Visit to Athens on a Cruise: Do-it-yourself Itineraries, Tips And Tours

As you step off your cruise ship at the Port of Piraeus, the vibrant city of Athens stretches out before you. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm Greek hospitality, Athens is a destination that has captivated travelers for centuries. But with limited time in port, planning an itinerary can be daunting. Fear not! In this article, we’ll guide you through the must-see attractions in Athens, providing you with a self-guided itinerary to make the most of your time on land.

A City of Contrasts: Understanding Athens

Athens is a city that wears its heart on its sleeve – and its ancient history on its skin. From the crumbling ruins of the Acropolis to the bustling streets of Monastiraki, Athens is a city of contrasts. Its narrow alleys are lined with ancient tavernas, while modern street art decorates the walls. The scent of fresh souvlaki wafts through the air, enticing you to try one (or three) of the local specialties.

10 Must-See Attractions in Athens

1. Acropolis of Athens

The crown jewel of Athens, the Acropolis is an absolute must-see attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been the center of Greek civilization for millennia, and its stunning Parthenon is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Greek architects.

• Distance from the port: 11.7 km, 16 minutes in metro (linea verde)
• Cost: Free
• Adult’s ticket: €20.00

2. Agora at the Foot of the Acropolis

Located right beneath the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and sculptures. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos, and get a glimpse into life in ancient Athens.

• Distance from the port: 11.7 km, 16 minutes in metro (linea verde)
• Cost: €8.00 for adults

3. National Archaeological Museum of Athens

One of the world’s greatest museums, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens houses an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts, including the famous Agamemnon’s Mask.

• Distance from the port: 12.8 km, 20 minutes in metro (linea verde)
• Cost: €7.00 for adults

4. Athens National Garden

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by strolling through the beautiful Athens National Garden, which boasts over 500 species of plants from around the world.

• Distance from the port: 10.3 km, 16 minutes in metro (linea verde)
• Cost: Free

5. Cycadic Art Museum

Immerse yourself in the art and culture of the Cyclades Islands at this unique museum, featuring an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and artworks.

• Distance from the port: 11.7 km, 16 minutes in metro (linea verde)
• Cost: €7.00 for adults

6. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Explore the stunning architecture and cultural events at this modern hub of Athenian life, featuring the National Greek Library.

• Distance from the port: 5.6 km, 10 minutes in tram (lines T3 or T4)

7. Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens

Step into a world of mosaics, textiles, frescoes, sculptures, and manuscripts at this fascinating museum, showcasing the legacy of the ancient Byzantine Empire.

• Distance from the port: 11.6 km, 26 minutes in metro (linea verde)
• Cost: €4.00 for adults

8. Exarchia Gallery of Art

Discover the vibrant street art scene in Athens at this outdoor gallery featuring graffiti and colors in one of the city’s most authentic neighborhoods.

• Distance from the port: 12.7 km, 26 minutes in metro (linea verde until Syntagma)

9. Monastiraki

Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Athens in this unique neighborhood, filled with shops, curiosities, and souvlaki.

• Distance from the port: 11.7 km, 16 minutes in metro (linea verde)

10. Temple of Zeus

Marvel at the stunning architecture and history of this ancient temple, one of the Seven Wonders of Greece.

• Distance from the port: 6.2 km, 12 minutes in tram (lines T3 or T4)

Recommended Itinerary: What to See in Half a Day

First Stop: Acropolis of Athens

Start your day by walking to the Acropolis Park and Parthenon, following the signs (less than 1 km).

• Cost: €20.00
• Adult’s ticket:
• Free
• Ticket with tour guide: €50.00

Second Stop: Agora and Ancient Agora Museum

Next, visit the Agora at the foot of the Acropolis, where you can explore ancient ruins and exhibits.

• Distance from the port: 11.7 km, 16 minutes in metro (linea verde)
• Cost: €8.00 for adults

Third Stop: Monastiraki

End your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Monastiraki, filled with shops, souvenirs, and delicious street food.

• Distance from the port: 11.7 km, 16 minutes in metro (linea verde)

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Bus Touristico Atene: Cost, Route, and Stops

A fun and dynamic way to explore Athens is by taking a tourist bus. The red hop-on-hop-off bus will take you on a discovery tour of the most important attractions in Athens, in about 90 minutes.

• Distance from the port: 18.2 km / 3 hours 50 minutes including the trip from/ to the port
• Attractions visited:
• Acropolis (€20.00)
• Agora and Ancient Agora Museum (€8.00)
• Monastiraki (free)

Useful Tips

1. Visit by Tourist Bus

Take the tourist bus to choose which attractions to visit, following a pre-organized itinerary.

2. Don’t Overstay at One Attraction

Athens is full of beautiful sights to see! Be sure to move on to other attractions to make the most of your time.

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3. Choose One Museum

If you have limited time, opt for only one museum, such as the Ancient Agora Museum or Archaeological National Museum of Athens.

4. Street Food!

Enjoy authentic Greek street food, which is quick, delicious, and authentic.

5. Avoid Public Transport

Instead, walk around or rent a scooter/bike/segway to get a feel for the city’s rhythm.

How to Arrive at the Port of Athens

1. On Foot

Walk from the city center to the port (8.7 km, 1 hour 47 minutes).

• Cost: Free
• Time: 1 hour 47 minutes

2. Subway

Take the metro from the city center to Piraeus Port (24 minutes, €1.40).

• Cost: €1.40
• Time: 24 minutes

3. Tram

Take the tram from the city center to Piraeus Port (48 minutes, €1.40).

• Cost: €1.40
• Time: 48 minutes

4. Bus

Take a bus from the city center to Piraeus Port (1 hour and 2 minutes, €1.40).

• Cost: €1.40
• Time: 1 hour and 2 minutes

How to Get Around Athens

Athens is a chaotic city, so traffic can be an obstacle for tight time constraints of visiting. For this reason, taxis are not recommended.

The most convenient way to get around is by metro, which in Athens is organized into three different lines: green, red, and blue, covering the entire city.

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• Cost:
• Single ticket: €1.40 (90 minutes)
• Daily ticket: €4.50
• Abonnement for more days

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the best attractions in Athens?

A1: The Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora Museum, National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Athens National Garden, and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center are some of the top attractions in Athens.

Q2: How do I get around Athens?

A2: The most convenient way to get around Athens is by metro. You can also walk or rent a scooter/bike/segway to explore the city.

Q3: What should I eat in Athens?

A3: Be sure to try traditional Greek street food, such as souvlaki and pita bread, which are quick, delicious, and authentic.

Q4: Can I visit all of the attractions in one day?

A4: Unfortunately, no. Due to time constraints, it’s best to prioritize the top attractions and allocate your time accordingly.

Q5: How do I get back to my cruise ship from Athens?

A5: Take a bus or taxi from Piraeus Port to your cruise ship, which should take around 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Insider Tips for Your Cruise

• Book a guided tour in advance to avoid waiting in line.
• Consider purchasing an all-day ticket to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
• Explore the charming streets of Monastiraki and discover its hidden gems.
• Try traditional Greek cuisine at one of the local tavernas.
• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated throughout your day.

Additional Recommendations

• The Acropolis Museum: A must-see attraction, featuring an impressive collection of artifacts from the Parthenon.
• The National Library of Greece: A stunning building housing an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
• The Panathenaic Stadium: A historic stadium hosting various events throughout the year.

Conclusion

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality, Athens is a city that will leave you with unforgettable memories. By following this self-guided itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Athens in just one day. Don’t forget to try traditional Greek cuisine, explore the charming streets of Monastiraki, and visit some of the top attractions in the city. With its unique blend of ancient history and modern charm, Athens is a destination that will captivate your senses and leave you wanting more.

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