• Leisure: The most nocturnal and rogue Athens

The neighborhood preferred by the young Athenians has a marginal past. Inhabited by immigrants from all parts of Greece and the Athenian lower class, it was one of the most conflictive and dangerous areas of Athens during the 19th century. However, at the end of the twentieth century Psirí would end up experiencing a true transformation by young artisans and merchants who settled in this compendium of alleys of modest architecture attracted by low rental prices.

With a casual atmosphere, Psirí is full of surprises to discover. Vintage shops, artists workshops and art galleries coexist with alternative spaces, innovative companies and local designers that are part of one of the emerging and fashionable areas of recent years.

In Psirí you can taste the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine and its taverns and restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Charming terraces, bars and clubs in which to enjoy live music complete a leisure offer in one of the busiest areas of the city.

THE PLAZA OF THE HEROES

One of the places with more atmosphere is the main square of the neighborhood, the Plaza de los Héroes (Plateía Iroon), named because all the streets that lead to it are named after heroes of the Greek War of Independence.

Terrace in the Heroes' Square.

Psirí is an open-air museum where you can enjoy the best street art. If you take a walk through its streets you can find numerous facades decorated with spectacular graffiti of different themes. True works of art. Another of the hallmarks of the neighborhood is Pittaki Street, which connects Ermou with Psirí and used to be a poorly lit industrial alley with small shops and stores.

In 2012, the creative light design studio Beforelight and the non-profit organization Imagine The City embarked on an innovative project and requested the help of the residents of the area to give light to this street. The neighbors donated old lamps, chandeliers, lanterns and all kinds of lighting gadgets and the gloomy alley became a surprising and welcoming place.

TRADITIONAL KITCHEN AND FASHION BARS

In Psirí you can enjoy the true traditional Greek cuisine and try the typical mezedes or Greek tapas. A good choice is to get to know the Central Market or Kentrikí Agorá, the largest market in the city and the busiest. Located on Athinas Street, here you can find small taverns and places where you can taste typical products such as Kalamata olives, feta cheese or yogurt with thyme honey.

Keftedakia dish.

Avlí , in Agiou Dimitríou 10, is one of the best kept secrets of the city. In this tavern decorated with white walls and blue windows you will discover the true helena cuisine at more than reasonable prices. Of all their dishes, delicious keftedakia with potatoes stand out.

Meanwhile, Little Hook is a different place that is worth visiting. Located on 17 Karaiskakis Street and with spectacular decoration, you will find yourself immersed in a world of fantasy and fairy tales. It is ideal to take a short break in the middle of the afternoon and enjoy its delicious sweets accompanied by a Greek coffee, frappé or freddo capuccino .

Little Hook facade.

When going out, in Cantina Social (Leokoríou 6-8) you can listen to all kinds of alternative music. This small bar that occasionally organizes small painting and photography exhibitions has left its mark on Psirí since 2006. Its beers from Russia and its cocktails are famous among locals. While Barrett (Protogenous 11) is a large two-story space in an old renovated 1900 building. One of the trendy bars in Athens where you can enjoy your drink listening to rock, soul, jazz and blues.

How to get

Psirí is located on the other side of one of the most commercial streets in Athens, Ermou. The fastest way to get there is from the Monastiraki metro station. From here, Miaoulis Street will take you directly to Heroes' Square.

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