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 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 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.
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” 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 known for its coastal charm and vibrant history. At the heart of this city lies the vibrant and bustling city of Piraeus, which is the center. This area has a dynamic mix of local shops, delicious restaurants, and lively street markets to delight any traveller.
There are plenty of attractions to explore in Piraeus. Those interested in art and culture should visit 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 savour 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!!
You’ll come across the tram station when you’re on the main street in Piraeus, 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 only a stunning testament to ancient craftsmanship but also an enriching experience that enables visitors to immerse themselves in Greece’s history and culture while admiring one of the world’s most remarkable historical sites.
**For those unable to climb the stairs, walking tours are available to avoid long lines and steep climbs. It’s essential 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 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. Some places we visited were 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.
I highly recommend wandering around with no particular plan and admiring the vibrant neo-classical buildings and ancient ruins at every turn.
Plaka is where you can easily spend an entire day strolling around and soaking in the authentic Greek experience. 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, prices may vary.
**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 is the most popular tourist attraction in Athens. It 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
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
Plan & Book Your Trip
Getting There: Find your train fares with Trainline.
Where to Stay: Booking.com – Expedia us/ca – Agoda -Tripadvisor
Thing to do: Look here Go City
E Sims: Airalo
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)