Why My E-Bike Tour with Stephanie Was the Best Decision I Nearly Didn’t Make

I’ll admit it, the night before I arrived in Athens, I came this close to cancelling 🤏 😅.

Travelling solo can be intimidating (especially after a wonderful few days on holiday with my school friends). Yes, we met 38 years ago! The thought of zipping through ancient streets with a group of total strangers felt… well, a bit weird. I tried to cancel, but they wouldn’t take it. The Scottish genes (not wanting to waste money) reared their head and off I went!

Don’t start your time in Athens, any other way, here’s why …

I’m so glad I didn’t cancel, my morning turned out to be such fun. Our guide, the fabulous Stephanie from Athens by Bike, was like an old friend from the moment we met. How weird is this… she grew up in Kenya! So we not only had tonnes of friends in common, but she was amazing with everyone. She knew everyone’s name instantly (some kind of magical guide superpower?), but she also had that rare gift of making you feel like the most welcome person in the group.

What a group it was! A mix of like-minded, curious, kind people—a mixture of families, solo travellers and a mixture of nationalities. Within 10 minutes we were all mates (well, apart from one family 😄). We bonded over our love of travel, travel experiences, where we were staying, what we did for a living, Greek coffee and general chit chat.

The Ride of Your Life (With Very Little Effort)

Let’s talk e-bikes for a second: these glorious machines are basically the cheat code to Athens. Hills? What hills? I cruised up ancient inclines with the grace of a gazelle (well, an over-fed gazelle). But honestly, the bike made it easy, and every nook, cranny, forever view and arty graffiti opened up before us like postcards coming to life.

Our route was a greatest-hits album of Athenian charm. We started off with a most incredible view of the Colosseum and the Parthenon (did you know they are in the same place?) as the sun lit them up in gold. From there, we glided through the historic heart of Athens, each neighbourhood offering its own flavour.

Monastiraki, where ancient ruins casually hang out next to trendy rooftop bars. Thissio, is green, peaceful, with views that make you want to pause your life and just be. Plaka, with its cobbled streets and colourful shutters, like a Greek movie set (only with better coffee). Psiri, buzzing with edgy graffiti, boho cafes, and the smell of something delicious grilling nearby. Anafiotika, a tiny whitewashed wonder tucked under the Acropolis—blink and you’ll miss it, but oh my, don’t.

Stephanie gave us a local’s-eye view of each spot, and sent us a custom list of her own favourite places to eat, drink, be merry and explore after the tour… and here it is:

Where I Stayed

After the tour, I returned to Philia Boutique Hotel. A little boutique hotel, which turned out to be a perfect base. It was comfy, stylish and in a location that was very convenient. It wasn’t charming, but it was a perfect location.

Final Thoughts (or: Why You Should Do This Tour Immediately)

Starting my trip with this tour was hands-down the best way to get my bearings in Athens. It gave me a visual map, a new group of friends, and an understanding of Athens. It made me feel at home in a city that could have easily felt overwhelming.

So if you’re thinking of going to Athens, this is your sign. Book the tour. Hop on that e-bike. And let Stephanie show you around like you’re old friends catching up after a long time apart.