Despite an eventful 3000 years of history, Patras is not considered the most compelling destination in the Peloponnese; most travelers pass straight through, boarding or disembarking from boats that sail to Italy and the Ionian islands. Yet those who do stay a night or two, they find a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant café and clubbing scene and a busy arts and culture community.

In the center of the city, two historical monuments draw attention: the Saint Andrew church, one of the biggest churches in the Balkans, and the Apollon Municipal theater, one of the first opera houses in Europe. The latter was designed in 1972 by the German architect Ernest Ziller. Since 1988, it permanently houses the Patras Municipal Regional Theater.

A visit to Spinney, the pine-tree-covered hill, the so-called “Veránda” of Patras because of its amazing view, will certainly uplift your senses. The specially formed paths and the shade by the tall trees make it an ideal place for leisurely walks, contemplation or jogging. At the municipal tourist kiosk there is a breathtaking view of the city, the port and the Patras Gulf.

Several spots around Patras honor the Greek national poet Kostis Palamas, such as at the Ypsilá Alónia Square where his famous statue stands. The house where he was born was recently sold to a Greek businessman who lives and works in the USA and will be transformed to “Olympism, Arts and Letters Museum,” which will be given to the Patras Artists Association.

The city overall has attractive plazas and architectural landmarks, such as the Medieval Castle and nearby the impressive Rio–Andirio suspension bridge, one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road.