Scavenger hunt in Athens

Agora philosopher pose

In or beside the Ancient Agora: take a team photo where the team poses as Socratic philosophers in mid-debate, robes (jackets) flowing.

Athens finale

Final challenge. Find a beautiful Athenian spot (a hilltop, an ancient ruin, a sunset terrace) and take an amazing group photo.

Athens kick-off

The hunt begins! Find a typical Athenian backdrop (a whitewashed Plaka alley, an Evzone guard, a souvlaki stand) and take a group photo with everyone striking a heroic Greek pose.

Checkpoint: Acropolis

Navigate to the entrance of the Acropolis (or the rock from below). Check in.

Checkpoint: Ancient Agora

Navigate to the ancient Agora and check in.

Checkpoint: Plaka

Navigate to the Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis and check in.

Evzones changing of the guard

Find the Evzones (presidential guards) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. Take a respectful team photo at a distance during the slow ceremonial march.

Greek alphabet hunt

Find a sign or shop name written in the Greek alphabet. Photograph it and write down what you think it spells in Latin letters.

Local Athenian tip

Convince an Athenian to share a tip about the city. Take a photo with your impromptu guide.

Lycabettus or Filopappou view

Climb Lycabettus Hill or Filopappou Hill for the city view. Take a group photo with the Acropolis and Athens spread out behind you.

Mediterranean cheers Athens

Find a rooftop bar (Athens has many with Acropolis views), raise an ouzo (or anything) and take a group toast photo. Yamas!

Parthenon awe pose

In front of (or below) the Parthenon: take a group photo where everyone gazes up at the columns in mock awe, hands shading eyes from the sun.

Plaka taverna pose

In Plaka: find a taverna with bougainvillea or vine-covered walls. Take a team photo at a table with a Greek salad or platter in shot.

Souvlaki moment

Find a souvlaki or gyros stand. Order for the team and take a group photo of everyone eating it on the street.

Spot a baklava tray

Find a tray of baklava (layered filo with nuts and syrup) in a sweet-shop window or counter. Photograph the diamond cuts.

Spot a blue-domed church

Find a blue-domed Greek Orthodox chapel anywhere in Athens (the Cathedral, Kapnikarea, a tiny Anafiotika chapel). Photograph the dome against the sky.

Spot a Cycladic Anafiotika cube

Walk up into Anafiotika (the tiny Cycladic-style village under the Acropolis). Find a whitewashed cube house with blue shutters. Photograph the house.

Spot a feta cheese wheel

Find a wheel of feta in a grocery shop window or market stall (Varvakeios market or any deli). Photograph the white wheel.

Spot a glass of ouzo or tsipouro

Find a small glass of ouzo or tsipouro (clear anise spirit that turns milky with water) on a taverna table with meze plates. Photograph the cloudy spirit.

Spot a Greek flag

Find a Greek flag (blue-and-white stripes with the cross in the corner) flying on a building, balcony or boat. Photograph it.

Spot a Greek frappé coffee

Find a Greek frappé (instant coffee shaken with foam, served over ice) on a kafenio table. Photograph the foamy top.

Spot a Greek key (meander) pattern

Find the Greek key meander pattern on a column, a building border, a souvenir scarf or a tile. Photograph the geometric loop.

Spot a Greek mosaic floor

Find a pebble mosaic floor (galaxídi-style or modern Greek tavern) or a Byzantine wall mosaic in a church. Photograph the pattern.

Spot a Greek salad (horiatiki)

Find a Greek salad on a taverna table: tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, a slab of feta on top, olive oil. Photograph the feta slab.