Athens , Greece

Secret Athens: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

(2 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Athens is a city of hidden depth, where ancient relics and forgotten stories peek out from unassuming facades.

On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll peel back the layers of the Greek capital to discover secluded squares, lesser-known historical sites, and atmospheric corners that most visitors never see.

Your walk starts at Syntagma Square. You’ll weave through the elegant Kolonaki district with its upscale boutiques and stylish cafés, and explore the lush National Zappeion Garden. Along the way, you’ll climb marble staircases to hidden parks and discover neoclassical mansions tucked behind modest exteriors.

As you make your way through the heart of the old Commercial Triangle, I’ll tell you about the magnificent public works that Emperor Hadrian built, transforming Athens. The tour ends at the unique Byzantine chapel of Agios Ioannis tis Kolonas, where an ancient Corinthian column – once believed to have healing powers – rises mysteriously through the roof.

Available options

Secret Athens: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

This self-guided audio tour starts at Syntagma Square, facing the Hellenic Parliament and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

Stop 2 Pass by

This self-guided audio tour starts at Syntagma Square, facing the Hellenic Parliament and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

You’ll weave through the elegant Kolonaki district with its upscale boutiques and stylish cafés.

Stop 4 Pass by

You’ll weave through the elegant Kolonaki district with its upscale boutiques and stylish cafés, and explore the lush National Zappeion Garden, where water from a 6th century aqueduct still flows.

Stop 5 Pass by

Discover Hadrian’s Reservoir, part of an impressive 25-kilometer aqueduct system, which gave Dexameni Square its name

Stop 6 Pass by

Visit the mysterious Split Rock Park, a former quarry surrounded by esoteric legends and stunning city views

Stop 7 Pass by

Experience Athens’ Varvakios Central Municipal Market’s authentic atmosphere, with its vibrant colors, aromas, and local culture

Stop 8 Pass by

Admire the grand neoclassical Holy Church of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, dedicated to Athens’ patron saint

The tour ends at the unique Byzantine chapel of Agios Ioannis tis Kolonas, where an ancient Corinthian column – once believed to have healing powers – rises mysteriously through the roof.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This self-guided audio tour starts in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture, often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving modern scene.

Top Attractions

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.

Historical 2-3 hours €20 (combined ticket for multiple sites)

Ancient Agora of Athens

The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

Historical 1-2 hours €8 (included in the combined ticket)

Plaka

A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Acropolis Museum

A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Temple of Olympian Zeus

An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour €6 (included in the combined ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moussaka

A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.

Snack Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options

Tzatziki

A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Rock climbing Scuba diving Beach visits Spa treatments Café hopping Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Athens is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Athens Central Railway Station

By bus

KTEL Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plaka Monastiraki Psiri Koukaki Kolonaki

Day trips

Cape Sounion

65 km from Athens • Half day to full day

A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Delphi

180 km from Athens • Full day

An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.

Meteora

350 km from Athens • Overnight

A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.

Festivals

Athens Festival • May to October Athens Epidaurus Festival • June to August Athens International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Use the metro for easy and efficient travel around the city
Explore local neighborhoods for an authentic Greek experience
Try local street food for a quick and delicious meal
Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals