One Day in Athens: Your DIY Shore Excursion Guide

panoramic view of Athens, Greece, from an elevated vantage point. The cityscape is densely packed with buildings stretching towards the mountains in the background. In the foreground, lush greenery surrounds the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, an ancient Greek temple with classical columns. The warm sunlight enhances the contrast between the urban landscape and the natural elements, creating a stunning visual of the city's historical and modern blend. Self-guided tour

Athens, Greece, is a perfect stop for travelers of all kinds, including cruise passengers. This guide will help you create your own shore excursion in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and a treasure trove of history and culture. Discover must-see sights, local tips, and hidden gems that will make your visit unforgettable. And do it all at your own pace. Prepare to spend a day in Athens confidently and enjoy a fantastic experience.

Table of Contents-Athens DIY Shore Excursion

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Why Explore Athens on Your Own on a Cruise?

Exploring Athens on your Own is Cost-Effective

One reason to skip a crowded group tour in favor of an on-your-own experience in Athens is to save money or at least make your money go further. Major cruise lines charge over $100 for an Acropolis tour lasting 4 to 6 hours, which includes the time to get to and from the port. Keep reading to see how much further $100 goes when visiting the city on your own.

Freedom and Flexibility

Besides the cost savings, exploring Athens on your own during a cruise offers freedom and flexibility. You can create your own schedule and see what interests you most in this city jam-packed with historic sites and museums. On your DIY shore excursion, you can spend as much time as you like at the Acropolis, walk through bustling neighborhoods like Plaka at your own pace, and choose where you’d like an authentic Greek meal.

Bronze statue of Constantine I, dressed in Roman military attire, holding a staff, set against a white wall with inscriptions and surrounded by trees and flowering bushes. On a DIY shore excursion of Athens, Greece — Statue of Constantine XI, the last Byzantine Emperor, who died defending Constantinople against the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Potential Drawbacks of Touring Athens on Your Own

If something goes wrong, you’re on your own. So make sure you have a backup plan if your initial planning runs into problems.

And there’s nothing wrong with taking a guided tour, if that’s what you’d like to do. Click here to research and choose a guided tour in Athens.

Getting Started on Your DIY Athens Shore Excursion

If you visit Athens on a cruise ship, you likely have only one day to see the city, and you will have limited time on that day. Therefore, we recommend planning well if you want to explore independently.

First, you should know that cruise ships dock at the Port of Piraeus. Piraeus is about 5 miles (8 km) southwest of the Athens city center and is the fifth largest municipality in Greece. Your cruise itinerary may show the port similar to this:

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

CAUTION: Piraeus has three cruise terminals, A, B, and C. Be sure you know which terminal you are at before leaving port to avoid confusion on your return at the end of the day. You can cross-reference the location of your cruise ship on a cruise ship locator website like Cruisemapper.

a large cruise ship, the Norwegian Dawn, docked at a port near a city street. The ship has a white hull decorated with colorful wave-like patterns. In the foreground, there is a paved pedestrian area with black bollards and a street with traffic lights. Several people are walking near the dock, and a few construction vehicles and cars are visible. The sky is overcast. — Our cruise ship in at the port of Trieste

Additionally, be aware of when your cruise ship departs Piraeus and plan your return time to the port accordingly, with plenty of buffer time.

Getting to Athens from the Piraeus Cruise Port

There are many options for getting to Athens from the Piraeus Cruise port.

Cruise Ship Transfer

Some major cruise lines offer a transfer service from the port to Athens city center. At this writing, the cost is around $80 per person, quite a bit more expensive than any other option. Advantages of this approach include simplicity and assurance that your ship will not depart before your transportation returns you to the port. In addition to the cost, one downside is an inflexible schedule.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Athens has several hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) bus companies. These buses park right at the cruise port, making them a convenient option for getting started. They all stop at popular destinations such as the Acropolis and the Plaka district.

You get off your ship, pick a bus, and buy a ticket from an agent. You don’t need to get a ticket in advance. The HOHO bus is not the cheapest option, costing $20 to $30 for a one-day adult ticket. Still, it’s more affordable than a cruise ship transfer and has a built-in tour during transport.

Your HOHO bus company may run two routes, one focusing on the main historical stops and the other traveling to coastal areas. Typically, the bus will tour Piraeus from the cruise ship terminal before heading into Athens. If you’re interested in taking the HOHO bus to different sights, ask the bus agent if you will need to change buses.

neoclassical church at night, featuring a grand entrance with columns, a blue dome, and a bell tower. The church is surrounded by palm trees adorned with string lights. A person is walking in front of the building, adding a sense of scale. The street in the foreground is lined with lampposts, and modern buildings are visible in the background. The overall atmosphere is elegant and serene. Piraeus, Greece — Piraeus at night-walking from the metro station to the cruise port

The HOHO bus is a good option if you’re not in an extreme hurry, as it will take you on a tour of Piraeus with recorded commentary before heading to Athens. The entire trip to downtown Athens can take up to an hour, depending on traffic.

You can use the HOHO bus simply to get to central Athens or, as intended, to travel around the city to see all the highlighted sights. One disadvantage of the HOHO bus is that the last trips back to the port area are around 5 p.m. If you want to rely on the bus for your return, your day of sightseeing may be unnecessarily cut short if your ship will remain in port until much later in the day.

Taking Public Transportation into Athens

Public transportation is certainly an option for getting to the city center. It’s also the most cost-effective option, with a single ticket costing less than €1.50 and a 24-hour pass costing under €5.

Several apps can assist with navigating Athens’ public transportation system:

The OASA OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organization) app provides real-time information on buses and trolleybuses, including arrival times and route details.
Comprehensive transit apps like Moovit and Citymapper offer real-time arrival information, updated schedules, and step-by-step navigation for various cities, including Athens.
Two other Athens-specific apps with offline maps that may be helpful are Athens Metro & Bus Map 2024 and Athens Metro and Trams.
Personally, I’ve had good luck using Google Maps to find my way around Athens and other European cities with real-time updates.

Taking a Public Bus into Athens

The best public bus option to get to Athens is the X80 Express Bus. This tourist-centric bus route goes from the Piraeus Cruise Port to Athens landmarks, including the Acropolis. It runs every 35 – 40 minutes daily from 7:00 AM to 8:15 p.m. From bus stops near the cruise ports, it takes about 30 minutes to get to downtown Athens.

Note that the X80 only runs from May to October, so this option is unavailable if you’re cruising in the off-season like we were.

Other bus options include Bus 40, which travels from Piraeus to Syntagma Square in the city center, and Bus 49, which travels from Piraeus to Omonoia. While these options are reliable for reaching the heart of Athens, they may involve very crowded buses, many stops, and one-hour or more trip times. If you’re up for the challenge, Bus 40 operates around the clock, while Bus 49 operates from 05:00 a.m. to midnight.

A low-angle shot of the Acropolis of Athens, showcasing the ancient ruins on a rocky hilltop against a clear blue sky. The temple of Athena Nike is prominent. A portion of the Erechtheion with its Porch of the Caryatids is visible to the right. Green trees line the base of the hill. On your own tour in Athens, Greece — Ready to visit the Acropolis!

Taking the Metro into Athens

Line 3 of the Athens Metro system was expanded in 2022 and now provides a 20-minute ride from the Piraeus station to Syntagma Square.

The long walk from the ship terminal to the metro station is a significant downside of the metro. Depending on the location of your ship, this walk can take 25 to 45 minutes.

Taking a Taxi to the City Center

To take a taxi from Piraeus Cruise Port to Athens, exit the terminal and locate the designated taxi stand where yellow taxis are readily available. Inform the driver of your destination and confirm a fixed fare or meter usage before starting the trip. Fixed fares are typically €30 during the day and €35-€40 at night. The ride to central Athens usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Payment is primarily in cash, though some taxis may accept credit cards. To avoid issues, use official taxis or pre-book through apps like BEAT.

A sunny day view of the Hellenic Parliament building, a large neoclassical structure with a central colonnade. A crowd of people walks in the square in front, and several yellow taxis are in the foreground. The Greek flag is prominently displayed. — Taxis line up at Syntagma Square, in front of the Hellenic Parliament Parliament

Exploring Athens

Now that you’ve made it to the city center on your own, you can enjoy Athens in a personal and memorable way. How will you spend your time in Athens? Here are a few suggestions.

If you have limited time, plan your day around the most important sights, such as the Acropolis and Parthenon.

Visiting the Acropolis and Parthenon

Of course, you must see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Athens Acropolis and its Parthenon! Visiting this historic site drops you right into Greece’s illustrious past, and the monuments really make you appreciate the architectural and engineering prowess of the ancient Greeks. Additionally, the panoramic views of Athens from the Acropolis are breathtaking. Exploring these ancient ruins not only enriches your understanding of Western civilization but also leaves you in awe of ancient Greek ingenuity and artistry.

On the climb up the Acropolis hill, look for the 100% marble Temple of Athena Nike, the smallest temple on the Acropolis. Then you’ll pass through the Propylaea, or entrance hall. While the Parthenon dominates the top of the Acropolis, you might think that the smaller Erechtheion Temple, with columns of elegant female statues (Caryatids), is the more beautiful.

A close-up shot of the Porch of the Caryatids on the Erechtheion, located on the Acropolis in Athens. The six caryatid statues, sculpted female figures draped in cloth, stand in a row supporting the porch roof. The stone shows signs of age and weathering. See Athens on your own. — The Erechtheion Temple on the Acropolis

Timing your Visit to the Acropolis

The Acropolis in Athens is open daily from 8:00 AM but the closing time varies throughout the year. The last admission is half an hour before closing.

Although this historic site may be number one on your list, there are good reasons to visit later in the day. European travel guru Rick Steves recommends waiting to avoid the crowds that accompany guided tours that typically take place in the morning.

Close-up of the Doric columns of the Parthenon in Athens, with scaffolding and construction equipment visible. Tour on your own in Athens Greece — The Parthenon in the late afternoon

Additionally, whether you’re a serious photographer or just take travel photos for your own enjoyment, the late afternoon light can enhance the beauty and magic of the site. And as the day transitions to the evening, lights come on! Even if you’re not there, the illuminated Parthenon will be visible from various parts of the city.

Finally, if you’re buying tickets for later in the day, you’ll thank yourself when you realize you don’t have to depart your ship at the crack of dawn to get to the Acropolis on time.

During high season, most sources recommend getting tickets to the Acropolis online in advance to avoid the disappointment of a sellout. However, we bought tickets from a kiosk outside the Acropolis upon arrival and had no problem securing a 2 p.m. entry time on the day of our visit in November.

On-Your-Own Tours of the Acropolis

If you’re interested in some historical perspective, download an audio tour of the Acropolis before your visit. For example, the VoiceMap tour Acropolis of Athens Audio Guide: A Tour with Context is highly rated (use the voucher code tamchn when buying a VoiceMap tour).

Or download the Rick Steves Audio Europe app and look for the free “Acropolis Tour.” This tour is also described in the Rick Steves guidebook Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese Guidebook. I’ve found that having both the guidebook and the audio version is the best way to do tours from Rick Steves.

You can buy the guidebook at Bookshop:

Visiting the Acropolis Museum

You might notice that the Acropolis itself doesn’t have a lot in the way of artifacts. So, if you’re a history buff, museum-lover, or just want to take a deeper dive into ancient civilization, you might want to visit the Acropolis Museum. It’s positioned at the foot of the Acropolis hill near the Acropolis Metro Station. The museum contains artifacts from the Acropolis, including original Parthenon sculptures. It even showcases ancient ruins underneath glass floors. You should plan to spend at least one hour in this museum, but don’t be surprised if your stop at the Acropolis Museum takes up to three hours.

A low-angle perspective of the Propylaea, or entrance hall at the top of the Acropolis, showcasing its massive Doric columns and weathered stonework against a clear, deep blue sky. The ruins show signs of age and wear. — Approaching the Propylaea, or entrance hall at the top of the Acropolis

By the way, you can download a free audio tour of the Acropolis Museum from the Rick Steves Audio Europe app.

On-Your-Own Walking Tours of Athens

Beyond the Acropolis, Athens is a remarkably walkable city, ideal for self-guided tours. Take the abundance of pedestrian-friendly streets, add a few maps and guidebooks, and filter by your own interests to create a bespoke walking itinerary. Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, or lively street markets, Athens’ walkability makes it possible to see them all!

Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation (Athens) with its distinctive architectural features. — The Metropolitan Church of Athens

Downloadable Walking Tours of Athens

Save time with downloadable audio tours that take you to various sites. Consider the top-rated VoiceMap tour of Downtown Athens with Context: Syntagma Square to the Acropolis Museum (use the voucher code tamchn when buying a VoiceMap tour).

A free option is the “Athens City Walk” on the Rick Steves Audio Europe app. This tour is also written out in Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese Guidebook by Rick Steves, et al.

What you see will depend on your interests and the audio tour you use, if any. Most tours should include Syntagma Square, the heart of modern Athens. Here, the Changing of the Guard happens in front of the Hellenic Parliament at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This ritual takes place every hour on the hour. On Sundays at 11:00, there is a special, more elaborate ceremony with a procession.

A view of Syntagma Square, a public square in Athens, with a fountain and the Hellenic Parliament visible in the distance. — View of the Hellenic Parliament from Syntagma Square, the heart of modern Athens.

Historic Churches of Athens

Not far from Syntagma Square, Ermou Street is a pedestrian-only modern shopping area, and the Church of Kapnikarea is smack dab in the middle of it. It’s an Orthodox-style church dating from the 11th century, when Athens was part of the Byzantine Empire. From here, it’s only a few minutes walk to Mitropoleos Square, the location of the Metropolitan Church of Athens (or Mitropoli Athinon, 1842), the Athens cathedral for the Greek Orthodox church.

Image of the Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea (or Panagia Kapnikarea), a small Byzantine-era church in Athens, Greece. See Athens on your own. — The lovely Church of Kapnikarea on Ermou Street in Athens

Next to the Metropolitan Church is the tiny Church of Agios Eleftherios, the exterior of which is constructed of recycled materials. It’s chock full of both religious and pagan icons and symbols.

The Plaka Neighborhood

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens is Plaka, and it’s a must-stroll area! You can’t go wrong with the winding cobblestone streets, traditional tavernas and cafés. Lovely artisan shops make for enjoyable window shopping. At the same time, the local charm includes gimmicky souvenir shops and lots of them. Watch your valuables–pickpockets often target visitors here!

For historical ruins, look for the Lysicrates Monument and Square. The monument, erected in 335 BC, commemorates the victory of the Lysicrates-sponsored chorus in a musical competition. This street was once filled with similar monuments; some remain buried, preserving them for further study.

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, a small, circular structure with a dome-like roof, located in a square in Athens. The monument is framed by trees and buildings, including a multi-story building with balconies and a red-tiled roof. People are visible in the background. — Lysicrates Monument in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens, Greece

Additional ruins worth seeing are located just outside the Plaka neighborhood. These include Hadrian’s Arch or Gate. It was built in the 2nd century AD to honor Emperor Hadrian and mark the boundary between ancient and Roman Athens.

The Arch is adjacent to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once one of the largest in the ancient world. Although only a few columns remain standing today, they are enough to imagine just how massive and grand the temple was at its height.

The Arch of Hadrian, a historic gateway in Athens — Tourists flock to Hadrian’s Arch in Athens

The Anafiotika Neighborhood

Another Athens neighborhood worth wandering is Anafiotika, easily accessed from Plaka. This serene village lies on the northern slope of the Acropolis hill. The founders hailed from the island of Anafi and built it to resemble their former homes. Here, you’ll find charming, narrow streets and whitewashed houses surrounded by plenty of planters and bougainvillea-covered walls. It’s a quiet escape just a few steps from the otherwise busy city streets.

From Anafiotika, you can overlook the ancient ruins of the Roman Agora or Forum containing the Tower of the Winds, an ancient weather station and clock. The carvings on the tower represent winds from different directions.

Image of the Tower of the Winds, an octagonal marble clocktower in Athens, Greece. It is the primary structure in the frame, with the ruins of the Ancient Agora visible around it, including a prominent archway to the left and scattered stone remnants in the foreground and to the right. The cityscape of modern Athens is visible in the background, under a late afternoon sky with warm sunlight. — Tower of the Winds at the Roman Agora, seen from the Anafiotika neighborhood

The Monastiraki Square Area

Another must-see part of Athens is Monastiraki Square. This lively area hosts a metro station on the site of a historic train station that operated from 1895. During a recent renovation, ancient ruins under the station were incorporated into a public exhibit.

The Monastiraki Flea Market is a one-stop shopping destination with antique stalls, souvenir stands, regional food products, clothing, and local crafts, such as jewelry, textiles, and paintings.

You’ll also want to eat at Monastiraki’s Souvlaki Row. Small, traditional eateries with abundant outdoor seating line the street and serve the best traditional Greek street food. The most popular dishes are pita wraps stuffed with juicy pork or chicken gyro meat or souvlaki, which are freshly grilled meat skewers. Tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and crispy French fries usually accompany each. It’s all delicious and affordable.

"The image shows an outdoor seating area of a restaurant named 'Thanasis Souvlaki.' The restaurant has blue-framed windows and doors, with signs displaying the name 'Thanasis' in Greek and English. Several tables are set up with checkered tablecloths, and people are seated at the tables, eating and conversing. The scene is well-lit, suggesting it is evening. The restaurant appears to be a casual dining establishment, and the setting is cozy and inviting — There’s lots of outdoor seating at O Thanasis near Monastiraki Square

Returning to Your Cruise Ship

When it comes time to return to your cruise ship, your options are the same as when you entered the city, except for the HOHO bus, which may stop running before you return.

Come up with a plan to return to the cruise terminal in advance, and have a Plan B backup option if your strategy needs to change. You DON’T want to miss your ship!

How We Visited Athens on Our Own from a Cruise Ship

Keep reading to learn how we spent the day in Athens and returned to our cruise ship on time. Our cruise had a late departure time, around 9 p.m., allowing for an extended tour.

Getting to Athens from the Cruise Ship

Around 9 a.m., we exited the cruise terminal and bought tickets for one of the HOHO buses waiting there. About 15-20 minutes later, the bus left and drove around Pireaus with audio commentary before heading into Athens.

The HOHO bus’s first stop in Athens was right outside the Acropolis. Here, we disembarked and bought our Acropolis entry tickets at a self-serve kiosk for later in the day.

Walking Around Athens

We got our bearings and began the “Athens City Walk,” described in Rick Steves’s Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese Guidebook. We also listened to the audio of this tour downloaded from the free Rick Steves Audio Europe app. I’ve found that having both the guidebook and the audio version is the best way to do the tour. I should note that we were at the Acropolis, we started the tour in the middle.

After wandering through the charming Plaka neighborhood, we stopped to hydrate and grab a quick bite to eat before resuming the tour, which took us to more ancient ruins, the Anafiotika neighborhood, and beyond.

the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation towers over the tiny Church of Agios Eleftherios — The tiny Church of Agios Eleftherios next to the Metropolitan Church of Athens

We finished the Rick Steves “Athens City Walk” and arrived back at the Acropolis shortly before 2 p.m., the entry time on our Acropolis tickets.

Visiting the Acropolis

Once inside the Acropolis, we climbed to the top to see the Parthenon and the smaller monuments. Once again, we were helped out with the Rick Steves audio “Acropolis Tour” from the free Rick Steves Audio Europe app and described in Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese Guidebook.

We also investigated the nearby sites: the Theatre of Dionysus an ancient amphitheater built into the side of the Acropolis Hill, and the smaller Mars Hill (also known as the Areopagus).

A wide shot of the Theatre of Dionysus, an ancient amphitheater in Athens, Greece, considered the birthplace of Greek tragedy. The stone seating and stage ruins are clearly visible. The cityscape of modern Athens stretches out in the background, with a hill and trees visible to the right. The late afternoon sun casts a warm light on the scene. Dry grass and foliage are visible in the foreground. — The Theatre of Dionysus from above

Visiting the Monastiraki area and Eating Dinner

After this visit, we returned to Athens proper and continued our leisurely exploration. We arrived at Monastiraki Square close to dinnertime to browse the flea market and dine on some Greek food. We ate at O Thanasis (Mitropoleos 69, Monastiraki), one of the most famous souvlaki shops, and it did not disappoint. In addition to the main courses, we enjoyed local wine and a roasted pepper appetizer.

A close-up shot of a plate of souvlaki, featuring grilled meat (likely pork or chicken), French fries seasoned with herbs, sliced tomatoes, and pita bread. A yellow wedge of lemon is also on the plate. The food is presented on a white plate, — Souvlaki at O Thanasis

Returning to the Cruise Ship

After dinner, we walked to the nearby Monastiraki metro station and bought tickets to take Line 3 to the Piraeus station. After a few minutes’ wait, we boarded a train for the 18-minute ride. From there, we spent about 30 minutes walking through Piraeus to reach our cruise terminal.

This image contains the text "Προς Πειραιά" (Pros Peiraia) and "To Piraeus", indicating a direction or destination. It also has the letter "Σ" (Sigma). The sign indicates the way to Piraeus. from the Monastiraki metro station in Athens Greece, the direction of the cruise ship port — Catching a train at the Monastiraki metro station

Tired but happy, our DIY shore excursion in Athens was a success.

Where to Stay in Athens

If your cruise departs or ends in Athens, you may need to stay there before heading to the ship or returning home. Use the map below to research and book lodging in Athens (or click here).

Book now at Booking.com ♦ Book now at Expedia ♦ Book now at Hotels.com

DIY in Athens-Pin It for Later

Are you inspired to create your own shore day itinerary in Athens? I made these images for your Pinterest boards so you can come back at any time to start planning.

Other One-Day Walking Routes-Perfect for Shore Excursions

If you are cruising and only have one day in port, consider these other walking-focused routes as shore excursions:

The Ultimate Walking Tour of Trieste, Italy

How to Walk to Trsat Castle and More in Rijeka, Croatia: One-Day Shore Excursion

Conclusion

Athens offers awe-inspiring history, monuments, churches, and walkable neighborhoods suitable for a one-day DIY shore excursion. With stunning sites like the Acropolis, pedestrian-only streets, charming neighborhoods, and monuments around every corner, you can easily experience the essence of the city on your own and on foot in just one day. We hope you will explore this fantastic city on your own terms and make your trip to Athens unforgettable with a personalized adventure.

Exploring Near and far, one step at a time