Why is Piraeus And Athens So Famous?
Piraeus and Athens are two of the most prominent places in Greece, and for good reason. The bustling port of Piraeus is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and delectable seafood restaurants.
On the other hand, Athens is steeped in history and boasts some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Both cities have played a significant role in shaping Greek civilization and have contributed significantly to the arts, philosophy, and democracy.
Furthermore, Piraeus and Athens are home to a diverse range of people and offer a blend of modern sophistication and ancient charm.
These factors have combined to make Piraeus and Athens a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Greece’s wonders.
A perfect day in Athens' port: A Guide To Piraeus
We recently stayed at Hotel Delfini, an adequate choice for our needs. The room was small yet clean, though it appeared pretty old. However, it was reasonably priced and well-suited for our stay before our cruise.
The hotel was conveniently located just a 30-minute walk from the cruise port and a 6-minute walk from the regular port.
We found plenty of restaurants, stores, and churches within walking distance of Piraeus. We even stumbled upon a street called “the mall” full of expensive stores and boutiques—nothing exciting!!
While there wasn’t much to see in Piraeus, Greece’s third-busiest port, we did visit some churches and enjoyed the local cuisine. We highly recommend trying the baklava and other desserts in the area.
Churches
Holy Trinity Church
The church is located in the center of Piraeus and overlooks the port.
Church of Saint Nicholas
The church is located in the center of Piraeus and overlooks the port.
This is a lovely church, both on the outside and inside. You can see it while walking from the port terminal.
They are imposing buildings with a peculiar and prominent blue dome.
City Center In Piraeus
Piraeus, a port city within the Athens metropolitan area in Greece, is rich in history and culture. The city center is a vibrant mix of modern amenities and historical landmarks. Piraeus combines the charm of a historic port city with the vibrancy of contemporary urban life, making it a fascinating destination to explore.
**Port of Piraeus – One of Europe’s largest and busiest ports, it’s the main gateway to the Greek islands. The area around the port is a hive of activity, bustling with ferries, cruise ships, and cargo vessels, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
**Archaeological Museum of Piraeus—This museum showcases artifacts from Piraeus’s ancient history, including statues, pottery, and other archaeological finds.
**Pasalimani (Zea Marina) – A picturesque marina with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
– Ideal for a stroll, enjoying the view of yachts and boats.
**Church of Saint Nicholas—This beautiful church near the port is known for its impressive architecture and intricate interior.
**Visit Early -To avoid crowds, especially in popular spots like the Archaeological Museum and Zea Marina.
**Try Local Cuisine. Enjoy fresh seafood at the numerous restaurants around the marinas and small harbours.
How to get from Piraeus to Athens to visit Acropolis!!
You’ll come across the tram station on the Piraeus main street, passing by all the restaurants.
There are several options for getting from Piraeus to Athens and exploring all the archaeological sites, such as using the metro, tram, or bus.
Additionally, if you’re travelling to Athens via a cruise ship, you’ll arrive at Piraeus, the city’s main port.
You can also take a bus or walk from the main port to the train/metro station, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
Our second day in Athens - Acropolis
The Acropolis, located in Athens, Greece, is a significant historical and cultural monument. It is a symbol of Greek civilization and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The Acropolis complex comprises several iconic structures, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea gate.
The Acropolis is not just a historical site but a stunning testament to ancient craftsmanship. It offers an enriching experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Greece’s history and culture while admiring one of the world’s most remarkable historical sites.
Walking tours are available for those who may find the climb challenging. These tours help you avoid long lines and steep ascents and provide a comfortable and informative way to explore the Acropolis. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, as the walk up the hill can be steep and very hot in the sun.
For the best experience, I recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This not only helps you avoid the heat but also ensures a more peaceful and less crowded visit, allowing you to appreciate the beauty and history of the Acropolis fully.
Visiting around Acropolis
We visited the Acropolis and then took the hop-on-hop-off buses to explore the rest of the city.
You can get off the bus and visit any location at your own pace before continuing the tour on the same bus to the next destination. We visited the outdoor market, the Parliament for changing the guard ceremony, and the National Archaeological Museum.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Journey through the past at the most important museum in Greece.
The museum houses a 118-year-old archeological library with rare ancient art, science, and philosophy books and publications. The library has 20,000 volumes, including rare editions from the 17th century.
The bibliography covers archaeology, history, arts, ancient religion, and Ancient Greek and Latin literature.
**Museum open 8.00-20.00
**(Skip The Line for your Ticket buy online)
The Changing of the Guards
One of the most traditional ceremonies in Athens, Greece, is the Changing of the Guards. The guards, known as Evzones in Greek, are selected among Greek men serving in the military.
This ceremony takes place every hour on the hour, regardless of the weather conditions.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is situated in the Zappio District. It is an ancient temple famous for its colossal size and impressive architecture. However, most columns lie on the ground and in pieces, so there isn’t much to see.
Our third day - Exploring the Plaka
We retook the tram to explore Plaka, Athens’ oldest and most historic neighbourhood. Upon arrival, we discovered a charming pedestrian-only street filled with unique shops and restaurants.
My top suggestion for Plaka is to embrace the spirit of adventure and wonder. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the vibrant neoclassical buildings and ancient ruins that reveal themselves at every turn.
Plaka offers a unique shopping experience. You can easily stroll around and soak in the authentic Greek atmosphere. Each shop has its unique charm, and if you see something that catches your eye, I suggest buying it on the spot, as it may be challenging to find the same store again. While most stores carry similar items, their charm and varying prices add to the excitement of your shopping experience.
**Plaka is conveniently located within walking distance of several archaeological sites in Athens. If you stay in Plaka, you can easily visit these sites on foot.
The Acropolis, Athens’s most popular tourist attraction, is not just a large citadel situated on a hill. It is a testament to Greece’s rich history and culture. While visiting the Acropolis, you can view several magnificent temples, including the world-renowned Parthenon, an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The sheer historical significance of this site, with its centuries of stories and cultural influence, is bound to leave you awe-inspired.
Hotel
Hotel Delfini – Piraeus Greece
Chrysostomou Smyrnis 12-14, Piraeus, 183 44, Greece
The hotel is located near a bus stop, a 30-minute drive from the cruise port.
Although the room was small, it was clean, although quite old. The Staff was very friendly.
Nonetheless, it was reasonably priced for our three-day stay.
**It is located in a beautiful area with many attractions nearby. Here are some of the popular attractions that you might want to visit:
*Kamara Beach, just 0.6 km away from the hotel
*Church of St Symeon, a small church located 1.1km from the hotel
*Peristerona, a scenic spot 0.7km from the hotel
*The center tram or metro is 7 km away from the hotel. The beach is accessible from the hotel’s location.
Its location makes it an ideal base for visiting the islands or taking a cruise.
*Taxi airport to Piraeus port/ hotel 60 euros and about one hour.
*From Piraeus To Athen with the tram. 3 euros round trip.
*For the Acropolis, skip the line, buy your tickets online or at the booth.
For the 16-65 – 24 euros – senior 20 euros
additional cost. Read the disclosure
I’m in love with Greek myth and seeing these places, especially the church overlooking the Port births warm feelings in me.
Wow, this looks like an incredible trip! I’ve always wanted to go to Greece. Thank you for sharing this great itinerary!
you welcome, more of this trip will be posted :O)