Favourite Areas in Athens

[by o_xenos]

While sometimes Athens is considered just a trasfer hub for getting to the islands (overnight, quick tour of the Acropolis, get out again), personally I think that it's a magical city. The city never looked better post-Olympics, and to truly get to know it and its people you have to just start walking and 'get lost' in its neighbourhoods and streets.

So what are your favourite parts of Athens? Have you discovered any 'hidden gems' beyond the obvious tourist attractions?

Submit your vote above - you have to be registered and logged in.

[by o_xenos]

Here I am replying to my own post

It's almost hard to pick a favorite, since I'd choose something for nightlife, something else for a cafe, something else for sightseeing, etc.
But in my opinion Monastiraki is so interesting - I think you can buy anything from a foustanella to a frying pan! The Sunday Athens flea market is there (Sunday's the only time it's a true 'flea market'), and there's the Central Meat & Fish Market (north of Athinas) . Morning is the time to go and you don't have to be buying 'groceries' to enjoy the experience, with its butchers hall, fish stalls, sausage sellers, etc. And at night, there is an authentic Rembetika Club above the Meat Market of all places! Now where else in the world would you find that??