Athens

Athens

 

Editor's Rating - 5 stars

If you plan to visit the magnificent Acropolis, be sure to be up early, and on your way as soon as the captain clears the gangplank.  That way you should beat the majority of the crowds and stay out of the scorching midday sun.  

 

Editor's Top Tip 

The small secondary ticket booth at the corner of Theorias and Panos streets (next to the Museum of Pavlos and Alexandra Kanellopoulou) is the easiest way to access the Acropolis (and rarely has long queues). This is easy to walk to from the Monstiraki metro station.

 

Athens' Top Attractions On A Map 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things To See

 

The Acropolis
The top attracation in Athens is the Acropolis, a 150 m (512 ft) rock in the center of the city topped with a number of temples that were built in around 400BC. The beauty of these ancient buildings makes the Acropolis world-famous.  There is a small fee to enter. At the top of the Acropolis stands the beautiful Parthenon, a superb classical Greek temple, a magestic sight from  everywhere in the city.Nearby stands is the Erechtheion. The six caryatids that act as pillars are fakes, you can see 5 originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, as well as large parts of the Parthenon frieze.

 

Roman Forum
The Roman Agora can be found north east of the Acropolis. Here you'll find the impressive Horologion of Andronikos, a 8 sided tower with a different wind god centered on each side. Shares ticket with Acropolis.

Syntagma Square
Especially recommended is the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the front of the Parliament building (every half hour). Check out the soldiers dressed in their unique skirt with tights and bizarre shoes.

Plaka
Just down from the Acropolis lies the Plaka District. This popular area is made up of pedestrian streets flanked by shops, restaurants, and bars. There are a lot of local products worth purchasing. olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes are all manufactured/grown locally and give good value.

 

Batis Beach

On returning to your cruise ship from the city, why not take tram #1 south from Syntagma Square and stop off at Batis Beach for a swim.  It's surprising good for a city beach, boasting turquoise water, clean sand, showers, restrooms, and several beach cafes. After your stay, continue on the tram to the terminus at SEF, then transfer to the Metro for the short trip back to Piraeus.

 

Cruise Information

 

Cruise selection guide: Athens Cruises