Quite some time has elapsed since the Bournazi area in west Athens suburb Peristeri emerged as a Greek nightclubbing hotspot, TV serials and Greek pop hits reinforcing its legend.
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Peristeri, the country’s fourth largest municipality, has continued to evolve over the years, covering all needs, whether visited on weekdays or weekends, concerning dining, shopping, sports, cultural events and, above all, engaging with interesting people in a vibrant scene.
A short guide on interesting things to do in the heart of west Athens follows:
Visit to the park
Peristeri park, spread over six hectares, is a place where most locals have spent many hours on Sundays as well as other days. This park is an attraction for families, children, couples, young and old, as well as pets, which seem to be acquainted with the few strays to be seen at the park.
Ideally, it is pleasant to get to the park early and spend your day there. Head to Everest beforehand for your coffee, water, fruit juice and sandwich, ready or DIY.
Helped by the metro line’s extension to the area a few years ago, Peristeri has developed into a main shopping district for the entire west Athens region. The pedestrian street, officially named Ethnikis Antistaseos, but commonly referred to as pezodromo, meaning pedestrian street, covers all shopping needs, from low-cost faux bijoux jewellery, preferred by younger age groups, to luxury-brand homeware and fashion.
In urban mode
If you enjoy walking and taking snapshots, Peristeri is the right place for you. The worker housing blocks in the Agios Antonios area promise to boost your Instagram credentials. A small number of refugee homes, built in the 1920s and 1930s, remain on Megalou Alexandrou St, close to the Peristeri metro station.
Bournazi square is no longer just an entertainment magnet but also a good place to enjoy a meal. What better way to top off your shopping expedition than Italian food? La Pasteria is the perfect spot for modern, traditional, comfort as well as refined Italian cuisine.
La Pasteria’s carbonara, a favourite among locals for years, needs no further introduction. As for the antipasti, we recommend the Cozze Taormina, steamed mussels in a light wine sauce with herbs.
For cold plates, try the Linguini con Bottarga, linguini with grated roe, lemon zest, olive oil and garlic. If you would rather not have a pasta meal, fish and meat choices are also available, along with superb La Pasteria pizzas, prepared with dough left to ferment for 72 hours. This is an ideal selection for children as is the Kids Menu, a fine alternative, for 8.50 euros, comprised of a pasta meal and soft drink or juice. Top off your meal with a selection from the wide range of desserts, the Tiramisu being one of the best to be found in Peristeri.
Match day
Peristeri is the proud home of two sports clubs, Atromitos in football and Peristeri in basketball. The city’s basketball club has enjoyed particular success in European competition, generating publicity for the area throughout the continent. If in the area on match day for either of the two clubs, you will certainly pick up on the excitement and heightened activity.
Peristeri is a sports-loving area, not only in terms of spectatorship but also participation. This was made particularly evident during the lockdown period, when the municipality’s open-air gyms proved to be among the most popular spots in the wider Athens area.
Outdoor basketball hoops, as well as spaces for jogging and two swimming pools are available in the Peristeri area.
At the water fountains
A theme and recreational park, located between the Agios Antonios and Peristeri metro stations, opened in 2017, is a lush space that includes a children’s playground with modern, safe games. The park’s two water fountains are standout features.
The statues of the Nine Muses, from Greek mythology, symbolize the city’s cultural activity.
The Everest outlet is near, so grab a coffee and enjoy the area.
Night out
Peristeri is a youthful area as is made clear by the area’s nightlife, whose nucleus has now shifted to the Veaki pedestrian street, featuring lots of bars open until very late.
