Athens, Greece Travel Community

Where to stay before cruise leaving Piraeus?

1 - 3 of 3 Posts
dpappas87

dpappas87

Active member
I have a friend who is staying in Athens just a few nights then going off on a cruise leaving Piraeus. This is in the late summer sometime. I told her I would ask advice - I am at a loss because I usually spend longer in Greece and get an Air BnB - at least that is what I have been doing lately.

Anyway, where should she stay? Any advice on areas of Athens or even names of hotels?
 
If still available, The Plaka Hotel ( 7 Kapnikareas & Mitropoleos, Athens) has an ideal location for touring the antiquities within the pedestrian area. It’s also convenient to Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, Agia Irini and Psirri. It’s not a luxury hotel with swimming pool etc., but it’s clean, very reasonably priced, and your friends probably aren’t going to be spending a lot of time in their room anyway. They can request an Acropolis view suite; stunning especially when the Acropolis is illuminated at night. If not available, the hotel has a roof deck with bar (and I understand a new restaurant) so everyone can have that Acropolis view. Many people stay here before cruises, but I think its location will help to maximize the short time that they have in Athens.

Tip: Particularly if they’re carrying a lot of luggage for the cruise, tell them to be careful if using the Metro. After a flight, the set rate €38 taxi might be a more comfortable option.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash and k_tsoukalas
Great advice, Deborah - that hotel sounds amazing! dpappas87 - how long will you actually have in Athens? Will you have enough time to do a lot of sightseeing?
 
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Best Places for Sunset in Athens?

I realized recently that even though I visit Athens about once a year, I’ve never actually paid attention to the sunset there. I don’t have a trip planned at the moment, I’m just gathering ideas for the future, but now I’m curious about the best places in the city to watch the sun go down.

Are there classic spots locals love? I’ve heard of Lycabettus Hill and some rooftop bars, but I’m sure there are lesser-known viewpoints, coastal areas, or even neighborhood corners that offer beautiful light in the evening. I’d also love to know if certain places are better at different times of year or if the atmosphere changes depending on whether you’re in the center or closer to the Athens Riviera.

If you had to recommend your favorite places for a memorable sunset in Athens, where would you send someone who’s finally ready to pay attention?

First-time impressions of Athens

I’m in the early stages of planning an upcoming trip to Athens, and it made me realize something a little funny. It’s been a very long time since it was my first time there.

Every time I go now, I tend to fall into the same rhythm: familiar neighborhoods, favorite walks, the same cafés and viewpoints. I love Athens, but I’d really like to experience it again through fresh eyes instead of repeating my usual routine.

For those of you who remember your first visit, what were your initial impressions of Athens? What surprised you, in a good or bad way? Was it the energy, the mix of ancient and modern, the pace of daily life, or something completely unexpected?

And for anyone who’s helped a first-time visitor plan a trip, what parts of Athens seemed to leave the strongest impression on them?

Is the area near Syntagma a convenient place to stay?

I may be taking a last-minute trip to Athens sometime in September or October, and I’m starting to look at hotel options. I keep seeing places near Syntagma Square, and I’m wondering whether that is a convenient area to stay.

I like the idea of being central and able to walk to a lot of the main sights, restaurants, and neighborhoods, but I also don’t want to stay somewhere that feels overly busy or touristy all the time. How easy is it to get around from Syntagma, especially to places like Plaka, Monastiraki, the Acropolis, and other parts of central Athens?

I’d also love to know what the area feels like in the evenings. Is it a good choice for someone who wants convenience and walkability, or would you recommend staying in a nearby neighborhood instead?

Any hotel-area suggestions would be appreciated too.

Is renting a car necessary in Athens?

I’m planning to spend a few days in Athens this summer before heading off to the islands, and I’m trying to decide whether renting a car is actually necessary while I’m there.

Part of me likes the flexibility of having a car, especially if I want to explore beyond the main historic center. On the other hand, I’ve heard traffic can be intense, parking is limited, and public transportation is fairly easy to use for the major sites.

My plan is to see the Acropolis, wander neighborhoods like Plaka and Koukaki, enjoy some good food, and maybe do one day trip if time allows. After that, I’ll be taking a ferry.

For those who’ve spent a few days in Athens, did you rent a car or rely on walking, taxis, and public transport? Was having a car helpful, or more of a hassle than it was worth? I’d appreciate honest advice.

Is Anafiotika Worth Visiting?

I might be going to Athens next year, and Anafiotika is one of the places I keep seeing mentioned. It looks beautiful in photos, with the narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, flowers, and almost island-like feel right below the Acropolis.

For those who have been, is Anafiotika worth making time for during a visit to Athens? I like the idea of wandering through a quieter, more atmospheric neighborhood, especially if it feels different from the busier parts of Plaka and Monastiraki.

I’m also curious how much time you would actually need there. Is it more of a quick walk while exploring Plaka, or is it worth setting aside an hour or two?

Are there particular streets, viewpoints, little churches, cafés, or nearby stops you would recommend combining with it? And is there a best time of day to visit when it is less crowded and easier to enjoy?
Share and discuss your Athens photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top