Visiting Athens on a Cruise Ship? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Visiting Athens on a Cruise Ship? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: November 3, 2023

People walking around Hellenic Parliament — *Hellenic Parliament*

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, located in the southern region of Attica. It is known as the birthplace of Western civilization and the city of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato and his student Aristotle. Athens is famous for its ancient landmarks and monuments, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Today, millions of visitors visit Athens each year for its historical and cultural significance, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food.

When visiting Athens via a cruise ship, it’s important to plan your activities carefully to avoid missing your departure time. To ensure a seamless trip, this travel guide provides useful tips and recommendations for exploring all that Athens has to offer.

Important Things to Know when visiting Athens via Cruise Ship

Athens has one Port: Port of Piraeus (https://maps.app.goo.gl/6SgMUk3HX7KWaFuv9)
Proximity to Shops: There are an abundant number of cafe, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of the port.
Proximity to Car Rental: Several car rental options are available within walking distance from the port. Hertz is a 10-minute walk from Cruise Terminal A.

The front of the Hertz and Thrifty Car Rental Store — *Hertz and Thrifty Car Rental*

Click here to discover the enchanting blend of mythology and history in our 1-day adventure in Athens, from historic landmarks to timeless sculptures at the National Archaeological Museum!

Best Nearby Attractions for Cruise Ship Passengers

1. The National Archaeological Museum

*Marble Head of a Colossal Statue of Zeus*

*Bronze Statue of a Horse and a Young Jockey*

The National Archaeological Museum boasts a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts from prehistory to late antiquity. The museum’s vast collection was segmented into five major permanent exhibitions, including The Collection of Prehistoric Antiquities, The Sculpture Collection, The Vase and Minerals Collection, and The Metallurgical Works Collection, and Greece Collection of Egyptian and Eastern Antiquities.

Among the remarkable items exhibited are The Mask of Agamemnon (gold funeral mask), The Bronze Statue of Zeus or Poseidon, and Fresco from the Bronze Age. This museum is a must-visit destination for those passionate about Greek history, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient Greek civilization.

Visit:

Admission: 12 euros
Opening Hours:
- November 1 – March 31: Wednesday – Monday: 08:30 AM – 15:30 PM, Tuesday: 13:00 PM – 20:00 PM
- April 1 – October 31: Wednesday – Monday: 08:00 AM – 20:00 PM,
  Tuesday: 13:00 PM – 20:00 PM
Time Needed: 2 hours
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fEMRVbDTidcU8aFS6

2. Panathenaic Stadium

Panathenaic Stadium on a cloudy day — *Panathenaic Stadium*

The Panathenaic Stadium is a prominent stadium that’s crafted from marble and boasts a strong capacity of 60,000. It served as the location for the first modern Olympic games in 1896 and remains the launching site for the Olympic flame torch relay. Presently, the stadium is used for a variety of purposes, including cultural events, musical performances, fashion shows, and sporting events. There’s even a small museum to learn about the history of the games.

Visit:

Admission: 10 euros
Opening Hours:
- March – October: 08:00 AM – 19:00 PM
- November – February: 08:00 AM – 17:00 PM
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nAbc2MuwmZWDEVzDA

3. Acropolis and Parthenon

The Parthenon is the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Greece. The temple is dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, located on the Acropolis hill. It is considered one of the greatest examples of ancient Greek architecture and is recognized as a symbol of Athenian democracy and western civilization. The Parthenon is a must-visit destination for those passionate about Greek history, offering a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient Greece.

Visit:

Admission: 10 euros
Opening Hours:
- April 1 – August 31: 8:00 AM – 20:00 PM
- September 1 – 15: 8:00 AM – 19:30 PM
- September 16 – 30: 8:00 AM – 19:00 PM
- October 1 – 15: 8:00 AM – 16:30 PM
- October 16 – 30: 8:00 AM – 18:00 PM
Time Needed: 2 hours
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Vvi99cYdG5Ux3YhV6

4. Historical Statues

The Runner Statue sits on a grassy hill — *The Runner Statue*

The Discus Thrower Statue stands in a park with cars parked behind it — *The Discus Thrower Statue*

Athens is a historical city and has several historic statues including:

The Runner Statue: The Runner Statue is made of individual pieces of glass stacked atop each other to take the blurred shape of a runner in motion. For more details, visit Dromeas (The Runner) – Athens, Greece – Atlas Obscura. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4iKsoLnKvbJ9UrFa7
Harriet Truman Statue: The Harriet Truman statue is a bronze sculpture that stands 12 feet tall. The statue was donated by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association to honor the Truman Doctrine, which gave $2 billion in economic and military aid to the Greek government to fight off communist guerrillas during the country’s civil war between 1946 and 1949.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PCBC9Faqs3cHRvEb6
Discus Thrower Statue: The Discus Thrower Statue is a bronze sculpture that was made in 1927 by Konstantinos Dimitriadis. The statue represents the harmony of body and movement of a young athlete.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WgoJ5oUnLkRZ6eFo6
Statue of Alexander the Great: The Statue of Alexander the Great was made by the sculptor Giannis Pappas in 1993. The statue presents the great Greek warrior astride his beloved horse, Voukefalas.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xf9n3VcY49qH7vUDA