Athens Neighbourhoods

Athens presents a mixture of the modern and the old. The extensive construction of buildings and houses that occurred during the urbanization of the 20th century is responsible for the current chaotic structure of Athens. However, both the monuments-remnants of the past that are located along the city and some neoclassical houses give the anarchic neighborhoods of Athens a more elegant look.

In brief, the most popular and historical neighborhoods of Athens are located in the city center: Plaka, Syntagma, Monastiraki, Acropolis & Thissio are the most tourist places to walk around and include most sightseeing. Some beautiful residential areas in the center include Koukaki, Mets and Kolonaki.
Many hotels are located in these neighborhoods.

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Below, you will find a list of 23 Athens neighborhoods in the city center and the suburbs, sorted by popularity.
After exploring them, don't skip checking out All Things to Do in Athens (best beaches, sights, restaurants, and more).

Location: Between Syntagma, Monastiraki and Acropolis Metro Stations
Description: Plaka is the most picturesque quarter in the heart of Athens. Paved streets, Neoclassical houses and gift shops stand out in this relaxing neighborhood.

Location: Between Syntagma Square and Koukaki
Description: The neighborhood of Acropolis, also called Makrygianni, starts from Hadrian's Arch and stretches until Thissio. This is a paved region under the shade of the Acropolis and within walking distance from the city center.

Location: Centre of Athens, opposite the Hellenic Parliament
Description: Syntagma, the Greek word for Constitution, is the central square of Athens. It stands out for the Parliament and the beautiful Neoclassical buildings that surround it. Most sites are located in the vicinity of Syntagma.

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Location: Close to Syntagma and Omonoia, outside Monastiraki Metro Station
Description: Monastiraki is a picturesque neighborhood in the heart of Athens. It is famous for its Neoclassical houses, the ancient sites and the open market with souvenirs and antique shops.

Location: Close to Monastiraki and the Acropolis, outside Thissio Metro Station
Description: Thissio is a lovely neighborhood right under the Acropolis. With many outdoor cafeterias, this is a favorite coffee spot for locals and visitors. The Ancient Agora is located in Thissio.

Location: In proximity to Monastiraki Square
Description: Psiri is a typical old neighborhood in Athens, with Neoclassical buildings and paved streets. It is a popular nightlife spot, particularly known for its clubs and taverns.

Location: Under the Acropolis, close to the Syngrou-Fix Metro Station
Description: Koukaki is a beautiful neighborhood in the center of Athens, just a breath away from the city center. Located on the southeast part of Filopappou Hill, it is a lovely neighborhood to stay in Athens.

Location: Between Syntagma and Lycabettus Hill, close to Syntagma and Panepistimio metro stations
Description: One of the most elegant neighborhoods of Athens, Kolonaki is located within walking distance from Syntagma Square. It has many shops, paved streets and cafeterias.

Location: Behind Kallimarmaro Stadium
Description: Mets is a beautiful traditional but classy neighborhood in Athens. Mane people of arts and letters have their residencies in that neighborhood.

Location: Between Patission Street, Tourkovounia Hill, the Municipality of Galatsi and the Pedion Areos Park.
Description: Kipseli's commercial areas are Patission, Fokionos Negri pedestrian Street and recently the square of Agios Georgios. The area is known for hosting many theatres.

Location: 20 km north of Athens centre
Description: Kifissia is among the greenest and most elegant neighbourhoods of Athens. It is famous as a shopping quarter and has many plante trees along the streets.

Location: 3 km from Syntagma, outside Kerameikos Metro Station
Description: Gazi took its name from the gas factory that worked there in the past. Now the factory has been turned into a cultural center and the neighborhood is very popular for its nightlife.

Location: 10 km southwest of Athens, outside Piraeus Metro Station
Description: Piraeus is the largest Greek port and serves ferry crossings to numerous Greek islands. The town of Piraeus is modern and has lovely seaside cafeterias to relax.

Location: 11 km south of Athens
Description: Glyfada is a lovely seaside neighborhood south of Athens. Its beach usually gets crowded in summer and it is lined by many cafeterias and watersports centers.

Location: Within walking distance from Syntagma, outside Omonia Metro Station
Description: Omonia is one of the largest squares in Greece. Although it did not always have a good reputation, the area is being renovated and many luxury hotels are located there.

Location: Between Syntagma and Omonia, outside Panepistimio Metro Station
Description: This large avenue is famous for its Neoclassical buildings, museums and malls. The University and the Academy of Athens are located along it.

Location: Academias Avenue starts in Syntagma Square and ends near Omonia Square
Description: This is one of the most popular streets of Athens and is located close to most central spots. Along its way, there are many beautiful Neoclassical buildings and churches.

Location: Between Omonia Square and Ermou Street
Description: Aiolou Street used to host many textile shops. Nowadays, you’ll find all kinds of shops on this street, including fashion shops, cafes, restaurants and patisseries.

Location: One kilometer from Syntagma, outside Evangelismos Metro Station
Description: This is a neighborhood with luxury hotels close to the city center.

Location: Between Omonia and Panepistimiou Avenue
Description: This central neighborhood is busy all-day-long as it is located close to schools and is full of cafeterias, bars and taverns.

Location: 55 km northeast of Athens
Description: Rafina is the second largest port of Attica after Piraeus. It is a lovely small town with little tourist development.