Location: Athens
Top Things to do in Athens
Countries
Top 8 Neighborhoods in Athens, Attica
Once known for smog, traffic and tacky architecture, Athens is a city reformed thanks to fortunes brought by the 2004 Summer Olympics. Spotless parks and streets, an ultra-modern subway, new freeways, an accessible airport and all signs in perfect English make the city easily negotiable. Meriting more than a stopover en route to the islands, sophisticated Athens sites include many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum.
Restaurants in Athens
1. Plaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,134 reviews
Historic neighborhood located at the base of the hill topped by the Acropolis.
Reviewed By megan-woodruff - Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine
This area of town came highly recommended from friends that have visited Athens multiple times. It is full of delicious restaurants, great shopping (touristy stuff and clothes/shoes), and has a very young and hipster-ish vibe. There is plenty to do and see, but it gets pretty crowded and busy, so steer clear if that isn't your scene.
2. Anafiotika
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,233 reviews
Reviewed By MargieD300 - York, United States
I had read about this group of island-like houses and it was a highlight for me to not only find it but explore this small area of only about 45 homes. Part of the Plaka neighborhood set at the "back" side of the Acropolis, it is picturesque! Built in the 18th century by workers from the island of Anafi, there are small, narrow walkways, steep steps, and worth the climb to the top for a beautiful view of Lycabettus Hill, one of the highest points in Athens!
3. Kolonaki Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 287 reviews
A modern street lined with the city's chicest boutiques, coffee houses and restaurants.
Reviewed By permia
In the grand neighbourhood of Kolonaki between National Garden and Mount Lycabettus is this pleasantly tranquil space. With greenery, nicely laid out paving and paths, statuary and seating, its popularity is not difficult to understand. Amongst the gleaming white sculptural busts of notables are some more abstract creations. One shows a woman without a head but with one wing. Slightly slouching on a seat a big stringed instrument is on her lap.
4. Psirri
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 324 reviews
THE place for the young and chic: this neighborhood is lined with the trendiest shops, clubs and bars in the city.
Reviewed By stinkwink - Sydney, Australia
Since our hotel was very close to the Psyri, we often walked around there and had dinner at Oraia Penteli and drinks and lunch in Liosporos Bistro. Around Oraia Penteli the nightlife always is in full speed, and I loved to linger around and to listen to the music coming from different bars and restaurants. This once old, dilapidated area that was better to avoid, changed to be one of the most popular neighborhoods in Athen. Old houses are cheered up with colorful funny graffiti, unusual decorations and green plants are brightening up streets. Lord Byron visited this area, staying in a guesthouse of Theodora Macri, the widow of a former English vice-consul. From this trip, he wrote the famous poem "Maid of Athens" probably about Theresa, the eldest of three sisters, of his landlady. "Maid of Athens! I am gone: Think of me, sweet! when alone. Though I fly to Istambol, Athens holds my heart and soul: Can I cease to love thee? No! Ζωή μου, σᾶς ἀγαπῶ." You don't have to be Lord Byron to love this area and maybe the daughter of the landlady as well. It is a great place to visit for fun or art lovers or just the explorers of Athen.
5. Gazi
6. Monastiraki
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,624 reviews
Lively flea market neighborhood with lots of small tavernas serving good-value local snacks.
Reviewed By MadanGopalM - Bengaluru, India
My hotel was at a walkable distance from this vibrant and active Monastiraki square. There is a metro station, flea market, scores is shops selling souvenirs, cafes, fast-food joints, floating crowds from various parts of the world, and a panoramic view of Acropolis, all this add to the beauty of this Square. As advised by the receptionist at the hotel, one has to be a bit careful from pickpocketing. Evenings are very entertaining.
7. Pireos Street
8. The Art of Turtle
The turtle is an ancient symbol of balance and is portrayed as the world’s equalizer, the principle of creation and the conservator of everything. In the heart of Athens, in a small workshop, Katerina Rodopoulou gets inspired and creates her jewelery. Behind each jewel there is a symbolism, a hidden meaning. Two collections, two concepts: The “Balance of Elements Collection” & The “Constellation Collection”. In her first collection, the five elements of nature and their special features are represented by five symbolic animals, while the jewelery of the second collection depicts the formations of the star, the so called constellations and bring to life the stunning stories of the rich Greek mythology.
