Bags of history, crave-worthy cuisine, awe-inspiring landmarks or retail therapy opportunities – whatever you look for on a city break, you’re bound to find a little bit of it here in Greece’s capital, Athens.

Want to be in the thick of it and enjoy your al fresco breakfast with a side of local hustle and bustle? Or prefer peace and tranquillity in a flower-draped old town? Take your pick from these unique Athens neighbourhoods and get that bag packed for a city break to remember…

Kolonaki
BEST FOR SHOPPING

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop in cosmopolitan Kolonaki, one of the capital’s top spots for retail therapy. It’s a popular neighbourhood for the well-heeled folk of Athens thanks to its many designer boutiques, swanky café-bars and fine-dining restaurants. So why not splash out on some new garments from the likes of Gucci and Louis Vuitton and look your best as you wander these glam streets?

Its main shopping streets are Skoufa and Voukourestiou which house everything from high-street brands to independent boutiques selling silverware and jewellery. The best bit? It’s just north of the city and only a few stops away on the Metro!

Don’t miss: A pit-stop at Kalamaki Kolonaki restaurant – their souvlaki is the stuff of legend!

Monastiraki
BEST FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING

Love nothing more than taking a seat and watching the world go by? Well what better place to soak up the unique atmosphere and live like a local than at the daily flea market? Monastiraki is famed for its narrow streets filled with both Athenians and tourists alike.

It’s mainly centred around a bustling square, and it’s a loved meeting place for people to catch up over a coffee, before hitting nearby bars and gyros joints. Pick up unique gifts and souvenirs, before strolling along side streets to uncover time-worn churches and intricate building façades. Stay in this area and you’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from all the top sights!

Don’t miss: Catching a glimpse of the astonishing ancient Agora!

Plaka
BEST FOR OLD-TOWN TREASURES

Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, is also one of the most popular and touristy. A wander through the narrow lanes and past pastel-hued houses will bring you to all the souvenir shops and colourful tavernas you could ever wish for.

Its bougainvillea-blanketed streets sit in the shadows of the amazing Acropolis, so you’ll not be far away from snapping those out-of-this-world holiday pics! Although right at the heart of the city, it’s got a totally unique village feel, with tiny shops selling handmade ceramics. Your best bet for shopping is Adrianou Street.

Don’t miss: Grabbing a cooling cone of ice cream from one of the picture-perfect parlours. It’s the ideal remedy on a hot day!

Psiri
BEST FOR BARS, RESTAURANTS AND STREET ART

If you’re looking for somewhere lively, Psiri should be top of your list, with its unique hippie vibe. You’ll find it just north-west of the city, where swish restaurants and bars mix with trendy industrial warehouse conversions and modern workshops which, until the 1990s, were derelict and rundown.

Following its relatively recent revamp, these narrow streets, adorned with colourful art, are now a hive of activity after dark, so it’s made for the night owls. If you’re exploring in the daytime, hop between hip cafés, art galleries and quirky shops, taking in the live music and street entertainers as you go.

Don’t miss: The fairytale-like Little Kook café and patisserie. It gets lavishly decorated to suit each season and it’s a great spot to snap a selfie.

Syntagma Square
BEST FOR HISTORY HUNTING

Want to get under the skin of Athens and check out all its fascinating history? It doesn’t get much better and more central than Syntagma Square – the ceremonial and political centre of modern Athens.

Within walking distance, you’ll have the National Garden, Greek Parliament building and the areas of Monastiraki and Plaka. Plus, from here, you can watch the changing of the ceremonial guards which takes place daily. It’s a real spectacle!

Don’t miss: The Acropolis views from the GB Roof Garden. With a cooling cocktail, they look even more stunning!