Get to know Athens: Strolling around Kifissia, the elegant, timeless suburb of the Greek capital

The city of Athens is well known for its rich history and sandy beaches, well appreciated by millions of tourists and expatriates. What most people don’t know is the beauty that lies in its picturesque northern suburbs. Kifissia is one of our favorite neighborhoods in the city. A lush, green suburb, adorned with timeless charm and elegance. In its serene, tree-lined streets you will get to appreciate a distinct architectural style, historical mansions, cafes, restaurants, and designer boutiques. Homes and apartments for sale in Kifissia are very popular among expats, who favor it for its cooler climate and abundant greenery.

Up until the 1950s, Kifissia was a summer retreat for wealthy Athenians, full of summer residences and luxurious hotels. These days it has become an ideal alternative to those seeking a quiet, slow paced residential area, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Even though it is located just 30 minutes away from the center, as soon as you step foot here, you will feel like you travelled in posh countryside.

We start our walk from Platanos Square, the neighborhood’s shopping center, with countless of shops offering coffee and brunch, restaurants with Greek and international cuisine, some of them vintage, while others following the most modern and minimal interior design trends. Adjacent to the square, you will find Kassavetes and Kolokotroni streets. Both streets are full of stylish boutiques with clothes, shoes, jewelry and homewares by up-and-coming Greek designers and well-established international names. Moreover, at the beginning of Kassaveti street lies the “Funerary Monument of Kifissia”, an important example of 2nd century AD architecture, where four sarcophagi were found inside its chamber

Close to Platanos square you will also find Plaka, which is reminiscent of the well-known area in the Athenian city center. Its stone cobbled alleys are very vivid during nighttime, thanks to its cocktail bars and restaurants.

If art and culture is more your cup of tea, you will not be disappointed. In the summer you can catch an outdoor movie in one of the open-air cinemas, Bomboniera, which has been operating since 1918 and Chloe, which feels like a home garden. If you have kids, do not miss out on the Goulandris Museum of Natural History, where you will get to see plenty of zoological and botanical fossils, taxidermized mammals and insects, and even a triceratops! And for the modern art lovers, the Mamush Gallery houses some contemporary works by Greek and international artists, such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons and Roy Lichtenstein. 

During spring, one of the biggest local happenings takes place in the neighborhood’s park, the Kifissia Flower Show. Every May florists, horticulturalists, and anyone with a green thumb gather round to find more than 2.000 species of plants and herbs.

Shopping, dining, nature and culture, Kifissia has it all. Even in its most busy streets, the vibe is laid back and relaxed. While homes and apartments for rent in Kifissia are a little harder to spot, but the wait is surely worth it. So, either you are looking for your perfect family home, or a young couple searching for a modern apartment, Kifissia is a place full of character and certainly has “the it factor”, that will make you want to stay forever.