2 Days in Athens: How We Spent the Perfect Pre-Cruise Stay Before Our Greece & Turkey Cruise

We arrived in Athens two days before our Greece and Turkey cruise — partly to adjust to the time change, but also to enjoy a quick, relaxed introduction to the city. With ancient landmarks, walkable neighborhoods, and plenty of places to eat and explore, Athens was the perfect place to start our trip without feeling rushed.

Trip Snapshot

• When: Early Fall

• Length: 2 nights

• Vibe: Light sightseeing, scenic walking, great food, and easy pacing

• Good for: Anyone doing a Mediterranean cruise or looking for a short city stay

• Highlights: Acropolis & Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Plaka & Monastiraki, rooftop views

• Best pace: Slow days with one major activity, plus plenty of wandering

Where We Stayed — The Moxy Athens City

For our short pre-cruise stay, we chose the Moxy Athens City. It’s a modern, budget-friendly hotel with playful décor and an easy location for exploring. Like all Moxy properties, the bar doubles as the front desk, so check-in comes with a welcome cocktail instead of a formal lobby experience. It set a fun, lighthearted tone for our two-night stay.

There are definitely more upscale hotels in Athens, but the Moxy was perfect for what we needed — clean, safe, and within walking distance of cafés, shops, and several neighborhoods. If you’re in Athens mainly to sightsee before a cruise, it’s a convenient and comfortable choice without the higher price tag.

Check-in at the bar with a welcome cocktail—Moxy’s signature start to the stay.

Dinner With a View — Dionysos Zonars

Our first evening in Athens set the tone for the entire trip. We had dinner at Dionysos Zonars, a restaurant that sits directly across from the Acropolis with panoramic views of the illuminated Parthenon. We’d been there for lunch on a previous trip and made dinner reservations the moment we booked this one — and it was absolutely worth it.

Watching the Acropolis shift from daylight to sunset to glowing night lights was a true highlight. The food, views, and company made it one of those travel moments you know you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

Travel Well Tip: If Dionysos Zonars is on your list, reserve early. Tables with an Acropolis view fill fast, especially at sunset.

Watching the Acropolis light up as the sun set from our table at Dionysos Zonars.

A Morning at the Acropolis

The next morning, we headed to the Acropolis — a site that feels both monumental and incredibly human. Walking the marble paths, seeing the Parthenon appear between the columns, and looking out across the city was unforgettable.

The stone can be slick, so comfortable shoes help, but the views at the top are worth every step. It’s one of those places where you feel the weight of history and still can’t believe it’s real.

💡 Travel Tip: Free-Admission Days

Our visit happened to fall on European Heritage Days, one of several weekends each year when the Acropolis offers free admission. It’s a great perk if your timing lines up — just expect bigger crowds. Otherwise, go early or later in the afternoon for softer light and fewer people.

The view from the top—ancient stones, modern city.

Favorites & Highlights

• Top sight: The Acropolis — unforgettable in person

• Best evening: Dinner at Dionysos Zonars with the Parthenon lit up

• Most memorable moment: Watching the Acropolis move from daylight to nighttime

• Best surprise: How much we liked the Moxy Athens City for a short stay

• Easiest win: Keeping the pace light and not overplanning the two days

Tips / What to Know Before You Go

• Visit the Acropolis early for fewer crowds

• Wear good shoes — the marble paths can be slick

• Expect some uphill walking

• The Acropolis Museum is a great pair with the Acropolis

• Rooftop dining is a must at sunset

• Give yourself at least one buffer night before a cruise

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

We’d stay one more night. Athens has more to explore than we could fit into two days, and an extra evening would give time for a few more neighborhoods and meals.

Practical Details

• Trip length: 2 nights

• Best for: Pre-cruise stays, couples, groups, city explorers

• Crowds: Busy mid-day at major sites; quieter mornings

• Clothing: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes

• Transportation: Easy walking city; taxis for longer distances are quick and affordable

Athens was the perfect place to start our Greece and Turkey cruise — iconic landmarks, lively streets, great food, and enough time to adjust to the time change without rushing. It set the tone for the trip in the best way and left us wanting to come back for a longer stay.