Athens is best understood one neighbourhood at a time. The historic centre is compact, many of its oldest streets are pedestrianised, and a short walk can take you from ancient ruins to a market street to a quiet residential square. These guides help you choose where to spend your time on foot, what to look for once you are there and which neighbourhood to walk on to next.
How to use these guides
Each guide covers what the neighbourhood is like, the public places worth noticing, how to get there by metro and which areas sit next door. We stick to things you can see for free from the street and point to official sources for anything with tickets or opening hours. Distances and walking times are only given when we have measured them.
Neighbourhood guides
Koukaki
A lived-in neighbourhood south of the Acropolis: the Acropolis Museum, the Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade, Philopappou Hill and café-lined Drakou Street.
Plaka coming soon
The old quarter at the foot of the Acropolis: neoclassical houses, Byzantine churches and the Monument of Lysicrates. For now, start with our Plaka, Monastiraki and Psyrri walk.
Anafiotika coming soon
A tiny Cycladic-style cluster of whitewashed houses on the Acropolis slope, built by workers from the island of Anafi. Please remember it is a residential area.
Monastiraki coming soon
The flea market streets, Avissinia Square and layers of history around the square.
Psyrri coming soon
Crafts, tavernas, Iroon Square and some of the city’s most visible street art. See the street art walk.
Thissio coming soon
The pedestrian Apostolou Pavlou, Acropolis views and the paths up Philopappou and the Pnyx.
Exarchia coming soon
Bookshops, Kallidromiou Street’s Saturday farmers’ market, Navarinou Park and political street art.
Kolonaki coming soon
Elegant streets, galleries and the walk up the slopes of Lycabettus Hill.
Pangrati coming soon
A residential neighbourhood near the Panathenaic Stadium with neighbourhood squares and cafés.
Which neighbourhood should you start with?
- First visit, limited time: Plaka and Monastiraki are next to each other and close to the Acropolis. Our self-guided Plaka, Monastiraki and Psyrri walk links them in a natural order.
- Views and open space: walk along Dionysiou Areopagitou from Koukaki and climb Philopappou Hill. See the Koukaki guide.
- Street art and street life: Psyrri and Metaxourgeio. Follow the Athens street art walk.
- One day, everything central: read One day in Athens on foot.
Walking between neighbourhoods
Central Athens is walkable, but it is a city of hills, uneven marble paving and busy avenues. A few habits make it easier: wear shoes with grip (polished marble can be slippery, especially after rain), carry water in warm months, and use a current map for the connections between areas. If you would rather follow a ready-made route, see our self-guided walks.
Questions
Which Athens neighbourhoods are closest to the Acropolis?
Plaka, Anafiotika, Koukaki (with neighbouring Makrygianni), Thissio and Monastiraki all sit around the base of the Acropolis and are connected by pedestrian streets such as Dionysiou Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou.
Can you walk between Athens neighbourhoods?
Yes. The historic centre is compact, and areas such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Psyrri, Thissio and Koukaki join on to each other. Expect hills, uneven paving and some busy roads to cross.
Are these guided tours?
No. These are free, independent guides. Strollio Athens is preparing guided neighbourhood walks, and bookings are not open yet.
Strollio walks
Prefer to walk with a local?
Strollio Athens is preparing small neighbourhood walks. Nothing can be booked yet. If you would like to hear when walks open, email info@strollioathens.com.