Secret Athens: A Tour from Syntagma Square to the Central Market

(15 reviews)

Athens audio tour: Secret Athens: A Tour from Syntagma Square to the Central Market

This is a 2.3mi walking tour

It takes an average of 120 mins to complete.

Athens

Greece

$11.99

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About the Tour

Athens is a city of hidden depth, where ancient relics and forgotten stories peek out from unassuming facades. On this walking 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 journey 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, and explore the lush National Zappeion Garden, where water from a 6th century aqueduct still flows. 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, where craftsmen, merchants, and journalists once gathered, 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.

On this two-hour tour, you’ll have a chance to:

Discover Hadrian’s Reservoir, part of an impressive 25-kilometer aqueduct system, which gave Dexameni Square its name
Visit the mysterious Split Rock Park, a former quarry surrounded by esoteric legends and stunning city views
Experience Athens’ Varvakios Central Municipal Market’s authentic atmosphere, with its vibrant colors, aromas, and local culture
Admire the grand neoclassical Holy Church of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, dedicated to Athens’ patron saint
Step inside a luxury mansion designed by renowned architect Ernst Ziller, which now houses a museum of rare Greek handicrafts
Walk through hidden arcades that conceal fragments of the 5th century BCE Themistoclean Wall

By the end of this tour, you’ll have seen Athens with new eyes, appreciating the countless stories and secrets hidden in plain sight throughout this fascinating city.

The tour ends near the Central Market, which is a perfect place to continue your exploration of authentic Athens.

Tour Producer

The Greek Expedition - an alternative odyssey

1 tour

Are you curious about Greece's countless layers of history and rich cultural heritage? Discover the country from unexpected perspectives through captivating stories and engaging experiences on VoiceMap.
The Greek Expedition is a multimedia platform offering digital explorations beyond the typical tourist trails and trodden paths. Get to know and experience the country differently, free of charge, 24/7. Dive deep into Greece’s unique history, culture, language, and nature. Sail beyond the predictable to see this multifaceted country through completely new eyes.
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Preview Location

Location 19

Park of theSplit Stone

We’ve reached the top of the hill. Stay here and take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy the view before we move on.

In the meantime, let me tell you a bit more about the Split Rock:

In front of us is the first quarry established by an architect involved in buildin... We’ve reached the top of the hill. Stay here and take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy the view before we move on.

In the meantime, let me tell you a bit more about the Split Rock:

In front of us is the first quarry established by an architect involved in building the new capital. His initiative inspired many others, and soon the hills were dotted with limestone quarries.
As the damage to Attica’s natural beauty became evident, restrictions were gradually introduced. The same architect later donated this land to the Ministry of Culture, and quarrying was eventually banned, though the final site didn’t close until 1960.

However, as you see, the top of the hill resembles a natural balcony with outstanding views. One can see beyond the Acropolis, all the way to Piraeus, and above you, the grand Lycabettus stands tall, crowned by the small church of Agios Georgios.

In literature related to mysticism and esoteric traditions, many stories circulate about the site's supposed energy fields and hidden powers. The area has long attracted seekers of the unknown, and even today, certain groups gather here for rituals- some rooted in pagan traditions, others inspired by more modern spiritual beliefs. Over the years, the site has also been linked to darker practices, including those associated with the occult. Those connections have contributed to the site's enigmatic reputation. Whether one believes in these forces or not, the lingering aura of secrecy and legend continues to add an intriguing dimension to this historic and natural landmark.

Although some claim otherwise, there is no evidence whatsoever that Split Stone is anything more than a geological formation.

Now, let’s make our way through the Split Stone – though, if certain legends are to be believed, it might not be the safest idea depending on the moon’s phase. But I think we can risk it and go through the rocks after all.

Walk straight ahead along the path that leads through the split in the rock in front of you.

The trail winds through dense Attic vegetation and later veers off to the left and downwards toward the backside of the big house we saw earlier. See you on the back side of the big house. Read More

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Major Landmarks

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Getting There

Route Overview

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a set starting point. It’s how we give turn-by-turn directions and tell a story greater than the sum of its parts.

Start location
Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 133, Athina 105 57, Greece
Total distance

4km
Final location
Athinas 28, Athina 105 51, Greece
Distance back to start location

1km

Directions to Starting Point

This tour begins at the top of the marble steps on the upper side of Syntagma Square, facing the Hellenic Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.
If you're arriving by metro, get off at Syntagma Station, which is located right at the square. Use any exit that brings you to Syntagma's street level, then walk toward the large marble staircase.
Head up the steps, and once you reach the top, you're in the right spot. You should have the Parliament building and the Monument directly in front of you, across Vasilissis Amalias Avenue.
In front of the monument, you may see the Evzones, the elite guards in traditional uniform, marching or standing at attention.

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

Dexameni Square is an excellent place to take a break in a relaxed, local setting.
Kolonaki area offers a variety of stylish cafés and spots to rest before continuing through the neighborhood’s smaller streets.
Later in the tour, the Central Market area offers a livelier contrast, full of local color and authentic street life. We especially recommend the Greek delicatessen store and restaurant Karamanlidika tou Fani, which also has outdoor seating. It’s located at the corner of Evripidou and Socratous Street – just a few steps behind when you reach the final location of the tour.

Ernst Ziller's Residence: Wednesday–Sunday 08:00–15:30 (closed on Tuesdays)

4 Korai Street and the Memorial Site 1941–44: 09:00–14:00, closed Sundays and Mondays

Best time of day

This tour is best enjoyed during daylight hours, ideally before sunset, to fully appreciate the atmosphere and hidden details along the way. While it can be done year-round and any day of the week, business hours are ideal—some arcades and courtyards may be closed outside those times.
The National Garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset, so plan your visit accordingly to ensure you can enter.
Please note that museum opening hours may vary depending on the season or special circumstances, so it’s a good idea to check ahead if you plan to visit any of them during your trip. Occasionally, certain locations may also be temporarily closed for restoration or maintenance - this is Greece, after all.

Precautions

To fully enjoy this walk, participants should be in good health and physical condition. The route begins with a gentle uphill section before continuing on mostly flat terrain, with plenty of benches and shaded spots to rest along the way. In summer, especially during heatwaves, it's essential to bring water, wear sun protection, and avoid the hottest hours around midday. The tour may be challenging for very young children. By joining, you accept full personal responsibility for your participation. Comfortable walking shoes and a sense of curiosity are your best companions.

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“Great app. walk around at your own pace, stop where you want, move on or speed up when you want. Read the script before you go or during the commentary, speed it up or replay it. Repeat the tour whenever you like.”