Athens City Guide

Renowned as the birthplace of modern Western civilisation, Athens is a living museum of temples, monuments and other archaeological treasures. Yet, the lively Greek capital has far more to offer those who visit. Vibrant nightlife, sublime cuisine, boutique shopping and plenty of sunshine – you’ll find it all in Athens.

To make your pre or post-cruise stay all the more memorable, here’s our guide to the historic city of Athens.

Where to go

Acropolis – If you only have time for one attraction in Athens, make it the Acropolis. Dominating the city skyline, this historic site houses countless ancient ruins, including the Parthenon temple, famously dedicated to the goddess Athena. Plus, the Acropolis offers captivating views of Athens and the Aegean Sea beyond.

Acropolis Museum – History buffs can’t miss a visit to the Acropolis Museum, one of the most important in the world. Conveniently located at the foot of the Acropolis, this fascinating museum houses various archaeological remains from the ancient Acropolis site.

Plaka – Perhaps Athen’s most picturesque neighbourhood, Plaka is a maze of charmingly narrow alleyways and small squares buzzing with restaurants and cafes. This is also a great spot for souvenir shopping, particularly if you are looking to bring home some gold or silver jewellery.

Syntagma Square – Positioned in the heart of Athens, Syntagma Square is presided over by the rose-toned Hellenic Parliament building. Visit on the hour to catch the ceremonious changing of the guard – two guards are always in residence here, watching over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

What to eat

Souvlaki – You won’t have to travel far to find a street vendor grilling up mouthwatering souvlaki in Athens. These succulent skewers of grilled pork, chicken or lamb are either served in a pita wrap or open on a plate with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables.

Moussaka – This authentic Greek classic is a type of layered casserole made with eggplant, minced meat and a creamy bechamel sauce, all topped with a fluffy layer of cheese. Bursting with flavour, moussaka is a beloved comfort food amongst locals and tourists alike.

Spanakopita – A delicious savoury Greek pie, spanakopita is made of crispy layers of filo pastry filled with a mixture of spinach, feta, onions and herbs. Baked to perfection, spanakopita is a great snack or light lunch.

Loukoumades – If you’re craving something sweet, definitely try loukoumades. These bite-sized honey dough balls are deep-fried until golden and crispy and sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed nuts, making them the ideal sweet treat.

How to get around

To and from the cruise ship terminal – The quickest way to get to and from Piraeus Port is to jump in a taxi, which typically costs around €25. If you want to save some euros, opt for the metro instead, which costs just €1.20.

To and from the airport – Athens Airport is approximately 30-45 minutes from the city centre, with taxi fares starting at around €40. Again, the metro is another popular option, with trains running every 30 minutes. The journey time is approximately 40 minutes, plus fares are only €9.

Around the city – Navigating this ancient city is easy thanks to a well-developed system of buses, trains, trams and metros. Keep in mind that most attractions are located within the city centre, which often makes walking the most convenient mode of transport.

Discover Athens with My Cruises

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