Psyri or Psiri is central, trendy & unconventional! It is a colorful neoclassical neighborhood known for its artisans, specialty stores, restaurants, bars, tavernas (with or without live music), theaters, art and antique shops, as well as a small number of hotels.
Following the liberation of Greece from the Turkish occupation in 1833, several veteran freedom fighters and immigrants from the provinces settled here in Psyri. They made a living by opening cottage industries and workshops, giving the area a unique & distinctive character.
In the 1980s and 90s, the now gentrified neighborhood was almost abandoned, until a decision was made to invest in its redevelopment. The restoration of neoclassical buildings and the influx of trendy bars and shops have given Psyri new life. You will still find many abandoned buildings, though the atmosphere of decadence has balanced out over the years.
Today, Psyri attracts many Athenians who appreciate the blend of the traditional with the modern character of the area.
During the day, Psyri is a relatively quiet place where Athenians work and live, and you can wander around to do some shopping in the relaxed atmosphere. At night, it’s full of interesting faces, with a mix of tourists and trendy locals. Psyri is messy and lively, a microcosm of Athens that has everything you could imagine squeezed into just a few blocks.
Visiting Psyri is less about exploring museums or historic sites, and more about soaking up the authentic atmosphere of a working Athens neighborhood.
Embark on self-guided tour of the Psyri street art scene.
Psyri is one of the most artistic neighborhoods in Athens, so you will find many interesting examples of street art throughout its narrow streets and on the walls of its old buildings. If you love this kind of art, have a walk around to see the different techniques used, and notice the political themes highlighted across a majority of the local graffiti.
The best examples of street art can be found at The Old Fire station and the Foundry Hotel on Sarri Street, Epikourou Street and Riga Palamidou Street.
Pamper yourself in a traditional Hammam, a wonderful way to cleanse your body and relax your senses.
Part of your exploration of Psyri could include visiting a traditional Turkish hammam to relax and pamper yourself. Hammams offer an authentic experience of age-old traditions whose origins date back to Roman times. With influences from Middle Eastern and African culture, hammam was popularized during the Ottoman Empire.
We suggest you choose a steam bath with a combination of services such as exfoliation with traditional kese gloves, a soap massage and hair wash.
Polis Hammam Avliton 6-8. https://polis-hammam.gr/en/
Hammam Baths, Melidoni 1 & Agion Asomaton 17, https://hammam.gr/en/athens/
Pass by or have a stop at Little Kook – A quirky, seasonal themed café / pastry shop, A dreamy spot!
Tucked away on a side street in Psyri, you will find the Little Kook café. Due to its often-changing seasonal themes, it has become a popular Athens attraction and it is one of the most “instagrammable” cafes in the city. If you are travelling with children, trust us they will LOVE it! Adults also equally enjoy the themes, as they will transport you to a fantasy land. Entering Little Kook is like entering a fairytale!
