A great addition to our Photo Walks!
“Unbeatable photo tour of Athens” Trip Advisor
“I had a superb tour with the very knowledgeable Vasilis today. As already noted his English, sense of humor, knowledge of the city, and enthusiasm for photography (and showing off the best of his city) are second to none. He immediately put me at my ease and once I began to share my photos he was full of ideas and subtle coaching to suggest better places to stand, or angles to use, or how to pick just the right moment to take my next photo. Athens is one of those places that seems to be on every traveler’s wish list – it makes sense to spend that ambition wisely by being with a guide as pleasant and expert as Vasilis. I’m wondering now if I can make time for another tour later in the week – I enjoyed it that much.” Andy Coulson, Scotland
A fantastic way to meet and capture the real character of this ancient and modern city. An authentic Athens city experience! Entrance fees, refreshments & snacks, transport fares, a thank you gift and 20% discount on any other Photo Walk are included!
Athens is one of the most known cities in the world for its ancient monuments and its mythology and history. For Street Photographers, it has much more to offer than just history, though. This bustling city has an urban metropolis feeling mixed in with all that past. The full of character edginess throughout Athens’ streets can also be an introduction to you to the aftermath that the current economic crisis has caused to the city.
Athens is one of the most known cities in the world for its ancient monuments and its mythology and history. For Street Photographers, it has much more to offer than just history, though. This bustling city has an urban metropolis feeling mixed in with all that past. The full of character edginess throughout Athens’ streets can also be an introduction to you to the aftermath that the current economic crisis has caused to the city.
Put your most comfortable walking shoes on, get ready to cruise the Athens’ urban inferno and be introduced to the secrets of Street Photography in a creative and inspirational way under the friendly expert guidance of PhotoWalksinAthens!
We start our Photo Walk under the shade of Acropolis walking on Dionysius Areopagite Street; one of the city’s most popular and scenic pedestrian promenade, where the modern Greek capital links with its ancient sites. It is named after Dionysius the Areopagite, the first Athenian convert to Christianity after Apostle Paul’s sermon, according to the Acts of the Apostles. Our Photo Walk will take us to emblematic archaeological sites, a 16th-century picturesque little church, viewing areas, and also introduce you to the neoclassical and modern architecture of the buildings along the vibrant pedestrian walkway that changes its name to Apostolou Pavlou as we head towards the hip Thisseio area. You will be able to capture the local street life, street artists, Athenian archaeological landmarks, views of the Acropolis and classic Athenian architectural details. Our route will introduce you to art deco style Athenian buildings, the Acropolis Museum, the Theater of Dionysus where competitions took place for the best dramas in honor of the pleasure god and the Herodes Atticus Theater; the 2nd century A.D once cedar-roofed “Irodion” at the foot of the Acropolis that holds today Athens’ festival performances on balmy evenings.
We continue our Walk by visiting the Acropolis. Seeing the Acropolis is essential and the epitome of a visit to Athens. Live the experience of photographing one of the most iconic monuments of the world up and close! Additionally, we throw in some Street Photography taking advantage the tourism scene and the crowds consisted by very interesting characters that provide photo opportunities and interesting juxtapositions. Also, great panoramic views of the city of Athens will give a nice background to it and impressive urban landscape photos. 
We leave the monument and through the lively Thissio area full of coffee shops, street vendors and artists and flea market’s Ermou Street we arrive in Monastiraki. Monastiraki is one of the busier neighborhoods and it’s always full of life. A flea market neighborhood and one of the main shopping districts in Athens. An area with a cool vibe, a popular metro station and a large square where youth hang out providing us a variety of great photo opportunities to document Athenian life. Ancient ruins, shopping streets, busy passers-by, street vendors and lots of graffiti will provide witty and lively scenery for plenty of candid and street photography! (Suggested stop for souvlaki and refreshments!) 
Following Athena’s Street, we reach Athens’ Central Food Market (Varvakios Agora). This chaotic, colorful market in Athens is a magnet for photographers. It keeps an edgy vibe of Athens making it different to other European cities’ markets. It’s not the prettiest area, but it has a character to spare. Athenians of all social and economic statuses come here to choose from olives and cheese to seafood and spice; this market has it all. The most interesting part is probably the meat market section, with hanging carcasses under bright orange light bulbs giving a surreal atmosphere. Some of the butchers come from generations of butchers who have had stalls in the market for a century. Browse around listening to their loud voices as they call out their prices. The Athens’ Central Food Market will get you “life as it is” photos! (Suggested stop for ouzo and nibbles!) 
We carry on to Omonia Square. Omonia has been a very beautiful round square at the past, full of green and with a spectacular fountain and has been considered the heart of the city, but it’s been affected today by urban decay, drugs, and prostitution. Omonia may look a little sketchy and dodgy (not to worry, you are with a very aware and observant local!) but it also happens to be one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Athens, with plenty of people full of character walking around. Not very far from the touristy areas, but with a very noticeable, authentic change, it’s still a primary district for commercial and social activity. The area of Omonia will provide us with real Athenian life photos. 
We take the Metro to Syntagma Square. The impressive building of the Greek parliament is here. The history of the impressive building of the Hellenic Parliament is intimately linked to the history of the Modern Greek state. Initially, the building served as the palace of Kings Otto and George I. It became the Parliament and Senate building a hundred years after it was constructed, and still houses the Hellenic Parliament today. Through all those years, the building has undergone a series of changes and has been modernized. Every on the hour the Change of the Guards takes place in front of the building by the Evzones, a special unit of the Hellenic Army, also known as Tsoliades, that guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament and the Presidential Mansion. Through the historical movement of Greece, the Evzones have become symbols of bravery and courage for the Greek people. The duties of the soldiers are part of a ceremonial nature. Every soldier guards for about an hour, 3 times in total every 48 hours. Throughout these 60 minutes, they have to stand perfectly still until it is time to switch to another guard. During the changing, they work in pairs so they can perfectly coordinate their moves. The steps that the official ceremony requires at the time of changing are carried out in really slow motion to protect their blood circulation after 60 min of immobility. The soldiers of the Presidential Guard are selected according to their height, excellent physical condition and psychological state as well as character and morality, as they follow a hard training before they become part of this honorary unit. The training lasts for one month and includes exercises to keep the body and mind still. Apart from staying still, the soldiers must also not make any face or eye move and must not show any expression. 
For an unforgettable closure of our Photo Walk, a taxi will get us in a few minutes to Lycabettus hill, the highest point in the city that offers 360° spectacular views of Athens to photograph panoramically under the magical Athenian sunset light. 
Take advantage of this Photo Walk and:– Develop your skills of observation and learn the art of storytelling through pictures and capture Athens’ landscape, people, cultures, customs and history.-Understand the different styles of street photography and find one which works for you.
-Learn how to shoot quickly and to recognise and capture the ‘decisive moment’ for documenting the real character of this ancient and modern city.
– Learn top tips, techniques and tricks of the trade from a pro street photographer and teacher that you can use straight away.
