Psirri is one of the eldest neighborhood of Athens. It’s definitely one of my favorite and the one which I always visit when in town.
It seats in the North/West area of Monastiraki. Till the Nineties, it was not a very recommended area but recently, like some other places in Athens, has been gentrified but it still keeps that ‘hip’ dodgy vibe. In my mind, it looks a bit like Dalston in London.
The coexistence of tourists and locals, bric-a-brac shops and cool small boutiques, street art and new stylish hotel, create a very appealing mix.
My top things to do in Psirri are:
- Coffee and hugs at 3QUARTERS, they are one of the reasons why I can’t miss a visit to Psirri! Their workshop is such an inspiring place which I really recommend to visit even if you’re ending up just cuddling their cats.
- After coffee, I need something to nourish my belly, that’s when I would go to Το Κουλούρι του Ψυρρί (To Koulouri tou Psirri): this is my favorite breakfast in Athens! That crunchy sesame seeds bread, kind of sweet… OMG!
- Strolling the area where all small old shops are: stocking up with spices, teas, soaps, and objects for the house.
- Lunch break at Kafenio Ivis: this is my new addiction in my food places in Athens! Recommended by Despina, this small taverna-tsipouradiko is a bit quirky and delicious (and so money convenient!). My favorite dishes are hummus plus a mix of green vegetables and black-eye beans.
- If you still have room for food, you could seat on one of the cafes in Iroon Square and order a cake! I was taken here by my friends Eleni, a great food blogger, and Kostantina, the Queen of Foodies in Athens, and, believe me, it’s a (sweet) experience you won’t forget! And I have to admit we over-ordered…
I love wandering around the area without a real purpose spotting a new graffiti. Psirri is very famous for the street art which covers its walls a bit everywhere, even where you would not expect it. It gives a cool and colorful feeling to the neighborhood.
‘Is Psirri a safe area?’ many people ask. I would say yes but still, be careful as a piece of general advice for any big cities.
When I checked my pictures for this shooting after some days, I was surprised to find so many empty chairs everywhere, and not only in cafes. It was winter, so, obviously, Athens was not as crowded as in high season, but still curious that my eye captured so many without intention! I should go back sometime in summer and see the difference!
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©Nicoletta Barbata/One Quarter Greek