Get under the city's skin during your stay in this chic one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the creative, culinary and occasionally gritty neighbourhood of Keramikos.

Your hosts have borrowed from the area's industrial heritage to create a chic urban retreat dotted with steel-framed furniture, softened by lots of wood and calming shades of green throughout. Step through the sliding doors and onto your private balcony to plot your movements for the day over a robust Greek coffee and fresh, flaky pastries.

The apartment offers the chance to experience an authentic side of Athens that many visitors will never see. Despite being close to the headline-grabbing historical centre, Keramikos is an artistic enclave lined with quirky independent boutiques and mouthwatering fusion cuisine that, much like the neighbourhood, marries the best of old and new to create something entirely unique.

However, first-time visitors to this storied city will be pleased to learn that the beautifully preserved ruins of ancient Athens are waiting to be explored after a short journey on foot or public transport. The imposing pillars of the Ancient Agora are well within walking distance. At the same time, the picturesque streets of Plaka, in the shadow of the iconic Acropolis, are easily reached by metro from nearby Metaxourgeio station.

Home truths:
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request
*Your host doesn’t accept bookings from groups of young people at this home
*This single-storey apartment is located on the first floor with lift access, so it may be suitable for guests with more limited mobility
*Check yourself in on arrival
*At full capacity, two guests will be sleeping on a sofa bed in the bedroom, and another will be on a single sofa bed in the living room
*There's no desk here, but the dining table can double up as a laptop-friendly workspace if needed
*The building's entrance is shared with the other residents