The largest city in the Peloponnese and the third larges in Greece, Patra is chiefly attractive to visitors for its port, which allows access to other areas. It is the second largest port after Pireas, with connections to Italy and to several of the Ionian Islands, as well as train connections to Athens and bus connections to many parts of the Greek mainland.

At the southern end of the waterfront is the large Byzantine-style modern church of Agios Andreas, built in 1979 on the spot where the saint is said to have been martyred. The most attractive part of Patra is the upper town, around the slopes of the ancient acropolis where the castle now stands. The castle is mainly Byzantine but has been added to by everyone over the years.