Discovering Archaeology in the Athens Metro
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Piraeus is best explored on foot. One of the most scenic and popular walking routes begins at the port and leads you to Zea Marina, Pasalimani, Kastella and, eventually, Mikrolimano.
If you’re already at the main port, the perfect starting point is the Church of Aghios Nicholaos. From there, head toward Harilaou Trikoupi Street. After about a 10-minute walk, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus on your left. In its outdoor space lie the remains of the Ancient Theater of Zea.
Continuing along Harilaou Trikoupi, you’ll reach Akti Moutsopoulou and its wide seaside promenade. Just a five-minute stroll further will bring you to Zea Marina, a lively spot where you can enjoy a leisurely walk by the water, explore the large square, and take a break at one of the many cafés, ice cream shops, or restaurants.
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From Zea Marina, you can continue around the natural harbor, also known as Pasalimani, along a comfortable seaside walkway – keep the water on your right and you’ll reach the mouth of the small bay in about 15 minutes. Pasalimani is lively throughout most of the day. You’ll see people strolling, relaxing in cafés, or simply enjoying the view. Following the promenade as it returns to the road will lead you away from the shore and into Kastella, a charming neighborhood filled with 19th-century neoclassical houses and sweeping sea views.
If you’d like to continue on to Mikrolimano, descend the steps of Achilleos Paraschou Street. The area has recently been redeveloped, creating a spacious promenade right along the water. Fishing boats, small houses, tavernas and stunning views will make you feel as if you’ve escaped to an island.
On your way back toward the main port of Piraeus, you can follow the promenade to the Piraeus Clock, and from there, explore the shopping street of Sotiros Dios. When you reach Iroon Polytechniou Street, turn right to admire the historic Municipal Theater of Piraeus, which first opened its doors on April 9, 1895. From there, continue along Vasileos Georgiou Street until you arrive at the Piraeus Tower – a 22-story landmark rising 88 meters high. Here you can pause for coffee or browse the shops.
The historic Municipal Theater of Piraeus
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Located close to Zea Marina, the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus offers visitors a complete picture of the city’s history. Its exhibits come from the wider Piraeus area and cover a broad time span, from the Mycenaean to the Roman era. Together, they reconstruct the story of ancient Piraeus, once a major commercial hub of the eastern Mediterranean.
In recent years, the neighborhoods near the port have also become a cultural destination. Former warehouses and light industry workspaces, with their high ceilings and industrial character, now host art galleries and exhibitions. On Polidefkous Street, you’ll find The Intermission, a space that supports the creation of new art productions, and the Sylvia Kouvali Gallery.
Mikrolimano
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Yperokeanio: Located near the main port, this is one of the city’s best fish tavernas. The ingredients are always fresh, the atmosphere warm, and the décor simple. Make sure to try the grilled sardines served on charred rustic bread with tomato; the shrimp pasta; or the seafood orzo. Starters that include fried zucchini and mushrooms are also delicious, and for dessert, the kaimaki ice cream with sour cherry preserve is a treat. (48 Marias Hatzikyriakou)
Aposperitis: A cozy, family-run maereio (traditional eatery) close to the port, Aposperitis serves old-fashioned home-style Greek cooking. Signature dishes include biftekada (oven-baked meat patties in tomato sauce); chicken with rakomelo (a Cretan honey-and-raki spirit); dolmadakia yalantzi (vine leaves stuffed with rice); and orzo with sun-dried tomatoes. Vegetarian options are also available. (105 Sofokleous)
To Eidikon: The authentic bakalotaverna (a hybrid grocery-tavern) of Piraeus, To Eidikon has preserved its original interior: large refrigerators stocked with goods, shelves of tins and boxes, and old photographs that transport you to another era of the city. Dishes worth trying include kagianas (scrambled eggs with tomato) and the famous tourta (fried eggs over French fries). Thirsty? Their own house retsina is available. (38 Psaron & Salaminos)
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Nicaragua: Housed in an old Piraeus home, this spot serves excellent wrapped souvlaki with homemade tomato sauce. A sign on the wall declares: “Don’t put fries in your souvlaki” – although you can, of course, order them separately. (149 Odyssea Androutsou)
O Giorgos: One of the best places in Piraeus to try traditional souvlaki, it’s located right by the port. (18 Gounari & Nikita)
Paleo
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Paleo
© Eva Loudi
Paleo Wine Store: In the industrial zone of Piraeus, a former warehouse with a wooden ceiling has been transformed into one of the city’s most interesting wine bars. Here you can explore an extensive and carefully curated wine list served with cooked dishes or cheese and charcuterie platters. (39 Polidefkous)
Enjoy a carefully brewed cup at Haφen, located at the port, or at Scoby Project, tucked inside an arcade next to the Dimotiko Theatro metro station. (13 Aghiou Konstantinou)
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At Temps Perdu, a small, industrial-style bakery, top-quality ingredients are used to create unique pastries. The almond croissant is a standout. (114 Karaïskou)
Within the city, you can get around easily using the Blue Metro Line stops Dimotiko Theatro and Piraeus – ticket and schedule information (in English as well) is available at the stations – the tram, the trolleybus (line no. 20), or local buses. More information about Piraeus can also be found on the official city website: destinationpiraeus.com
How to Get to Piraeus from Athens
By Metro: From central Athens, take the Blue Metro Line (M3) toward Dimotiko Theatro. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
By Bus: Bus 040 also connects Athens with Piraeus, stopping at various neighborhoods along the way. For the city center, get off at Korai Square. If you’re not short on time, the ride itself is worth it just to glimpse different parts of Athens.
By the Electric Railway (also known as the Green Line): From Omonia or Monastiraki, enter the metro station to take the Green Line (M1) to the terminal stop Piraeus.
For schedules and up-to-date information, visit: stasy.gr
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