Alternative Athens: The Most Exciting Off-Beat Experiences In The Greek Capital

Go beyond the Acropolis and discover a different side to Athens. Culture Trip’s curated list of unusual tours and experiences will help you get off the beaten track in the Greek capital.

Renowned for its fusion of ancient history and vibrant contemporary culture, Athens has no shortage of quirky, original experiences to uncover. The most unusual activities to enjoy on a break to the Greek capital include travelling back in time to experience ancient Greek theatre, sampling local gins, seeking out the best of the city’s street art and even working out at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium.

1.

Class

Complete your ultimate Greek experience and come to real contact with the most ancient form of art, pottery, by participating in this clay workshop. You will study images from the emblematic moments of ancient Greek art (prehistoric sculptures, Cycladic figurines, ceramics and pottery from the Geometric and Classical era). These images will inspire you to make your own unique sculptures or ceramics using clay and take them home with you!

Location: Koukaki/Acropolis
Duration: 2.5 hours
Group size: up to eight people
Suitable for: 12+ years old
Languages: English, Greek

2.

Tours

Athens at night can transform even the most sceptical romantic. Come experience a completely different side to the city as you walk through its historical centre and bustling neighbourhoods after dark. Listen to urban stories and myths, sample the best local spirits and try mouthwatering finger food, in an Athens only known by locals!

4.

Events

If you want to complete your experience of Greece, this show is a must-see! Travel back to fifth-century BC Athens and enter the world of Medea, Odysseus, Antigone and of a very angry Cyclops. All in English and in 60 minutes.

5.

Activities

Get the background on what the Olympics were really about in venues connected to real Olympic events. Find out more about how ancient Olympic athletes trained and learn some techniques used by modern athletes before you compete in a race in the world’s first modern Olympic Stadium. This is a two-hour, small group activity for no more than 12 guests.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.