Athens Neighbourhood Guide,
areas close to the Green Metro Line 1
Omilo students booking a Greek course in Athens stay all over the city and commute by public transport to Maroussi (North Athens) where the Omilo school is located.
For directions to the Omilo school, please click here
We very often get the question in which areas it is best to stay, book a hotel or an Airbnb. Athens is a very big city, and every neighborhood has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we wrote two articles for you, so you get a better idea and you can choose an area of your preference.
Below you will find out more about the neighborhoods in CENTRE ATHENS , around and south of Monastiraki metro station.
There are many hotels and options in Athens. We recommend choosing a hotel that is located close to the Monastiraki, Thissio, or Sintagma metro stations.
This way, you can avoid spending a lot of time to travel to the Omilo school in Maroussi, which is located at 300 meters of the Maroussi metro station.
For the areas mentioned below, it will take you between 30 and 45 minutes by metro to reach the Omilo Greek Language School.
(Note: If you would like information about other residential areas, north of Monastιraki and closer to Maroussi, click here to read “part 2”! )
If you are planning to stay for some days in Athens, or book a Greek Language course at the same time,
then download our FREE TIMELESS ATHENS eBOOK,
and start planning your days, to explore this exiting and never-sleeping city
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When booking a Greek Language Course at Omilo, your Greek lessons will take place in Maroussi, North Athens.
Cultural Activities take place in different areas of Athens. However, since you need to be every day in Maroussi for your lessons, below we give you more information about convenient areas to book accommodation.
MONASTIRAKI AREA
Lively and colorful, Monastiraki is set amidst the historical and commercial centers of Athens.
Together with nearby Plaka, they are two picturesque – as well as touristy – areas of the Greek capital.
Situated on the north side of the Acropolis, the word Monastiraki stands for “little monastery” in Greek due to the large monastery that once stood on the main square of the neighborhood. The monastery no longer exists so the only thing left to remind people of how the name of the area came to be is the small Byzantine church “Pantanassa” in the middle of the square.
The square now serves as a meeting point for Athenians and visitors alike and is always buzzing with energy – street vendors selling fresh fruit or “koulouri”, small coffee shops, street musicians, busy taverns selling souvlaki and other traditional dishes.
Next to the metro station (the old train station building), you will find the Tzistarakis Mosque that dates back to 18th century AD and nowadays houses part of the Greek Folk Art Museum’s collection. To the right of the mosque stands Hadrian’s library (1st century AD). Wander a bit further and you will come across the Roman Agora with the imposing Tower of Winds, as well as the Ancient Agora, the centre of the administrative, commercial, political and social life in Ancient Athens and the Temple of Hephestus.
Also next to the Monasteraki metro station, at the other side, you will see a large sign that reads “Athens Flea Market” and leads to a narrow street with numerous small stores that sell beads, souvenirs, old vinyl records, CDs, shoes, vintage clothes and antiques. If you need a break from all the shopping, take any road right or left and you will stumble across numerous bistros and cafes, most of which turn into bars in the evening.
Access: metro station Monastiraki
(green metro line, and connection to the blue metro line toward the airport)
Convenient Hotels in this Area, close to Monasteraki metro station – some examples
Attalos Hotel –
click here to search dates and price
Athens 21
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NLH Monasteraki
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360degrees Popart Hotel
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Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel
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PSIRRI AREA
Psirri might be one of Athens’ most popular nightlife districts, but do not let this put you off. Besides an increasing number of Airbnb rentals, the area offers a great range of little independent stores, quaint restaurants, picturesque cafés and bars, which makes getting home after dinner or a couple drinks quick and easy.
The neighbourhood presents a good balance of creativity and old-time charm: right next to little ouzeries, the traditional Greek taverns that serve ouzo and mezedes (Greek tapas) there are art galleries and workshops. Other than that, one has the chance to explore one of the best “museums” in Athens, the open-air museum of street art, through the guided tours organised by local artists. If this sounds interesting to you, have a read at Omilo’s review of the 3-hour street art walk here.
Psirri is close to Monastiraki which allows for easy access to the green metro line whilst being more budget-friendly than its more well-known neighbouring areas. It’s also considered less touristy for the time being, so you’ll be hanging out together with the locals.
Access: metro station Monastiraki
(green metro line, and connection to the blue metro line toward the airport)
Hotels in this area – some ideas
Urban Nests, suits and apartments
Click here to search dates and prices
KOUKAKI / THISSEION AREA
Until a few years ago, Thisseion and Koukaki were unassuming residential areas of Athens, despite its proximity to the historical centre of the city. However, it has since become increasingly popular as an Airbnb destination, with new listings appearing constantly, and it’s not hard to understand why.
Unlike its nearby Plaka that is buzzing with activity, Thisseion, as well as Koukaki is fairly quiet in the mornings – almost as if it was asleep.
It is, nevertheless, a destination for people who are willing to venture out of the beaten path and discover the more contemporary cultural offerings of Athens.
Moreover, Koukaki caters for every mood and taste through an eclectic mix of independent cafés, thematic bars, little quirky boutiques, traditional bakeries and a plethora of restaurants.
Access: walking distance to Thission metro station (green metro line).
From Thisseion you need 35 minutes by metro till Maroussi.
Eventually it is also possible to walk to Acropolis Metro Station (red metro line).
Next to the Acropolis station, you will find the Acropolis Museum (https://omilo.com/the-acropolis-museum-in-athens-its-past-and-present/)
Hotels in this area – some ideas
Jason Inn
Click here to search dates and prices
Assomaton
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Phidias Hotel
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PETRALONA AREA
Conveniently close to Thission and the Acropolis but still relatively unknown to the masses to be considered touristy, Petralona is quickly becoming one of Athens’ hippest neighbourhoods. It mixes old school charm, different architectural styles, quiet streets lined up with olive and lemon trees and plenty of graffiti. The number of Airbnb places in the area is growing rapidly but since it’s still a “hidden gem”, the prices remain budget-friendly.
Petralona is divided into two different areas: Ano Petralona (upper) cover the area from the metro tracks to Filopappou Hill, whereas Kato Petralona (lower) runs all the way to Pireos Street.
Initially a scruffy working-class neighbourhood, Petralona is going through a sort of “Renaissance”. Young creatives and entrepreneurs are defying the ongoing financial crisis and have taken advantage of the lower rents to open up alternative businesses, concept stores, bars, bistros, spaces for art enthusiasts and gig-goers right next door to traditional establishments that serve hearty, homestyle Greek food in rustic settings. Petralona might seem a bit chaotic but it makes up for it with its distinct character – it has something for everyone.
Access: metro station Petralona (green line)
About 40 minutes by metro to the Omilo School in Maroussi
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Is Athens safe?
Yes, compared to other cities of this size (4-5 million), we believe Athens belongs to the “safe cities”. However, every city has its challenges, and good and bad areas.
For Athens, one of the less safer areas might be the “triangle Omonia-Victoria-Larissa Stations”
It is often tempting to book a hotel around Omonia Square or its nearby areas around (Victoria and Attiki metro stations and Larissa Station), especially considering the variety of budget-friendly accommodation and proximity to the city centre. Even though the area is run-down but otherwise fine to visit during the day, in the nights it can be fairly dodgy as it attracts plenty of homeless people, pickpockets, drug users and illegal immigrants. It goes beyond saying that most cities have a rough area like this and that it is very unfortunate. From our Omilo students, we often hear mixed comments: some do not have a problem at all, others are scared. Compared to other big cities in the world, it might be not that bad, but for Greek standards, it is not considered a good or safe area. Therefore, we would strongly recommend opting for a different location so that you feel safer and more comfortable when returning home at the end of the day.
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PS. If you would like more information and recommendations about other residential areas, north of Monastιraki and closer to Maroussi, click here to read “part 2”!
Ready to visit Athens and book accommodation? Then take a look, and start planning your trip
Not feeling confident to travel by yourself in Athens, during the first days?
Then pre-book your transfer from Athens airport.
We selected a trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi company for your airport transfer based on student’s experiences and user reviews Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travellers.
– Local Greek-English-speaking drivers
– Flat, pre-paid fee
– Flight monitoring for delays
– 24/7 Customer support
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Looking for more information about Athens?
Then download your FREE TIMELESS ATHENS eBOOK,
and embark on an amazing journey in Athens – Greek Heritage & Modern Charms for Cultural travelers.
