Piraeus (Athens)

Piraeus is the port for Athens, and the two are connected by metro (Line 1), which takes about 25 minutes to reach the city centre. Ships dock at various terminals along the commercial harbour. Taxis from the port to central Athens are an alternative but traffic can be heavy. The Acropolis is the main attraction: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike sit on the hilltop above the city. The Acropolis Museum at the base displays the original sculptures and friezes in a modern glass building. The Plaka neighbourhood below the Acropolis has narrow streets, tavernas, and souvenir shops. The Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus are less crowded alternatives. Greek food from a taverna is the standard lunch: grilled meat, salad, tzatziki, bread, and house wine. The euro is the currency.