Awful Athens

They say beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But some places are really awful. Want to see a different side of Athens? You’re in the right place!

You’ll discover a contrasting city, with a completely different social and cultural character—and a very different urban landscape. Bustling streets where tourists and immigrants, street vendors and passers-by constantly bump into each other. A fascinating mix of cultures, everyday life and urban decay—and a glimpse into the social tensions shaping the city.

This is the less polished Athens: lively, gritty and largely untouched by traditional tourism. Here, no-frills Greek classics sit alongside ethnic eateries, 1960s office blocks, old printing presses and crumbling neoclassical buildings. It’s certainly not Athens’ prettiest face—but it might be one of its most interesting. And yes, some of it really is awful.

But there’s more to the story. Athens is changing fast. As we walk, we’ll look at the effects of overtourism, Airbnb and rising property prices, the arrival of foreign capital and investors, and the transformation of neighborhoods that were once overlooked. We’ll explore the increasingly complicated relationship between locals and tourists, who actually benefits from all that tourist money, and what happens when the people and businesses that made a neighborhood what it was start disappearing.

We’ll also encounter migration and the refugee crisis, and how successive waves of newcomers have helped shape the neighborhoods we walk through.

This isn’t a tour designed to make you hate Athens. Quite the opposite. It’s a chance to understand the city behind the postcard—and to discover why the messy, chaotic, sometimes ugly parts can tell you more about Athens than another beautiful ruin ever could.

Expect interesting stories, uncomfortable truths, dark humor and places you probably wouldn’t think to visit on your own.

Godforsaken places and a lot of urban decay: awful can be awesome. Dare to see it.

Discover one of the most controversial and offbeat sides of Athens—only for true explorers.

Please note: this is not your typical sightseeing tour. Some areas can feel gritty or uncomfortable, and you may encounter difficult aspects of urban life. Nothing is going to happen to you, but know what you are booking—and come with an open mind.

Feel free to contact us for a date and time that suits you best.