The downtown areas of Omonia, Votanikos, Gazi and Psyrri have received the most dramatic upgrades in recent years, with the 2004 Summer Olympics accelerating the completion of much-needed projects that seemed mired in perpetual construction. Omonia in particular saw the removal of the unsightly billboards that had infested the area and a thorough cleanup of its seedy underbelly. The public works have been a catalyst for a multicultural flourishing and new businesses lining Sofokleous promise to inspire further development in the area. With Athens having the lowest crime rate in Europe, these downtrodden districts were not off-putting to tourists in the past for their violent reputations, but rather because they had no real draw, a situation that is rapidly changing thanks to all of this new development.
Psyrri was another neighborhood that experienced an incredible renaissance, a claim which may seem dubious to newcomers to the area until they are miraculously transported from the derelict buildings and gritty side streets to the heart of one of the most vibrant areas in Athens, Psyrri is teeming with Bohemian bars and clubs and tavernas with live Greek music. It is swarming with people of all ages, all day, every day and gypsies selling fragrant gardenias add to the festive atmosphere. Many designers have moved their ateliers here, attracted by the artsy atmosphere, while eccentric shops selling unique works of art or hand-made clothing have also cropped up. Unfortunately, as with all areas that find themselves suddenly at the centre of a new trend, quality has eroded somewhat at a few eateries, but there is always a good time, with much local color and charm, to be had.
Nearby Gazi is a new up-and-coming area, with the Technopolis Complex as its centerpiece. A former gasworks factory, recently transformed into a magnificent new cultural centre, Technopolis hosts state-of-the-art exhibitions, musical performances, art events and much more. Modern tavernas have emerged around this enlightened city project, alongside progressive mezedopolia that put a twist on tradition both in their flavors and in the décor. Barflies will love haunts overlooking Votanikos, with its ethereal towers silhouetted against the night sky. Votanikos is still in its early development stage, but already open is the Athinais multicomplex, offering a choice of restaurants, galleries and concert halls, together with a cinema with a retractable roof.
The most important thing for tourists is an Athens Tourist Guide to help them organize their dashes in the city, Athens Maps and a good accommodation including Athens Hotels in Omonia area which is really close to all the beautiful locations mentioned in this article. Enjoy!
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