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

Remo Bernardini
Jul 12
4 min read

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

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

🚶 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)

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.

🎫 Buying a Metro Ticket: Step-by-Step

Find the blue ticket machines at any metro station.
Tap the screen to choose English.
Select "Buy Travel Product."
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
Pay by card or cash (euros only).
Collect your paper ticket from the bottom tray.

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

🚪 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

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

🏛️ 10:00 AM - Visit the Acropolis

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.

🍽️ 12:30 PM - Lunch at Savvas in Monastiraki

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

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

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!)

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!

🌇 8:30 PM - Rooftop Drinks at Ermou 18

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!