Psiri
Psiri, Athens, Greece
Psiri sits underneath the Acropolis and, along with its neighbors Plaka and Monastiraki, is one of the buzziest districts in Athens. By day, stroll the narrow streets to browse the eclectic shops and market stalls. By night, join locals who pack the trendy cafés and bars before moving on to the clubs for live rembetika and bouzouki music.
The basics
Until recently, Psiri was a gritty artisan area best known for its abandoned buildings and leather shops. Today, the neighborhood is undergoing a facelift and is currently one of the hottest addresses in the city. With its narrow, meandering streets covered with urban art and lined with hip cafés and bars, Psiri is one of the most popular areas for street art tours, as well as walking itineraries focused on the city’s culinary scene. Choose a daytime food and market tour to sample the area’s specialties or evening drinks and meze nightlife tours that stop in the local ouzeries. Many Athens tours that focus on authentic neighborhoods and hidden gems also include a visit to Psiri, as do shopping tours of the city’s best artisan workshops and independent boutiques.
Things to know before you go
- You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking to explore the Psiri neighborhood, so choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- This neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife and is an ideal spot to mix with locals over an evening drink or in one of the many area clubs.
- With quiet pedestrian streets lined with old-school tavernas, Psiri offers the perfect lunch retreat after the crowds of the Acropolis and downtown Athens.
- The neighborhood is largely flat and with paved, often pedestrianized, roads that are easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
How to get there
Psiri is set directly below the Acropolis between the Monastiraki and Plaka neighborhoods; the nearest metro station is Monastiraki. You can get there on foot from the Acropolis and a number of other major sights in central Athens.
When to get there
During the day, Psiri is a captivating neighborhood of edgy street art, fascinating shops, and traditional restaurants and tavernas. After sunset, its peaceful streets transform into Athens’ party destination, with teeming bars, cafés, and clubs. Visit by day and again by night to experience both sides.
Athens’ Best Nightlife
Psiri is one of a trio of central neighborhoods that are known for their lively atmosphere after sunset. In addition to the bars and clubs here, you can explore the scene in nearby Plaka and Monastiraki, also thick with fashionable hot spots for after-dinner drinks, live music, and dancing.
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