Athens Neighborhoods:
When you think of Athens, one of the first things that will come to your mind is the Acropolis which houses the Parthenon. The Acropolis will be on the top of your to-do list while in the city and you will easily see the iconic monument from most of the city. Athens is filled with a collection for vibrant neighborhoods and colorful neighborhoods that you can also explore after you are done exploring the Acropolis. Some of the best neighborhoods not to miss while in Athens are listed below.
The best Athens neighborhoods:
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is popularly known Athens neighborhood for its antique shops and local markets. The area features tiny alleys with open-air markets that you can explore. The neighborhood is the perfect place to go if you are a flea market fan as you can explore one in the neighborhood every Sunday. It is also the best place to go if you want to buy vintage goods or souvenirs. You can easily visit this area any time of the day, there are also varieties of attractions that you can explore in the area.
Plaka
This Athens neighborhood is located just at the foot of the Acropolis and it is one of the tourist hotspots in the city. It features a maze of narrow streets that are dotted with museums, ancients sites, 19th-century Neoclassical villas, Byzantine churches, and surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The neighborhood is compact and you can easily explore the area by walking, it also has a rich history and great character and you will find a tiny village of Anafiotika in the middle of the area. The area offers tourists picturesque scenery and it is located in the heart of the city.
Syntagma
Syntagma Square is the heart of the city and it is the main stage of the commercial, political, and social life of the city. The area also hosts the New Year’s celebration; it is also served by most of the public transportation in the city. The square is encircled by offices, hotels, and cafes and it is a great place to stay but it is quite expensive here because of its central location
Ambelokipi
This is a residential Athens neighborhood and it consists of the district of Zografou and Panormou. Although the area does not have many things of interest to tourists, it is perfectly located at the center and close to the hidden gems in the city. It also houses the Athens University campus and polytechnic school campus. The Zografou neighborhood houses a wide population of students while the Panormou is populated by families. The area is a great place to stay if you want to live in the center and also enjoy the local experience.
Psiri
This neighborhood attracts younger locals and tourists that want to enjoy live music and go window shopping. The area has a laid-back vibe and it is filled with trendy cafes and bars that you can explore. It is also a great place to hang out during the weekends if you want to avoid the touristy area and enjoy local vibes.
Gazi
This neighborhood has a thrilling nightlife and it once homes the local gas factory that started operation in 1862 before it is closed in 1984. The region is now a Technopolis art complex, a cultural center that hosts events and concerts. The area still has an industrial vibe but it is a place to go if you want to live like a local while you also get easy access to some of the best nightclubs in the city.
Koukaki/Makrigianni
This neighborhood is gradually getting more and more popular as one of the top places to stay in Athens. Koukaki is situated at the foot of the Filopappou hill and it is a pedestrian paradise filled with bars and cafes. The area is also filled with lots of Airbnb accommodation which makes it a convenient place to stay. Makrigianni can be found between Syntagma and the Acropolis area and Koukaki and it is pricier because it is close to major attractions in the city.
Kolonaki
This is a posh district in the city where the rich, socialites, and wannabes mingle. The area is surrounded by designer houses, art galleries, high-end boutiques, restaurants, and bars. This neighborhood is a hotspot for locals and tourist day and night. It also features a serene back street as you climb towards the Lycabettus hill.
Athens at a Glance 