Athens has plenty of neighbourhoods which are history-packed, scenic and buzzy during the daytime, but if you’re after a spot which remains lively until after hours, Psirri could be the one for you.
Neighboured by the established nightlife district of Gazi, Psirri sits north of the Acropolis and centres around the vibey Iroon Square. It’s a renowned go-to if you’re after a livelier atmosphere as plenty of the bars and tavernas stay open late, some of which host DJs and live music, and you might even catch some rembetika (Greek blues)! However, Psirri is also worth stopping by during the day, for the art galleries and street art – so, here’s our roundup of the best things to do.
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Top things to do in Psirri
STAY
Housed in a stylishly revamped century-old building with glass floors and pop art-lined walls, Asomaton overlooks the city’s oldest pedestrian street and makes a good base for exploring. If you’re on a budget it has to be City Circus, a hip hostel in a beautifully converted nineteenth-century building. Don’t miss the free wine at happy hour.
EAT
It might not be close to the coastline, but Atlantikos – which is a bit like a Greek version of a British fish-and-chip shop (and just as good value) – is rightfully hailed as one of the best places in Athens for fresh seafood. If meat is more your thing, grab a courtyard table at old-school wine bar Oinopouleion, or head to Krasopoulio tou Kokora for home-cooked food and wine served from the barrel.
DRINK
Liosporos Bistro, a funky jazz café-ouzeri just off Iroon Square, is perfect for laidback sipping. Or soak in the boho vibes at Cantina Social, a hard-to-find backstreet bar tucked away beneath a stoa (arcade) where you'll find reasonably priced drinks – including the lager-like Russian beer – and a soundtrack that spans everything from indie pop to disco.
DO
Check out one of the world’s top Islamic art collections at the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art; browse indie stores along Pallados Street; shop for sweet-scented herbs and pungent spices along market stall-lined Evripidou Street; and, finally, steam away aches and pains in traditional Turkish bath Polis Hammam.
If you only do one thing...
Wander the streets (or join a half-day tour) to see some of Psirri’s spectacular street art. Don’t miss the mural on the corner of Sari Street dedicated to the celebrated anti-austerity riot dog, Loukanikos.