At first glance, Athens appears to be a city covered in graffiti, but if you delve deeper and know where to look, it becomes evident why the city is renowned for the quality of its street art. This half-day guided tour takes you around some of Athens’ lesser-visited quarters, introducing you to murals created by some of Europe’s leading street artists. Your insider guide will offer context to the often thought-provoking works, explaining the political or social circumstances that inspired them, and talk about the different techniques and motivations of the artists.
You can take this half-day tour with a private guide or join a small group. Either way, you’ll meet your guide at the orange Visit Attica box at Thissio metro station. You’ll set off from here to explore the local districts and the sometimes gritty streets of Gazi, Metaxourgeio and Psirri.
As you meander the streets, your guide points out large-scale commissioned artworks as well as hidden statements on the state of the Greek nation today.
Throughout the area you’ll find lively, and often transformative public murals that play with styles, messages and ideas in profound ways. Your guide will fill you in on the artists’ backgrounds, reputations and inspirations, and explain that many of the key players are graduates from Athens School of Fine Arts.
The professional nature of the works can be seen in their technical skill as well as their careful treatment of meaningful subject matter. From INO’s shadowy, black-and-white realism to Alexandros Vasmoulakis’ vibrant, surreal faces, you’ll see a great cross-section of work and be treated to engaging artistic discussion.
Much of the current crop of street art is a reflection on the Greek economic crisis, and your guide will explain how the walls and buildings of the city became a living canvas at the height of the crisis, breathing new life into fading areas and creating a sense of hope for the future.
Once you’ve seen the most significant and interesting murals in the area, your guide will lead you to Monastiraki Square where your tour will finish.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Greece specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Ancient Athens and the Acropolis Museum
On this half-day privately guided tour, you’ll uncover the history, significance and function of the Athens Acropolis and its crowning glory, the Parthenon. Your time includes a trip to the Acropolis Museum, where the most highly prized sculptures are on display.
Ancient Delphi and Arachova
An expert guide will lead you around the ruins of ancient Delphi on this full-day tour of one of Greece’s most prestigious archaeological sites. The day ends with a trip to Arachova, a mountain town known for its textiles and cheese.
Athens food lover's walking tour
Sample fresh pies, succulent olives, traditional souvlaki and sweet desserts on a guided half-day walking tour of central Athens with a local guide. You’ll get an introduction to Greek cuisine and culinary techniques as you visit the city’s finest markets, delis and bakeries.
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Offering an insight into Greek myths, beliefs and building methods, this privately guided tour of the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion reveals much about ancient society as well as presenting you with panoramic views from its headland setting.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
