12 Best Neighborhoods in Athens

Athens Districts – Which Neighborhoods Should You Explore?

Discover the 12 best neighborhoods and areas in Athens, from Plaka and Monastiraki districts to Koukaki, Exarcheia and Pangrati. Including atmosphere, tips and must-see attractions.

What Is the Best District in Athens?

Athens is much more than the Acropolis and other remains of ancient Greece. The Greek capital is made up of districts (neighborhoods), each with its own distinct character. Wander through the narrow streets of historic Plaka, browse the markets of Monastiraki, discover street art in Exarcheia or enjoy the nightlife in Psirri and Gazi. In this guide, you'll discover 12 interesting neighborhoods in Athens, what makes each district special and which attractions you shouldn't miss. Which neighborhood in Athens is the best area to stay?

1. Plaka – the Historic Neighborhood of Athens

^{Plaka, a charming neighborhood full of picturesque streets}

^{Plaka is one of the best areas in Athens for souvenir shopping}

At the foot of the Acropolis lies Plaka, the best-known and most touristy neighborhood in Athens. It is a charming maze of narrow streets lined with colorful houses, neoclassical buildings, small churches, tavernas and souvenir shops. The most picturesque part of this Athens district is Anafiotika, a tiny neighborhood of whitewashed houses that feels more like a village on a Greek island than part of a major city. Plaka is certainly touristy, but on a first visit to Athens, this historic neighborhood is one you really shouldn't miss. Read more about 'Things to do in Plaka'.

• In short: historic • charming • picturesque • touristy
• Attractions: Anafiotika, Roman Agora, Tower of the Winds, Adrianou Street and the many Byzantine churches.
• Hotel tips: Plaka Hotel and Hermes Hotel

2. Monastiraki

^{The rooftop terraces around Monastiraki Square offer fantastic views}

^{Ermou, the main shopping street between Monastiraki Square and Syntagma Square}

Monastiraki is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Athens and forms a fascinating link between ancient and modern Athens. The central Monastiraki Square is almost always bustling and is surrounded by historic buildings, shops and cafés. From the square, explore the Monastiraki Flea Market, browse the antique shops around Avissinias Square or head to a rooftop bar for views of the Acropolis. The flea market is particularly lively on Sundays. Read more about 'Things to do in Monastiraki'.

• In short: lively • flea market • shopping • history • rooftops
• Attractions: Monastiraki Square, Flea Market, Hadrian's Library and the Church of Pantanassa.
• Hotel tip: Downtown Suites by Athens Tower

3. Syntagma – the Political Heart of Athens

Syntagma is the political and modern heart of Athens. On the impressive Syntagma Square stands the Greek Parliament, where every hour you can watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard by the Evzones at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From the square, you can easily walk into the National Garden or head down Ermou, one of Athens' main shopping streets. Syntagma may lack the intimate neighborhood atmosphere of Plaka or Psirri, but its central location and excellent metro connections make it one of the most convenient areas in Athens.

• In short: central • political heart • shopping • convenient location
• Attractions: Syntagma Square, Greek Parliament, Changing of the Guard, National Garden and Ermou Street.
• Hotel tip: Arethusa Hotel Athens

^{The Greek Parliament at Syntagma Square}

^{Psirri, a lively neighborhood full of cafés and colorful street art}

4. Psirri

During the day, Psirri is a colorful neighborhood filled with street art, small shops and traditional workshops, but it really comes alive in the evening. The streets around Iroon Square fill with tables from restaurants, tavernas, cocktail bars and cafés. Despite its popularity, Psirri still has a slightly edgier character than nearby Plaka. You will also find the extravagant Little Kook here, a spectacularly decorated café that has become an attraction in its own right.

• In short: nightlife • street art • restaurants • alternative • lively
• Attractions: Iroon Square, Little Kook, street art, Protogenous Street and the nearby Varvakios Market.
• Hotel tip: Ederlezi Boutique Hotel

5. Koukaki

South of the Acropolis lies Koukaki, a pleasant residential neighborhood that has become one of the most popular areas in Athens in recent years. Around streets such as Drakou and Olympiou, you'll find inviting cafés, small restaurants and terraces, while the atmosphere is much less hectic than in Plaka and Monastiraki. This also makes Koukaki an attractive neighborhood to stay in. Its location close to the Acropolis and Philopappos Hill also makes it an ideal base for sightseeing.

• In short: local • cafés • restaurants • quiet • great location
• Attractions: National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) and the adjacent Philopappos Hill. The Acropolis Museum is located just north of the neighborhood.
• Hotel tip: Acropolis Select

6. Kolonaki – the Chic Neighborhood of Athens

^{Chic boutiques in the Kolonaki neighborhood}

^{Kolonaki lies at the foot of Lycabettus Hill}

For a more upscale side of Athens, head to Kolonaki. The neighborhood stretches along the slopes of Lycabettus Hill and is known for its exclusive shops, stylish cafés, excellent restaurants and art galleries. Around Kolonaki Square and Voukourestiou Street, you'll discover a very different side of Athens compared with the historic city center. Combine a walk through the neighborhood with a visit to one of the city's museums, then head to the top of Lycabettus Hill for one of the best views over Athens.

• In short: chic • shopping • art • restaurants • Lycabettus
• Attractions: Lycabettus Hill, Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, Kolonaki Square and Voukourestiou Street.
• Hotel tip: Coco-Mat Hotel Athens

7. Thissio

Thissio lies to the west of the Acropolis and is particularly popular for its pedestrianized Apostolou Pavlou promenade. From this pleasant walkway, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Acropolis and easily reach the Ancient Agora and Philopappos Hill. There are plenty of cafés and terraces along the promenade and around the central square. Despite its central location, Thissio feels a little quieter than Monastiraki and Plaka, making it a particularly pleasant neighborhood to explore around sunset.

• In short: walking • Acropolis views • terraces • history
• Attractions: Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus, Apostolou Pavlou and Philopappos Hill.
• Hotel tip: Acropolis Vision

8. Exarcheia – the Alternative District of Athens

Exarcheia is probably the most unconventional neighborhood in Athens. For decades, this Athens district has been known for its anarchist and left-wing activist character, which is reflected in the political graffiti, posters and impressive street art found throughout the neighborhood. At the same time, Exarcheia is a lively student district filled with record stores, bookshops, inexpensive restaurants, alternative cafés and bars. The distinctive atmosphere of the district is particularly noticeable around Exarcheia Square and along streets such as Valtetsiou.

• In short: alternative • street art • students • political • cafés
• Attractions: Exarcheia Square, street art, Valtetsiou Street and the nearby National Archaeological Museum.

^{Exarcheia, the alternative neighborhood of Athens}

^{The Gazi neighborhood is located around Technopolis}

9. Gazi – Nightlife and Entertainment District

If you want to experience Athens' nightlife, Gazi is one of the places to go. The former industrial district around the old gasworks is now packed with bars, clubs, restaurants and outdoor terraces. The area around Kerameikos Square and the streets leading towards Technopolis gets particularly lively in the evening. Gazi is less interesting for traditional sightseeing during the day, but it is a great example of how former industrial areas in Athens have been transformed and given an entirely new purpose.

• In short: nightlife • bars • clubs • industrial • young
• Attractions: Technopolis.

10. Pangrati

If you want to experience everyday life in Athens, Pangrati is one of the most interesting districts to explore. Around Varnava Square and Proskopon Square, you'll find cafés, bars and restaurants that are mainly frequented by locals. The neighborhood has a creative atmosphere and is popular with artists, writers and young Athenians. Pangrati combines this local character with several interesting cultural attractions and is located directly behind the Panathenaic Stadium.

• In short: local • food • cafés • creative • few tourists
• Attractions: Panathenaic Stadium and the First Cemetery of Athens.
• Hotel tip: Athens Green Apartments

11. Kerameikos

Kerameikos is a fascinating combination of archaeology and modern city life. The neighborhood takes its name from the potters who worked here in ancient times. Today, its main attraction is the large archaeological site, which was once home to an important cemetery and several city gates of ancient Athens. Beyond the archaeological site, Kerameikos has a grittier character, with old buildings, street art, creative spaces and cafés. As you head towards Gazi, the atmosphere becomes increasingly lively.

• In short: archaeology • gritty • history • street art • alternative
• Attractions: Kerameikos archaeological site and Kerameikos Museum.

12. Omonia

Omonia is certainly not the most attractive neighborhood in Athens. Around the large Omonia Square, major roads, shops, hotels and different cultures come together. The area has had a poor reputation for many years, and although parts of the neighborhood have been improved in recent years, homelessness and drug-related problems are still quite visible. For tourists, the most interesting part lies to the south towards the Central Market, where Athens feels much grittier and more local than around Plaka.

• In short: multicultural • gritty • markets • less appealing at night
• Attractions: Omonia Square and Varvakios Central Market.

What Is the Best District in Athens?

For a first visit, Plaka, Monastiraki and Psirri are the neighborhoods you really shouldn't miss. Plaka is the best choice for historic atmosphere, Monastiraki for markets and lively street life, and Psirri for restaurants and nightlife. If you're looking for a more local atmosphere, head to Koukaki or Pangrati. For luxury shopping and museums, Kolonaki is the best choice, while Exarcheia shows you the more alternative side of Athens. For nightlife, Psirri and Gazi stand out.

What Is the Best Area to Stay in Athens?

For a first city break, Plaka and Monastiraki are ideal because of their central location. If you want restaurants and nightlife within easy reach, Psirri is a great choice, while Koukaki is quieter but still close to the main attractions. Syntagma is particularly convenient because of its excellent connections to Athens Airport and other parts of the city. For luxury hotels, Kolonaki is one of the best areas to stay.

Which Areas of Athens Should You Avoid?

Athens is generally a safe city for tourists, but there are some areas where it is wise to be a little more cautious, particularly at night. This applies especially to some streets around Omonia, Vathis Square and further towards Metaxourgeio and Larissa Station. Homelessness, drug use and other social problems are more visible in these areas, and some streets can feel uncomfortable after dark. It is also advisable to be more alert around Victoria Square at night. During the day, you can generally visit these areas without problems, but for accommodation I would personally choose neighborhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki, Syntagma or Kolonaki instead. In busy tourist areas, pickpocketing is generally a more practical concern than violent crime.