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

Before boarding our Greece and Turkey cruise, we spent two days in Athens—a city where ancient history and modern life collide at every turn. It’s not the most polished capital, but there’s something captivating about standing among ruins that have endured for centuries. Our time here was about shared experiences—visiting the Acropolis with friends, watching daylight fade to twilight over dinner at Dionysos Zonars, and seeing the Parthenon glow against the night sky. With warm September weather, light layers and comfortable shoes made it easy to move from sightseeing to dinner without needing to rush back to the hotel. Athens may be a bridge destination for many travelers, but for us, it offered the perfect mix of history, connection, and anticipation before setting sail.

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 option with playful décor and an easy location for exploring. Like all Moxy hotels, the bar doubles as the front desk—so instead of a formal check-in, we were greeted with a welcome cocktail. It was a fun touch that set a lighthearted tone for our two-night stay. While there are more upscale hotels in Athens, the Moxy was perfectly fine for a quick stop—clean, safe, and within walking distance of cafés and shops. For travelers looking for something convenient before a cruise, it’s a good fit, especially if you’re spending most of your time out sightseeing.

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 eaten there for lunch on a previous trip and made dinner reservations the moment we booked this one—highly recommended if you plan to go, since tables with the best view fill quickly. Watching the Acropolis shift from daylight to sunset to glowing night lights was a highlight of our time in Athens. The setting, food, and company made it one of those shared 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 somehow feels both larger than life and deeply human. Climbing the marble paths and hearing stories of the philosophers, rulers, and ceremonies that once filled the grounds was unforgettable. Comfortable shoes are a must—the stone can be slick—but the view from the top, stretching across the city, is worth every bit of the climb. It’s incredible to pause and think about what took place here so long ago, and how these ruins still watch over Athens today.

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

💡 Travel Tip: Our visit happened to fall on European Heritage Days in late September, one of several free-admission weekends at the Acropolis. It’s a great perk if your trip coincides—but expect heavier crowds. Otherwise, go early or later in the day for softer light and fewer people. The marble steps are worn smooth from centuries of visitors, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.

Athens might not be a city of romance in the traditional sense, but it’s a place that stirs reflection—a reminder of how much beauty comes from contrast. From ancient temples to lively streets lined with graffiti, from the hum of the city to the quiet awe atop the Acropolis, every moment felt like a balance of old and new. For couples or friends adding a quick stop before a cruise, two days here is just right: enough time to experience its history, enjoy a memorable meal with a view, and carry that sense of wonder forward into the islands of Greece and Turkey.