The 10 Most Beautiful Streets of Athens

We love exploring the beautiful streets of Athens, where past and present come together in a truly unique way. Few cities offer such a remarkable blend of old and new as the Greek capital.

Some streets are straight, wide, and lined with elegant neoclassical buildings. Others are narrow, winding, and filled with flowers. You’ll often spot quirky street art or fluffy cats wandering around.

If you want to feel the magic of Athens, spend your time exploring its extraordinary streets. Many of them are pedestrian and offer spectacular views.

Apostolou Pavlou + Dionysiou Aeropagitou

If there’s one walk you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Athens, it’s the one around the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis. This is where Paul the Apostle walked nearly 2,000 years ago.

The street begins next to the historic Thiseio metro station and heads southeast past the Agora. It is named Apostolou Pavlou after the apostle. The path ascends until it reaches the main entrance to Philopappou Hill.

It then turns east and begins to descend. On your left, you’ll see the magnificent Acropolis and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. On your right, the impressive Acropolis Museum. This part of the street is called Dionysiou Areopagitou, and it ends at the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Ermou

If you ask Athenians what the city’s main street is, they’ll unanimously reply: Ermou. The street begins across the Technopolis Cultural Center in Gazi and continues past ancient Kerameikos. This section is pedestrian.

Once it reaches Thiseio metro station, it becomes a traditional road with narrow sidewalks and crumbling neoclassical homes. On your right, you’ll spot Monastiraki Square.

A few blocks after Monastiraki, the street becomes pedestrian again. Here you’ll see the 11th-century Panagia Kapnikarea Church. This is Athens’ main shopping area that ends at Syntagma Square.

Aiolou

Aiolou was the first street to be built according to the new city plan after Greece’s liberation. It begins as the continuation of Patision Avenue, one block from Omonia Square. After crossing Stadiou, it becomes pedestrian until Ermou.

Two beautiful Athenian squares lie along the way: Kotzia and Agia Irini. Notable buildings include the National Bank of Greece (a very interesting contemporary building), the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, and the Church of Saint Irene.

After crossing Ermou, the street passes by Hadrian’s Library and ends at the Tower of the Winds in the Roman Agora.

Ifestou + Pandrossou

Ifestou and Pandrossou Streets are located within the area of the old market that existed here until it burned down in 1885.

Ifestou begins at the northwestern corner of the Ancient Agora. The city’s flea market is here, around Avissinias Square. Most shops on Ifestou sell clothes.

After crossing Monastiraki Square, you’ll enter Pandrossou Street near the Tzistarakis Mosque. Most shops here sell souvenirs. The street ends at Mitropoleos Square, where the Cathedral of Athens stands.

Adrianou

Adrianou is another scenic street offering spectacular views. It begins at Thiseio metro station and follows the northern border of the Agora. From here, you can see the Acropolis in the distance.

After reaching Hadrian’s Library, you’ll need to walk around it: south, then east, then north. At one point, you’ll see ancient ruins on both sides.

The street continues southeast until Navarchou Nikodimou Street. It then turns south and becomes pedestrian, ending at a small square with the lovely Church of Saint Catherine.

Lisiou + Tripodon

Lisiou is a charming street in Plaka you shouldn’t miss. It begins south of the Roman Agora and heads southeast, passing the iconic Mnisikleous Stairs.

After a short walk, it continues as Tripodon, the oldest street in Athens. This charming 2,500-year-old route was one of the main streets in ancient Athens.

Tripodon passes by the Church of Saint Nicholas and the Al Hammam Traditional Baths. It ends at a small square with the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.

Agion Anargiron

Agion Anargiron is one of the main streets in Psyri, known for the best street art in Athens. It’s a short, fully pedestrian street.

It begins at Sarri Street and heads southeast toward Psyri’s main square, Iroon. Some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops are here.

Highlights include the small Church of Agia Paraskevi and the larger Church of the Holy Unmercenaries. The iconic Smiling Faces mural is located on Iroon Square.

Iraklidon

The last three streets are slightly off the beaten path. Iraklidon is the main street in the lovely neighborhood of Thiseio. It’s home to several nice bars and restaurants frequented by locals.

Iraklidon starts at the large Pireos Street. The first couple of blocks aren’t very interesting. But on the corner with Erisichthonos, you’ll see remains of the ancient city wall.

From there, the street becomes pedestrian and continues all the way to Apostolou Pavlou. Near its eastern end is the Herakleidon Museum, well worth a visit.

Georgaki Olimpiou

If you’ve spent some time in Athens, you’ve probably discovered its coolest neighborhoods. Koukaki is certainly one of them.

There are two lovely pedestrian streets here: Drakou, which is closer to the center and more touristy, and Georgaki Olimpiou, which is more authentic and laid-back. Both are lined with trees and bushes.

Our favorite restaurant and bar are on Georgaki Olimpiou. Kalyvas Family Grill is a taverna with delicious homemade Greek food. Bel Ray is a fantastic bar with a great atmosphere.

Fokionos Negri

You’ve probably never heard of this street. Located in the Kypseli neighborhood, it’s far from the city center, and there’s no metro station nearby (yet!).

We love Fokionos Negri because it’s pedestrian and filled with greenery. In fact, it feels more like a garden than a street. It’s very authentic and 100% local.

The only notable building here is the old Kypseli Municipal Market. We love eating Syrian food at Tastes of Damascus and enjoying cocktails at the Beetle Bar.

How to Visit the Streets

The best way to explore these streets is on foot. Most are pedestrian-only, so there’s no car traffic. You should visit the first six, even if you’re in Athens for just a few days. They include many of the city’s main sites.

If you’re looking for authentic places to eat, drink, or people-watch, try any of the last four streets. Almost every bar, restaurant, or club there is worth your time.

For a deeper understanding of Athens’ history, consider hiring a private guide. Otherwise, you can join an excellent walking tour focused on Greek mythology.