• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Take a walk off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds, and see the real side of Athens. On this private tour, go beyond the classic route and explore the Akadimia where you’ll experience a different Athens, like a local with a local by your side!

Destination

Athens, Greece

Category

Off The Beaten Track

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

Ελληνικά, English, Français, Русский, Čeština, Italiano, العربية, Español

Included

• Private Guide
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 15 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Entrance of Kafeneion 111, on Ermou 111 - Athens to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Off the Beaten Track

   Done with the main highlights of Athens? Check out the Akadimia. Explore a lesser-known part of the city that will give you a more authentic feel of Athens. Check out Strefi hill, Psirri and more!

4. The Real Deal

   Let a local expert in the area you’ll visit show you their Athens from a different perspective - away from the tourist traps. See street art, cultural hot spots, local vendors, hangout spots, and historical gems, and embrace the vibe!

5. Personalized Recommendations

   Want to explore more of the area after the tour? Your host is happy to recommend their favorite eateries and where to take a break while wandering in this vibrant area

6. Unique Plan

   Depending on your host, this tour will be experienced based on their knowledge, passion, and expertise. Pick a host that matches your interests and see their city through their eyes!

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Susan

(About local Eleni)

8 September 2025

Eleni was a lovely host for our day in Athens. She took a leisurely pace through the Psiri neighborhood and showed us some interesting areas and is clearly knowledgeable. We got to know more about local and recent politics, and some areas we might not otherwise have seen.Lovely experience

Mary🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Voula)

4 September 2025

Voula was very friendly, knowledgeable and extremely considerate , she treated us like old friends. Having been to Athens numerous times before we were taken to areas we hadn’t been to before.Very enjoyable

Jeff🇺🇸 United States

(About local Dionysis)

3 September 2025

Dionysis had us enthralled with his deep knowledge. Despite being a hot day, it was a great day.Excellent Tour

Sven🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Voula)

29 August 2025

Voula led us with her experiences and tips through the old town of Athens. The Plaka neighbourhood, the old accient Greek buildings and remains, she educated and informed us so all various influences of the past came together on this beautiful morning.Amazing Athens' old town

Sarah🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Voula)

22 August 2025

Voula was a wonderful guide, full of knowledge and suggestions and recommendations. Friendly and engaging and flexible. Definitely recommend! Wonderful Guide!

Benito🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Manos)

22 August 2025

Thanks to Manos for showing me very well the other side of Athens. I really appreciated the tour Reccomended tour

Elisabeth🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ioannis )

18 August 2025

Our family of five (ages 20-57) toured with Ioannis through the streets of Athens. Ioannis took us away from the busiest and most touristy streets and showed us more of the local life of Athens. There were still lots of people in August, but we weren't cramped or pushing through the crowds. Ioannis tailored the tour based on our preferences. We love history and food, and he showed us both. We saw some very interesting historic spots (outside the slopes and Acropolis), like the Agora, the ancient "mall", temples, and others. He spoke about the city's process of uncovering new archeological sites, something he, as a lawyer, knew a lot about. We asked him about good local honey; check. Greek olive oil; check. Seafood restaurants, best gyros/souvlaki, local wines, local clothes shops; check, check, check, check. He showed us a fun artist-funded, below-ground hangout, where we later (off tour) sampled some local wines and tried our first mastiha. The souvlaki we ate after the tour at the restaurant he recommended was the best we had in Athens. Ioannis was very knowledgable and came with such a unique perspective as a widely-traveled and broadly-educated local. He was entertaining and informative, and all five of us had a wonderful day walking the streets of Athens. We highly recommend a tour with Ioannis!Fabulous tour with Ioannis!

David

(About local Dionysis)

17 August 2025

Dionysis provides the absolute best experience in Athens. What sets Dionysis apart is the incredible range of knowledge. One moment we were transported back to ancient Athens with vivid stories about the Acropolis, philosophers, and myths that shaped Western culture; the next, we were catching up on modern Greek life, politics, and even what’s happening in the city that very day. It felt like walking with both a historian and a friend. The pace was perfect, the conversation flowed easily, never felt overwhelmed—just enriched and inspired. Left with a much deeper understanding of Greece’s past and also with a real connection to its present. If you want more than just a tour—if you want an unforgettable experience with someone who brings Athens to life—look no further than Dionysis. Truly outstanding.What sets Dionysis apart

David

(About local Ioannis )

11 August 2025

Harm Jan🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Ioannis )

4 August 2025

Erg leuke en interactieve rondleiding gehad met Ioannis. Hij sloot goed aan bij ons gezin en weet veel en kan het ook met een dosis humor brengen. Warm aan te bevelen!Gezellig en interactief

Nicola🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Voula)

27 July 2025

Massive thanks to Voula for such an insightful tour! We booked last minute but are so glad that we did! A true highlight of our trip. Voula was so knowledgeable, full of engaging facts as we wandered through the streets from ancient history to modern day insights. Her range of knowledge was top-notch and we really felt like we were spending an afternoon with a new friend. Thank you also to Voula for slightly changing the itinerary due to is having already seen some of the planned sights. Her communication both before and after the trip was also fantastic. 100% recommend this tour and Voula!! 🩷🇬🇷Fantastic! So insightful!

Marissa🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ioannis )

22 July 2025

I had an incredible experience with Ioannis on an off-the-beaten-path tour of Athens. From the very beginning, he really listened to what I was interested in and tailored the tour to match. He took us through local neighborhoods that combined street art, culture, and history in such a thoughtful way. One of the highlights was when he showed us some hard-to-find ancient frescoes tucked away in an area I would have walked right past if I were on my own. Ioannis was kind, funny, and deeply knowledgeable. His English was perfect, and he made the whole experience feel relaxed and engaging. He even gave us great recommendations for places to eat after the tour, which turned out to be just as spot-on as everything else he shared. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him and will absolutely book another tour the next time I’m in Athens. I can’t recommend him highly enough.A True Local Experience

Rachel

(About local Voula)

22 July 2025

This was the highlight of my trip to Athens. Voula showed me around the locals Athens. Places i could never have found alone. The food was so delicous and plentiful. We covered everything from breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner! It was the best food I ate in Greece. Voula was a delight. Funny, knowledgeable, a celebrity in the centre of Athens. I would happily do this again on my next trip to Athens.A wonderful experience

Chad🇺🇸 United States

(About local Dimitri)

21 July 2025

Dimitri is an excellent guide with a passion to share his knowledge and love of Athens. He is friendly, informative, and crafted a wonderful afternoon for us! Excellent guide!

Caroline🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Ioannis )

15 July 2025

Thank you Ioannis for the adapted tour in Athens. We recommend it to everyone!Best local tour ever

Andrey

(About local John)

12 July 2025

First time we met John was for 3 hour on foot around Athens. He was very knowledgeable about ancient Greek history and methodology. He took us around old part of town for a walking tour. He was very engaging and my teenage son loved he stories and details.Great times in Athens

Ekua🇺🇸 United States

(About local Dionysis)

11 July 2025

Dionysis was extremely knowledgeable and answered most of our questions. He was super personable and helped us experience Athens like the locals do, he also gave us recommendations on places to eat and shop. Thank you so much!Exceptional!

Peter🇺🇸 United States

(About local Manos)

5 July 2025

We really enjoyed our experience with Manos. He was an excellent guide who was well versed in the culture and history of Athens. We enjoyed the different stops along the way and learned a lot about the current events and daily life in this interesting city. Overall we would highly recommend Manos as a tour guide! Personable and friendly

Tonina🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Ioannis )

4 July 2025

We are a family of 5 who met with Ioannis on our first day in Athens. He was fabulous !! He was very knowledgeable about history and culture and shares with is us some Greek mythology too. He recommended wonderful out of the way places to go back to, which we did, including a rooftop bar and a delicious traditional restaurant away from the tourists. Would highly recommend Ioannou. We found him to be very personable. Adult Family Holiday

George🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Voula)

26 June 2025

We had the absolute pleasure of touring Athens with Voula, and she was exceptional from start to finish. Engaging, deeply knowledgeable, and full of fascinating stories, she brought the city’s rich history to life in such a memorable way. What made the experience truly special was how she took us beyond the typical tourist spots—introducing us to hidden gems and local secrets that we would have completely missed on our own. Voula’s passion for Athens and its heritage shines through in everything she does. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the tour and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a meaningful and enriching experience in Athens.Athenian Charm

Lita🇺🇸 United States

(About local Irini)

23 June 2025

The best personal one on one tour to learn about the city first day landing. Irini is lovely!!! She has an amazing genuine persona. My teenage kids loved the tour and info. Definitely do it first thing in the morning.So fun! Irini is wonderful!!!

Paolo🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Ioannis )

15 June 2025

Notre petit groupe à beaucoup apprécié la visite avec Ioannis en français. Merci Ioannis et à bientôt, PaoloMerci Ioannis

LAURE-ANNE

(About local Ioannis )

14 June 2025

C’était une excellente après-midi, Yanni a été à l’écoute de nos demandes et a satisfait nos curiosités… jolies découvertes entre street art et ruelles d’Anafiotika … et ce qu’il faut d’histoire pour comprendre et aimer ce qu’on voit ! Et il a été très généreux de son temps…À la revoyure à Marseille!Un super moment partagé

Geoff🇫🇷 France

(About local Ioannis )

14 June 2025

We found Ioannis to be both very knowledgeable and passionate about his home city! It was a pleasure to be in his company and to see parts of Athens through his eyes and experiences. We asked for a mixture of local street art, mythology and to explore areas “off the beaten track”! This was truly delivered, with both charm and wit. Thank you!Wandering wonderment!

Nicki🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ioannis )

13 June 2025

Ioannis was amazing! He shared history, funny stories and brought us to places we would have never discovered on our own. He even engaged my teenage boys with the history and myths. He adjusted the tour to what we were interested in and showed us truly local off the beaten path things. This tour was worth every penny do not hesitate to book with Ioannis. This was hands down the best tour we have ever taken and was a tremendous value. Best tour ever!

Cherie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Spyros)

10 June 2025

With age comes wisdom. I specifically chose Spyros because I figured he had an abundance of knowledge, along with life experiences, which he could share on our tour. He didn’t disappoint! We learned so much about Athens, past and present. Moreover, Spyros has a quality often missing in tour guides: enthusiasm! If you’re looking for a guide with expertise and enthusiasm, Spyros is your guy. Great guide and all-around great guy

Dina Wiberg

(About local Dimitri)

6 June 2025

Dimitri are a relaxed, cosy host, who takes time to get to know you, has a really good English, and have a good local knowledge to show you around, wherever you want to go. Get a local Friend

Marissa

(About local Irini)

5 June 2025

Irini was simply wonderful! She was very sweet, knowledgeable, and friendly. I truly enjoyed walking around Athens with her, she made it so enjoyable! It was so much better than the big group tours we also did on our trip. She was a wealth of information and also helped us get a taxi at the end of our tour. I would highly recommend her for anyone looking to see some interesting things in Athens that are not as well known as the major sights!!Amazing experience!!

Marcus🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Manos)

3 June 2025

We were spoilt having Manos as our guide. He is extremely knowledgable about Athens , its history and gave us an amazing insight of life in Athens both current and past Highly entertains and all round good guy I highly suggest you look for him As we had a fantastic morning out Marcus AustraliaSpoilt

Oliver🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Nikolas)

3 June 2025

My family and I did a 2.5 hour walking tour with nikolas in the afternoon. It was a great whistle stop tour of the city. We covered a lot of ground. Nikolas was an engaging guide and we learned a lot. Great overview of the city

roula🇺🇸 United States

(About local Irini)

2 June 2025

Amazing tour with Irini!!! Thank you!!

Stephanie 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Manos)

28 May 2025

Overall the day was fine. Our first impression of our guide was a bit brash. He may have been put off by Americans... Immediately he made a comment about my greeting with him saying something to the effect that I was loud - an American. It has been a while so I am unable to find his exact words. Over time he did warm to us. We were an eclectic group with varied backgrounds and ethnicities. 6 women/friends from Spain, UK, and the USA. Religions included Baptist, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish creating a diverse knowledge of the world and very open minds. Some well traveled, others not with the age ranging from 28-60. While the tour was interesting it didn't feel as if it matched the itinerary/description or maybe the interpretation was wrong. We learned some interesting history. A fair amount about the seedy side of Athens inclusive of the sexual exploits both accepted and not accepted, the markets with antiquities, street art, and so forth. Again interesting and chock full of details but my (I organized the tour) interpretation of the description was very off. We had also hoped to see some of the local artists "with off the beaten track" shopping - but unique, not mass produced. Overall it was good but the first impression being corrected for my loud american "warm" hello was off-putting and therefore maybe it tainted my impression. Though I did warm to him and might I say he to me when he realized that I had substance, traveled, enjoyed local history of all kinds, and was not as loud and shallow as he may perceive Americans to be.Sounded amazing, a bit of a let down

Debora🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Dionysis)

26 May 2025

Our family of four spent three hours with Dionysis walking around central Athens. We were taken to fascinating areas away from the tourist hot spots. Dionysis told us many interesting facts and answered our questions clearly. He also provided links to recommended eating places and good, practical advice about where and when to see the sights. We would recommend Dionysis without reservation.Interesting and informative

Unknown

(About local Spyros)

26 May 2025

Spyros was the most fantastic tour guide! myself (21 f) and my mother absolutely loved him. Firstly he gives off the kindest fun uncle vibes and secondly he knew so much about the city and it’s heritage every question we asked he had an answer for plus he spoke so passionately about the each little part he showed us and introduced us so to so many little gems. When our two and an half hour time ended he was still going trying to squeeze in showing us everything he thought we would be interested it - there was no slowing him down! Also he took some fantastic photos of me A+ photographer very Instagram worthy! we felt like we saw so much of the city in such a time efficient way. I highly highly recommend him for a tour! Kindest most colourful guide!

zccvkwd4tg🇳🇿 New Zealand

(About local Spyros)

26 May 2025

We had a fantastic tour with Spyros. He adapted the tour on the basis of the little we had seen of Athens prior to the tour and packed in so much. We visited well known and little known places and he was full of information and anecdotes regarding the sites and places. Spyros is passionate about Athens and highly knowledgable as well as friendly and welcoming. His enthusiasm for his home town is infectious!Excellent tour with wonderful guide

Boyd🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Yorgos)

25 May 2025

Carolyn🇺🇸 United States

(About local Irini)

25 May 2025

My husband and I had a fantastic walking tour with Irini. Her knowledge of the city and the neighborhoods were amazing and made the city come to life. We loved her stories on the history and mythology of Athens. She is such an engaging and gracious guide and we would recommend that anyone thinking of booking this tour do so and choose Irini. Amazing Afternoon Tour With Irini

Unknown

(About local Irini)

25 May 2025

It’s a was a private tour for 4, including our two year old toddler. Irini was very considerate about having to push a stroller around and also the very short concentration and patience our toddler had. Nevertheless we all learned a lot and a had a really great experience. It was the best.Best guide in Athens

Melissa

(About local John)

24 May 2025

We were a group of 6 and chose to do the "Off the beaten path" tour through Athens. We had a great time with John. He took us to spots we would have never found ourselves and he did so with great humour and spirit. He had great knowledge about pretty much everything so you'll learn a thing or two as well. After the tour he was very helpful in providing us tips for the rest of our trip in Athens. I would highly recommend doing a tour with John. You'll for sure have a blast.We had a great time!

Rachael🇺🇸 United States

(About local Dionysis)

23 May 2025

Roger🇺🇸 United States

(About local John)

18 May 2025

John was exceptional and an example of why I use and recommend WithLocals. He put me at ease and comfortably discussed items of interest to me. He let me feel a part of the local community, if only for the tour time.Great off the beaten path

Timothy🇺🇸 United States

(About local John)

18 May 2025

Thank you John

SUSAN

(About local Dionysis)

14 May 2025

Dionysius was extremely knowledgeable and informative about Greek history and mythology. We learned that the words, “politics and idiot” were derived from Greek. Love it! He was lots of fun and answered every question we had with great depth. An informative morning with Dionysis!

Sharlene and Richard🇺🇸 United States

(About local Voula)

13 May 2025

My husband and I took the tour with Voula. She is very versed on the history of Athens and the ruins of the past. Voula also knows a lot about how the artifacts of the past are handled today. Try building a bank and uncover parts of the ancient Athens' wall...then what? Voula showed us places that we would never have seen on our own and she paced the tour to our needs. We had a very good discussion on today's Athens and her citizens.Have a question? Voula has an answer.

Ίρις και Μιχάλης🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Thomas)

13 May 2025

Imagine walking through a foreign city with a good old friend who has lived there for a long time: in addition to some of the “typical” attractions, you will hear stories and gain insights that only a real “local” can present to you, especially if he loves his city with all his heart. That actually describes our tour “off the beaten track” with Thomas perfectly. I generally feel well informed about my vacation destinations thanks to extensive reading - and we've already been to Athens several times. But Thomas always had that one extra story to share that you wouldn't find in a travel guide. We touched on topics such as mythology, history, architecture, trendy districts and the Tembi railroad accident (currently there is a temporary memorial in front of the parliament building) as well as people such as Kekrops, Zorbas, Kazantzakis, Babis Stokas, Callas, Onassis and Melina Merkouri, and Thomas never failed to provide answers. When he left us after around four and a half (!) hours with an insider tip for a type of greek beer that is rarely available on draught, the time had just flown by. My conclusion: definitely recommended!Περί ανέμων και υδάτων στην Αθήνα

Stefan🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Ioannis )

5 May 2025

“We had a fantastic time on this tour! Our guide Ioannis was excellent – knowledgeable, engaging, and fun. The tour was both interesting and entertaining from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore Athens with a local touch!”Excellent!

Agnieszka🇵🇱 Poland

(About local Eleni)

3 May 2025

It was a truly enjoyable afternoon – full of local flavors, hidden gems, and fascinating stories. The atmosphere was unique, and every moment brought something new. Definitely an experience worth having! truly enjoyable afternoon

Nafees🇺🇸 United States

(About local Dionysis)

2 May 2025

Dionysis was on time, warm and friendly. He took his time to give us a wonderful walking tour interspersed with many facts of Greek mythology and history, and other nuggets that only locals would know ranging from underground rivers to ancient politics. Dionysis is a must have guide for anyone who wants to experience Athens off the beaten track.A Walk with a Learned Historian

Unknown

(About local Ioannis )

26 April 2025

We already have written a detailed review

Rob and Wendy🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Ioannis )

25 April 2025

Ioannis gave us so much in a few very enjoyable hours. He was knowledgeable, patient, and understanding all at the same time. Showed us some hidden gems, really cool places, had some great tips on what we could do for the rest of our stay. He explained some of the history as only a true local could. Highly recommend if you want to make the most of your time in Athens. Ioannis, The Great guide!