Upon visiting Athens, you will awaken your inner curious explorer and culture enthusiast. The city is abundant with ancient, Roman, Byzantine, and modern landmarks that offer a wealth of historical knowledge and impressive visuals. Experience the unique charm of its neighborhoods and indulge in a journey that seamlessly weaves together history, tradition, and modern-day living.

One of the most prestigious and stately neighborhoods in central Athens, featuring neoclassical and modernist architecture, designer boutiques, Parisian cafés-bistros, chic restaurants, and art galleries. Above Kolonaki rises the evergreen Hill of Lycabettus, which provides the most picturesque views of the city. It is recommended to ascend to the summit for an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity and a visit to the small chapel of St. George. While in Kolonaki, you have the opportunity to explore the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the National Garden of Athens, and the Museum of the History of Greek Costume. Kolonaki is renowned for its posh and sophisticated ambience, while also being very welcoming and diverse, making it a sought-after location for socializing with its “beautiful people”.

The Psyrri region is among the most captivating areas in Athens, offering a vibrant mix of urban contrasts to explore, often referred to as the Athenian Berlin. In its squares and crossroads, a diverse array of individuals converges— hipsters and clothing designers, hair stylists and skateboarders, artisan accessories creators and vintage bazaars owners alongside enthusiasts of rebetico songs, fans of alternative and mainstream music, all intermingling with the immigrants’ polyglottism and Greek tradition. Known for its nightlife, the area of Psyrri is recognized as a vibrant entertainment district in Athens with traditional taverns, urban restaurants, bohemian cafés, and small theatrical venues. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, characterized by its colorful environment, multiformity, striking graffiti, and thoughtful quotes on its walls, while exudes a sense of nostalgia and Greek “meraki”.

Monastiraki (literally meaning little monastery) is a flea market neighborhood in the old town of Athens, and is one of the main shopping districts in the city. The area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction. This buzzing shopping district is situated on the north side of the Acropolis and its streets are lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. Standing in the middle of the square, you can see a blend of historical eras, architecture and cultures, and many roads leading to different directions. Follow your intuition and explore the beautiful “sokakia” of central Athens.

Starting at the top of Syntagma Square, walking down the steps and passing the fountain, you will find the beginning of Ermou Street at the bottom of the square. This bustling street is a shopper’s paradise. Ermou Street is a commercial avenue that has been transformed into a pedestrian-only thoroughfare, ranking as one of Athens’ most popular and vibrant shopping destinations. As you continue walking down the street, you will come across antique boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and the iconic Monastiraki Square.

Behind Monastiraki, you will discover the oldest and most cinematic sections of Athens. Plaka, situated in the shadow of the Acropolis, resembles a village within the city or an island —particularly when navigating through the whitewashed homes of Anafiotika and traditional Greek restaurants, evoking the experience of exploring a Cycladic Chora. Most streets are closed to automobile traffic, making it an ideal place for leisurely strolls and the discovery of culinary gems, historic villas recognized as the priciest residences in Athens, as well as monuments and churches like Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, a small 11th-century domed church that presents a striking contrast to the Acropolis towering in the background.

The National Garden of Athens is situated between the districts of Kolonaki and Pangrati, providing a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. This lush green space, located directly behind the Greek Parliament building, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, allowing visitors to relax amid shade and blooming flowers. It was commissioned by Queen Amalia, the inaugural queen of Greece, between 1838 and 1840.

The Zappeion Megaron, originally constructed for the first modern Olympic Games, is a significant cultural heritage of Greece and currently functions as a notable venue for conferences and events adjacent to the National Garden. Designed by the renowned Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen in 1878, the Zappeion Megaron is named after Evangelos Zappas, a Greek patriot and national benefactor of Northern Epirus, who envisioned the revival of the ancient Greek spirit and dedicated his life to the resurgence of the Olympic Games. Take a stroll through the Zappeion Gardens, which blend neoclassical architecture, urban aesthetics, and a jungle ambience in the heart of the city.