I have an approximate 24 hr layover at the end of stay in Greece. Arriving by ferry from Sifnos by ferry to Piraeus, around 1:00 pm. Does Piraeus have an interesting old town, would it make any sense to stay there some where, or just out by the airport. Once upon a time I read there was an interesting oid town district in Piraeus, but would like to confirm before booking an Airbnb or hotel. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3743 posts
Piraeus is well worth a day of sightseeing and exploring. It's not just a port of departure for the islands, but a large city with plenty to do and see besides the ferry port.
There's also the city itself, two marinas (Zea and Mikrolimano), an archaeological museum and a maritime museum, a large market, and of course, lots of bars, restaurants, and tavernas.
A few glimpses of Piraeus...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/bujqzc9WR9cXwH8v8
And the city's website:
https://www.destinationpiraeus.com/en
And since you asked "Piraeus vs. Airport," the airport area looks like... well.. an airport area.
Businesses and services related to airport activity, a few residential areas, and a large shopping center. The whole thing is rather depressing in terms of tourist appeal.
A few kilometers to the northeast is the port of Rafina, a small but pleasant town, though nothing like Piraeus.
It could be a place to stay overnight; there are a few accommodations and hotels that offer a free shuttle service to the airport, like the Avra Hotel.
Otherwise, most are located in a suburban area in the middle of nowhere, with no restaurants or cafes nearby.
Posted by
NH (USA) aka crazyh
1459 posts
I've stayed in Piraeus a few times depending where I'm going especially for a ferry to an island or even to get to the Athens Bus Station to go to Nafplio although you can do so from Athens which is always a must to stay in.
The website for Piraeus JoLoi posted is a great and filled with everything you need to know about the city.
There are the Central Markets like Athens but on a smaller scale, wonderful archeological museum, excellent walking along the waterfront to two marinas and a good option for shops, markets and tavernas.
However, Piraeus unlike Athens doesn't really have a central area where most of what you go to Athens for and is spread out but for just a short time would be fine.
Posted by
OP
Tulsa, OK
99 posts
Thanks to both of you for your response? So helpful! For sure I will stay in Piraeus for 24 hrs and read the attached articles you sent.
Do you know Piraeus well enough to recommend a certain area of Piraeus to stay in? I will be doing an Airbnb. I don't know if I have ever felt like I was in such a zoo as I did disembarking from the ferry at Piraeus port, 95 degrees, people everywhere, no signs pointing to Metro etc and yellow taxis everywhere, crazy! Off topic, do the prices for the yellow taxis vary for equal distance rides, or are they pretty comparable?
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3743 posts
We've already been to Piraeus for the day from Athens just to see the city itself, and like Tommy, a few times we've stayed in a hotel for the night to catch a ferry the next morning.
My main criterion is choosing the best-located hotel in relation to the ferry departure gate. Comfort isn't really a concern since these are just places to drop off your luggage, sleep, and get up early the next day.
So I could mention some cheap hotels, but this should in no way be interpreted as recommendations. And although we always rent Airbnbs in Athens, we've never considered renting an Airbnb for just one night in Piraeus.
However, I know there's a hotel, the Phidias Piraeus Hotel, located near the marina, which offers a free shuttle service to/from the port or the metro. This is a less chaotic part of Piraeus than the ferry port.
http://www.hotelphidias.gr/# (This is just information, not a recommendation.)
Since Piraeus is outside the fixed fare zone, taxi fares are supposed to be metered, and the fare is the same regardless of the taxi. That being said, as a tourist, you might encounter an unscrupulous taxi driver who somehow "forgets" the official fare.
Also note that metro line 3, which goes to the airport, has two stationsd in Piraeus: the port station, "Piraeus," and "Dimotiko Theatro", located in the city center.
Posted by
NH (USA) aka crazyh
1459 posts
I've stayed at the Achillion Hotel and Piraeus City Hotel on the same street (Notara )
Achillion is the less expensive and both are clean and safe with Piraeus just a bit better but either would do for a night or two.
It's about a 10 minute walk to the port but that's the entrance to Gate 8 so it may depend what gate you'll be coming from.
A taxi wouldn't cost much to get from/to the port.
FYI: I don't think an airbnb would be worth it just for 24 hours but do what's best for you.