The Tranquil Allure of The Halo Collection: Athens Slow Travel Stays
As our lives become increasingly hectic, we often find ourselves yearning for tranquillity, especially on holiday. The Halo Collection by Hurmuses offers...

The Halo Collection’s Silk House in Metaxourgeio offers an authentic way to experience Athens. It sits just beyond the main tourist hub, close to the centre yet far enough from the crowds. Metaxourgeio is an artistic district on the edge of central Athens. It feels local, creative, and lived-in, with a relaxing pace that suits longer stays. Artists, long-time residents, and newcomers all leave their mark on the neighbourhood. Even the colourful façades, small businesses, and hand-painted signs tell stories at every turn.
Metaxourgeio is known for galleries, lofts, and cultural spaces, as well as tavernas, bars, and mezedopoleia. Renovated neoclassical houses stand beside street art, graffiti, and large murals, giving the area a village-like feel. Over the past decade, Metaxourgeio has become one of Athens’ most culturally rich neighbourhoods. Restored mansions, modern lofts, theatres, and workshops share the same streets, especially around Milierou.

The 19th-century Athens Municipal Art Gallery, near Avdi Square, anchors this cultural side of the district. The surrounding walls are covered in murals by artists, including Gera1, an acclaimed Greek visual artist and muralist. A short stroll away, the Alekos Fassianos Museum offers another glimpse into contemporary Greek art. Local initiatives to plant trees, paint murals, and reclaim small corners as pocket parks have strengthened the sense of community here.
Many visitors feel they have truly seen a city only when they step beyond the “must-see” list. Metaxourgeio gently encourages exploration. It offers small surprises, from a pop-up exhibition on a back street to a one-off performance in a courtyard. Around Avdi Square, smaller project spaces host short-run exhibitions, performances, and screenings. You might see a video installation in a former factory one month and a design fair in the same space the next.

For travellers drawn to the avant-garde, Atopos Contemporary Visual Culture has helped cement Metaxourgeio’s reputation as a destination. Its programmes explore visual culture in many forms and often spill beyond white-cube galleries into more flexible, repurposed spaces.
Avdi Square itself acts as the neighbourhood’s open-air living room. Framed by trees and classic 1940s Athenian houses, it offers a peaceful spot between Peiraios Avenue and quieter residential streets. During the day, families, artists, office workers, and students share the same benches and café tables. On Mondays, the open-air market along Kerameikos Street is filled with stalls of fresh fruit, herbs, and flowers. It’s a relaxed way to experience everyday neighbourhood life here.


Metaxourgeio’s dining scene is one of the reasons why visitors want to stay here. Traditional tavernas stand beside modern meze bars, all within walking distance of Silk House.

Metaxourgeio is full of small, slightly offbeat places worth exploring:
Silk House welcomes guests who are drawn to atmosphere, history, and neighbourhood character. Its deluxe interiors are carefully designed, with thoughtful details that reflect the creative spirit of Metaxourgeio.
Staying here places you within walking distance of galleries, markets, tavernas, and bars. At the same time, Silk House offers a luxury, welcoming home to return to at the end of the day.
For visitors to Athens, the mix of restored mansions, modern lofts, and strong community spirit makes Metaxourgeio a compelling base. If you are looking for alternative sights and hidden experiences that feel more Athenian than touristic, this neighbourhood offers that balance.
Book a boutique stay at Silk House in Metaxourgeio, Athens, for a blend of local life and modern living.

As our lives become increasingly hectic, we often find ourselves yearning for tranquillity, especially on holiday. The Halo Collection by Hurmuses offers...

Athens is considered one of Europe’s most important street art cities. From large-scale murals by internationally recognised artists to spontaneous...
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.
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.