There are neighborhoods in Athens for any taste. There is the best central, historical, hipster, classical, nightlife, expensive, classy, sea-and-sun, artistic, and upcoming neighborhood for you to choose from.
When visiting Athens, it is useful to know which neighborhood is the best for your needs. I have lived in one of them, for most of my life, and in a couple more for a few years. Here is what you need to know.
The Central Neighborhood: Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square neighborhood is not the typical Athens neighborhood. It is the central one.
What to look for? If you choose to stay here you will be close to the Parliament, a number of iconic churches, museums, restaurants, the market, and the National Garden.
Where to go from there? It is a walking distance of Andrian’s Gate, Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio, and the Acropolis. Of course, there is also the tram and the central Metro Station (Lines 2 and 3) that you can use and be sightseeing in minutes, or reach any part of town. You will often see the Hop-on Hop-off Bus passing by. It is the only double-decker bus we have, copying the London one.
Where to stay? There are numerous high-end hotels in Syntagma Square that offer a stunning view of the Acropolis due to their location. There are always specific offers to look for, especially in the off-season period of the year. Still, as one would expect, this is not an economical choice.
Who to meet? The people’s mix is what you would expect in any European capital, tourists, business people, and locals in a hurry.
The Historical Neighborhood: Makriyianni
Makrigianni is a residential area enclosed by the Dionyssiou Aeropagitou Str. to the foothills of Philopappou Hill, underneath Acropolis. It is named after the Greek Independence Revolution hero Makriyiannis. His statue is on the main same-name pedestrian street.
What to look for? Look for the Acropolis Museum, the pedestrian street that leads to Plaka, and some very nice souvenir shops all around. Enjoy the neoclassical houses and the elegant buildings.
Where to go from there? Plaka and Anafiotika is an obvious choice assuming you have concluded your Acropolis tour.
If you walk in the opposite direction from Plaka down Dionissiou Aeropagitou Str. you will easily reach Kerameikos. There are plenty of choices for restaurants and cafe bars there. You can enjoy your souvlaki, Greek salad, and a beer, or allow yourself the luxury of restaurants with Michelin stars!
Where to stay? From 60 € to 380 € a night, hotel rooms and hostels are available in the area.
Who to meet? If you enjoy people-watching, you will love having your coffee or cold drink as you see tourists walk by so as to climb the Sacred Rock or visit the Acropolis Museum.
The Hipster Neighborhood: Kypseli
Kypseli manages to harmoniously combine classic Athens with the most modern trends and multiculturalism.
What to look for? Walking under the orange trees of Drossopoulou, the road that connects Evelpidon and Kodrigtonos with Galatsi Avenue, you will see much of the architectural history of the city.
You may gaze at the neoclassical and modern buildings, along with some of the most beautiful house entrances to Athens. People from Ethiopia, South Africa, or anywhere else along with their unique cuisines. Fokionos Negri square is filled with artists who on occasion organize showings of their work in open houses.
Where to go from there? The view from Ano Kipseli (the part of the neighborhood on top of the hill) is breathtaking! If you want some quality nightlife do not miss Agiou Georgiou Square.
Where to stay? Kipseli is very close to the city center and a walking distance of hotels or Airbnb options. The neighborhood is not that very well equipped with hotels.
Who to meet? Artists, students, locals (Greeks and non-Greeks), and theater people who after their play are looking for some tasty food. You might even meet some tourists!
The Classical Neighborhood: Plaka
Right underneath the Sacred Rock of Acropolis, Plaka is the oldest neighborhood of Athens. It is also known as the “neighborhood of the gods”.
What to look for? As you walk the paved narrow streets you get the feeling you are walking back in time. Or that you are walking in circles. And you might be correct as the streets’ labyrinth style gets many lost. A map would be useful. Filomousou square, the Lysikrates Monument, or Anafiotika are just a few of the sites you do not want to miss.
Where to go from there? Assuming you have been to both the Acropolis Sacred Rock and the Acropolis Museum, the next stop is Monastiraki!
Where to stay? Numerous choices, difficult to find something in the price range below 100 €/night.
Who to meet? Plaka is filled with tourists and locals who live from tourism. It is not a typical neighborhood by any standards.
The Nightlife Neighborhood: Psiri
A colorful neoclassical Athens neighborhood encompassed by Athinas Str., Ermou Str., and Evripidou Str.
What to look for? Start from the central square, Iroon square. As you walk in the narrow alleys you will find a multitude of cafes, small bars, clubs, restaurants, ouzo restaurants, and traditional taverns with live Greek music. There are also theaters, art galleries, street art, and antique shops.
Where to go from there? Psiri is next to Monastiraki, next to Ermou Street, and very close to Kerameikos or Omonoia Square. The closest metro station is Monastiraki.
Where to stay? In between the churches that will invite people on Sunday morning ( there are the bells from Agii Anargiri, and Agios Demetrios) and the nightclubs that operate all night long, you might find it hard to sleep. But there are numerous options of hostels and hotels starting from 40 €/night.
Who to meet? Young people having a great time. Any age people, both tourists, and locals, as they enjoy their dinner. And some local residents.
The Expensive Neighborhood: Kolonaki
Kolonaki is an elegant central neighborhood that got its name from a small marble monolithic Roman column that today is erected in the Filikis Eterias Square or Kolonaki Square as it is better known. During the Turkish occupation, people in Athens believed the column had healing properties and was a deterrent to diseases and natural disasters.
What to look for? Walking around the neighborhood you will see a luxury market, where international brands and boutiques of Greek designers coexist. There are elegant concept stores and galleries.
Also, there are classic and gourmet restaurants with various cuisines of the world, but also more modern versions of Greek gastronomy. You will find trendy bars with live jazz music or DJs.
In Dexamenis Square, where the tank of Hadrian’s aqueduct is located, there are concerts of various music kinds throughout the summer. Finally, close by there is the very well-known open-air cinema Dexameni.
Where to go from there? You can visit Lycabettus Hill following the path on foot, or via the cable car in 1, Aristippou Str. At the top of Lycabettus, you can admire the panoramic view of the whole city and see the church of Agios Georgios.
Where to stay? Luxury Hotels in the area, of Syntagma Square, as it is a few meters to the south.
Who to meet? Meet the locals! They are somewhat …obvious. Very well dressed, having their coffee or drink, and gracefully tolerating all the rest of us! There are also quite a few members of the Parliament enjoying their coffee.
The Classy Neighborhood: Kifissia
For a long time, the suburbs (both the northern ones like Kifissia and the ones to the south) were considered to be more valuable than the town center. Although this trend is changed, as the center of the city has found its rightful place, still, some of the most expensive and beautiful roads are in Kifissia.
What to look for? Beautiful mansions as you walk the streets. You cannot miss them as they are enormous and so many! Some of them look like small palaces.
There is also the flower show close to the metro station (station Kifissia, green line) and a couple of open-air cinemas. High-end shopping international brands and cosmopolitan cafes are everywhere. Finally, take your pick among a number of cuisines in numerous restaurants.
Where to go from there? “Alsos Syngrou” is a wooded area of 1.000.000 square meters ideal for a walk and relaxation. The green metro line 1 will take you back to the center of the city. On your way back, stops at Maroussi, Psychiko, and Ambelokipi might be of interest to you if you want to explore the city a bit more.
Where to stay? People do not find Airbnb in this area that much. Mostly big well established hotels up to 5-star ones.
Who to meet? Everybody who is anybody lives in Kifissia or in nearby Ekali. You might meet movie stars or people who could be.
The Sea-and-sun Neighborhood: Glyfada
Recently Glyfada has surpassed even the northern suburbs in real estate value. Still, because of the beach and the openness of the neighborhood, the place feels more …balanced.
There is everything in Glyfada. Shopping, swimming, nightlife, and family strolls in Katraki square or in Agiou Nikolaou square. And the tram line to take you to Athens’ center.
What to look for? During summertime swimming in Glyfada or the nearby beaches is a very popular choice for both locals and tourists. Or just going for a walk by the seaside.
You can also take a walk in the famous market of Glyfada, rich in restaurants and cafes, or at the marinas, have lunch or dinner by the seaside or even play some golf! Admittedly, golf is not our national sport. In Glyfada, there is our only 18 holes-golf court in Athens.
Where to go from there? The Saronic Gulf is nearby and islands like Hydra or Poros are very beautiful options.
If you do not want to travel by boat, you might want to see Vouliagmeni or further to the south, reach Cape Sounio where you will visit the Temple of Poseidon. This one is the second most visited ancient temple after Acropolis’ Parthenon.
Where to stay? Hotels by the beach, Airbnb, apartments, and villas are the obvious choices. If you organize some island visits why not rent a boat?
Who to meet? A big variety of locals and tourists. Families, young people, and everyone else you would expect in a truly Mediterranean setting. I am here too so we might bump into each other 🙂
The Artistic Neighborhood: Exarcheia
An old Athens neighborhood, with a special charm and an interesting …notoriety.
It is a residential neighborhood of students and artists, with a Bohemian character in direct contrast with the Kolonaki neighborhood that is not that far away. It is also known as the starting point of all major protests over the past few years.
What to look for? A multitude of important neoclassical and modernist buildings are preserved. Traditional Greek restaurants with Greek music (rempetika) and a unique atmosphere, like “O Kavouras” in 64, Themistokleous Str., or “I Boemissa” in 17, Dion. Solomou Str. are worth your time.
Where to go from there? Go for a walk in the pedestrian zone of Themistocleous street, from Themistocleous square to Kallidromiou Str. and to other pedestrian zones of the area. Among others Valetsiou Str., Methonis Str., and Eresou Str., overall a quiet area for stopping at a café, a bar, or a traditional taverna.
Furthermore, in the neighborhood streets apart from the many restaurants and cafe bars, one will find unique shops selling clothes, records, books, and handmade jewelry.
Do not forget to visit the National Archaeological Museum (more information about that in my Museums Guide here ) which is right next door, on 44, 28th October (Patission) Str.
Where to stay? Guest houses, apartments, Airbnb, studios, or 4-star hotels are all there, starting from 55 € a night.
Who to meet? Young people and not-so-young discuss ideas and philosophize as Greeks do. Artists, students, a true bohemian tribe, honest in their quest to save the world. You will also meet the excavation works, as there is a new metro station that is being built in the area.
The Upcoming Neighborhood: Petralona
A charming colorful neighborhood, with the atmosphere of 1950s Athens. Several examples of working-class urban architecture are preserved among single-storey and double-storey houses. Over the past few years, Petralona is getting more and more popular!
What to look for? Look for Mercouri Square, a colorful square with small cafes and traditional tavernas. Visit Dora Stratou Dance Theater, the living museum of Greek dance, since 1953.
Where to go from there? In Apolloniou Street follow the stone-built houses of the post-war period and enjoy an atmosphere resembling a mountain village. Follow the road to the Thissio neighborhood.
Where to stay? Beautiful hostels and hotels are available starting at 35 € a night. Petralona is one of the neighborhoods that has taken advantage of the Airbnb opportunity to a significant degree. This has increased prices for the locals and provided additional alternatives for the tourists.
Who to meet? Petralona is still a normal neighborhood, whatever that means. The bakery, the family, the young couples, the tourists, the retired, they are all there creating an interesting collage.
As an afterthought
There is no one-size-fits-all in tastes, neighborhoods, or in the way you want to spend your days in Athens. The wonderful thing about this city is that it is big enough to provide a number of choices, but not too big to get you anxious about them.