Pnyx Athens

Chilling like the ancients

Dimitris from Athens

About Me Hi! I'm Dimitris Hall. I've been an Athens Spotter since 2013 and have worked with Spotted by Locals as the site's editor, social media and content manager since early 2017. I was born a few months before the fall of the Berlin Wall and grew up in Nea Smyrni (New Izmir), a suburb of Athens that a century ago didn't even exist as a concept. I’m a μισός-μισός, a “half-and...
""Pnyx": where the Ekklesia would convene in Ancient Athens. Today it's one of my favorite places to chill around the Acropolis - a surprisingly hidden gem!"

Τhere is a great number of fantastic places to chill near the Acropolis, but surprisingly, Pnyx (or Pnyka) is one of the less visited ones, especially given its historical importance. It's where the Ekklesia, the assembly of the Ancient Athenian democracy, had its meetings and where well-known orators captivated their audience.

Sitting around Pnyx, it's hard not to catch some of the direct democratic vibe. The stone vistas seem to have changed little in the interluding 2500 years that have transformed the rest of the city. The view over the Acropolis, as well as to the north and the north-west of the city and Mt. Parnitha, is one of the best in central Athens.

Unlike Areios Pagos, a similar location where most people go to enjoy the view and relax overlooking the heart of the old town but is rather bare, Pnyx is, in contrast, much quieter and has a lot of trees surrounding it. I like staying there and then, after visiting the observatory which stands in the vicinity, returning to Apostolou Pavlou St through the narrow descending streets. Perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon, together with a take-away coffee and a cigarette, if you're into these bad habits. Good company goes without saying. Try giving speeches to them while being there, you'll feel quite important!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Athens Spotter Dimitris

About Me Hi! I'm Dimitris Hall. I've been an Athens Spotter since 2013 and have worked with Spotted by Locals as the site's editor, social media and content manager since early 2017. I was born a few months before the fall of the Berlin Wall and grew up in Nea Smyrni (New Izmir), a suburb of Athens that a century ago didn't even exist as a concept. I’m a μισός-μισός, a “half-and-half”, my constituent parts being Greek and Australian, which honestly doesn’t sound quite right, since the last time I was in Australia was more than 15 years ago, and that just for holidays. I woul...

About this spot

Pnikos

free

Nov 9, 2025

Our Athens City Guide

Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Athens

CatDog Urban Bar

Berlin meets Pokemon

I've been here with friends and they've all been amazed at the low prices, cool vibe and '90s memorabilia. Even the cocktails are named after Pokemon!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 13, 2025

To 24oro

Budget restaurant around the clock

It's really close to both Akropoli and Syggrou-Fix metro station, it has a nice vibe, a great selection of Greek international dishes and large portions!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 13, 2025

Kitschen

Port-side Asian fusion Nirvana

Once you enter, you will be amazed by the Japanese-cool decoration, especially by the huge blue mural with the 3D elements and the pink circle.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 13, 2025

Kalos Aeras

Fine dining at home

Although Kalos Aeras is located on a busy road, there is no noise penetrating the leafy veranda, and stepping into the house is like time-traveling back to the 60s.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Plateia Proskopon

Past glories

Plateia Proskopon is surely not as hip as Plateia Varnava or other spots in Pagrati but has a unique atmosphere.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Starata

Honest pies

The owners of Starata take great pride in their fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and the phyllo that is prepared daily in front of their customers.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

1001 Geyseis

Nuts about it

I just love the chocolate-covered nuts in 1001 Geyseis! I recently tried the cocoa-covered pecan nuts and hopefully one day I will try all the variety the store has to offer!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Santo Belto

An urban comfort zone

Entering Agias Zonis is like getting into a literal comfort zone. Although it starts from the bustling pedestrian zone of Fokionos Negri, Agias Zonis is a well-kept secret.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Plateia Vathis Falafel

Falafel square

There are actually three falafel places located next to each other in Plateia Vathis (Vathis square). All three places are equally good, offering huge portions for a great price.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Prasini Tenta

The finest and greenest view

Located on the top of Lycabettus hill, the highest spot of the city right in the center of Athens, it is a steep walk to reach Prasini Tenta, but just the view itself is worth the hike.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Moscow supermarket

Russian delicacies

After filling your basket with pickled mushrooms and the lavash puff bread, try the candy bars with the illustrated packaging reminding you of the Soviet Union days.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

O Lefteris

Dad-approved souvlaki

"O Lefteris" in Athens makes souvlaki the way our fathers & grandfathers like them best: no gyros, no tzatziki, no fries; just meat, pita, tomato & onion.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 13, 2025

Heading to Athens?

264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Athens app Home
Athens app Home
Athens app Map
Athens app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

264 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Athens

Our team loves Athens

Get to know our other Spotters from Athens

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
41
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters