Athens is often described as “the city that never sleeps” and is undeniably one of the most spectacular and oldest cities in the world, the original metropolis. For many expats looking to relocate to Greece, especially Americans, Athens is often their favorite place to settle in.
Their aspiration is to reside in one of the best neighborhoods in Athens, with easy access through the city’s excellent public transportation system. The areas that make up the urban core of Athens benefit from being compact enough to explore on foot and offer the most amenities on hand. As such, the central neighborhoods of Athens tend to have the most expats.
First, why choose Athens as a place to live?
- It has enviable weather. The Athenian climate is highly appealing all year long, with long, sunny summers and short, mild winters. Winter temperatures average 11ºC (50F), with most rainfall occurring during these months. In December, rainfall is typically the highest, but Athens never experiences snow.
- It has lots of entertainment. The city is vibrant, offering excellent shopping options, including markets and restaurants of all sizes and types. With over 100 museums and a rich cultural scene featuring plenty of live music, you can never get bored in Athens.
- It’s easy to get around. An additional advantage of living in Athens is its superb metro and bus network, rendering a car unnecessary. Most residents opt for the 30 euro monthly travel pass, valid on all forms of public transportation.
- Renting an apartment in Athens is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. The monthly rent runs on average between $700-$1,000 and a house rental in Athens costs on average $2,000 – $2,200 per month, depending on the location, size and condition.
So, what are the best neighborhoods to live in Athens, Greece?
1. Monastiraki
The Monastiraki neighborhood is the closest to the ancient city, nestled in the heart of Athens. Monastiraki is a historic area that affords its residents breathtaking views of the Acropolis, which stands tall on the hill, both during the day and when illuminated at night.
Its central square, Monastiraki Square, is near the Ancient Library of Hadrian, the Church of Pananassa, and the old mosque of Tzistarakis Aga. To easily access these ruins, a quick walk along bustling Adrianou Street is all it takes.
Venturing down any of the side streets reveals the genuinely authentic Athenian shops and tavernas. Many apartments are also located in this area.
Monastiraki Square is where the renowned daily flea market commences. Ifestou, the main street branching from the square, is renowned for its exquisite leather bags and shoes, jewelry, clothing, and everything in between.
Several delightful rooftop bars along the street offer perfect spots for relaxing evenings. Monastiraki is celebrated for its Neoclassical houses, markets, and numerous antique shops.
Many of the large houses have been divided into apartments, and shared flats are a popular accommodation choice. The nearest Metro station to this neighborhood is Monastiraki.
2. Plaka
Plaka is perhaps the best-known neighborhood in Athens. This charming neighborhood is the most picturesque and a favorite evening stroll destination for Athenians.
Like Monastiraki, Plaka is steeped in history, nestled at the base of the hill with the Acropolis situated between Syntagma Square and Monastiraki. Plaka boasts a labyrinth of narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored neoclassical buildings.
The area is beloved by both tourists and residents, featuring churches, bars, numerous restaurants, and a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. Its primary streets, Adrianou and Kydathineon, are enjoyable to explore.
Many of the 19th-century neoclassical mansions have been converted into flats, commanding high rents. The nearest Metro station is Monastiraki.
Within Plaka, a small enclave called Anafiotika is known as the “island village.” Car-free streets are lined with distinctive Cycladic-style cube-shaped houses, giving the area a Greek island ambiance that feels far removed from Athens. Anafiotika was constructed in the 19th century by settlers from the island of Anafi.
3. Kolonaki
This Athenian neighborhood is incredibly elegant and is situated close to both Syntagma and Lycabettus Hill Metro stations. “Kolonaki” translates to “small columns.”
Regarded as the most upscale area of Athens, it features wide, paved streets and numerous boutiques offering Greek and international designer labels, as well as chic coffee shops. Several embassies, museums, and galleries are also located in this part of Athens.
Kolonaki Square is the hotspot for sipping coffee and is a magnet for celebrities and artists. Kolonaki exudes a genuinely cosmopolitan atmosphere. While rental prices are high, a drawback of this neighborhood is its lack of a Metro station; the closest one is Evangelismos. It takes a good 30 minutes to walk from Kolonaki to Gazi, on the city’s western fringes, across the city center.
4. Keramikos
Continuing along Adrianou Street, you’ll encounter several small neighborhoods that lead toward Philopappos Hill. These areas, where traditional old stone houses coexist with modern apartment blocks, are enjoyable to explore. By taking an alternative route heading northward, you’ll arrive at the Keramikos neighborhood. Alternatively, you can take the Metro to Thesseion.
Keramikos is among these smaller neighborhoods, situated on the edge of the vast ancient cemetery, now a popular archaeological site. Its name derives from the Greek word for “ceramics,” reflecting its historical connection to potters in ancient times.
While it was once an unpopular residential area, recent years have witnessed its complete transformation through clever renovations of old workshops and warehouses. The blend of old and modern buildings is evident, including the National Theatre of Greece.
5. Gazi
Gazi is a relatively new and trendy neighborhood located on the outskirts of the city center, merely three kilometers from Syntagma Square and adjacent to Keramikos. Gazi is dominated by the old gasworks, now known as the Technopolis, which has been repurposed into a popular cultural center.
The gas chimneys are illuminated in red at night, contributing to the ambiance of the numerous restaurants and bars. Gazi is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, boasting a thriving live music scene and convenient access to various parts of the city.
6. Petralona
A particularly appealing and quieter neighborhood is Petralona, situated to the west of the city center and divided into Pano Petralona (Upper) and Kato Petralona (Lower) by the Metro line. A bridge over the railway links the two sections.
Pano Petralona is the livelier portion, featuring numerous family-run tavernas where locals enjoy lengthy meals. Kato Petralona boasts plenty of character, green spaces, pedestrian streets, and affordable rents. One of its highlights is Strefi Hill, home to an open-air cinema during the summer months.
7. Exarchia
Exarchia, situated just outside the historic center, is an Athenian neighborhood that has long been popular among students, artists, and musicians due to its distinctive vibe. It is notably less touristy, offering more affordable rents.
Kallidromiou, its main street, is renowned for its vibrant wall art and graffiti, while Valtetsiou features a leafy atmosphere akin to a village. Exarchia boasts a lively live music scene and a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars and cafes. The neighborhood also hosts a popular Farmers’ Market every Sunday.
How to find the best neighborhood in Athens for you
While many expats moving to Athens opt for neighborhoods near the city center, an increasing number are choosing to settle in seaside areas not far from the city. These include Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, and Saronida.
The main challenge lies in the high property prices for sale and rent in these areas, with few new developments leading to limited availability. If you’re contemplating a move to this remarkable city, the best advice is to secure a six-month rental in one of the neighborhoods and take the time to explore.
While “for sale” and “to rent” are commonly used English phrases, “enoikiazetai” is the more prevalent Greek term for “to rent.” It’s worthwhile to leisurely stroll around to discover your preferred areas and look for these signs on front doors. Although it’s possible to search for housing online, prices are often higher, catering to the expat market. The key is to relish your exploration of Athens and make a well-considered choice about the ideal neighborhood for you.
