Things to Do Near Piraeus Port

What to Do in Piraeus Port During a Layover

Although Athens Port isn’t known for its services and facilities, it lies centrally in the city of Piraeus. Thus, you won’t find plenty of things to do in Piraeus Port, regardless of your terminal. Indeed, both cruise and ferry passenger terminals offer just the necessary amenities to their passengers. That being said, Piraeus city center is a short walk away, while even Athens, with its countless sites and attractions, lies 12km/7.5 miles away. Long story short, do you have some time to spare at Athens Piraeus Port? Here, you’ll find out how to make the most of your free time there.

Explore the Drinking and Dining Options

Piraeus is the place to be for seafood enthusiasts. No matter the preferences, the coastal city has an available option for all tastes. From fancy and gourmet facilities to more casual restaurants and even scenic eateries (the local “tavernas”), Piraeus is home to a wide array of dining options, mostly dedicated to seafood. Traditional Greek dishes, Mediterranean recipes, and even international or fusion specialties leave no one unsatisfied. Apart from the seafront restaurants, the area boasts cafes and bars, catering to all visitors’ needs, from a rejuvenating coffee or a refreshing beverage to signature cocktails and sophisticated drinks. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Piraeus is an all-day destination, ideal for daytime exploration but also nightlife entertainment.

The Top Coastal Destinations in Piraeus

The seaside Piraeus boasts several coastal areas. Verily, the scenic harbors are popular destinations, attracting locals and visitors alike thanks to their dining options, stunning views, and overall charm. So, which are the top coastal destinations in Piraeus?

The Kastella Neighborhood

Peacefully lying behind Mikrolimano, the district of Kastella spreads over a hill, offering stunning views of Piraeus Port and Saronic Gulf. The area’s 19th-century luxurious mansions exude a bygone charm, and the overall nostalgic and peaceful ambiance, along with the scenic streets, seem somehow miles away from the adjacent city center of Piraeus. At the top of the hill, you’ll find the famous Profitis Ilias Church and the open Veakeio Theater.

The Top Historic Thing to Do Near Piraeus Port: The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus is situated close to Marina Zea. It is a small cultural facility, but it’s of the utmost importance, as it houses priceless exhibits from antiquity. The museum covers two levels and also boasts historical relics from Roman times. Thus, the museum’s visitors have the opportunity to witness the area’s history unfolding in front of them. In fact, its collections are organized in chronological order, providing a clear perspective of Piraeus’ evolution throughout history, from the Mycenaean to the Roman period. From the museum’s gardens, guests can admire the remains of the ancient theater of Zea, dating back to the 2nd century B.C.The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus has operated since 1966.

The “Floating” Thing to Do in Piraeus: Hellas Liberty

One of the three remaining Liberty Ships is to be found in Piraeus. The floating museum is located inside Athens Piraeus Port, close to Gate E2. The ship was constructed in the USA in 1943, and although the particular one wasn’t ever under the flag of Greece, several others were through the years. It is fully explorable and functions as a museum dedicated to Piraeus’ commercial navy. What’s more, Hellas Liberty has often been used as a set for various films. Two of its holds house permanent collections, while the others serve as venues for events and lectures.

The Hellenic Maritime Museum

The Hellenic Maritime Museum lies in Marina Zea. It was founded in 1949 and opened its doors in its today’s location in 1969, aiming to showcase the maritime history and significance of the area comprehensively. There’s a unique and undoubted bond between the city of Piraeus and the sea, after all. The museum features miniature vessels, instruments, and furniture, along with maps, paintings, and a captivating photo collection. Overall, it covers a significant span of time of Piraeus naval history, from the ancient times to the Roman period and even the 20th century. Are you a nautical enthusiast? The Hellenic Maritime Museum will certainly be one of your favorite things to do near Piraeus Port.

The Religious Things to Do in Piraeus: Visit One of the Many Churches

If you are fascinated by Orthodox Churches, their iconography, and their spiritual ambiance, you’ll have to take your pick among the various options scattered around Piraeus. Verily, churches are to be found in all the districts of Piraeus, serving as the worshiping centers for the residents of each neighborhood. Just to name a few, the imposing Church of Agia Triada is Piraeus’ cathedral. The original church was constructed in 1839 but was destroyed during the Second World War. Hence, a new church (today’s church) was built on-site. It is also known for its majestic, panoramic port views. Saint Spyridon is the patron saint of the city. In fact, the church dedicated to the saint (Agios Spyridon Church) is the oldest in Piraeus. Moreover, Saint Nikolaos Church was built in the late 19th century and is an excellent example of the ecclesiastical architecture of the time, holding a special position in the locals’ hearts as Agios Nikolaos is the patron saint of seamen. On the other hand, Profitis Ilias Church, ideally located on the hilltop of Kastella, is appreciated both for its ambiance and its sea views. A chapel used to be situated in its location. Nevertheless, it was demolished by an earthquake. Thus, the present-day Church of Profitis Ilias was constructed in 1986. Finally, the Catholic Church of Saint Paul stands out from the orthodox churches. It was built in 1840 but has been rebuilt and expanded several times ever since.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation

If you don’t mind a 20-minute Piraeus port taxi ride or a 45-minute journey with modes of mass transit (including change of lines), you should pay a visit to the famous Stavros Niarchos Foundation. It is a vast green area, ideal for walks, relaxation, or exercise. Furthermore, Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center (NFCC) is a magnificent building regarded as an architectural work of art. It houses the National Library and the Greek National Opera House. Restaurants and cafes are also to be found within the premises.

Athens City Center

If time is on your side, keep in mind that downtown Athens, with its numerous landmarks and things to do, is just 12km/7,5 miles away from Piraeus Port. Hence, rides from Piraeus Port to Athens city center aren’t long or tedious. That being said, Piraeus port taxi rides and private transfers are definitely more convenient, whereas bus and metro journeys are far more affordable.

Once arriving there, you should plan your itinerary based on your available time and preferences. You can visit some of the city’s museums (National Archaeological Museum, Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Arts, etc.) or explore the historical landmarks (Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Olympic Stadium, Ancient Agora of Athens, etc.). It goes without saying that the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are must-visit destinations. If you prefer getting to know Athens’s central neighborhoods, you can stroll around Syntagma Square, enjoy the scenic Plaka and the vibrant Monastiraki, visit the elegant Kolonaki, or savor a delicious meal in Psirri. On the other hand, shopaholics aren’t disappointed by the Athens shopping scene either.

The Most Relaxed Thing to Do in Piraeus: The Hop-on Hop-off Buses

If you want to take a good glimpse of Piraeus’ attractions as well as Athens’ sightseeing hassle-free, avoiding long walks and tedious or expensive rides with public transit means or taxis, you should consider opting for a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. The tourist buses run daily, revealing all the major sights in Piraeus, Athens Riviera, and Athens. Some of their major stops are Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Mikrolimano, Acropolis, Plaka, Syntagma, and Ancient Olympic Stadium. You can hop on at all bus stops and hop off at the alighting point of your preference. Moreover, audio guides are also provided in multiple languages.

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