Discover the Charm of Voulis Street in Syntagma

Voulis Street is one of the most lively streets in the Syntagma neighborhood, connecting Kolokotroni Square on its northern side to the popular neighborhood of Plaka on the other. The vibrant Voulis Street is, in a way, the “twin” of the parallel Nikis Street. Both are favorite hangouts for locals and travelers, brimming with restaurants, shops, and bars for all tastes.

Keep reading for our local’s guide to Voulis Street in Syntagma and find out the best things to see and do, where to eat, where to stay, and how to get there.

Things to See and Do on Voulis Street

Even though walking Voulis Street from end to end won’t take more than a few minutes, you’ll be surprised by how many points of interest this narrow alley hides.

Below are our top picks for the best things to see and do on Voulis Street.

National Historical Museum

Located at the northern end of Voulis Street, on Kolokotroni Square, the National Historical Museum is one of the oldest museums in Athens.

It was founded in 1884 and has been permanently housed in the neoclassical building of the Old Parliament House of Greece since 1962.

Its exhibitions feature many historical artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, clothes, ceramics, guns, flags, coins, architecture designs, vintage posters, and even models of old ships.

A walk through the halls of the National Historical Museum is enough to get an overview of the history of modern Hellenism from the Ottoman rule and the Greek War of Independence to the present day.

Local tip: Don’t miss the equestrian statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis, one of the most famous sculptures in Athens, that stands in front of the museum.

Address: Stadiou 13, Kolokotroni Square, Athina 105 61

Opening hours:

September – June: Tuesday – Friday: 09.00-16.00
Saturday – Sunday: 10.00-16.00
Closed on Mondays

July – August:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10.00-16.00
Closed on Mondays

Admission fee:
Full admission: € 5 – Reduced admission: € 3

Passage of the Merchants

This narrow arcade called Passage of the Merchants (or Stoa Emporon) had glorious days during the 50’s and 60’s as a vibrant shopping center.

Sadly, a swift decay ensued in the following decades. In 2018, the Municipality of Athens launched an initiative to rekindle commercial activity in the arcade, but sadly, the experiment failed, with most of the stores closing down permanently. What still remains, however, are the impressive graffiti murals and bright signs hanging from the ceiling, transporting visitors to a different era of Athens.

The passage of the merchants will take you from Voulis Street to the famous Lekka Street, next to Speakeasy, one of the best cocktail bars in Athens.

Address: Voulis 4, Athina 105 62

Where to Eat on Voulis Street

When it comes to restaurants and eating out in Athens, Voulis Street is as diverse as any street in the city can be.

You’ll find something for everyone on this street, with options ranging from new-age Japanese and international fusion cuisine to tiny traditional tavernas, bakeries, and fancy ice cream parlors.

Below, we’ll list our favorite places to eat on Voulis Street.

Evgenia Restaurant (To Paradosiako)

Evgenia restaurant (also known as To Paradosiako) is one of the traditional taverns of Athens that have been tested by time and proven to be timeless local favorites.

Founded in 1987, this tiny “oinomagereion” (wine tavern) offers homemade Greek cuisine in more than generous rations and at great prices. Make sure to try out some delicious appetizers and the fresh seafood “mezedes”.

Address: Voulis 44Α, Athina 105 58

Ariston

Ariston (also known as Ariston Lompotesi) might not be a restaurant, but it definitely deserves a spot on this list as it’s known for offering some of the best traditional pies in Athens.

The secret behind the longstanding success of Ariston lies in the dough recipe that originates from Istanbul and has been used ever since the bakery opened its doors in 1910.

This special dough is used for more than 120 different styles of pie to satisfy your inner gourmand. While there, make sure to try their legendary “kourou” dough cheese pie.

Address: Voulis 10, Athina 105 62

Shopping on Voulis Street

Voulis Street is home to some of the most unique stores in Athens, catering to very specific niche interests and hobbies.

Below, you’ll find a few ideas for shopping on Voulis Street at stores that you probably wouldn’t expect to find there.

Anavasi Maps – Travel Bookstore

Anavasi is an extraordinary travel bookstore where you can find all kinds of books and print material related to travel.

From traditional travel guides for most destinations in Greece to handbooks and maps for hiking routes, mountain climbing, birdwatching and more, Anavasi’s books will help you design your own unique itinerary.

This is the best place to pick up a specialized map if you’re going hiking in Athens or a guide if you’re planning to leave Athens for a day trip.

Address: Voulis 32, Athina 105 57

Nightlife and Bars on Voulis Street

Brimming with award-winning cocktail bars, hidden wine bars and tiny bistros, Voulis Street is an ideal journey’s end after a long day of sightseeing and shopping in the neighborhood of Syntagma.

Here are our favorite bars on Voulis Street for the perfect final stop to your itinerary.

Oinoscent

Besides the clever wordplay in its name (Oinos means wine in Greek), Oinoscent is known for being one of the most extraordinary wine bars in Athens due to its location, decoration, cuisine, and -of course- premium wine.

Its glass cellar holds more than 1,000 different local and international wine labels that will satisfy the most demanding palate.

Relax at one of the roadside tables and pair your favorite wine with a dish from a menu based exclusively on seasonal ingredients for a delightful evening on Voulis Street.

Address: Voulis 45-47, Athina 105 57

Hotels on Voulis Street

We highly recommend staying on Voulis Street if you are looking for a central location in Syntagma. This way, you’ll be only a few minutes away from some of the city’s most popular places, like Ermou Street, Monastiraki Square, and the popular neighborhood of Plaka.

Plus, it’s only a short walk from the metro that connects downtown Athens to the airport and the port of Piraeus. Here are the best hotels you’ll find on Voulis Street.

V1935 Luxurious Apartments

This is an exceptional choice for travelers looking into the apartments of Athens instead of the traditional hotel options.

Housed in a pre-WWII building, the V1935 complex features several different fully renovated apartments with high ceilings, marble floors, and antique furniture. On the top floor, you’ll find a charming roof garden that hosts a graceful Italian restaurant and bar. Check it out here.

Address: Voulis 29, Athina 105 57

See all the different apartments on booking.com and pick the one that suits your needs.

The Marblous Athens

The Marblous Athens is a unique hotel with an elegant design fashioned to celebrate femininity while keeping a modern woman’s needs in mind.

It features several different rooms and suites and a chic bistro that serves breakfast and brunch, it’s an ideal option for female solo travelers, families, or couples at a very advantageous location in Syntagma.

Address: 24 Voulis and Mitropoleos Street, Athina 105 63

See all the different suites and rooms of The Marblous Athens on booking.com and book your stay here.

Electra Palace Athens

Housed in an impressive neoclassical building at the corner of Voulis and Navarchou Nikodimou street, the posh 5-star Electra Palace Athens needs no introduction.

Its luxurious suites with Parthenon views, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and magnificent rooftop restaurants over the Acropolis undeniably guarantee a memorable stay.

Address: Navarchou Nikodimou 18-20, Athina 105 57

Find Electra Palace Athens on booking.com and upgrade your stay in Athens to a luxurious vacation.

Athens Acropolis House

Wedged between Syntagma and Plaka, at the intersection of Voulis and Kodrou Streets, Athens Acropolis House is a great option for a budget-friendly hotel in central Athens.

Housed in a chic 19th-century neoclassical building, it features clean, cozy rooms with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and affordable Athens stay.

Address: Kodrou 6-8, Athina 105 58

Are you planning a budget trip to Athens? Check out the prices of Athens Acropolis House on booking.com.

How to Get to Voulis Street

Getting to Voulis Street is very easy. All you need to do is get off at Syntagma metro station (red and blue line), cross Syntagma square towards Ermou Street, and then walk down Ermou for two blocks.

Look for a small fountain with a brass sculpture in the middle of the street. This is the intersection of Ermou and Voulis Street.

All in all, a walk down Voulis Street is a must when exploring Syntagma’s famous streets. Make sure to follow our tips and spend some time here to enjoy the finest of Athens’ gastronomy and nightlife scene.