A Free Walking tour in Athens, Greece.
Hello Friends.
Did you know that you can explore a new city without spending a dime? All you need to do is take a free walking tour! These tours are offered by local tour guides and typically last for a few hours. They are a great way to learn about a city’s history, culture, and attractions. Plus, you can meet new people and make some friends along the way.
Before we go further, I should say that while the tour IS free, and you have the right to take the tour and not pay for anything, the guides work on tips. So, you can pay what you can afford. Myself, the 2 times I did the tour, I tipped €10 to the guide at the end of the walking tour.
There are a ton of reasons to love free walking tours. For one, they’re a great way to see a new city on a budget. You can explore different neighborhoods and learn about the history and culture of the city without spending a lot of money. Free walking tours are also a great way to meet new people. You’ll make friends with the other people on the tour, and you’ll get to know the guide who can tell you more about the city. Finally, free walking tours are a great way to learn about history and culture. You’ll learn about the city’s history, and you’ll also learn about the culture of the city’s residents.
In summary, If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to explore a new city, then free walking tours are a great option! These tours are typically led by locals who are passionate about their city, and they offer a great overview of the highlights.
The company I used for this tour was athens-free-tour.com. I found them in a good search for free walking tours. I almost missed the start of the tour (thought it started at 10:30 am, it, in fact, started at 10 am…) so, after a brisk run across town, I made it to the starting point at 10:04, They hadn’t left yet (Phew …) so I said hi and away, the 11 people, 1 guide and I went.
Here are some of the photos I took along the way, with some commentary about what we were looking at. I will also say we stopped at a few places I had seen already, so I did not take a photo of those locations.
Here was the kick-off meeting point.
Church of Sotera Lykodemos,
Location : Souri 1, Athina 105 57
Google map link : https://goo.gl/maps/oAyXQ4yGEo5cijDN8
Did you know…
In 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece. Athletes from all over the world came to compete in events like track and field, wrestling, and boxing. The games were a huge success, and they have been held every four years since then.
This building was the first Olympic village as well. It is also where all the Olympic announcements take place in front of. WOW!
This guy with the mustache, was one of two brothers who got the Olympics back up and running after the 300-year break.
There is something about the sound of city fountains that makes me feel alive. Perhaps it’s the rush of water or the way the light reflects off the surface, but these fountains always make me feel happy. Every time I walk by one, I can’t help but stop and take a moment to enjoy the sight and sound.
This naked guy is next to the first modern Olympic stadium. It is sorta an epic pose. I hope you don’t mind the mild NSFW…
This is the stadium where all the games, start and end. It is made from marble… WOW, also holds the record for the most people watching a game. Also, the length of a marathon is the distance a runner goes from this spot, to the city of Marathon to warn of an attack. So, all marathons are the distance from here to that city. Facts… Interesting. All learned when on the Free Walking tour, in Athens, Greece. 😀
There’s something about an epic marble sculpture that just has a timeless feeling to it. They’re beautiful, and yet somehow also imposing. They can be haunting, and yet also so inspiring. I can’t help but feel that they embody some of the deepest truths about life and art.
If you’ve ever seen a statue of a general on a horse, you may have wondered what the meaning is. Is it just a commemoration of a great military victory? Or is there something more to it? Actually, there is a lot more to it. The statues of generals on horses are meant to represent the general’s victory or loss. Both fee up is victory, one foot up is lost. If the tale touches the ground, then the person died, if it is up, then they lived… All very neat.
The Greek National Guard is a highly respected institution that has been protecting the people of Greece for centuries. The Guard is known for its courage and bravery, and it has a long history of defending the country from all sorts of threats.
This is a photo of them when they are on guard.
The Greek parliament is a marvelous sight. It’s a beautiful, historic building that was once a castle. It’s located on a hill in Athens, and it’s surrounded by lovely gardens. From up close, you can see all the intricate details of the building. It’s really quite amazing.
In front is the tomb of the unknown solder.
If you’re looking for a true Athenian experience, wander the backstreets. You’ll find winding alleys, hidden squares, and charming houses. This is where you’ll see the locals going about their lives and where you can really experience the city’s charm.
The city of Athens is filled with beautiful parks that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Whether you’re looking for a place to take a break from sightseeing or you just want to take in the natural beauty of Athens, the parks are a great option. The most popular park in Athens is definitely Syntagma Square. Located in the heart of the city, the park is home to the Constitution Monument, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. If you’re looking for a more quiet and peaceful park, head to the National Garden, which is located just south of the Acropolis. Here you’ll find a variety of plants and trees, as well as a small places to sit for a moment and relax.
Although many people think that free walking tours are a waste of time, I believe that they are a great way to see a city and learn about its history. By walking around the city and visiting different landmarks, you can see the city in a new light and learn about its culture and history. Free walking tours are also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. I am a firm believer in this, and I hope you will take a free walking tour as well to experience a city in a new way. 🙂
Thanks for joining me today for this post, I Hope you enjoyed it!
Cheers
If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy this other post about walking, called : A Hike up the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.