Explore Athens and Enjoy Our Hotel Facilities

Our state-of-the-art Fitness Studio offers a variety of opportunities for an invigorating exercise session. Located at the GB Spa, our Fitness Studio features an extensive range of LifeFitness® cardio and resistance equipment—including treadmills, bicycles, and elliptical machines—fitted with flat screen televisions for private entertainment. Our expert staff of personal trainers is available to help optimize a current fitness routine or customize a new routine. Chilled bottles of water help you maintain peak energy during your workout.

The Fitness Studio is available for hotel guests only

The idea of creating nurturing spa treatments for the health and beauty of hair was first developed by the Hair Spa Salon’s owner Yianni over a decade ago in Japan. Assimilating the experience of some of the finest hair care professionals in Tokyo, and later in London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, Yianni refined his concept to culminate in the menu of services offered exclusively at his salon at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.

Insisting that all products used at the salon are totally pure, natural, and must tangibly improve the health of guest's hair and scalp, each salon treatment customizes a blend of essential oils, herbs, fresh fruit, and flower extracts.

Unique hair spa treatments may be combined with regular styling or may be enjoyed on their own. Guests may also simply select a wash and cut, or wash and set, while still reaping the benefits of Yianni’s and his staff’s unrivaled experience as hair stylists.

Hair services: Daily, 11 am to 7 pm.
Manicure / Pedicure services: Daily, 11 am to 7 pm.

This tour will give you a unique perspective of the history of ancient and modern Athens and an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city, by revealing stories that are not included in any tourist guide.

The Panorama of Athens tour, begins with a visit at the Acropolis complex. Our expert guide will give you a tour of the Propylea, the Temple of Wingless Nike, the Temple of Erechtheion and the landmark of Athens, the Parthenon temple.

On your way down and by the slope of Acropolis you'll explore the ancient theatre of Dionysos, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. A 60 minutes tour, to the spectacular Acropolis museum, is highly recommended.

The tour drive continues to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the biggest temple of mainland Europe and the Hadrian’s Arch,  located in front of the temple.

Next short stop is the Panathenaic Stadium, all made by white marble. This marvelous stadium can fit 64.000 spectators and was used for the first Olympics of the modern era, in 1896.

The tour continues in-front of the House of Greek Parliament and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in order to watch the change of the Guards.

Departing from the Parliament and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the tour drives you in-front of the Athens Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul Areopagites and in-front of the neoclassical trilogy of Athens (the Academy of Athens, the old University of Athens and Old National Library).

Last stop is Lycabettus Hill, the highest location of Athens city (278 meters), in order to enjoy the spectacular view of Attica Region, from the mountains in the north, to the Saronic Golf, in the south.

Prices and options:

For 1 – 2 participants:

Chauffeur driven Mercedes E - Class Private taxi (60 euro per hour) and Professional Guide (80 euro per hour).

Chauffeur driven Mercedes S - Class limousine (90 Euro per hour) and Professional Guide (80 Euro per hour)

For 2 – 3 participants:

Chauffeur driven Mercedes Viano luxury minivan (90 euro per hour) and Professional Guide (80 euro per hour)

For 4 – 8 participants:

Chauffeur driven Mercedes Sprinter luxury minivan (100 Euro per hour) and Professional Guide (80 euro per hour)

Important notes:

Meeting point: Concierge Desk of the Hotel Grande Bretagne
Starting time: Between 07:30 – 16:00
Duration: Three to five hours  
Payment for the Mercedes vehicles mentioned above, can be settled directly with the driver upon the end of the tour. Alternatively, we can post the charges to the room account.
Payment for the guide arrangement is to be settled in cash directly with the guide, upon the end of the tour.
In case you wish the charge for the guide be added to the Hotel’s account, the rate is 120 Euro per hour, as opposed to 80 Euro, due to local tax legislation.
Minimum charge is three hours

Kindly note that the tours arranged by the Concierge Team of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, are all with very carefully selected certified professionals and fluently speaking multilingual tour guides, which we have worked with for many years.
Their level of knowledge and expertise reflects to the high standards of service the Hotel Grande Bretagne offers to its Guests.
Being on the top list of certified guides in Athens, it is the best way to get the most out of our long and unparalleled history during your stay with us.
Please be informed that the ticket purchasing policy for the Acropolis has been updated by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

As of April 1st, 2024, it is mandatory to pre-purchase tickets for entrance to the Acropolis, as there is a specific hourly visitor limit. Failure to purchase tickets for your preferred time slot may also affect any arranged tours
Kindly be informed on the option of having the tickets purchased on your behalf and have them ready for you upon the commencing time of your tour.
For the multi-sites ticket, including Acropolis / Parthenon Temple, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Greek Agora, Dionysus theatre etc, the cost per ticket is 30 Euro. 
For the Acropolis museum, the cost per ticket is 15 Euro.
Please be advised that there is a 45 euro additional fee for purchasing tickets in advance. The total charge, including this fee, will be applied to your Hotel’s room bill upon the delivery of the tickets.

An excellent and unique Greek food experience, in Athens, for the Guests of the Hotel Grande Bretagne

Begin the day as an Athenian and indulge in a nutritious breakfast.  A Greek coffee is served at a unique location and you will learn more about its past and how it is traditionally prepared. We share peculiar stories about Athenian life, which have shaped our history and local culture.

Following this ‘energy boost’, we continue our stroll in one of the most vivid neighborhoods of Athens and pay a quick visit to a local store offering meze of top-quality products along with tsipouro from family businesses of central Greece. Did you mention olives? At our next stop there are plentiful and you can try all different ones, before visiting a lovely family tavern with its own courtyard, tucked away in one of Athens’ trendiest areas. We look forward to finding out which of the mouth-watering dishes is your favorite... Would you be able to handle one more sweet stop after all that?

Important notes: 

Meeting point: Concierge Desk of the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
Starting time: Between 09:30 – 13:00 (10:00 is recommended).
Duration: Four hours.
Number of participants: minimum 2 & maximum 6 persons.
Cost: 155 euro per person (if there is only one participant the cost is 190 euro)
Participation of children younger than 6 is not recommended, children aged 6-12 get a 50% discount.
Booking and full payment: On the beginning of the tour.
Drinks and bites included are equivalent to a Greek breakfast and lunch. 
Food allergies or any special dietary needs must be stated in advance.

Enjoy two of the top-quality Greek products and allow your palate to go on a delicious journey in the heart of our capital!

Taste and compare certified extra virgin olive oils of the highest quality, selected from different areas in Greece every year. These olive oils come from small producers, who are passionate about their products and their excellent reputation goes back generations. You will learn how to tell the difference in quality, when and how to use extra virgin olive oil and what to do with olive oil that is no longer extra virgin J.

The olive oil tasting is followed by sampling ‘ambassador’ wines made of Greek varieties at an unpretentious, yet cozy wine bar that is owned by a wine-loving family. They focus solely on Greek labels, putting the spotlight on the best wines that Greece has to offer every year.

Indulge in the flavors and the aromas of locally produced wines, accompanied by deliciously paired snacks and enjoy this feast for your taste buds. The wine bar’s connoisseur will enthusiastically share with you all about the renaissance of Greek wines and sample with you 4 glasses out of a selection of red/white/rose wines that either you choose personally or the expert suggests.

The bites that complement this experience definitely equal a light lunch, made with local fresh Greek products and are paired with the wines you have chosen.

Important notes:

Meeting point: Concierge Desk of the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
Starting time: From 11:45.
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Number of participants: minimum 2 & maximum 6 persons.
Cost: 170 euro (if there is only one participant the cost is 200 euro).
Participation of children younger than 6 is not recommended, children aged 6-12 get a 50% discount.
Booking and full payment: On the beginning of the tour.
Drinks and bites included are equivalent to a Greek breakfast and lunch.
Food allergies or any special dietary needs must be stated in advance.
This experience is not available on Sundays.

Observe the Greek capital from an Athenian’s perspective and enjoy intriguing stories that have shaped its culture and cuisine. Discover what makes life in Greece so attractive!

We start with a typically Greek breakfast, followed by a traditional coffee in a setting that satisfies both your tastebuds and your eyes! Next, we sample the most irresistible Greek ‘fast’ food at one of the smallest yet hottest squares of the city. Then you will meet (albeit not in person) Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, and he will introduce you to a selection of wines of Greek varieties only, accompanied by local products and homemade delicacies. 

The wine bar’s connoisseur will enthusiastically share with you all about the renaissance of Greek wines and sample with you 4 glasses out of a selection of red/white/rose wines that either you choose personally or the expert suggests.

Important notes:

Meeting point: Concierge Desk of the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
Starting time: Between 09:30 – 13:00 (10:00 is recommended).
Duration: Four hours.
Number of participants: minimum 2 & maximum 6 persons
Cost: 160 euro (if there is only one participant the cost is 190 euro)
Participation of children younger than 6 is not recommended, children aged 6-12 get a 50% discount.
Booking and full payment: On the beginning of the tour.
Drinks and bites included are equivalent to a Greek breakfast and lunch.
Food allergies or any special dietary needs must be stated in advance.|
This experience is not available on Sundays and is not recommended for children.
This experience is not available on Sundays.

A unique activity provided exclusively for the Guests of the Hotel Grande Bretagne. 

Highlights:

Enjoy exclusive access to two top-class workshops, specialized in metalsmithing and the decorative arts

Wear original jewelry items created by the world-famous Ilias Lalaounis

Visit an elegant 1930 neoclassical building and admire spectacular views of the Acropolis Hill from its rooftop

The only contemporary jewelry museum in Greece warmly welcomes the esteemed Marriott International guests. We will start this wonderful journey with a guided tour through the centuries, featuring exquisite designs by Ilias Lalaounis, the most successful and innovative jeweler of modern Greece. This fabulous introduction will shed light on the cultures and civilizations which became a source of inspiration for his more than 50 collections brought to life between 1957 and 2002. Afterwards, our guests will have the exclusive opportunity to enter two amazing workshops and interact with the artists. They will be able to participate in a hands-on activity that illustrates traditional metalsmithing techniques. Next, there will be time to enjoy some refreshments and breathtaking views on the rooftop of this 1930 building neighbouring the Acropolis, located in the heart of the world-famous Plaka area. Following a short but comprehensive video presenting the life, work and lasting legacy of Ilias Lalaounis and his contribution to the promotion of Greek jewelry as an internationally acclaimed cultural product, be prepared for another exclusive surprise: our guests will be able to wear original Lalaounis designs so that they can learn hands-on how to look for authenticity details and keep abreast with contemporary jewelry fashions.  

Important notes: 

Meeting point: Concierge Desk of the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
Starting time: Between 10:00 – 11:00.
Duration: 3 hours (experience and taxi transfers).Number of participants: minimum 2 & maximum 6 persons.
Price:  270 euro per person.Booking and full payment: 48 hours in advance.
Cancellations: No refund is possible once the booking has been confirmed by the Museum.

The Monastiraki Flea Market

The perfect place to be at the beginning of a bright Sunday morning. Here, you will be thrilled to walk through colourful shops and find a wide selection of souvenirs and traditional relics to take back home.

Voukourestiou Street

After your morning walks through historic treasure troves enjoy an afternoon visit to the shopping district where the most elegant international brands are being hosted.

Shopping hours:

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm*,

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9 am – 9 pm.

*Large shopping malls remain open until 9 pm.

**While most are closed on Sunday, some shops around Plaka and Monastiraki are frequently open.

The National Gardens

Once named “The Royal Gardens” are located right behind the Parliament. Standing at the very entrance of The Garden, one can immediately feel the magnitude of the place which is surrounded by extremely high palm-tress. Hosting a large number of walkways, small lakes, and rich vegetation, this peaceful place will give you the absolute sense of tranquillity even though in the heart of the city centre.

Lycabettus Hill

The Lycabettus Hill is located approximately 300 meters high. This favourite spot among locals and visitors alike boasts superb views and a sense of tranquility amidst the sprawling Athenian landscape. Intrepid travelers may ascend the hill on foot. The funicular is an easier alternative.

The Museum of Greek Children’s Art

The Museum of Greek Children’s Art is a pioneering Museum, one of the very few worldwide that exhibits exclusively drawings and three-dimensional artworks created by children 5 to 14 years old.

The Benaki Museum Childhood, Toys and Games Exhibition

The collection includes 20,000 toys, games and childhood items, from antiquity to 1970, originating not only from Greece and the broader Greek world but from Europe, America, Africa and the East as well.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

The Stavros Niarchos Park is ideal for children, who can play undisturbed in its playgrounds, but also for all visitors, who will be able to enjoy their leisure walk, exercise or attend concerts, exhibitions, and a multitude of other events.

Athens Happy Train Athens Sightseeing

The Athens Happy Train is a toy-like street train that starts its sightseeing tour from Syntagma Square, near the hotel, and Monastiraki Square and follows an amazing route through the historical center of the city, the old neighborhoods and the hill of Acropolis.

Cultural Center Hellenic Cosmos The Virtual Reality Theater - Tholos

The interactive shows at the Tholos are a unique experience of immersion into the virtual world. The virtual tours include interactive tours to ancient Greek sites and culture.

City Sightseeing Bus: A Tour Through History & Culture

Each tour with the sightseeing buses takes approximately 90 minutes and has a commentary in eleven languages that traces the history and culture of Athens. You can Hop On Hop Off from any one of the 27 stops as many times as you wish.