Abbie Chatfield Just Declared Athens the New Berlin and We’re So Here for It
When Abbie Chatfield calls a city "the best place I’ve ever been," we listen.
In a TikTok that sent Aussie travellers into a spin, Abbie declared her love for Athens, describing it as energetic, beautiful, delicious, and full of hot people. She name-dropped Exarchia, Pangrati, and Koukaki as her favourite neighbourhoods, and doubled down with a follow-up post on Instagram: "Athens is the new Berlin!" Complete with 35mm film snaps, city-to-city captions and a dedicated podcast episode, she’s making it clear. The Greek capital is having a moment.
And honestly? We’re obsessed that she’s obsessed.
Because Athens isn’t always the obvious choice. Plenty of travellers land here and leave within 48 hours. It’s seen as a stopover, a gateway to the islands. But Abbie did what more of us should do. She stayed. She wandered. She fell hard. And in doing so, she captured something real about this city that doesn’t always translate in glossy travel guides.
This is a place where contradictions live side by side: ancient ruins and punk bars, souvlaki stands and rooftop DJs, stray cats and world-class galleries. Athens is fast, slow, loud, rough around the edges, and impossible not to feel something in. And like Abbie said, the food is unreal, the people are warm, and the drinks won’t break your travel budget.
We love that she didn’t stick to Plaka or just hit the classics. Exarchia, Pangrati and Koukaki each have their own rhythm. Gritty, lived-in, creative. It’s in those backstreets and courtyards where Athens reveals its real charm. (Also, calling out the hot locals? Brave and true.)
So, is Athens the new Berlin? Maybe. But it’s also something Berlin could never be. This city doesn’t need to reinvent itself to feel cool. It already is. It’s history and hedonism in one breath. It’s rebellion with a side of loukoumades. And right now, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay out late and talk about life with strangers.
For Australians travelling to Greece, it’s worth slowing down in Athens. Spend a few extra days. Let it unfold. Skip the queues and follow the music. Walk until your feet hurt. Drink house wine somewhere unassuming. And if you find yourself suddenly in love with a city you thought was just a pit stop. Same.
Thanks, Abbie, for reminding everyone what we already knew. Athens hits different.
We’ll be dropping neighbourhood guides and insider tips soon. For now, just know you’re not alone in the Athens honeymoon phase. Welcome to the club.
