Acropolis
On the southern edge of Plaka, the pedestrianised archaeological promenade skirts the foot of the Acropolis, cutting between the pine-covered slopes of Filopappos Hill and Herodes Theatre (built 2 AD), hosting open-air performances through summer. Close by is the New Acropolis Museum, designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi.
Exarhia
Students and artists reside in this bohemian area filled with low-key bars, old-fashioned cafes and down-to-earth tavernas. A hotchpotch of neoclassical buildings and modern concrete apartment blocks line its grid of busy roads and leafy pedestrian side streets. The University lies close by, and the National Archaeological Museum is a 10-minute walk away.
Kifisia
Lying on the lower slopes of Mount Pendeli, 11 kilometres north of the centre, this smart, green suburb enjoys fresh breezes, making it several degrees cooler than Athens proper. Its leafy avenues are lined with villas set in gardens, expensive modern apartment blocks, chic boutiques, fashionable bars, high-end restaurants and several upmarket hotels.
Kolonaki
Near Syntagma Square, home to the Greek Parliament, Athens’ most expensive residential quarter is the domain of wealthy Greeks and foreign embassy staff. Glamorous socialites frequent the fashionable bar-restaurants, chic boutiques and designer stores. A funicular serves the pine-clad slopes of Mount Lycabettus, and several of Athens’ top museums are within walking distance.
Monastiraki
Below the Acropolis, at the foot of quaint Plaka, Monastiraki centres on a pedestrianised square with a Byzantine church and a metro station. From here, Ifaistou Street hosts a bazaar displaying leather goods, cheap jewellery, antiques and army surplus, while Adrianou is lined with open-air cafés overlooking the Ancient Agora. A flea market is held here on Sunday mornings.
Omonia
In the city centre, Omonia Square is a busy traffic node, where six major roads meet. There is also a metro station. It is home to several large modern hotels, popular with tour groups, and is close to the National Archaeological Museum and the Central Market. Crowds traditionally gather here to celebrate national sporting victories.
Piraeus
Athens’ port since the fifth century BC, Piraeus today is an industrial affair, eight kilometres southwest of the centre. Ferries, catamarans and hydrofoils connect to the islands, and cruise ships doing the Mediterranean circuit stop here. The pretty fishing harbour of Mikrolimano is lined with seafood eateries, and the circular bay of Pasalimani filled with luxury yachts.
Plaka
Quaint and touristy, Athens’ oldest residential quarter sits in the shadow of the Acropolis. Plaka’s narrow cobbled streets are lined with bougainvillea-clad neoclassical mansions, souvenir shops and pseudo-traditional tavernas, some with live music. A village atmosphere prevails, despite the crowds. Close to all the top sights, it makes the best base for a short stay.
Psirri
Once an area of leather tanning workshops, Psirri was transformed a few years back to make it Athens’ prime nightspot. Packed with an ever-growing range of bars, tavernas, and dance clubs, it offers mainstream entertainment. Several Latin and Oriental-themed bars add the spice. Psirri lives after dark, though the nearby Central Market is worth a look in by day.
Syggrou
A clean part of Athens close to the port of Piraeus and the Acropolis, Syggrou is lined with some of Athens’ biggest modern hotels, many with convention centres. This part of town is ideal for business travellers, as well as families with children. Syggrou Avenue, a busy, six-kilometre and six-lane thoroughfare, links the city centre to the coast at Palaio Faliro.
Syntagma Square
Athens’ central square and transportation hub is within 2 km of the picturesque Plaka neighborhood and the Acropolis. The Greek Parliament building is adjacent to the bustling square, where visitors can witness evzones or changing the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. West of the square on Ermou Street is the one of the most fashionable retail districts in the city.
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