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Piraeus is the port city of Athens and is just a short metro ride away from the city center. For most, it’s just a place to get on and off one of the many cruise ships or ferries that stop there.
Piraeus is the largest passenger port in Europe and 3rd largest in the world. From there, you can catch ferries to nearby islands, such as Aegina, Poros, or Hydra, for a nice, easy day trip. For the casual tourist, there isn’t much reason to visit, but for a prolonged stay in Athens, it might be worth a relaxing time at one of the beautiful harbors, having coffee or an excellent fish dinner.
Pasalimani
Pasalimani (Πασαλιμάνι) is also called the Port of Zea. The ancient Athenian fleet and later the Ottoman fleet was moored there. The Venetians called it Porto Leone for the ancient lion statues that stood at the entrance to the port from the 1st century. It’s now a harbor for expensive yachts. If you’re into yachts, it’s a great place for checking them out. There are also a few cafes that line the side of it.
Mikrolimano
Mikrolimano (Μικρολίμανο) is a small harbor lined with fish restaurants. It has also been called Tourkolimano (Τουρκολίμανο) since Ottoman times. In ancient times it was called Limenas Mounihias (Λιμένας Μουνιχίας). The fish restaurants sit directly on the harbor, giving a great setting for a nice meal. Click here for a list of restaurants.
Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
As far as cultural sites to visit, there are a few sites of interest. First is the Archaeological Museum which has the ancient Theatre of Zea on its grounds. You can see the theatre through the fence. Admission from April 1 through October 31 is at the full rate of €4, and from November 1 through March 31, it’s at a 50% reduced rate of €2 (as of August 2024). Upon presentation of a passport or valid travel document: all visitors up to the age of 5 and EU citizens from age 6-25 are admitted free of charge; and EU seniors over age 65 and non-EU citizens from age 6-25 are admitted at the 50% reduced rate (summer months only).
Important Buildings
There are a few beautiful buildings within a few blocks of the port. The first on you come to along Leoforos Vasileos Georgiou is the Seaman’s Pension Building. Across the street is a newer building, Agia Triada church. The Municipal Theatre is another block further.
Votsalakia Beach
If you want to take a dip in the sea, there’s the popular Votsalakia Beach, located between Pasalimani and Mikrolimano. Just off shore is Koumoundourou, a small islet.
Olympiacos
For sports lovers, the Olympiacos sports club is located in Piraeus. The basketball stadium, Peace and Friendship Stadium (Στάδιο Ειρήνης και Φιλίας), opened in 1985 and has a capacity of 11,554 for basketball. It held volleyball events during the 2004 Olympics.
The football stadium, Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium (Γήπεδο Γεώργιος Καραϊσκάκης), was built in 1895, renovated in 1960, and completely rebuilt in 2004 to a capacity of 33,334. I attended a game there during my trip.
Olympiacos Museum
The Olympiacos Museum is located at Karaiskaki Stadium and has a nice display of trophies for all sports and the history of the club, along with a moving memorial to the 21 victims of the Gate 7 tragedy on February 8, 1981. It’s only open when there are games.
There are also two small memorials for the Gate 7 victims outside the stadium.
