, head to your left uphill until you reach Kora bakery. This new venture was opened by two bakers who wanted to make simple, quality bread while also focusing on supporting charities and minimizing their carbon footprint. Known for their hand-crafted sourdough, Kora also has delectable croissants made with French butter, and savory sandwiches stuffed with local vegetables. Our favorite is the mortadella sandwich, served on thick hand-made focaccia.
Insider’s tip: Have limited time? Discover our top picks for what to do during two days in Athens.
National Gardens and Zappeion Hall
Continue strolling down Solonos street and you will reach the National Gardens. The paths in this park loop and wind into each other and if you let your feet lead you, you will happen upon botanical gardens, a mini zoo, the colonnaded Zappeion Hall, an outdoor theater, playgrounds and various cafes–perfect for an afternoon coffee if you’re so inclined. Athenians gather in the gardens for fresh air, especially on sunny days, and there’s a good chance you’ll stumble on a band playing live music amongst the trees.
Syntagma: Square of the Constitution
Exit the gardens through the main gateway and you will arrive right on central Syntagma square. Syntagma means constitution in Greek, and is home to the parliament and much of the political life of the city. Take a stop in the middle of the square for some of the best people-watching in the city.
From Syntagma, walk down Ermou street, the shopping center of Athens. If you are in need of high-quality shoes or all-natural Greek beauty products, look no further.
Meze break: small-plate snacks
When you hit Fokionos street, hang a left. You will have to wind your way down some tiny streets, bustling with people and motorbikes until you reach To Kafenio, a traditional Greek meze restaurant, which serves small plates of all sorts of Greek classics like rice-stuffed dolmades, the fried cheese saganaki, and flame-roasted aubergine salad.
According to the owners, the building of To Kafenio is at least 400 years old and the restaurant is decorated like a village taverna, made to make you feel right at home. Make sure you take your time with your afternoon meze, and if you want the full experience order a small bottle of Greek ouzo to help your digestion before you begin your walk again!
Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library
When you do get moving, keep the Acropolis on your left and walk until you reach the ancient Roman Agora and the remains of Adrian’s Aqueduct. Turn so the Acropolis is behind you, and curl your head downwards until you see Hadrian’s Library– once the largest research institution in ancient Greece. This is one of Athens’ most impressive Roman ruins. Keep walking and you will find yourself again in central Monastiraki Square.
Cocktails and a panoramic view
As you finish your day in Monastiraki there’s no better way to cap off all the adventure than with a flavorful cocktail. 360 Cocktail Bar has a verdant rooftop that makes you feel like you could reach out and touch the Acropolis, and it gives you a bird-eye view of the whole tour you just made. Not to mention the bar has a host of specialty cocktails named after the different Greek islands, made with ingredients local to each one.
If you’re feeling energized, Monastiraki has many more bars to offer whatever piques your fancy –live music, avant-garde art vibes, or local beers. Or you can call it a day and rest up for another Athens walking tour in a different part of the city.