Among Athens’ northern suburbs, Kifissia is a district that might be easily overlooked by Plaka-focused first-time visitors to Greece. It is one of the richest residential parts of Athens, however, and makes a pleasant escape from the city centre.

Significantly cooler than much of Athens, the neighbourhood’s main square and nearby Kefalari Square are rare green oases in the Greek capital, with shops, cafes, and restaurants abound on its shady streets. There are plenty of entertainment options, including a movie theatre, a bowling alley, and horse and carriage rides. The area’s park comes to life in spring with the annual Kifissia Flower Show.

Kifissia is part of the Athens metro system, being a last stop on the green M1 line. Visitors staying in Kifissia can reach the central Monastiraki Square in just over half an hour, or the Piraeus port, to meet ships going to the islands, in under one hour, without making any transfers.

This suburb has long been an upscale area for Athenians. Summer homes and philosophic retreats in Kifissia became popular as early as the Roman days under emperor Hadrian. The area has morphed and changed with periods of Ottoman rule and American military occupation after World War II, but it always returns to its status as Athens’ prime escape.