First-time visitors to Athens usually head straight for the Acropolis, where the iconic Parthenon stands proudly on the hill. They might also check out the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Ancient Agora. But if you’re in the mood for something different, here are three unique ways to explore the city, all experienced with the help of Alternative Athens.
The Olympic Games Workout
Athens isn’t just about ancient history, stunning architecture, democracy, and philosophy. It’s also synonymous with the Olympics, having hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. An Olympic-inspired workout tour with a certified sports trainer offers a unique way to dive into this aspect of Athenian culture. The tour kicks off at Zappeion Hall, a beautiful neoclassical building that was the first modern Olympic facility. Here, we warmed up with a jog and some light exercises while learning about the origins of the Olympics, how the ancient games were conducted, and the types of sports included over time.
Next, we visited a 19th-century gym where we tried our hand at early Olympic sports like javelin, shot put, and long jump—did you know the long jump used to be done from a standing start? The highlight was visiting the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble and host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Competing in a race there was a thrilling experience, emphasizing that being a great Olympian is about fairness, respect, and sportsmanship.
Athens Street Art Tour
Athens’ vibrant street art scene proves that art isn’t just confined to museums. The city is a hotspot for graffiti artists, with street art becoming a core part of its culture. On our tour with Nikos, a graphic designer and guide, we delved into the history of graffiti and Athens’ rich street art culture, which flourished partly due to the Greek financial crisis. We explored cool neighborhoods teeming with street art and learned the stories behind the artists and their work.
One standout story was about Loukanikos, a stray dog who became a symbol of resistance during the economic crisis. His fearlessness during riots endeared him to the public, and he’s immortalized in street art around the city. Other artworks addressed serious issues like the war in Ukraine and a tragic train crash blamed on mismanagement. We also saw pieces by INO, a renowned street artist known for his black-and-white images with blue accents, like his massive rendition of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper,’ which critiques social inequalities in Greece. This tour was a fascinating way to explore Athens’ neighborhoods and gain insight into its culture and social issues.
Delicious Athens
For food lovers, a culinary tour of Athens is a must. They suggest having a light breakfast, but skipping it might be a better idea given the array of food you’ll sample throughout the day. Our tour started with Greek classics like spinach pies and baklava, followed by tasting sessions featuring olive oil and Greek coffee. As we indulged, we learned about Greek culinary techniques and the importance of high-quality ingredients.
A highlight was visiting Varvakios Market, the largest and most popular market in Athens, bustling with stalls selling fresh fish, meat, and vegetables. No food tour would be complete without a stop at ‘Kostas’ for a traditional pork souvlaki, served with fresh tomatoes, onions, and paprika wrapped in warm pita. Kostas has been serving this street food staple since 1950, making it a must-visit for an authentic taste of Athens. We wrapped up the tour at a deli, sampling a variety of Greek meze. This experience wasn’t just about the food; it offered a window into daily life in Athens and a chance to see the city from a different perspective.