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.
Athens, on the other hand, is steeped in history and boasts some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Both cities have played a significant role in shaping Greek civilization and have contributed greatly 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.
All of these factors have combined to make Piraeus and Athens a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of Greece.
A perfect day in Athens' port: A Guide To Piraeus
We recently stayed at Hotel Delfini, which was an adequate choice for our needs. The room was small yet clean, though it appeared to be quite old. However, it was reasonably priced and well-suited for our stay before our cruise.
Located just a 30-minute walk away from the cruise port and a 6-minute walk from the regular port, the hotel was conveniently situated.
In Piraeus, we found plenty of restaurants, stores, and churches within walking distance. We even stumbled upon a street called “the mall” that was 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 overlooking the port.
Church of Saint Nicholas
The church is located in the center of Piraeus overlooking the port.
This is a very beautiful church, both on the outside as on the inside. You can see it while walking from the port terminal.
Very impressive building, with a peculiar and very visible blue dome
City Center In Piraeus
Piraeus is a bustling city in Greece that is known for its coastal charm and vibrant history. At the heart of this city lies the vibrant and bustling center city of Piraeus. This area is filled with a dynamic mix of local shops, delicious restaurants, and lively street markets that are sure to delight any traveler.
There are plenty of attractions to explore in the center city of Piraeus. Those interested in art and culture won’t want to miss a visit to the Municipal Art Gallery of Piraeus, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary Greek artwork.
Whether you’re looking to explore Piraeus’ rich history or simply savor its delicious cuisine, the center city of Piraeus is an incredible destination that is not to be missed. With its vibrant atmosphere, friendly locals, and endless attractions.
How to get from Piraeus to Athens to visit Acropolis!!
When you’re on the main street in Piraeus passing by all the restaurants, you’ll come across the tram station.
There are a few options for getting from Piraeus to Athens and exploring all the archaeological sites, such as using the metro, tram or the bus.
Additionally, if you’re traveling 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, which takes approximately 30 minutes to arrive at the train /metro station.
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 only a stunning testament to ancient craftsmanship but also an enriching experience that enables visitors to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Greece while admiring one of the world’s most remarkable historical sites.
**For those who are unable to climb the stairs, there are walking tours available to avoid the long lines and steep climb. It’s important 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 to avoid the heat and crowds.
Visiting around Acropolis
We visited the Acropolis and then decided to take the hop-on-hop-off buses to explore the rest of the city.
You can get off the bus and visit any location you want at your own pace, before continuing the tour on the same bus to the next destination. Some of the places we visited were the outdoor market, the Parliament for the changing of 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 library of archeology with rare ancient art, science and philosophy books and publications. The library has some 20,000 volumes, including rare editions dating to the 17th century.
The bibliography covers archaeology, history, arts, ancient religion, as well as 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, situated in the Zappio District which is an ancient temple famous for its colossal size and impressive architecture. However, most of the columns are lying on the ground and in pieces, so there isn’t much to see.
Our third day - Exploring the Plaka
We decided to take the tram once again to explore Plaka, Athens’ oldest and most historic neighborhood. Upon arrival, we discovered a charming pedestrian-only street filled with unique shops and restaurants.
I highly recommend wandering around with no particular plan, and admiring the vibrant neo-classical buildings and ancient ruins that can be found at every turn.
Plaka is a place where you can easily spend an entire day strolling around and soaking in the authentic Greek experience. If you come across something that catches your eye, I suggest buying it on the spot as it may be difficult to find the same store again. While most stores carry similar items, prices may vary.
**Plaka is conveniently located within walking distance of several archaeological sites in Athens. If you are staying in Plaka, you can easily visit these sites on foot.
The Acropolis is the most popular tourist attraction in Athens, which is a large citadel situated on a hill. While visiting the Acropolis, you will have the opportunity to view several magnificent temples, including the world-renowned Parthenon – an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Hotel
The hotel is located near a bus stop and is a 30-minute walk away from the Cruise port.
Although the room was small, it was clean. However, it is quite old. The Staff is 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
Hotel Delfini – Piraeus Greece
Chrysostomou Smyrnis 12-14, Piraeus, 183 44, Greece
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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)