There are boroughs in New York City, arrondissements in Paris, and neighborhoods in Athens. From fine dining to clubbing, from shopping to sightseeing, every Athens neighborhood has its own distinct personality and offers visitors something different. If you want to experience Athens fully, you should definitely visit its neighborhoods.

Piraeus
Ancient port of Piraeus is still the biggest port in Europe and a historical site. Arrive in Piraeus a few hours early if you intend to visit the islands while in Greece so that you can explore the Hellenic Maritime Museum or indulge in fresh seafood while taking in the picturesque views of the Aegean Sea.

Glyfada
Young people in Glyfada are dressed in high-end brands, and opulent yachts glide serenely across the clear waters. Glyfada is a destination for visitors and locals alike, offering shopping opportunities, beaches with crystal-clear water, and a vibrant nightlife.

Exarcheia
You can expect to see live rock bands playing in nightclubs, young people having thoughtful conversations in cafes, and walls painted with powerful political messages in Athens’ most bohemian neighborhood. This place is particularly well-liked by college students, who frequent it for its vintage clothing stores or for a cheap bite to eat.

Monastiraki-Thissio
Wander around these two Acropolis-facing neighborhoods' streets, stopping to buy trinkets or roasted nut bags from vendors perched atop the location of the former Agora (marketplace). Known for its tavernas and bars, Monastiraki is a popular shopping destination in Athens that attracts a lot of tourists every week. It also hosts a weekly Sunday flea market. Thisseio is much more subdued, with rooftop eateries ideal for a special evening or an Open Air Cinema playing films on cool summer evenings.

Plaka
Located just below the Acropolis, Plaka is a closely knit community of tiny homes, eateries, boutiques, and cafes that is probably one of the most visited neighborhoods in all of Athens. You will definitely feel as though you are traveling back in time as you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Plaka, which are lined with buildings from the Ottoman era that once occupied Greece and the ancient ruins of the Roman Agora.

Historic Center
Athens' Historic Center is both a significant historical site and a contemporary hub. This neighborhood, which lies between Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Omonia, is home to major cultural landmarks like the Athens Academy, Library, and University trilogy as well as the city's government and corporate headquarters (located in Syntagma Square).

Kolonaki
Nestled directly above Pangrati, Athens' most affluent neighborhood is Kolonaki. Its location on the steep incline beneath Lycabettus Hill, along with its hip restaurants, trendy bars, and designer boutiques, are what distinguish it.

Kifisia
Northeast Athens' Kifisia is a posh residential area. The city center, with its gorgeous parks, well-kept lawns, opulent mansions, and even bike lanes, is definitely contrasted by it.

Gazi
Tightly packed clubs and restaurants in Gazi are alive with music and dance until the wee hours of the morning. Once home to the Athens gasworks, the area is now known for its amazing street art installations and the Technopolis, which serves as a venue for concerts and art exhibits.