Outdoor drawing class in the old center of Athens

Creating Your Own Art in Athens’ Old Center: An Honest Look at the Outdoor Drawing Class

If you’re someone who loves to combine travel with a bit of creativity, this outdoor drawing class in Athens might just catch your eye. It’s designed to give you a hands-on experience of capturing the city’s charm, all while learning from an artist with deep local and academic roots. Whether you’re a seasoned sketcher or just starting out, this experience offers a relaxed way to see Athens differently and maybe even take home a memorable souvenir—your own artwork.

What really stands out for us are the personalized tips from a professional artist and the opportunity to draw amidst some of Athens’ most remarkable sights. The chance to get inspired by the city’s historic monuments while honing your drawing skills is pretty unique. That said, one thing to consider is the weather—since it’s an outdoor class, rain or extreme heat can affect your experience, though options like the museum are available as backups. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a creative twist on sightseeing and are comfortable working outdoors, regardless of their skill level.

Key Points

• Hands-on artistic experience in the historic heart of Athens.
• Learn from a French artist with a strong local connection and academic background.
• Flexible location options, including the Acropolis Museum in case of bad weather.
• Supplies provided, so you just need to bring water and a hat.
• Small group size enhances personalized attention.
• Designed for all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced artists looking to practice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why an Outdoor Drawing Class in Athens?

This experience offers a refreshing way to explore the city beyond typical tours. Instead of just walking around and looking at sights, you get to engage with the environment directly—drawing the Acropolis, the Old Olympic Stadium, or the Theater of Dionysus—and translating that into your own artwork. It’s a chance to slow down, observe closely, and truly connect with the city’s atmosphere.

The class lasts 2.5 hours, making it a manageable addition to your day. The instructor, Romain Chauvet, is a French artist who splits his time between France and Greece. His background—graduating from the University of Paris Saint-Denis and the Athens School of Fine Arts—gives him a well-rounded perspective that’s evident in his teaching style.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Do

The session begins right at the metro entrance of Akropolis, a spot easy to find and close to many of Athens’ top sights. The experience is broken into three main parts:

• First 20 Minutes: You’ll meet your guide and take a short walk to your drawing spot. This part is about settling in and choosing your subject, which could be anything from the Temple of Zeus to the Churches and old houses in Plaka. It’s nice to have this initial time to soak in the surroundings and get your bearings.

• Next 30 Minutes: The instructor demonstrates some basic techniques—rules of perspective, shading, colors—and shares tips to improve your drawing. This demo is helpful whether you’re new to sketching or looking to refine your skills. The instructor’s friendly approach makes it accessible for everyone.

• Final 1h40 Minutes: This is the core of the experience—your chance to draw your chosen subject with supervision and guidance. You’re encouraged to work at your own pace, and the instructor is on hand to offer personalized tips or encouragement.

Subjects vary and include some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks—the Acropolis, the Tower of Winds, the Temple of Zeus, and charming scenes in Plaka. The variety offers plenty of options to suit your interest or comfort level.

What’s Included and How It Works

The class provides all the necessary drawing supplies—papers, pencils, and watercolors—so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. This makes it easier to focus on the art and the experience.

The meeting point, in front of the metro Akropolis entrance near Taverna Athina, is straightforward to find. If the weather isn’t cooperating, the class might shift indoors to the Acropolis Museum, which is perfect for a rainy day, though the museum entry fee (around 10 euros) isn’t included in the price.

In the summer, classes might start earlier or later to avoid the heat—either at 8:30 AM or around 6 PM—so it’s good to be flexible with timing if you want to beat the heat.

Group Size, Accessibility, and Practicalities

This experience is limited to just 5 participants, ensuring a cozy, personalized environment. It’s also wheelchair accessible, which is a thoughtful touch.

The tour is suitable for travelers who want a relaxed, creative activity that compliments their sightseeing. You don’t need to be an artist—beginners are welcome, and the instructor’s tips are designed to help all skill levels improve.

You should bring water and a hat—especially important during the hot summer months. The class is offered in English, French, and Greek, catering to a diverse audience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Value for the Price

Pricing isn’t detailed here, but considering the personalized instruction, all materials, and the unique opportunity to draw Athens’ landmarks, it’s a pretty fair deal. For travelers wanting a meaningful, creative souvenir of their trip, this class offers just that—plus the chance to slow down and truly look at the city through an artist’s eyes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to combine art with sightseeing, this experience will resonate. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy hands-on activities, want to learn some basic drawing techniques, or simply want a different perspective on Athens’ sights. The small group size means personalized attention, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.

It’s not a day for those who prefer structured, indoor tours or who want a fully guided sightseeing experience. Instead, it’s perfect if you’re open to a relaxed, creative approach that allows you to connect with Athens on a different level.

Final Thoughts

This outdoor drawing class in Athens offers a chance to slow down and truly observe one of the world’s most historic cities. The mix of practical art tips, stunning backdrops, and a small, friendly group makes it a memorable way to spend a few hours.

We love the way it encourages you to see Athens through the eyes of an artist—focusing on details, light, and form. Plus, the option to draw at iconic spots like the Acropolis or in charming neighborhoods like Plaka keeps things interesting. It’s a lovely addition to any Athens itinerary, especially if you’re craving a more personal, creative experience.

However, keep in mind the outdoor nature of the tour—weather can be a factor. If you’re flexible and looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of artistic expression, this class could be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this outdoor drawing class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the instructor provides tips on perspective, shading, and colors, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of skill level.

What happens if it rains?
The class can be moved indoors to the Acropolis Museum, where you can still practice your drawing, though the museum entry fee is not included.

Are supplies included?
Yes, the class provides paper, pencils, and watercolors, so you only need to bring water and a hat for sun protection.

How long does the class last?
The class runs for 2h30, divided into walking, demonstration, and drawing periods.

Where do I meet the guide?
In front of the metro Akropolis entrance, near Taverna Athina, with the coordinates 37.968849182128906, 23.729665756225586.

Can the timing be adjusted?
In summer, the start times may shift to early morning or late evening to avoid extreme heat.

Is this accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 5 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

What kind of landmarks or scenes can I expect to draw?
Subjects include the Acropolis, the Old Olympic Stadium, the Theater of Dionysus, the Tower of Winds, the Adrian Gate, the Temple of Zeus, and charming streets in Plaka.

In the end, if you’re looking to add a creative twist to your Athens visit and enjoy some personalized art instruction in beautiful surroundings, this outdoor drawing class is worth considering. It’s a chance to slow down, focus on the details, and perhaps surprise yourself with what you can create while soaking in the city’s timeless charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: