Athens Cruise Port Guide (Piraeus): Terminals, Transport & Top Things to Do

LAST UPDATED June 11, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

Top 11 Things to Do in Athens from the Cruise Port

🏛️ 1. Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon

No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city.

This ancient citadel is home to some of Greece’s most famous landmarks, including the magnificent Parthenon, built in 438 BC and dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom.

Other highlights within the complex include:

• The Erechtheion and its famous Porch of the Caryatids
• The Temple of Athena Nike
• The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman-era theater still used today
• The monumental Propylaea gate at the entrance

🕘 Visit early to beat the crowds and heat.
🎟️ Ticket price (2025): €30 for adults / €15 reduced. Free entry for EU residents under 25.
📱 Skip-the-line tickets are available online or at the entrance (requires internet access).
⚠️ Terrain is uneven—not ideal for visitors with limited mobility.

👉 Explore Acropolis tours and skip-the-line tickets

🖼️ 2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

A visit to the Acropolis isn’t complete without stopping by the Acropolis Museum, located just 300 meters from the archaeological site. It’s easily walkable and fully wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all visitors.

The museum showcases over 4,000 ancient artifacts uncovered on the Acropolis and surrounding areas, including original sculptures from the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and other ancient structures. Its bright, modern layout and glass floors give a unique view into the ruins beneath the building.

🕘 Plan to spend at least 2 hours exploring the exhibits.
🎟️ Entrance ticket (2025): €20 for adults / €10 reduced. Tickets are sold separately from the Acropolis.
📌 Visiting both the Acropolis and the museum will take half a day, so plan accordingly.

👉 Check Acropolis Museum skip-the-line tickets

🏛️ 3. See the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Also known as the Olympieion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was once the largest temple in ancient Greece, dedicated to Zeus in his role as the ruler of the Olympian gods.

Although not as well-preserved as the Parthenon, the site remains impressive. Of the original 104 massive marble columns, only 15 are still standing, offering a glimpse into its former grandeur.

The temple is part of the wider Archaeological Site of Olympieion, which includes:

• Temple of Delphinian Apollo
• Themistoclean Wall remains
• Ancient public baths
• The famous Arch of Hadrian, built in AD 131

🕗 Opening hours: Daily, 8 am – 3 pm
🎟️ Entry fee: €8
♿ The site is wheelchair accessible

👉 Explore Temple of Olympian Zeus tours and activities

🏘️ 4. Wander Through Plaka Neighborhood

If you’d rather avoid the uphill climb to the Acropolis or just prefer a laid-back experience, Plaka is the perfect place to explore. This charming historic district sits between the Acropolis and Ermou Street, offering a village-like atmosphere right in the heart of Athens.

Plaka is known for its colorful neoclassical homes, cozy cafés, traditional tavernas, small shops, and winding pedestrian streets.

It’s flat and easy to walk on, which is ideal for anyone with mobility concerns. You can even enjoy a beautiful view of the Parthenon from below, without needing to hike up the hill.

🍽️ Don’t miss the chance to taste traditional Greek food in one of Plaka’s authentic restaurants—a must-do while you’re in Athens!

👉 Explore Plaka tours and activities

🛍️ 5. Explore Monastiraki Quarter & the Flea Market

Monastiraki sits next to Plaka and stands out as one of the busiest areas in Athens. It’s best known for its flea market, where you’ll find antiques, souvenirs, jewelry, clothes, and all kinds of unique items. Prices here are often lower than in other parts of the city.

Monastiraki has a more casual and energetic vibe than Plaka. The square offers a great view of the Acropolis, and the streets are full of small restaurants where you can try gyros or other traditional Greek dishes. The area is lively and fun, but due to the crowds, it’s wise to watch your belongings.

Ermou Street, Athens’ main shopping street, begins near Monastiraki and stretches toward Syntagma Square. Shops range from local artisan stores to well-known international brands.

The Monastiraki Metro Station is right at the square, which makes this neighborhood an ideal place to start your visit to central Athens.

📍 Key places nearby:

• Hadrian’s Library
• Roman Agora
• Ancient Agora
• Tzisdarakis Mosque
• Church of the Pantanassa

👉 Check out Monastiraki tours and activities

🏛️ 6. Visit Syntagma Square and Watch the Changing of the Guards

Syntagma Square is the heart of modern Athens. It sits between Ermou Street on one side and the Hellenic Parliament with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the other.

The daily Changing of the Guards ceremony takes place here at 11 am and is one of the most iconic sights in the city.

The square often hosts public events, political gatherings, and city-wide celebrations. It’s also one of the most important transport hubs in Athens.

The Syntagma Metro Station, located directly under the square, connects two major metro lines and provides easy access across the city.

Hop-on Hop-off buses and a small tourist train depart from the square, making it a great starting point for sightseeing. In the evening, the area turns lively with bars, cafés, and restaurants popular among both locals and visitors.

👉 Explore Syntagma Square tours and activities

🏟️ 7. Step Inside the Panathenaic Stadium

About 10 minutes on foot from the Acropolis and Plaka, the Panathenaic Stadium is one of Athens’ most impressive landmarks. In ancient times, it was the city’s largest venue, with space for 60,000 spectators.

What you see today is a faithful reconstruction of the original, rebuilt in marble for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The stadium still hosts ceremonial events, concerts, and sports activities, and offers great photo opportunities.

🎟️ Entrance fee: €10 (increasing to €12 from October 2025), which also includes access to a small museum dedicated to the Olympic Games.

👉 Check out Panathenaic Stadium tours and activities

🚌 8. See Athens by Hop-on Hop-off Bus

With so many ancient sites and museums spread across the city, one day in Athens barely scratches the surface. If you’re short on time or prefer not to join a guided tour, the Hop-on Hop-off bus is a convenient way to cover the highlights at your own pace.

Buses run every 15 to 30 minutes, and several companies operate routes that stop at the city’s major attractions. You can board directly at the cruise terminals, or check if your cruise line offers it as a shore excursion.

Popular stops include:

• Acropolis & Acropolis Museum
• Syntagma Square
• Panathenaic Stadium
• National Library
• National Archaeological Museum
• Benaki Museum
• Museum of Cycladic Art
• Temple of Olympian Zeus

This is one of the easiest ways to see Athens in a day, especially if you want flexibility without walking too much.

👉 Check Athens Hop-on Hop-off bus tours and tickets

🚴 9. Discover Athens on a Bike Tour

If you enjoy active adventures, an Athens bike tour offers an engaging way to explore the city. These tours top the list of best-selling shore excursions for cruise visitors.

Ride past key landmarks like Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Acropolis, and the Parthenon, while your guide shares fascinating stories and history at each stop.

Tours usually start early to avoid the midday heat and cover a wide route, which means you can see a lot of the city in just a few hours.

👟 Wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your water and sunscreen—Athens can heat up by late morning.

👉 Explore Athens bike tours and activities

🌄 10. Capture the View from Mount Lycabettus

For the best panoramic views of the Acropolis, the Athens skyline, and even the coastline, head to Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in the city at 270 meters (886 feet).

The easiest way to reach the top is by funicular, which runs daily from 9 AM to 2:30 AM, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. The base station is located at the corner of Aristippou and Ploutarchou streets.

🎟️ Ticket price: €12 round-trip / €9 one-way (as of 2025)

At the top, you’ll find St. George Church, a popular photo spot, and a terraced café with breathtaking views.

If you’re up for a challenge, you can also hike to the summit—just wear proper shoes and bring water, especially in warmer weather.

👉 Explore Mount Lycabettus tours and activities

🚤 11. Day Trip to Ancient Corinth & Canal Cruise

If you’ve already seen Athens, a day trip to Corinth and the Corinth Canal is a great alternative. This tour takes you along the coastal highway, about an hour from the city, to one of the world’s most impressive man-made canals, built in the 19th century.

The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, cutting through the rocky isthmus that separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. It’s 76 feet wide and 26 feet deep—too narrow for most ships today but popular for sightseeing cruises.

Most tours stop in Isthmia, where you board a small boat for a 45-minute ride through the canal. The steep rock walls rising on either side create a stunning backdrop, so bring a camera.

After the cruise, you’ll visit the ruins of Ancient Corinth, once a powerful city-state. Highlights include the Temple of Apollo (built around 560 BC), the Archaeological Museum, and remains of temples, shops, and public buildings that reveal Corinth’s ancient importance.

👉 Explore Ancient Corinth and Canal tours

🏙️ What to See in the City of Piraeus

If you have extra time before or after exploring Athens, or prefer to stay closer to the port, Piraeus has several interesting attractions within walking distance of the cruise terminals.

🏛️ Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

This underrated museum tells the story of Piraeus, once a major naval base and trading hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Inside the two-story building, you’ll find exhibits on ancient shipyards, religious life, daily life artifacts, pottery, and impressive bronze statues from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

📍 Located about a 20–30-minute walk from Terminal A, or reachable via the Piraeus Hop-on Hop-off bus.

⚓ Hellenic Maritime Museum

A 10-minute walk from the Archaeological Museum brings you to the Maritime Museum, with over 2,500 exhibits, ship models, rare books, and sea charts. Overlooking Zea Marina, the museum explores Greece’s naval history from prehistoric times to the present.

⛪ Church of Saint Nicholas

Just a 15-minute walk from Terminal A, this stunning Greek Orthodox church stands out with its bright blue dome, grand staircase, and elegant white facade. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Piraeus and worth a quick visit.

⛪ Agia Triada Cathedral

Located in central Piraeus, this 18th-century neo-Byzantine cathedral is another architectural gem. The exterior and interior showcase beautiful craftsmanship and traditional Orthodox design.

🚉 Electric Railways Museum

Found inside the main train station of Piraeus, this small museum houses vintage rail gear, uniforms, photos, and brochures from the city’s transportation history. A quick stop for railway enthusiasts or curious visitors.

🐟 Taste Fresh Seafood by the Sea

Piraeus is one of the best places near Athens to try fresh seafood. Along the waterfront, you’ll find plenty of tavernas and restaurants serving local favorites—look for pan-fried fish in butter, a regional specialty.

For the best views, head to:

• Mikrolimano Bay, known for seafood and scenic charm
• Zea Marina, with upscale cafés and views of luxury yachts

🚂 Ride the Piraeus Fun Blue Train

This small sightseeing train departs from the cruise terminals and stops at local highlights including:

• Zea Marina (Pasalimani)
• Piraeus Municipal Theater
• Archaeological Museum
• Maritime Museum
  
  It’s a relaxed way to get around if you’d rather not walk.

👉 Check out Piraeus tours and activities

🌍 Cruising from Athens? These Ports Are Often Included

If you’re starting your journey in Athens, your cruise may also visit some of these incredible destinations:

• Mykonos and Santorini – Famous for whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and cliffside views.
• Kusadasi (Ephesus) – Your gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved sites of the classical world.
• Istanbul – A unique city split between Europe and Asia, with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar.
• Katakolon (Olympia) – Visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games and explore ancient temples and ruins.
• Rhodes – Walk through medieval streets and admire the city’s fortress-like Old Town.
• Malta (Valletta) – A historical gem known for its fortified harbor and centuries-old buildings.
• Corfu – Offers lush landscapes, Venetian-style streets, and gorgeous beaches.
• Crete (Heraklion or Chania) – Explore Minoan palaces, charming harbors, and mountainous scenery.
• Salerno – A gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the dramatic cliffs of southern Italy.
• Messina (Taormina) – Enjoy views of Mount Etna and the ancient Greek-Roman theater overlooking the sea.

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand, Middle East

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