Top Things to Do in Patras
Patras is Greece’s third largest city. We’ve been in the city several times and love it. That’s why we are here to tell you about all the things to do in Patras.
To us, Greek beaches are among the best in the world. However, continental Greece is somehow underappreciated, in particular the Peloponnese. Fewer foreigners visit it. What a mistake!
Patras has it all: beaches, culture, archaeological remains, historic architecture, wine, delicious food, and fantastic hosts. We are sure you will love it as much as we do!
Explore the City Center on Foot
The center’s seafront is not that enticing. You will see massive ships docked and a concrete parking lot with an amusement park. Better walk to King George I square, the city’s epicenter.
We always have lunch overlooking the square, in Grill town tavern. For coffee we go to Hemingway Coffee Bar, on pedestrian Riga Ferou. Walk along Maizonos street to the Municipality.
Andre raves about the public library next to it. For art, head to Laifos Gallery on Korinthou Street. For live jazz go to Notos, on Patreus St.
Visit the Municipal Theater
We have to be honest: not even Athens has a theatre as beautiful as the Apollon Municipal Theater. The 1872 building presides over King George I square.
No other than Ernst Ziller designed it in the neoclassical style. It resembles La Scala in Milan. If you think it looks great from the outside wait till you get inside.
There’s always something good showing in the theatre. Patras’ incredible Carnival starts here. The Holy Metropolitan Church of Patras from 1842 is one block behind the theatre. The ceiling and icons are superb.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
The nicest church in Patras is the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, a short walk from King George I Sq. It’s in the middle of a gorgeous green area that faces the sea.
Construction of the temple started in 1908 and took 66 years to complete. With its 13 domes and high ceilings, it is the biggest Orthodox Church in Greece.
One of the nicest boulevards in the city begins in front of the Church, Trion Navarchon. It’s full of trees. We always have beer with our local friends in Beer Bar Q, one block from the Cathedral.
Admire the Views from the Castle
Patras Castle towers above the city. However, it’s just a 20 minute walk from King George I square. The best way to reach the castle is through St. Nicholas Stairway, at the end of Agio Nikolau St.
The Old Municipal Hospital of Patras from 1857 is there. It’s now a cultural center. The park in front is splendid and leads to the castle. Access to the 6th Century fortress is free.
We recommend going in the afternoon. It’s the best place to catch the sunset. The views from the castle over the city and the gulf are simply epic.
Visit the Roman Odeon
The Roman Odeon of Patras dates back to the 2nd Century AD. The first time we visited several years ago it was in disrepair. It’s been refurbished recently and it looks great!
The Odeon is on a hill but lower than the castle. However, the views from the top are fantastic. Today, it’s used for art performances and shows, especially during the Carnival.
You have to stop by Banana Moon. It’s a rooftop bar with delish cocktails and views over the Odeon. For mezze in a garden go to Prego also in front of the Odeon.
Learn History in the Archeological Museum
We are archeology geeks and believe the Archeological Museum of Patras is one of the best in the country. It’s a 40 minute walk from the square. Bus 602 takes you there from the center in 10 minutes.
The contemporary building opened in 2009. You will recognize it from its sleek titanium dome. It’s the second largest in the country, so you need at least a couple of hours to see it.
It’s got 4 sections, one of which is temporary. We are in love with the collection of mosaics. It’s almost empty and there’s a coffee shop inside.
Try the Peloponnese Wine
If you are into wine, you will love Patras. Peloponnese wine is considered among the best in the country and Patras is the best place to taste it.
Achaia Clauss Winery from 1861 is the oldest winery in Greece. The place is beautiful! It’s 6 miles (9 km) from the center. Bus 707 takes you there in 1.5 hours.
Take the guided tour and taste its mavrodaphne wine. We love having wine overlooking the sea in Bodegas in the center. Nearby Rookie Wine Bar has the widest selection of Greek wines in Patras.
Explore the Colorful Street Art
As soon as you start walking around Patras you will notice it’s full of graffiti. The city is like an open air museum. World renowned AFK did The Float in the center. It’s dedicated to refugees.
The area beneath the castle is graffiti central, in particular around Ermou and Ifestou streets. All you have to do is walk and get lost searching for art.
Another area with street art is south of the Cathedral. Agios Andreas train station is nearby. Former factories are now perfect canvases for art.
Spend Some Time on the Beach
Granted, Patras doesn’t have proper urban beaches. However, you can enjoy beautiful Greek beaches just 5 miles north (7 km) of the center. Buses from the center go all along the coast and reach the beach in an hour.
The closet beach is Agiias Beach. The water is clear and it’s got memorable views over the famous bridge. There are bars and taverns.
The next beaches are Dafnes, Proastio, and Rio. We strongly recommend spending at least one night by the beach. The best hotel in the area is the Airotel Achaia Beach, directly on the beach.
Go on a Day Trip to Nafpaktos
One of our favorite places in the entire country is Nafpaktos. The little coastal town is full of history, culture, and incredible beaches. What’s more, there aren’t many foreign tourist around.
Nafpaktos is only 15 miles (23 km) from Patras. The journey there is an attraction in itself. You see the gulf and cross the iconic bridge. The city has Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek heritage.
A Venetian Castle towers above Nafpaktos, while the Venetian Port marks the center. We always stay at Flisvos Hotel. It’s on the beach. However, you can walk to the center in no time.
Where to Stay in Patras
The best places to stay in Patras are in the center. It’s safe and you can walk everywhere. At night, take an inexpensive taxi. Our favorite hotel is the Moxy.
Marriot manages the contemporary property. It’s next to the marina and has a pool. The rooftop terrace is awesome. Book a room with sea views and a balcony.
The best hotel in Patras is The Bold Type. The luxurious neo classical mansions is next to the Roman Odeon. The rooms are big and feature wooden floors and designer furniture. The hotel’s garden is splendid.
