Overview:

Athens, capital city of Greece and birthplace of democracy, is a bustling and vibrant city of contradictions. Crowded, busy streets and heavy traffic share space with an archaeological park offering respite from the chaos.  A modern pedestrian only promenade encircles the historical sites that are the classical treasures of the center of the ancient world. Visitors can revisit the past and walk in the ancient paths of glory, yet take a break and enjoy a café latte at a trendy street café. Summer is peak season for travel to Athens, but be forewarned that it can be extremely hot and crowded, so plan accordingly. The Euro is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted and ATM machines are readily available. Greek is the official language, but English is spoken in the tourist areas.

 
View of the Cruise Terminal From the Ship

Cruise Port Location and Information:

The largest port in Greece, the Port of Piraeus can accommodate 11 ships. The port actually consists of three harbors. Cruise ships dock at one of the two terminals in the Main Central Harbor on the southern side of the port. The Port of Piraeus is approximately 7 miles from central Athens.

Yacht Harbor in Piraeus>

Exploring on Your Own:

Contrary to the “sales pitch” of the many unscrupulous taxi drivers waiting to pounce on you at the port entrance, it is quite easy to explore Athens on you own. If you decide to take a taxi to central Athens and explore on your own from there, take note of the taxi fares posted at the port entrance and confirm that price. Be wary of unlicensed taxi drivers as they are known to be less than reputable. However, the best way to explore Athens on your own is via the Metro (Electric Train).

You can choose to take the 30 minute walk to the Piraeus Metro Station, located on the northern side of the harbor, or grab a taxi to the station for about 5 Euro. According to another couple I was traveling with, another option is to take local bus #843 to the Piraeus metro as they had done. The bus stop is located about 1 block from the port entrance. (Since I did not try this myself, I am sharing this option but cannot confirm its validity.) Assuming you would like to walk, if you are docked at Terminal B, you will exit Gate E12 and distance to the metro station is about 1 ½ miles. If docked at Terminal A, exit Gate E11 and the metro station is about 1 mile. Turn left, as you exit the port area and follow the road around the harbor, always keeping the water on your left until you reach Pier E6.

Piraeus Pier E6

At this point, you should see a large silver pedestrian footbridge that crosses the highway.

Pedestrian Footbridge

Cross over the pedestrian bridge to the other side of the main street and locate the modern multi-storied yellow building – that is the Piraeus Metro Station.

View of station from pedestrian bridge

Inside there are both automated ticket machines and a ticket booth. You can purchase a ticket good for 75 minutes of travel for 1 Euro, or a day pass for 3 Euro. (Make sure to validate your ticket in one of the orange validation machines before boarding the train). Trains run about every 15 minutes and the trip takes about 20-25 minutes.

Piraeus Train Station

There are metro maps once you get into the terminal, but the route is fairly simple. From Piraeus you will take the Green Line (or Line 1) to the Acropolis. Depending on where you wish to start your exploration, you can ride the train to the Thission Station, go to Monastiraki (the next stop), or ride the train to the Omonia Station and change to the Red Line and get off at the Akropoli Station. Personally, I found the Monastiraki stop to be the most convenient as it drops you in the heart of the Antiquities Promenade and only a short walk to both the Acropolis and the Plaka.

As you exit the station, the focal point of the square is the Greek Folk Art Museum and signage points the way to the Acropolis and Plaka.

Monastiraki Square

The Athens Flea Market is also located at Monastiraki. Following the Antiquities Promenade, all of the “Port Highlights” are easily accessible and within walking distance.

Shopping Tips:

Athens Shopping

Olive oil, local olive and organic honey products, leather goods (particularly sandals and purses) and ouzo (the potent local licorice flavored liqueur) are the best souvenirs. While there is shopping in Piraeus, most visitors find the best shopping in the center of Athens. Be aware that a 19% sales tax (VAT) is attached to almost all purchases.

Athens Flea Market

The ancient flea market at Monastiraki Square is more than your typical flea market. On Sunday the square does turn into a local flea market, but the numerous shops, kiosks and hawkers are there everyday to sell their wares.

Monastiraki Shopping

The Plaka is known not only for the numerous restaurants, cafes and food stalls that line the street, but also for its plethora of shops selling souvenirs and tourist goods, Greek clothing, jewelry, leather goods and other regional products.

Plaka Shopping

Port Highlights:

Acropolis Hill

Acropolis Hill:

Known as the “Sacred Rock of Athens”, without question the Acropolis is the single most important point of reference as the seat of ancient Greek culture. Once you arrive at the entrance to the Acropolis and pay the entrance fee, you can begin your trek to the top. While there you will see:

Propylaea

The Propylaea is the monumental entrance of the Acropolis to the sacred area dedicated to Athena the patron goddess of the city.

Odeum of Herodes Atticus

A great view of The Theatre of Herodes can be seen from the steps of the Propylaea. Originally a stone amphitheatre erected in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, the stands and stage were restored in the 1950’s and it is now used for concerts and special venues.

Parthenon

Parthenon: The Parthenon is the temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena and considered one of the most important surviving structures of classical Greece.

Erectheum

Erectheum: The Erectheum is an Ionic temple that sits on the north side of the Acropolis. It is believed to have originally been the palace of the mythical king Erechtheus I. The temple, dedicated to Athena Polias and Poseidon Erectheus, is best known for its southern facing porch.

Porch of Caryatids

Porch of Caryatids: Known as the “Porch of the Maidens” with 6 draped female figures or caryatids. The figures that adorn the structure now are actually all replicas. One of the originals is in the British Museum and the other five are in the new Acropolis Museum.

Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum:

Found at the southeast base of the Acropolis Hill, the new Acropolis Museum was recently opened in the summer of 2009. This modern structure houses some of Athens most valued antiquities and preserves all the archeological discoveries of the Acropolis. (Ladies – one note of caution: the floors are plexi-glass so wearing a skirt is not advised.)

Temple of Hephaestus

Ancient Agora:

Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, not much remains of the ancient structures that were part of this forum and residential area. However, on the very north-west corner of the Agora sits one of the best preserved Greek temples of the Doric order to be found in all of Greece – The Temple of Hephaestus.

Theatre of Dionysus

Theatre of Dionysus:

Situated in a hollow along the southeast slope of the Acropolis lies what remains of the Dionysus Theater, considered to be the world’s first theater. It is here that the art of Greek drama originated.

Temple of Zeus and Hadrians Arch

Hadrians Arch:

Also near the southeast base of the Acropolis is Hadrian’s Arch. This monumental arch acted as a gateway from the road that led from center of Athens to the complex of structures that included the Temple of Zeus.

Hadrians Arch

Temple of Zeus:

Also known as the Olympieion, this temple is a colossal monument dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods. The Acropolis can be seen in the background.

Temple of Zeus

Plaka:

At the base of the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis the old historical neighborhood of Plaka is a Mecca of shopping and dining. However, you will also find a number of museums and the University of Athens within the confines of the oldest neighborhood in the city.

Plaka

Syntagma Square:

Syntagma, or Constitution Square, is the site of the Parliament Building (formerly the King’s Palace). Visitors to this pedestrian only square can watch the changing of the guards, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or people watch at one of the outdoor cafes.

Syntagma Square

National Garden:

Just behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Syntagma Square is an entrance to the National Garden. Stretching from the Parliament Building to the Panathenaiko (Olympic) Stadium is a 15.5 square hectares haven of green space in the center of a noisy and crowded city. Amidst the flora and fauna you will find remnants of ancient ruins, a duck pond and botanical museum.

National Garden

Panathenaiko Stadium:

Across the street from the National Garden is the Olympic Stadium originally built for the Panathenaic contests in 330 BC. It is the only stadium in the world that is built totally of white marble.

Olympic Stadium

Off the Beaten Path:

Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus:

If you are looking for a panoramic view over the city, other than that found at the Acropolis Hill, there is another option. Mount Lycabettus is a limestone rock rising 1,000 feet in the air in the center of Athens and topped by a small white church. For those hearty souls who love a seriously challenging hike, it is possible to climb to the top. However, for most of us, the best option is to take the 2-minute funicular ride for 2 Euro.  There is a small café/restaurant at the peak and the view is simply spectacular.

Sounion:

Cape Sounion, about 40 miles southeast of Athens on the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula, is the location site of ruins of the Temple of Poseidon.  This temple to honor the mythological god of the sea, sits atop a promontory overlooking the Aegean Sea. Not only is it a noteworthy archaeological site, but for those who have the luxury of being there in the evening, it is supposed to offer a magnificent view at sunset.

Dining and Drinking Suggestions:

Outdoor Dining at Plaka

There are a number of excellent restaurants to be found in Athens. Outdoor cafes and restaurants abound along Adrianou Street and the neighboring side streets in the Plaka, but you will also find superior choices in and around Monastiraki and Syntagma Squares. While I can’t recommend any in particular, don’t leave Greece without trying mousaka and baklava. Of course, if you are with a group of friends, for a truly authentic experience, have a meal of mezedes. Otherwise known as “ouzo snacks”, mezedes are a variety of appetizers, similar to tapas, that are best served with rounds of ouzo.

Must Do List:

Traversing the Antiquities Promenade to visit the Acropolis and environs, along with a refreshment break in the Plaka, should be requisites for anyone visiting Athens for the first time.