Athens is not only Plaka, Thiseio and Monastiraki. Are you in search of the alternative side of the Greek capital? The first few days of your visit in Athens, you should of course discover its trademarks: the Acropolis, the Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, the multicultural character of Monastiraki Square, the paved streets with the local shops in Plaka under the shadow of Acropolis, the neoclassical buildings in Thiseio and the pedestrian of Dionysiou Areopagitou. But if you come in Athens for the second time or you have many days here, you can explore the other side of Athens, where local people go and spend their free-time. Athens has numerous districts with nightlife, eateries, bars and cafés. It is literally very difficult to choose. These are the best 4 upcoming districts in Athens that have something different to offer to you away from mass tourism.
Metaxourgeio
Near Keramikos and the Technopolis, is located Metaxourgeio, a neighbourhood that until lately was considered to have bad reputation. Today, it is full of modern lofts, taverns with mezedes and live music, bars with rock music, famous clubs and live stages. On the opposite side of Psirri, Metaxourgeio is a less crowded but funny option for your Saturday night.
Pagkrati
Pagkati was until recently an urban district without something interesting. The last 2-3 years, some squares, like Proskopon Square, gathered many young people, and budget taverns, hype bars and cafés made it popular. Pagkrati is the district of hipsters, where you can have fun and meet new people on a budget. Walk around, and you will explore many hidden gems in the small streets of Pagkrati.
Koukaki
Airbnb declared Koukaki as one of the best neighbourhoods to live in Europe. With a magnificent view of Acropolis, just near Thiseio and Plaka, Koukaki is a district of past decades. Many neoclassical houses, especially when you approach the pedestrian of Dionysiou Areopagitou, bars, galleries and elegant shops create the scenery of old Athens.
Petralona
On the one side of Filopappos Hill, is located Thiseio, on the other side Petralona. Petralona is a neighbourhood with low-profile, small houses, cafés and bars full of youngsters. From Ano Petralona, you can take the pedestrian road that leads on the top of hill. From up there, the view of whole Athens and the sea is just breathtaking. In a close distance, is also situated an open-air cinema with cinephile films that will steal you heart.