Looking for a local feel around the Acropolis. When I say local I mean maybe less souvenir shops and touristy restaurants.
Sort of more like Soho than Times Square in New York if that sort of explains what I mean. We will be doing an Airbnb more than likely.
Spending 3 full days. We love to explore and see all the major historical sights. Love to walk.
Thanks
A couple of thoughts. Both areas that have become more popular with Athenians in the last few years and have a lively, but more local, restaurant scene.
The first is Ano Petralona which is behind Philopappou, the hill across from the Acropolis. If you find somewhere in the north of Ano Petralona - on Ionon or Tritonos say - you can walk through to the Acropolis and major sites in 15 minutes. There's a nice walk up through the back of Philopappou into the Acropolis area. Five minutes the other way will take you to Ano Petralona metro which is handy if you want to go up to the Archaeological Museum.
If that doesn't suit you might look at Pangrati. This is across the National Gardens from Plaka, the main tourist area. If you stay near the Olympic Stadium you can just walk across. Alternatively get somewhere on or near Rozari and you can walk down to Evangelismos metro. This is one stop from the centre and on a direct line to the airport.
Have fun
Alan
I enjoyed staying in the Plaka area. Close to the Acropolis and it’s Museum. Yes it’s touristy, but locals live there too and eat at the restaurants and it definitely has a great vibe. The areas Makrygianni and Veikou south of the Acropolis are less touristy but still close to the centre of things. Anafiotika is north of the Acropolis and close to other antiquities including the Roman Forum and The Agora.
I did a great walk following the road around the base of the Acropolis….had lunch at a cafe overlooking the Tower of the Winds and wandered back to the Plaka through Anafiotika. Make sure you find a place that gives you a view of the Acropolis - you never get tired of it.
Great info ......those areas just south and just east of Plaka look like what we are looking for
couple great Airbnb options in the Thiseio area.....thoughts?
THIssio is nice, very cool with young Greeks (Gilded Youth), a much longer walk to landmark places & museums, unless u decide to use the Metro station there a lot.
When you say much longer walk?? We love to walk.....so if trade off is a great area...couple places we are looking at have great views of Acropolis from roof top terraces
Thisseio is less of a neighbourhood than, say, Ano Petralona. It has a more central vibe. A doubt I would have, although it may not bother you, is that it blends into Psyrri which has a lot of clubs. Especially in the summer, when windows are open, it can be very noisy very late. It depends a bit exactly where you are.
Having said that I'd probably prioritise an apartment you like, and a good view, over the specific area. The area is less important if you are going to be around sites all day.
Alan
Picked Thissio and great property there….. thanks for the help
Good, hope you have a great time.
I've just come across this summary of neighbourhoods. A bit late for your decision but might still be of interest.
https://insightsgreece.com/16-coolest-neighbourhoods-to-visit-in-athens/
Thank you Alan for this link. Even thought the OP has picked a spot, this will help the undecided...like me! We've been to Athens a few times and stayed near Syntagma Square but, we'd like to find a new-to-us neighborhood to stay in.
We stayed in an airbnb in the Koukaki neighb and liked that a lot. Very neighborhood but a close walk to the Acropolis
