There has been a lot of negative press surrounding Greece and it’s economy recently. The focus of much of the media has been protests and violence in the capital city of Athens. I visited Athens a while ago, right before the presidential elections and didn’t witness anything untoward whatsoever.
If you visit Athens as part of a cruise holiday you will find that the ship docks in one of the busiest ports in the world Piraeus. From here it is only around 10 km to the city of Athens.
Take the Bus
I recommend taking one of the city sightseeing buses which go from Piraeus to the centre of the city. I think all the different sightseeing buses come with audio equipment to allow you to listen to a commentary on the history and different attractions of the city as you drive past them.
The bus I took was the red city sightseeing bus and I got off at the famous Acropolis. From where you are dropped off by a bus or taxi there is a significant climb up to the top where the Acropolis and Parthenon. In the blazing heat of the summer months I highly recommend that you do this as early in the day as possible and buy water from one of the vendors before you begin the walk. It really is tough in the heat.
From the top of the hill where the Acropolis and Parthenon sit you are treated to panoramic views over the city, which has around six million residents. I definitely recommend walking to the top to see the Parthenon and Acropolis, it’s one of those tourist attractions that is a definite must do and you’ll regret it if you don’t.
Acropolis and Parthenon
Other than the Acropolis and Parthenon I simply took the bus tour round the city and back to the port of Piraeus. The reason for this was there simply wasn’t enough time to get on and off the bus at many points, and also I didn’t see many places that I would have actually liked to visit.
As a result of Greece’s economical problems, which have been well publicised, there are many buildings and areas of the city in states of disrepair. Clearly the country does not have any money to invest in the upkeep of certain places and, as such, it is less attractive to tourists and visitors.
Thanks Emma