Petralona is a central, bohemian neighborhood set at the foot of Filopappou Hill, and tucked between picturesque Thissio and up-and-coming Koukaki. The area is “artificially” divided by the subway line into two parts: Ano (Upper) Petralona (starting from the metro tracks to Filopappou Hill) and Kato (Lower) Petralona (ranging from the metro tracks to Pireos Avenue). This predominately residential district has been enjoying a boost in popularity in recent years, which has translated into new bars and eateries popping up left and right by young entrepreneurs who curate the character of their property, and impress with creative cocktails and exceptional music.
Ano Petralona, with its stone-built houses in pastel colors surrounded by narrow paths lined with bitter orange, lemon & olive trees, and gardens with jasmine and oleander, has managed to retain its old Athens aesthetics, contrary to Kato Petralona which is busier and noisy, with more laborious with industrial tones.
At first glance, Petralona appears to be like any other residential area of the city, but for a visitor hoping to escape the crush of tourists and engage in deeper exploration, Petralona is recommended. There are no museums or ancient sites here, as Petralona is all about strolling around and observing the everyday life of the Athenians, enjoying coffee, cocktails or traditional Greek appetizers and dishes hidden among side streets and flanking the squares.
Petralona is not about crazy nightlife and clubbing till dawn, it’s about friends coming together drinking & eating to share news and laugh, creating memories or meeting new people.
Explore the picturesqueMercouri Square, and the streets of Troon (pedestrianized right up to where it intersects with Timodimou Street), Trion Ierarxon, Dimofontos, Kydantidon and Kallisthenous to discover unique, quirky and creative little bars and cafes, Though historically a working-class neighborhood, Petralona today is considered a hip, bohemian & chic youthful community where living, drinking, and eating is easy
