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5 Must-See Athens Neighborhoods and How to Visit
There’s much more to Athens than ancient ruins—venture away from the Acropolis and you’ll find a warren of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive character. Book a walking tour or hop on the metro to experience Athens like a local in the city’s coolest districts. See below for some ideas.
Plaka
A maze of narrow streets stretching east of Acropolis Hill, Plaka is Athens’ oldest district. Largely pedestrianized and undeniably touristy, Plaka feels like a village within a city; its cobblestone lanes are crammed with shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts while leafy plazas are encircled with café terraces. Stroll down the central Adrianou Street, admire the picturesque old buildings of Anafiotika, or visit museums such as the Children’s Museum, the Music Museum, and the Jewish Museum.
Monastiraki
North of Plaka and the Acropolis, Monastiraki boasts a number of ancient monuments; among them are Hadrian’s Library, Tzistarakis Mosque, and the Stoa of Attalos. Best explored on foot, it’s most atmospheric on a Sunday when the Monastiraki Flea Market is in full swing, but shoppers can find a myriad of shops, galleries, and artisan workshops to browse any day of the week.
Psirri
Once a rundown residential area, Psirri (or Psyrri) has been given a new lease of life in recent years, reinventing itself as one of Athens’ most youthful and dynamic districts. If you’re looking to party, Psirri is the place to be; a diverse selection of bars, live music venues, and nightclubs offer events every night of the week.
Kolonaki
East of downtown Athens, Kolonaki is the neighborhood where well-heeled Athenians meet to shop, drink, and dine. In the shadows of Lycabettus hill—which affords panoramic views over Athens—Kolonaki’s wide avenues are lined with designer shopping boutiques, elegant bistros, and chic sidewalk cafés. Visit in the evening hours to enjoy some of the city’s most sophisticated nightlife.
Exarcheia
Once the center of Athens’ political riots, Exarcheia was off-limits to travelers, but these days the neighborhood is a hub of alternative culture and a favorite hangout for students. You can browse vintage stores, admire street art, or watch a band play at a bar. While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to visit the National Museum of Archaeology, home to some of Greece’s most important artifacts.
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Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.