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24 Hours in Athens: A Perfect Day Itinerary for Cruise Travelers


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☀️ Kalimera Athens: Arrival at Port (8:00 AM)

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Your cruise ship will likely dock at Piraeus Port, the largest port in Greece and the main hub for cruise arrivals in Athens.

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🚶 How to Get to Central Athens:

  • By Metro: Take Line 1 (Green Line) from Piraeus Station straight to Monastiraki (approx. 30 minutes, €1.20 one-way).

  • Trains run every 10 minutes, and the station is a short walk from the cruise terminal.

💡 Pro Tip: Buy a 24-hour Athens transport ticket for €4.10 if you plan on using the metro multiple times.

🚇 How to Use the Athens Metro (for Cruise Guests)

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Athens has a clean, modern, and affordable metro system — and it’s super tourist-friendly, even if it's your first time here.

If your cruise ship docks at Piraeus Port, your journey starts at Piraeus Metro Station, just a 10-minute walk from the terminal.

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🎫 Buying a Metro Ticket: Step-by-Step

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  1. Find the blue ticket machines at any metro station.

  2. Tap the screen to choose English.

  3. Select "Buy Travel Product."

  4. Choose either:

    • 1-trip ticket (€1.20) – valid for 90 minutes across all transport

    • 24-hour ticket (€4.10) – best value if using the metro multiple times

  5. Pay by card or cash (euros only).

  6. Collect your paper ticket from the bottom tray.


🚨 Save your ticket! You’ll need it to scan in AND out of the metro system.


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🚪 How to Enter and Exit the Metro

  • To enter: Tap your ticket on the blue circle on top of the gate. It’ll beep and open.

  • To exit: Do the same at your destination — tap the ticket on the reader to open the gate again.

💡 If the gates don’t open, try another reader — sometimes one malfunctions. Or check that you didn’t bend or damage your ticket!

🗺️ Quick Reference: Metro Lines You'll Use Today

Destination

Metro Line

Station Name

Notes

From Piraeus Port → Athens center

Line 1 (Green)

Monastiraki

Takes ~30 minutes

To Acropolis

Line 2 (Red)

Acropoli

5-min walk to the Acropolis entrance

Return to Ship

Line 1 (Green)

Piraeus

Trains run until midnight

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🕒 Metro hours: 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM (24 hours-weekends)

🏛️ 10:00 AM - Visit the Acropolis

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Let’s kick off your day with one of the world’s most iconic ancient landmarks: The Acropolis of Athens.

  • Entry Fee: €20 (Apr–Oct), €10 (Nov–Mar)

  • Website to buy tickets: https://hhticket.gr

  • Skip-the-line tip: Choose the "Acropolis & Slopes" ticket, and show it on your phone.

  • Closest Metro Station: Acropolis (Line 2 - Red)

  • Entrance Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens 117 42

Expect to spend 1.5–2 hours exploring the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and soaking in the city views.

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🍽️ 12:30 PM - Lunch at Savvas in Monastiraki

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Hungry? Head to Savvas Restaurant for classic Greek souvlaki and unbeatable Acropolis views.

  • Address: Ermou 91, Athina 105 55

  • Website: savvas-restaurant.gr

  • What to try: Mixed grill platter, gyro wraps, Greek salad

  • Prices: Around €10–€15 per person

This spot is perfect for recharging before some retail therapy and sightseeing.


🛍️ 2:00 PM - Explore Plaka & Anafiotika

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Time to wander the winding lanes of Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. Expect neoclassical buildings, hidden courtyards, artisanal shops, and charming cafés.

Make sure to check out:

  • Anafiotika: A hidden village right beneath the Acropolis

  • Brettos Bar: One of the oldest distilleries in Athens

  • Shops selling handmade sandals, olive oil, jewelry


🛍️ 4:00 PM - Ermou Street & More Shopping

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Ready to hit the boutiques? Head down Ermou Street, a lively pedestrian avenue filled with:

  • International brands (Zara, H&M, Sephora)

  • Greek designers (Attrattivo, Toi&Moi)

  • Souvenir shops near Monastiraki Flea Market

Closest Metro Station: Monastiraki (Green & Blue Lines)


🍷 6:30 PM - Dinner at Avli (Hidden Gem!)

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Tucked into Psiri’s backstreets, Avli is a courtyard taverna where locals go to eat authentic Greek dishes away from the crowds.

  • Address: Agiou Dimitriou 12, Athina 105 54

  • Reservations recommended

  • Must try: Stuffed vine leaves, moussaka, and their homemade wine

Expect dinner for two with drinks to cost around €30–€40.

Don't miss the entrance at Avli, as it's an inconspicuous door very easy to go unnoticed!
Don't miss the entrance at Avli, as it's an inconspicuous door very easy to go unnoticed!

🌇 8:30 PM - Rooftop Drinks at Ermou 18

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Finish the night in style with a cocktail and the glowing Parthenon in view.

  • Address: Ermou 18, Athina 105 63 (Entrance looks like an office building, take elevator to last floor and go up the stairs, don't worry, you are in the right place)

  • Dress code: casual

  • Cocktail price: ~€12

  • Ambience: Chic, not too loud, great for unwinding before heading back to the ship.


🚶 Final Tip: Getting Back to Piraeus Port

  • From Monastiraki Station, hop back on Line 1 (Green Line) to Piraeus Station (~30 minutes).

  • Trains run until midnight. Don’t wait till the last train!


🗺️ Custom Map for the Day



🚢 About TraveLab

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Need help booking this full itinerary or a private tour? TraveLab offers:

  • Custom excursions in Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, Morocco & Jordan

  • Cruise bookings with insider perks

  • Personalized travel planning from dock to desert and beyond

Just say the word — and we’ll make your next adventure unforgettable.


FAQs

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Q: Can I see the Acropolis without a tour guide?

Absolutely! Though guides add context, self-guided tours with audio apps work too.

Q: Is Athens safe for a short visit?

Yes — central Athens is very walkable and safe, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Q: Will I make it back to the cruise on time?

Yes, this itinerary is designed to bring you back with hours to spare. Just keep an eye on metro times.

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