Metaxourgeio: Birthplace of Laïko, Rebetiko and Greek Music Legends in Athens
Metaxourgeio is a historic Athens neighbourhood with deep ties to Greek music, especially Laïko and Rebetiko. The Silk House stands in this area that gave Greece Vicky Moscholiou and Giorgos Zampetas, two of the most iconic voices of these genres. Rebetiko dominated from the 1920s to the 1940s, with a revival in the 1960s, before Laïko took over in the 1950s–1970s. A blend of pop and Greek folk, this music became Greece’s mainstream soundtrack, and you can still hear it in local restaurants today.
Vicky Moscholiou: The Cello of Greek Music
Vicky Moscholiou grew up in post-war Athens and began singing in a nightclub where her cousin worked. She rose to fame in her early twenties and soon collaborated with leading Greek composers and songwriters. Manos Hatzidakis, one of Greece’s greatest composers, described her voice as "the cello of Greek music." She later performed at major venues in New York, London, and Paris, carrying the sound of Laïko far beyond Athens.
Giorgos Zampetas: The Legendary Bouzouki Master
Giorgos Zampetas was a legendary bouzouki player, composer, and singer and is still considered one of the greatest of all time. As a teenager, he met his idol, Vassilis Tsitsanis, a pioneer of modern Laïko, and soon formed his first band. He became one of the most recognisable Greek musicians of his era, composing soundtracks and appearing in Greek cinema. Today, his songs remain favourites in Athens tavernas.
Metaxourgeio in Song: Giving Voice to Everyday Greek Life
Moscholiou and Zampetas sang about real life in Athens: love, loss, hardship, and hope. Metaxourgeio is still all about showing visitors its authentic side, which is why a stay at the Silk House feels timeless.
There are some things you can photograph, and then there are things you simply have to experience. For me, the laiki is one of them. If you've never been to...
Eating out in Athens is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover authentic Greek cuisine. Yet cooking in a space that feels like your own offers something...
Explore three boutique residences across Kypseli, Lycabettus and Metaxourgeio, each shaped by its neighbourhood and designed to offer a distinct way to experience Athens.
A warm, design-led apartment in Kypseli, one of Athens’ most vibrant neighbourhoods, close to local cafés, culture and everyday city life.
A calm apartment near Lycabettus Hill, designed for guests who want a quieter Athens stay close to the city centre, scenic viewpoints and local dining.
A restored 1930s neoclassical house in Metaxourgeio, blending original architectural character with modern comfort in Athens.
A collection of real guest reviews from recent stays across our boutique homes in Athens, sharing what guests loved about the comfort, design, locations and thoughtful details.
" We had such a lovely stay at the Hill. It’s incredibly neat and well organised, all you need is present at the apartment. We walked up the hill in the morning for a beautiful view over the city and if you’re looking for a nice place to spend an evening nearby, Jazz in Jazz is recommended! "
" Very nice , good communication and will recommend 100% "
" So much more than a “cold” rental , Sergei & Jeff actually provide a home with everything you need for a perfect stay. "
" My stay in this apartment was absolutely wonderful! It’s perfect for solo travelers as well as couples—spacious, comfortable, and furnished with high-quality pieces. The designer who arranged the apartment clearly has exceptional taste and a real love for detail; every element feels thoughtfully chosen. "
" Excellent location, very comfortable with all the convenient amenities and facilities available "
" It was a great option, real value for money! "
" I stayed at the Hive for 1 week and found it to be amazingly comfortable. It is very quiet, private, secure and beautifully furnished. It has all the amenities anyone would need for either a short or long stay. It is in a very interesting area of Athens with welcoming restaurants within walking distance. "
" We stayed at the Hive last year and I can only give it 5 stars. Jeff and Sharona have really done an amazing job renovating this place and Kypseli really surprised us. Vibrant community, lots of great restaurants, parks and coffeehouses in the area. "
" We stayed at this recently renovated gem in Athens and loved it! The art deco entrance and common area was magical and the marble stairs made us feel like royalty when we entered. The flat was spacious and bright tastefully designed by a professional interest designer. "
" We had a truly five-star experience staying in Kypseli. The area is vibrant, authentic, and full of character, with fantastic cafés, bakeries, and local shops just steps away. Everything felt convenient and walkable, and getting to all the major tourist attractions was easy thanks to great public transport links nearby. "
" Incredible cozy apartment. Very clean and quiet, great amenities. A quick walk into the heart of the city. Great food and coffee all around. Beautifully furnished with a great balcony. Perfect place to stay with a family or a group of friends. Open concept is ideal for hosting. 10/10. "
Follow The Halo Collection on Instagram for a closer look at our Athens residences, local neighbourhoods, design details and everyday moments from Jeff and Sharona.
