These Are the Best Neighborhoods for Street Art in Athens
Athens is well known for its ancient ruins, excellent architecture, and world-class museums, but did you know that it is also home to jaw-dropping street art? Athens’ central neighborhoods brim with graffiti and murals that transform even the most mundane buildings into art pieces! But, how did street art begin in Athens, and where can you find the best street art? Keep reading to find out!
How did street art begin in Athens?
Street art in Athens started as far back as the ‘80s when the first American cultural influences appeared in Greece, with the initial street artworks inspired by hip-hop and breakdance culture. Although, at that time, it was associated with delinquency, today street art is considered a form of art that encapsulates the city’s cultural identity, expressing cultural, political, and environmental concerns.
The majority of murals in Athens are found in central neighborhoods, including Metaxourgio, Psyrri, and Keramikos, where almost every wall is a blank canvas for street artists to create urban art masterpieces!
Where to find street art in Athens
1. Omonia
One of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the heart of Athens city center, Omonia is known for its cultural diversity and urban artistic character. On the streets surrounding the central square in Omonia, where the metro station lies, you will find a wide variety of street art!
One of the most famous street art pieces in the Omonia area is the ‘Praying Hands’, an impressive mural by Pavlos Tsakonas. Inspired by the homonymous drawing by Albrecht Dürer, a Renaissance painter and engraver, this mural adorns a tall building wall overlooking a parking lot on Pireos Street.
Another must-see graffiti in Omonia is ‘Snowblind’, created by INΟ. This mural, also painted on a wall over a parking lot, depicts a man relentlessly chasing power and money, while he should be focusing on taking care of himself and his health. They are both breathtaking!
2. Monastiraki
Monastiraki is known for its traditional taverns, bustling streets, and excellent rooftop bars with panoramic views of the Acropolis. But, another reason you should visit this central neighborhood is its abundance of graffiti! Some of the most outstanding murals in Monastiraki are the ‘Faces in Love’ by Achilles and Onebran, the ‘Panda’ by Neidness, and ‘Ikarus’ by Nikos Tsounakas and Beforelight, a visual lighting group.
For the ultimate urban culture immersion, we suggest discovering the street art scene of Monastiraki and then savoring the city view while sipping on a cocktail at a rooftop bar, like the Art Lounge in New Hotel!
3. Psyrri
Psyrri is another neighborhood that stands out for its modern urban character. Located in the heart of Athens, this district boasts some of the city’s most impressive murals by international and local artists. Wandering through the narrow streets of the picturesque Psyrri, you’ll come across numerous murals, including the portrait of Loukanikos, a dog that became a symbol during Greece’s debt crisis, as he attended all the anti-austerity demonstrations!
Other than that, in Psyrri you will find works of street artists like Soteur, Gera, Ruin, and INO, as well as countless hidden murals waiting to be discovered.
4. Metaxourgio
Nestled between Keramikos and Omonia, Metaxourgio is one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in Athens city center. Although it is not often listed in the must-visit areas in Athens, the truth is that Metaxourgio is full of surprises, including hip cocktail bars, amazing restaurants, and, of course, plenty of graffiti. No wonder it plays host to the annual Little Paris Art Festival!
One of the murals you should check when you visit Metaxourgio is the ‘Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens’ (corner of Palaiologou and Samou Streets) by WD (Wild Drawing), which depicts an owl, a universal symbol of wisdom. Another one is ‘The Kiss’ (Avdi Square), which was created by Ilias Papailiakis during the pandemic, symbolizing optimism and human connection!
5. Keramikos
Keramikos is one of the best neighborhoods for nightlife in Athens, as it is home to numerous nightclubs and bars attracting hordes of party-goers. However, another reason why you should explore this neighborhood is because it brims with impressive murals that blend the past with the present in the most artistic way possible!
One of the must-see murals in Keramikos is ‘Access Control’ by INΟ, a mix of eeriness and sci-fi aesthetics, on Pireos Street close to the bustling Gazi Square. Another impressive mural in Keramikos is the ‘Can’t say I am having a bad time’ by Vasilis Markosian on Megalou Alexandrou Street. This ironic artwork depicts a man trapped in a cage surrounded by buildings and trunks of trees; it is one of the most Instagrammable murals in Athens!
6. Exarchia
Exarchia is the quintessential urban neighborhood! Hip, multicultural, and full of sophisticated shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, this area is the place to go if you want to experience the city like a local.
Murals and graffiti couldn’t of course be missing from this district’s cultural scene. Meandering around the neighborhood, you will see many walls covered with impressive murals by international artists, like Guido van Helten, Blu, and WD, as well as local street artists, like iNo. If you are a street art enthusiast, you shouldn’t miss them!
Street art in Athens becomes more and more impressive as the years pass, with established artists from all over the world and the country adorning the city walls with vibrant artworks. Just a walk around the central neighborhoods of Athens will introduce you to the city’s fascinating street art scene! So, are you ready to let Athens’ street art bewitch you with its stories?
