Is it a nice walk that you are looking for? Psirri neighbourhood is your answer!
What is it that you might be looking for on a walk and not find in Psiri? You name it! Because, I certainly can’t find it: modern and traditional coffee places, shops with handmade goods, designer boutiques, antique shops, gourmet restaurants, street food, live music, bars and of course stops for dessert, hotels for every taste and every budget, and all this in front of a scenery of graffiti and slogans on the walls that even the most famous painter would envy!
Hence, Athens Urban Hotels asked hotel managers in Psirri neighbourhood to suggest “places to see”, that are so representative they would also recommend them to their guests: from hidden hangouts to famous spots! And here they are…
Margarita Kontzia, Owner of Alkima Athens
Klimataria; A historic tavern in the heart of Athens with live music and a beautiful courtyard full of vines with traditional Greek flavors.
Thes “Greek Creative Cuisine”: A modern touch in the center of Athens with Greek roots and alternative dishes.
Atlantikos: “Tucked” in a corner in Psirri, somewhere between graffiti and… a hammam, Atlantikos serves the tastiest and most affordable fish in Athens.
Nancy’s Serbetospito: If you find yourself in the center of Athens and want something sweet, Sherbetospito is the perfect place to go. Endless options with fresh, tasty and high-quality traditional sweets that lift you up.
Little Kook: Taken all from children’s cartoons, with infinite imagination and taste, Little Kook creates a fairy-tale atmosphere in this narrow alley in Psirri. Serving imaginative sweets and treats for all ages.
Christina Papadopoulou, Operations Manager 18 Micon Street.
Psiri, located in the heart of Athens, is a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood that beautifully blends modernity with its rich historical past. This area is brimming with culture, creativity, and a distinctive urban charm. Here are 5 must-visit spots in Psiri:
The Art Foundation (TAF): TAF is an art gallery, bar, and cultural space tucked in the heart of Psiri. It is a fascinating blend of art and nightlife, often hosting exhibitions, live music, and performances.
Avissinias Square: This charming square is a hidden corner in Psiri, with its own unique atmosphere. Surrounded by colourful buildings, cafes, and antique shops, it is a great spot to unwind, people-watch, and discover hidden treasures in the antique stores.
Klimataria: This traditional Greek taverna is a hidden gem with a cozy, old-world atmosphere. It is known for its authentic Greek dishes, including moussaka and lamb, and it is a favourite among locals for its warm hospitality and live music.
Melissinos Poet Sandal Maker of Athens: Located on Agias Theklas Street, this traditional shop specializes in handcrafted leather sandals. The skilled artisans here create custom-made sandals in various styles. You can choose the leather and design for a unique, personalized pair of footwear.
Greek Bougainvillea: Psiri is known for its vibrant bougainvillea flowers that adorn many of its streets and buildings. A tip for your visit is to simply wander and take in the colourful flora that adds to the neighbourhood’s unique charm. Do not forget to have your camera ready for some beautiful shots.
Thodoris Vasileiadis, owner of Moon & Stars
Καρεκλάδικο – Antique shop : With 40 years of presence in the center of Athens, this antique shop can teach you everything about chairs and not only! An antique shop that you must visit and just take a look in the variety of “old” and new things that has to present you.
Acropolis View from the National Observatory: Originally built in 1842, in the hill of Nymphs in Thisseio area, the National Observatory should definitely be on the top of your list with places you must visit. Right across Acropolis, the view that National Observatory offers is breathtaking, especially during sunset.
Kafeneio Ivis: Are you searching for a graphic place to eat and have a drink? Kafeneio Ivis is what you are looking for. Thanks to its menu, inspired by the Cretan cuisine, and the traditional Cretan drink, called “Raki”, Kafeneio Ivis can travel you right from Psirri neighborhood to Crete in a second.
Agion Asomaton Church: This church of Byzantine architecture was built in the 12th century and is located right next to Thisseio. Rather small but imposing, this church was altered during the years but managed to stay whole. Today, the church is located in Agion Asomaton square, 2 meters below the street level.
Avli Restaurant: If you are in Psirri, you should definitely visit Avli restaurant. There you will meet some local people that have plenty stories to share along with a big variety of small dishes and drinks! It is not a coincide that “Avli” means backyard in Greek. If you are looking for a cozy place to have dinner, Avli Restaurant is the best option!
- On Karaiskaki Street, just a few meters away from Heroon Square, one can find the traditional bakery that produces every day the authentic “Koulouri” of Psirri. A Greek traditional product that will awaken our childhood memories so as to remind us that flavorsomeness lies in simplicity. It is worth mentioning that it started out as a small bakery in the 60s and has reached to purvey its product to almost all the street vendors of Attica nowadays.
- If we want to continue on Greek tradition, then “Fani’s Karamanlidika“, on Evripidou street is the next stop. It’s all about the revival of the concept of the Byzantine deli, which includes Greek spirits and local wine miscellany, to accompany traditional dishes and recipes, appetizers from Constantinople and different kinds of matured cheese and charcuterie. Inside this neoclassical building, which formerly housed the pastourma (camel meat) shop called “Arapian”, one will find exquisite victuals such as cheeses, cold cuts and smoked edibles.
- It was in the 1930s, when Spice Store Fotsi introduced the scent of East to the Greek public for the first time. The first traditional spice packages appeared on the Greek market. Dried fruits, nuts, olive oil soaps, but mainly herbs and spices from every corner of the planet were to be found on Evripidou Street and continue up to this day.
- However, we cannot cut out the colorful and selected baskets on Pallada Street. Such shops are like treasures inside the city. While you are taking a walk, you make a stop in order to explore them and end up lost for two hours on bric-a-brac, and you usually leave with a bag full of anything from watering cans up to decanters, ornaments, kitchenware, and something that you’ve been searching for quite some time and suddenly showed up in front of you.
- On Aghion Anargyron Street, back in 1967, Nikitas Tavern was the one and only restaurant in Psirri neighbourhood, and thanks to the owner, Mr. Nikitas, it quickly became its epicenter. This is a family tavern specialized on grilled and stewed dishes, which change on a daily basis. As time passes and lunchtime comes, not only tourists, but also people from around the neighbourhood gather at Nikitas’ to eat the famous beef patties of the historic restaurant.
The Artist Roof top bar & restaurant: enjoy a few drinks, signature exclusive cocktails or dining under the Athenian blue sky along with the outstanding Acropolis view on our Roof top bar & restaurant. Our wrapped-around terrace with a view over the city is a mystical place, is a sky – high proposal that you just don’t want to miss!
IVIS 4
Elena Georgiopoulou, owner of Ivis 4 boutique hotel
Polis Hammam: In the neighbourhood of Psirri you can enjoy a visit to the famous POLIS HAMMAM. This is one of the most beautiful hammams with excellent hygienic conditions, where you will get an unforgettable experience of traditional rejuvenation, relaxation and escape from everyday life.
Flea Market: Also enjoy a walk in the narrow streets of Psyrri which are full of antique shops, and if that whets your appetite, near-by you will find the flea market of Abyssinias square where one can sell and buy almost anything!
Nancy’s Sweet Home: However, if you have a sweet tooth you will definitely appreciate a stop at Nancy’s Sweet Home. Here, the variety and attractiveness of sweets will give you a hard time choosing what to try. Maybe it will take a second stop at this place, during your stay in Athens! If you don’t believe it, check it out online!
Museum of Illusions: a unique point in the city is a breath away from your accommodation. Don’t miss this fascinating adventure that will make you not believe your eyes! Everything is amazing but for us “The Rotated Room” stood out. You can book your tickets online to avoid queues.
Ivis4 Restaurant: Don’t forget to try the new and special dishes of chef Nikos Simonis at Ivis4 Restaurant, where you will enjoy your lunch or dinner inside an amazing garden the likes of which you have never seen before!
Dimosthenis Misentzis, Owner of L’Avventura
“The neighborhood of Psirri has anything anyone could ask for in terms of food and drink, so many, in fact, that one weekend is not enough to gain a proper sample. You can find everything from traditional “Rebetika” with “meze” and live music, to high-end gastronomy dining, and from second-hand clothing shops to boutiques displaying the wares of some of the hottest up-and-coming designers.
FOOD: The neighborhood offers a plethora of dining choices. We reccommend some of our favorites to fit every palette. Our first choice, naturally, is Zampano, an all-day restaurant with a jazzy retro attitude, inspired by a Fellini film. It offers breakfast, jazz brunch, lunch and dinner accompanied by a colorful wine list. Next, we suggest a new entry in the area, our very own Veranda Bistrot. Its doors open at 7:30am with a luxurious breakfast and continues throughout the day with light fare, making it an ideal spot to enjoy an early evening cocktail with a view of the Acropolis. But if traditional Greek food is what you’re after, we go to “Nikita’s” when we miss our Mama’s cooking. If you like seafood, visit “Atlantikos” for delicious and affordable fish in a casual setting. In the summertime, we like to head up to the rooftop of the Foundry hotel for pizza, cocktails and one of the best views of the Acropolis.
SWEETS: After dinner, we head for dessert and our first choice is “Zoubourlou” with a variety fo traditional sweets like Ekmek and Orange Pie. If you’re craving ice cream, head to Kokion for quality gelato. Salted caramel my favorite flavor.
DRINKS: Wind your day down at one of our favorite night-spots, Juan Rodriguez, for tasty cocktails, funky guest DJ’s and an upbeat vibe.Try our brand new bistro Veranda at the 4th floor of our hotel for signature cocktails and comfort food!
SHOPPING Our neighborhood isn’t only about food and drinks. For second-hand options, try the KILOSHOP, for a tradiotnal worry beads, check out “Koboloi” and Thomas ceramics shop for souvenirs. For culinary lovers, stroll down Evripidou Street for local herbs, spices and deli specialties. Art lovers, check out ALibi Gallery for street-savvy art from Greek artists such as Cacao Rocks.
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