1 - 19 of 19 Posts

dimi_pat

Active member
Monastiraki and Plaka are the best place for shopping and eating restaurants! They're both really close to the Acropolis and there are many local shops and restaurants. I really love the area and highly suggest that you visit the area and even get a hotel that's closeby because there are just so many things to do. Its pretty safe, which is important because Athens is getting slightly dangerous. :)

Plaka-Athens-720x479.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis
Definitely when a first time visitor to Athens asks me where they should go I recommend Plaka, Monastiraki and Psirri.
 
  • Like
Reactions: efhernandez_
Definitely when a first time visitor to Athens asks me where they should go I recommend Plaka, Monastiraki and Psirri.
What do you recommend to do in Psiri? Ive never been in that area
 
What do you recommend to do in Psiri? Ive never been in that area
There are a lot of unique places in Psirri (which is just next to Monastiraki). I like the feel of the area, the streets and restaurants and the shopping is more eclectic and alternative.
A few examples:
Nancy's Sweet Home: The cakes here are to die for: https://www.nancysweethome.gr/
H ΩΡΑΙΑ ΠΕΝΤΕΛΗ: I like this restaurant, it is right on the plateia and they usually have live Greek music while you eat.
El Habanero: If you like smoking the occasional Cuban cigar, this is the place to get all things smoking! https://elhabanero.gr/
Little Kook: This isn't really my scene but a lot of people seem to like it. It is a fairytale themed cafe which changes its theme every so often. It's very kooky! https://www.facebook.com/littlekookgr

But the best thing to do is walk around and check out the shops and restaurants (as always in Athens!) and you might find that you grow to like this area more than Monastiraki.
 
  • Like
Reactions: acamp7
There are a lot of unique places in Psirri (which is just next to Monastiraki). I like the feel of the area, the streets and restaurants and the shopping is more eclectic and alternative.
A few examples:
Nancy's Sweet Home: The cakes here are to die for: https://www.nancysweethome.gr/
H ΩΡΑΙΑ ΠΕΝΤΕΛΗ: I like this restaurant, it is right on the plateia and they usually have live Greek music while you eat.
El Habanero: If you like smoking the occasional Cuban cigar, this is the place to get all things smoking! https://elhabanero.gr/
Little Kook: This isn't really my scene but a lot of people seem to like it. It is a fairytale themed cafe which changes its theme every so often. It's very kooky! https://www.facebook.com/littlekookgr

But the best thing to do is walk around and check out the shops and restaurants (as always in Athens!) and you might find that you grow to like this area more than Monastiraki.
The area surrounding Little Kook is very cute at night! Great to walk around in but not stay for very long, there's a lot of noisy children and its a little too overstimulating for me (lots of bright lights and music)
 
Monastiraki and Plaka are the best place for shopping and eating restaurants! They're both really close to the Acropolis and there are many local shops and restaurants. I really love the area and highly suggest that you visit the area and even get a hotel that's closeby because there are just so many things to do. Its pretty safe, which is important because Athens is getting slightly dangerous. :)

View attachment 782
Couldn't agree with you more! I spend a ton of time here and I never get tired of it!
 
I totally agree with you! This is a charming neighborhood of Athens and I've had some of the best meals here.
 
I respectfully disagree, but they're only nice if you're a tourist. When I first moved to Athens, I wanted to spend a lot of time there, so I understand the allure. You're right that they're probably best for shopping (there used to be much better places), but they are definitely not the best for eating - the prices are too high and the food is disgusting (e.g. Thanasis is terrible and dirty, and only tourists eat here). It is a nice place for meeting people for a drink though
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis and acamp7
I respectfully disagree, but they're only nice if you're a tourist. When I first moved to Athens, I wanted to spend a lot of time there, so I understand the allure. You're right that they're probably best for shopping (there used to be much better places), but they are definitely not the best for eating - the prices are too high and the food is disgusting (e.g. Thanasis is terrible and dirty, and only tourists eat here). It is a nice place for meeting people for a drink though
Definitely the quality of food in Greece and Athens has decreased over time. Touristy areas have terrible taste and quality. This didn't used to be the case but it is getting worse and worse over the years. Sad to see...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis
@ellinasgolfer0320 So true. The touristy areas are the worst but if you really look you can find some gems. These are usually the ones that look like the olden day restaurants with not too many tourists in them. They are much harder to find but certainly there if you want to look around for them in the touristy areas. Otherwise, it's a great excuse to get out of the touristy areas and explore more of Athens. My personal favourite is Exarcheia which has many genuine restaurants, bars, bistros and cafes. There are lots of other areas too. And really, they are only about a 20-30min walk from Plaka/Monastiraki or a 3-4 euro taxi trip (I prefer the walk).
 
  • Like
Reactions: efhernandez_
@ellinasgolfer0320 So true. The touristy areas are the worst but if you really look you can find some gems. These are usually the ones that look like the olden day restaurants with not too many tourists in them. They are much harder to find but certainly there if you want to look around for them in the touristy areas. Otherwise, it's a great excuse to get out of the touristy areas and explore more of Athens. My personal favourite is Exarcheia which has many genuine restaurants, bars, bistros and cafes. There are lots of other areas too. And really, they are only about a 20-30min walk from Plaka/Monastiraki or a 3-4 euro taxi trip (I prefer the walk).
Exarcheia is a great neighborhood, a buddy of mine recommends this place but Ive never been personally, just have it on my list. https://restaurant-47828.business.site
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis
@efhernandez_ I've been to that restaurant, Άμα Λάχει, a number of times but once my wife and I went there with her cousin and his partner. Firstly, they organised to meet up with us for dinner at 9pm (my wife wasn't happy about the time) but they ended up turning up to our apartment at 9:30pm. By the time we walked to Άμα Λάχει it was 9:45pm. This was on a Saturday night. We were told it was a 45min wait for a table!!! It was so busy and it's mostly local Athenians that go there (with some tourists). We ended up walking to Γιάντες and ended up eating at about 10:30pm. Athens lifestyle!!! I'll have to post my list of places to eat/visit in Exarcheia sometime.
 
@efhernandez_ I've been to that restaurant, Άμα Λάχει, a number of times but once my wife and I went there with her cousin and his partner. Firstly, they organised to meet up with us for dinner at 9pm (my wife wasn't happy about the time) but they ended up turning up to our apartment at 9:30pm. By the time we walked to Άμα Λάχει it was 9:45pm. This was on a Saturday night. We were told it was a 45min wait for a table!!! It was so busy and it's mostly local Athenians that go there (with some tourists). We ended up walking to Γιάντες and ended up eating at about 10:30pm. Athens lifestyle!!! I'll have to post my list of places to eat/visit in Exarcheia sometime.
Ugh that sounds so frustrating, did you go in July or August by any chance? Is that when Athens is the most crowded?
 
Ugh that sounds so frustrating, did you go in July or August by any chance? Is that when Athens is the most crowded?
It was probably around June, maybe early July. It's just busy all year around apparently especially at that time of day. Athens is most crowded with Athenians outside of August and most crowded with tourists during August. In my opinion, August is not a good month to visit Athens. Many shops outside the touristy areas (and some in the touristy areas) are closed as the Athenians will go to their villages and/or visit the islands during this time. In fact, the islands are also not good during August and it is absolutely mayhem getting in and out of the ports. Unless you have relatives outside of Athens you can stay with in August, skip this month.
 
@efhernandez_ I've been to that restaurant, Άμα Λάχει, a number of times but once my wife and I went there with her cousin and his partner. Firstly, they organised to meet up with us for dinner at 9pm (my wife wasn't happy about the time) but they ended up turning up to our apartment at 9:30pm. By the time we walked to Άμα Λάχει it was 9:45pm. This was on a Saturday night. We were told it was a 45min wait for a table!!! It was so busy and it's mostly local Athenians that go there (with some tourists). We ended up walking to Γιάντες and ended up eating at about 10:30pm. Athens lifestyle!!! I'll have to post my list of places to eat/visit in Exarcheia sometime.
Hmmm that's such a shame! I wonder if its actually any good. How was the food at Γιάντες?
 
Hmmm that's such a shame! I wonder if its actually any good. How was the food at Γιάντες?

Άμα Λάχει is a great restaurant. It is located in an old school and the menu is very modern Greek meze style food. Highly recommended.

Γιάντες is good but not one of my favourite restaurants in the area. I think there are many better choices although my wife's cousin really enjoyed the food here. Mind you this is Yanis Varoufakis favourite restaurant and I have seen him out the front on his phone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: efhernandez_
Άμα Λάχει is a great restaurant. It is located in an old school and the menu is very modern Greek meze style food. Highly recommended.

Γιάντες is good but not one of my favourite restaurants in the area. I think there are many better choices although my wife's cousin really enjoyed the food here. Mind you this is Yanis Varoufakis favourite restaurant and I have seen him out the front on his phone.
I will definitely check out Άμα Λάχει then!! Thank you :)

And woah, I might walk by just to see if I can catch a glimpse of Varoufakis, I've never seen any celebrities or politicians in Greece that would be cool LOL
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis
I actually will go to shop at several great stores that feature local artists in Plaka, but unless I need tourist trinkets there is very little there I want or need. And Athens has much better eating venues than plaka. Check out the Bib Gormand lists that have unique restaurants that offer better value for your money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cubrinj
I actually will go to shop at several great stores that feature local artists in Plaka, but unless I need tourist trinkets there is very little there I want or need. And Athens has much better eating venues than plaka. Check out the Bib Gormand lists that have unique restaurants that offer better value for your money.
Very true, I find that I get very tired of the trinkets and touristy shops quickly.
 

My Favorite Things to Do in Athens

Athens is one of my favorite places to visit! It's so rich in history, culture, and even has a spirit of adventure. What I find most impressive are the ruins, museums, and other attractions. I thought I'd give list of my favorite places. What are your favorite places?

History

If you’re visiting Athens with history in mind, then it’s definitely worth exploring some of the most iconic landmarks such as The Acropolis – home to three remarkable buildings – the Parthenon temple dedicated to goddess Athena; Erechtheion shrine dedicated to god Poseidon; Temple of Athena Nike; Odeon Of Herodes Atticus theater known for its amazing acoustics; Ancient Agora – a large public square where people would mingle with traders and philosophers like Socrates who delivered his famous orations here; Stoa Poikile painted colonnade decorated by Polygnotos’ frescoes (5th century BC); Roman Forum with temples like Tower Of The Wind that originally served as an astronomical observatory.

Art

For art lovers looking for something more contemporary there are plenty of museums worth visiting such as National Archeological Museum which displays artifacts from all periods up to late antiquity era including treasures found during excavations at Delphi Oracle or Benaki Museum that houses more than 30 thousand Greek works from Byzantine period through modern era. If you have time make sure you check out Onassis Cultural Center which stages theatrical productions , concerts , exhibitions and workshops all year round . And don't forget Cycladic Art Museum founded by renowned sculptor Nicholas Tombazi displaying collections from Cycladic islands located near Athens (Aegina, Paros etc).

Food

Foodies will find Athens very appealing since it is one of Mediterranean's most vibrant cities when it comes to culinary scene aside from having traditional Greek staples such as Gyro souvlaki & Mousaka there are also amazing lobster restaurants located by sea overlooking Piraeus Harbor making sure locals can enjoy fresh seafood even during harsh winter season . Additionally Athenian street food vendors serve excellent dishes made on spot bound keep your energy levels up while walking around exploring various sites .

Leisure

Not only can visitors experience traditional greek hospitality but they also get pleasure out taking part in leisurely activities ranging anywhere between dancing at cultural festivals held throughout summer season (Athens Festival - June-July ; International Dance Festival - September) going go-karting racing at brand new tracks opening annually outside city limits or relaxing on surfing school courses ideal for beginner surfers starting their journey into discovering this extreme sport(Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre being operator).

What do you like to do in Athens?

Athens airport question...

There's a group of us going to Athens and our flights get in the same day, but at different times.

Is there an easy spot to wait for the rest of our group outside of security, like a cafe or restaurant, or even an area with chairs to sit... I have only been to this airport once, and I don't remember any details about what happens after security.

Interesting Museums I Like in Athens

Athens is rich with museums but there are a few I keep visiting when I get the chance. I always learn something new! My favorite is the museum at the Acropolis, which has a lot of information and artifacts from the area. Here's my list:
  1. The Acropolis Museum: Dominating this list is The Acropolis Museum, built to house every artifact found on the sacred rock of the Acropolis, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. A splendid blend of modern and ancient architecture, it holds an incredible array of sculptures and artifacts, including the Caryatids and the Parthenon Frieze.
  2. The National Archaeological Museum: As the largest museum in Greece, this is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. It boasts an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Greece, spanning several millennia—pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and the Mask of Agamemnon.
  3. Benaki Museum: Representing various periods throughout Greek history, the Benaki Museum is a private foundation, nestled in the heart of downtown Athens. It offers a comprehensive view of Greek culture from its prehistoric times to the 20th century, with an emphasis on art and everyday objects.
  4. Museum of Cycladic Art: A unique gem in Athens, this museum is home to an exceptional collection of Cycladic art, mostly dating from the Bronze Age. These prehistoric sculptures, with their distinct minimalist aesthetics, are a fascinating window into the ancient Aegean world.
What museums do you like to visit in Athens?

Should you come to Athens in the winter?

I have never been to Greece in winter and I was considering it. I found this video - it was very informative! Thought I'd share:

Best Shopping in Athens

My wife and I are going to Greece in a few days. We both like to shop (her more than me) but we've never actually had enough time in Athens to explore the shopping.

Where should we go?

Someone told us Monastiraki is a good choice, but are there other places? We'll have a few days to poke around.
Share and discuss your Athens photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top