• Plaka neighbourhood
  • Athens neighbouhoods
  • Makrigianni neighbourhood
  • Plaka taverns
  • Taverna in Plaka
  • Athens rooftops
  • Athens tour
  • Athens neoclassical buildings
  • Athens Anafiotika
  • Anafiotika Athens
  • Monastiraki Square
  • Monastiraki tavern
  • Plaka shops
  • The best neighborhood in Athens
  • EMST Athens
  • Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens

The city of Athens has many fascinating neighborhoods to discover. Each has its own character and distinctly different vibe. But, what everyone traveling to Greece wants to know is, “Which is the best neighborhood in Athens?”. When most think of Athens, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the Acropolis, in the Makrigianni neighborhood. However, Athens is much more than the Acropolis. It is a city filled with hip, lively districts to explore. Discover the hidden gems in the backstreets of Athens’ coolest neighborhoods and make your Athens tour of this speckled city a trip to remember!

 

Makrigianni - The Best Neighborhood in Athens for the Top Attractions

 

Athens is the capital of Greece as well as the Attica region. Crowning the city since 447BC is the Parthenon temple at the Acropolis, in the Makrigianni neighborhood. The Makrigianni neighborhood is considered the best neighborhood in Athens, particularly for first-time visitors, as it one of the most central and exciting neighborhoods, offering easy access to all the top attractions in Athens! Located within its boundaries are The Acropolis, the best attraction in Athens, The Acropolis Museum, the best museum in Athens, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the buzzing pedestrianized Dionysou Areopaghitou Street. When on your Athens tour, take in the great views of the Acropolis while strolling down the brick path lined with hip cafés, designer jewelry shops, fashionable boutiques and avant-garde art galleries.  

 

Plaka - The Best Neighborhood in Athens for a Stroll in the "Neighborhood of the Gods"

 

Visit the Plaka, the best neighborhood in Athens for a stroll in the "Neighborhood of the Gods". Nestled in the shadow of the Acropolis, this nostalgia-inducing neighborhood offers a labyrinth of narrow lanes decorated with Byzantine temples, neoclassical pastel-colored houses and tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes and local art crafts. Family-run tavernas and sidewalk cafés adorn the tangled cobblestone alleys while offering shelter to the shade-seeking visitor on an Athens tour. Let your urge to discover more of this charming area guide you to Anafiotika, the Greek island-style oasis set in the heart of the busy metropolis. Featuring traditional Cycladic architecture, this scenic part of the old historical neighborhood of Plaka will make you feel as if you have traveled miles away from the hustle and bustle. Its narrow alleyways will take you to a hidden village paradise of small white-washed houses, bougainvillea-filled gardens and dead-end terraces.

 

Monastiraki - The Best Neighborhood in Athens for Thrift Shop Enthusiasts

 

The flea market at Monastiraki makes it the best neighborhood in Athens for thrift shop enthusiasts! You can find just about anything at this bazaar of treasures on your Athens tour. The entire Monastiraki neighborhood offers the best bargain hunting in the city with specialty stores, clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and rare antique furniture dealers. Overlooking the historical Monastiraki square are the Turkish Tzistarakis Mosque, the Andrianos Library, the Pantanassas Byzantine Church and the reconstructed neoclassic metro station. Find the old-time cafes among the jumble and take a seat for a glass of Greek wine or Ouzo, accompanied by a Greek meze. If you’re lucky, you may even get caught in a “glendi” and suddenly find yourself dancing among friendly strangers to the rhythm of Zorba the Greek!   

 

Koukaki - The Best Neighborhood in Athens for Cultural Inspiration

 

Central and vibrant, Koukaki is the best neighborhood in Athens for cultural inspiration. The Koukaki neighborhood is home to the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST). The building that houses this prestigious museum was once the Fix Brewery. The EMST exhibits the creative talent of both Greek and foreign contemporary artists. Blessed with pedestrian streets, Koukaki is an old-fashioned neighborhood where wandering is the perfect pastime on your tour in Athens. You won’t find any big Athenian department stores here, but rather small quaint shops, aroma-filled bakeries, sturdy butchers, friendly fishmongers and lively florists. Recently many trendy cafés, bars and restaurants have added a pleasant contrast to this traditional district. Don’t miss a chance to walk down Tsami Karatasou St and admire the beauty of the neoclassical mansions. The home of artist Margarita Theodorakis, the daughter of the world-famous composer Mikis Theodorakis, is sure to attract your attention.

 

Follow Our Insider’s Guide to All the Best in Athens and book your ideal Athens tour. Get lost in the labyrinth of backstreets and discover for yourself the best neighborhood in Athens!