Want to check out the best Athens street art? This guide will show you where you can find the best street art in Athens Greece.
Athens Street Art
Did you know that there is lots of street art in Athens? The Greek capital is home to vibrant, expressive street art, which you can see pretty much everywhere you go.
In fact, Athens has only emerged as a street art destination over the past couple of decades. Several local and international artists like WD, iNO, STMTS and Sonke have chosen to decorate the walls of Athens with their distinctive work.
As a result, the areas of Anafiotika, Psiri, Kerameikos, Metaxourgio and Exarchia are full of beautiful street art, which you can discover on your own, or on a dedicated Athens street art tour!
Street art in Athens
If you go for a walk around downtown Athens, you will probably come across one or more of the art works presented in this guide. Some of them are small, others are large, and there is also an increasing number of commissioned murals around the city.
The streets of Athens are an ever-changing canvas. Perhaps when you visit, some of the works you see here will have been replaced by even more stunning art!
Here are a few photos of street art in Athens and where to find them.
Street art in Exarchia Athens
Some of the oldest street art in Athens can be found in Exarchia.
If you visit this vibrant neighbourhood, you are likely to come across this big graffiti, that has been there for a very long time.
In fact, one could argue that this particular piece sums up the attitude of this neighbourhood!
The amazing work below was unfortunately covered by other art a few years ago. To this day, I consider it one of the best examples of street art in Athens.
So, I’ve included it here, as an example that art in Athens comes and goes!
One of the most prominent buildings in the Exarhia area, is the Polytechnic University. Once inside, you can see some stunning art, such as this very elaborate mural.
I am also a huge fan of this graffiti inside the Athens Polytechnic University. The motto next to it translates into “Hate fear”.
Speaking of the Polytechnic University, did you know that it was mysteriously covered in a huge graffiti in March 2015? The graffiti was cleaned very soon, but some tagging has taken place since then.
By the way, there are always protests around this area on 17 November, which is the anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising. Here is some more info on protests in Athens on 17 November.
Street art in Anafiotika and Plaka Athens
Plaka and Anafiotika are among the most visited areas of Athens. Tourists and locals can easily spot a few lovely artworks.
This small mural in Plaka was made by Sonke, possibly the most instantly recognizable street artist in Athens and beyond.
Nearby, you can see this smaller image, followed by a text in Greek:
“And they came again, on new horse-carriages, to collect more taxes. Going down, however, they felt that they were stepping on cotton, and not on firm ground. They saw countless tortured eyes, with stones in their hands. Many horse-carriages stayed there. They left, and never came back. Never…”
I leave the interpretation to you!
The art work below, once located between Anafiotika and Plaka, was one of my favorites, but it’s now been covered.
Finally, this graffiti on a temporary construction, is trying to pass a message… or two!
Athens street art at Metaxourgio and Kerameikos
Those upcoming neighbourhoods are home to some of the best street art in Athens. If you walk around, you are likely to come across street artists on-the-job!
You will find street art everywhere, even in abandoned backyards.
I love this large mural, which was commissioned by the municipality of Athens a few years ago.
Monastiraki – Psiri Street Art Athens
Walk no more than 5 minutes from Monastiraki metro, and you will come across one of the biggest and most iconic graffiti in Athens. You can’t miss this large commissioned mural – just get to Psiri square and look up.
In Psirri, there is also the Loukanikos mural, the famous stray dog who ran alongside protesters in Athens and even featured in Time magazine. Loukanikos died in 2014, and this work was created in his memory.
If you like bright colours, this might be the most suitable piece of street art in Monastiraki!
This other mural close to the Varvakios food market is one of my favorites.
Athens street art at Polytechnic University in Zografou
If you are a serious street art lover, you will definitely want to take a trip to the premises of the Polytechnic University in Zografou area. The closest metro is Katechaki.
Don’t be discouraged by the fact that this area is a university! The guards at the gates are very helpful and they will even give you directions to see the best known art works.
If you are lucky, you might see some of the world-famous artists, like WD, on the job. This is one of his finished works – just stunning!
Allow yourself a couple of hours to fully explore the area – it’s a really nice campus. You may want to pack a picnic as well!
More street art in Athens
Wherever you go in Athens, you will definitely see some street art. For example, you can find this amazing mural in Ampelokipi area, a 20 minute walk off the center.
You can occasionally find street art on garbage bins. I honestly can’t remember where I saw this one!
I hope that you have enjoyed these photos! As you see, they are very different from the pictures of Ancient Athens, and they present another face of our wonderfully diverse city.
These are some of the best street art works in Athens. I’ve left out several for you to discover yourself! Or you can take an Athens street art tour, where you will also find out a lot about the background of these wonderful murals.
More guides about Athens
Interested in more urban adventures and experiences in Athens? Check out these articles:
- Ten things you should know before visiting Greece
- Food in Greece – Everything you need to know
- Tips for visiting Greece in summer
- Best Athens Museums
- Athens metro guide
- The best Greek SIM card
- The evil eye in Greece
Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens in Greece. I love my vibrant city, and am always looking for new street art. When you visit Athens, check it out! Follow me on my social media:
- Facebook page and very active Facebook group
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The street art scene in Athens is incredible. I took a street art tour and it was for sure the best part of my trip.
So glad to hear that!