Psyri, Historic neighborhood in central Athens, Greece

Psyri is one of the oldest quarters of Athens, laid out almost square and bounded by Ermou, Athinas, Evripidou and Sarri streets. Its five main streets converge on Plateia Iroon, the central square. The area is dense with restaurants, bars, live-music tavernas and a small number of hotels.

Psyri is one of the oldest quarters of Athens; it was first mentioned in 1678 by the French physician Jacob Spon, who listed it as one of the city's eight districts. From 1870 it gained a dangerous reputation through the koutsavakides, brigands who robbed and sometimes killed merchants. Their activity ended abruptly in December 1893, when Athens-Piraeus police director Dimitrios Bairaktaris arrested the district's criminals within a month.

The central square is called Plateia Iroon, or Heroes' Square, after the streets named for fighters of the Greek War of Independence such as Karaiskakis and Miaoulis. In old Athens the name was used mockingly for the koutsavakides, the local toughs who gathered there. Today the square and surrounding lanes hold tavernas, bars and live music venues.

The area is easy to reach via Monastiraki metro station just a short walk away. The best time to explore is late afternoon or evening when shops stay open and the streets are more lively.

Pittaki Street features an unusual installation of hundreds of donated lamps that create a special light display. Evripidou Street on the other hand is home to international spice merchants and food vendors from around the world who bring a global feel to the area.