Neighbourhoods of Athens Kolonaki

Athens is many cities in one. From glitzy Kolonaki to bohemian Exarchia, each neighbourhood retains its distinct flavour and colour. A city of startling, often exciting contradictions. By KONSTANTINOS TZIKAS

Historic centre Bordered by Stadiou, Athinas and Ermou St. The historic centre of Athens is the homebase of art, finance, enteprises and politics in Greece and as such a perpetually buzzing, lively, busy area. To fully experience it you have to walk it and have a glance at its numerous neoclassical buildings and landmarks.

Monastiraki-Thissio Bordered by Ermou St., Philopappou Hill,

Thissio Glyfada

Ancient Agora Monastiraki is a colourful mishmash of tourists and natives watching the various impromptu music gigs and jugglers and shopping in its flea market. Neighbouring Thissio is a favourite among local youths, with its many cafes and bars, as well as monuments. The final segment of the pedestrianised Ermou st. will lead to the equally busy area of Keramikos.

Plaka Bordered by the Acropolis, Amalias and Mitropoleos St. The “old town” of Athens. It is built in the area immediately surrounding the Hill of Acropolis and as such is the foremost tourist destination. Narrow streets and low houses in neoclassical style comprise this picturesque area. It is almost entirely pedestrianised and thus not accessible by car.

A safe bet for a nice evening: take the tram from Syntagma sq. to Flisvos Marina. Cool breeze, nice coffee shops by the sea and lots of yachts. A typical summer night and a favourite stroll of the Athenians in the southern suburbs.

Kolonaki Bordered by Vassilissis Sofias, Akadimias St. and Lycabettus Hill The temple of fashionmongers, compulsive shopgoers and trendy types. It has traditionally been a favourite place of residence for upper middle class and expats.

Exarchia Bordered by Asklipiou, Akadimias and Patission (October 28th) st. It has traditionally been a hothouse for intellectu-

als, radicals, artists, youngsters, musicians and bohemian types. Urban, noisy, lively, youth-ridden, it is flooded with vintage and second-hand stores, bookshops, record stores, eateries and inexpensive hotels.

Kifissia One of the wealthiest neighbourhoods of Athens, replete with cycling lanes, a pedestrianised centre, impressive mansions, huge shopping centres and parks. Piraeus Kifissia

Piraeus The foremost port of Greece, it is a busy hubbub of activity that was immortalised in Manos Hadjidakis’s Oscar-winning song “Children of Piraeus”. Foreign visitors and locals alike enjoy their fish and coffee by the sea here in the romantic little port of Mikrolimano.

Glyfada One of the hotspots of summer. Located roughly 14 km south of the city centre, it is a prestigious, posh neighbourhood, which combines beaches, nightlife and shopping. The area also features luxury hotels and four marinas fully equipped for every type of yacht..