Plaka, Psiri, Koukaki, Thissio, Exarchia, Kolonaki and Pangrati are the best neighborhoods in Athens to visit.
If you’re visiting Athens as a tourist, you probably saw beautiful pictures of all really cool looking places that makes you just want to stay here forever. Athens is a very walkable city and tourists definitely love to do so. You can just about walk to all the main attractions and best neighborhoods in Athens easily, if you plan your day correctly. When you’re walking from one neighborhood to the other, the places have so much things to do, see and eat that you can find yourself taking half a day just between 2 neighborhoods.
Athens is so dense with popular, standout neighborhoods that it gives tourists a wide rage of options and one of the best walking tour experiences for a city in Europe. In this travel guide, discover the best neighborhoods in Athens to visit for tourists.
When you’re strolling through these neighborhoods you’re going to want to do different things and try new stuff. If you have just a little bit of time, maybe like a day, I made a one day Athens itinerary for you to check out.
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Plaka
Plaka was the first neighborhood I visited in Athens, right after I finished my Acropolis tour. Even though my Airbnb was in Koukaki, it was Plaka we spent most of our time actually doing stuff. Funny thing is, I had no idea it was Plaka I was walking though. I just wanted to explore on foot and ended up in here. Plaka immediately grabbed my attention by all the nice decorations each building and shop had. It also had way more tourists than some of the other neighborhoods in Athens.
When I arrived in Plaka I didn’t even know I was here, because we were just exploring randomly. But, I immediately noticed how much more touristy this area was compared to my hotel area. There were so much people on just one street.
Everything is in close proximity to the Acropolis and plenty of other ancient Greek sites. Most tourists hover around these sites a lot, which brings them over to Plaka to shop at Adrianou street. Definitely add this place to your Athens itinerary.
Great restaurants and cafes line the streets. Vendors and little shops sell all manner of Greek trinkets, clothes and Leather accessories. Most of all, everyone is very nice, welcoming and they know that the tourists bring in lot’s of business. Plaka is one of the biggest tourist hotspot in Athens.
Monastiraki sits at the foot of the Acropolis and you can look up at night and see it lit up on the hill. The narrow streets are just filled with souvenir shops, restaurants and cozy cafes. Between these streets you’ll come across some ancient Greek sites that you can visit to. You can easily walk to all the major archeological sites in Athens from here and they won’t be more than 20 minutes apart.
The main square is an amazing, touristy meeting place, food is great and there are lots to choose from. The overall feel of Monastiraki is is one of real Greek immersion and experience. You don’t feel like you’re in a busy corporate city with businesses and banks. It gives a feeling of people doing fun things and having a good time.
You’ll find the Ancient Agora here along with the popular flea market where you can get the touristy things we carry home to our family or stick on the fridge. Monastiraki is great for a one day trip to Athens, it has everything.
Psiri
Psiri is near to Monastiraki. You can basically just walk from Monastiraki and let here be your next stop. Psiri Athens is a lively neighborhood, full of colorful murals and a lot of rooftop clubs between narrow streets and squares lined with trees. I think it’s definitely worth strolling around at any time of the day for something to eat or one of those souvenirs. The walls that line the streets have lot’s of graffiti painted on it. Some people see this and think it must mean that Psiri is a rough neighborhood. But, it’s quite the opposite. There’s lot’s of unique theme styled Taverns to drink your heart out and have a good time.
Koukaki
Koukaki was my base and where I stayed in Athens. My Airbnb there was a penthouse a couple stories up and you could easily see the Acropolis lit on on the mountain. We actually forgot to book out Athens accommodation and ended up having to hurriedly try to get an Airbnb tonight for tonight. Should out to our Airbnb host for making sure everything went smoothly.
From here I could walk to the Acropolis easily. We walked to cafes, restaurants and other sites around Athens easily. I found that Koukaki was quite busy and had a lot of people. But it didn’t have that many tourists. There were mostly locals. The area was quiet in terms of there were not much business going on.
One of the things I noticed first was the amount of graffiti on every single building and wall in this area. Now, normally you’d accompany that with somewhere being a dangerous area or not as upscale. But, as I started exploring all the other neighborhoods in Athens, I realized this is basically how everywhere is.
Thissio
Another neighborhood lucky enough to be really close to the Acropolis and other attractions. Thissio runs along the western edge where the park meets the pedestrian paths. Thissio is not busy and touristy like Plaka or Monastiraki. If you go a little further away from the main area and you’ll be in a quieter setting with lot’s of food and cozy shops. There’s many trendy cafes and bars in a unique neoclassical layout. On the widest street you’ll see tourists enjoying night walks in beautiful surroundings. There’s also a really cool open air cinema called Cine Thission. Many couples come here for a romantic time while viewing the acropolis at the same time.
Kolonaki
Kolonaki is an upscale, rich suburb with fancy shops and lots of lawyer and expats. All the modern moving people reside here to do their shopping and socializing. There’s fancy boutiques, art galleries, clean, sleek cafes line the streets with people having a break from life. Despite it being known as the upscale neighborhood, I think it’s very affordable compared to other places in Europe. There are lot’s of big brand stores for you to shop at. There’s a large variety of quality places to eat and drink, with lot’s of outside seating. The square is a park over a parking garage.
Kolonaki doesn’t have much tourist crowds like other places on this list, but that might be a good thing for some. Although it is not quite as shiny as before the crisis, it’s still a great place to walk, shop and have a coffee. The Benaki Museum and Museum of Cycladic Art both are also nearby.
Pangrati
Pangrati is a very large and sprawling area in Athens. People say it has the best street food in Athens, especially soulvlaki. When you stroll through Pangrati you’ll come across many pavement cafes, bars, fancy restaurants and bars. There’s also places like arthouses, jazz clubs and some bookstores. There is an artsy aura in this neighborhood and it’s home to musicians and writers. There is a lively cafe scene here, particularly Platia Proskopon and Platia Varnava.
Like many neighborhoods in Athens, there are lot’s of shops, the Goulandris museum of Contemporary art and Athens first cemetery. There is kind of edgy vibe and all of the things that make it so make it a fun place to breeze out in.
Athens Neighborhoods to avoid
Omonia Square
Avoid the backstreets specifically toward Menandrou and Geraniou. Most locals will tell you about this place if you ask them where to not go. While the square is a major transit hub that has seen recent redevelopment, the surrounding side streets still struggle with visible drug use and high rates of petty crime. It’s generally safe during daylight hours especially if you’re in a group. Just because there are just many other people walking around, but try not to go there at night.
Exarchia
Exarchia is Athens’ famous activist and anarchist district, known for its intense political identity and street art. Its interesting to visit for its grit and bohemian cafes, it is also the frequent epicenter for political demonstrations and occasional friction between activists and local police. People should avoid here because it’s just unpredictable. I left Greece on the 26th of February and on the 28th the airports where shut down and there were mass protests.
FAQs about the neighborhoods in Athens
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Athens for first-time visitors?
Plaka is the best neighborhood for first-time visitors. It’s central and close to the Acropolis, filled with historic streets, and has plenty of restaurants, shops, and rooftopbars within walking distance.
Which neighborhood in Athens is best for nightlife?
Psiri is the top choice for nightlife. It has plenty of bars, taverns, and live music.
Where should I stay in Athens for local culture?
Koukaki has a quieter and slower vibe than other neighborhoods. There are cozy cafe’s and places to hangout that serve local street food.
What is the most upscale neighborhood in Athens?
Kolonaki is Athens’s most upscale area. It’s known for designer boutiques, art galleries, fine dining, and a polished atmosphere.
Which neighborhood is safest in Athens?
Plaka and Kolonaki are considered very safe, even at night. Koukaki is also safe and quiet, with a strong local and laid back community feel.
Where can I find the best street markets in Athens?
Monastiraki has a famous flea market and street stalls selling antiques, souvenirs, and local products. It’s also close to the Acropolis and centralized.
Which Athens neighborhood has the best views?
Thissio has some of the best views of the Acropolis from its pedestrian streets and outdoor cafés. There’s even an outdoor cinema called Cine Thission.
