Despite the large numbers of transients Exarcheia attracts, this jumble of pre-war townhouses and ageing post-war apartment buildings preserves a strong sense of community and tradition, with publishing houses, bookbinders, the city’s liveliest farmers’ market, rembetiko tavernas, punk boutiques, old-fashioned coffee houses, bars, a self-managed park, the National Archaeological Museum and delightful Epigraphic Museum, all within its boundaries. Inexpensive rents account for the district’s popularity among students and anti-gentrification fifty-somethings who bask in the memories of their own rebelliousness. Built into the slopes of Lycabettus Hill, Neapoli, the city’s second oldest neighbourhood after Plaka, acts as a buffer zone between Kolonaki, disdained by Exarchia’s denizens as the bastion of the bourgeoisie. (Keep in mind that confrontations with police do erupt spontaneously at times in Exarchia, and protests can flare into street clashes.)

Kallidromiou Street
Exarchia Square may be the hub of the neighbourhood’s (often riotous) activity, but Odos Kallidromiou is its heart—and you can feel this as you stroll its mulberry-shaded pavements. This street, which surges then sinks as it hugs the western incline of Lycabettus Hill, transforms itself according to day and hour with the ease of a person donning and shedding a wig. Even the street’s name is the result of such whim: officially named Kallidromou after the peak that rises above Thermopylae, locals have stubbornly clung to Kallidromiou—the result of a typographical error. Every Athens neighbourhood has its weekly farmers’ market, but shopping at Kallidromiou’s laiki on Saturday morning is a tradition among urbanites, who haggle over artichokes with the same passion they argue the finer points of politics over an after-market raki at one of Kallidromiou’s coffee houses.

source: This is Athens
Greek reporter 

The often ill reputed square of Exarcheia, just ten minutes away from the center, has become, today, a lovely place for many surrounding university students to congregate as well as alumni and those who like its rock-chic edge. There cafés for all tastes, tapas bars, beer bars and plenty of rock & rock. The historical outdoor summer movie theater, Vox, is also located here and helps to draw Greek youth to its low budget, rebetika, rock, free spirited alleys.

Unless, of course, you are more of a “cyber-freak” and the “cyber-zone” street of Strournari and its side roads are more your thing. You will find any hardware or software you will need here as well as the latest games and accessories your heart may desire. If you are a visitor and know a local, ask him or her to tell you where you might engage in the less touristic side of authentic Greek fun…

CREPΕXARCHIA
For the past decade, considered the best crepes in the city; both sweet and salty. Try a crepe with chocolate, cookie and Baileys and you will lick your fingers! (Stournari & Oikonomou Street)

KAVOURAS
The most well-known shish kebab (souvlaki) in the city. Since 1969, it satisfies Athenians with excellent tastes. Open from the morning until late in the night. (Themistokleous 64)

VINYL MICROSTORE
If you are a lover of vinyl and good alternative music, a visit to the Vinyl Microstore will pay you back in full. On the borders of Exarchia and Kolonaki. Broadcasts on the Internet with the best sounds in the city. (Didotou Street 34)

O KAVVOURAS
Unforgettable Rebetika night is what „O Kavvouras“ offers every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed during the summer months

MOMMY
Another popular watering hole in Athens in the chic Kolonaki district. The most pleasing aspect of the bar is that Mommy has extended the seating area to the sidewalk outside for more comfort. Another point of interest to add to your evening out at this bar restaurant is the fact that Mommy Art Gallery has opened right next door and has regular exhibitions.

IPPOPOTAMOS
A pretty bar on a side-street of Skoufa, ideal for an evening out in the city center.

Gastronomy

GIANTES
Pioneer of the cuisine with biological products served with love, a high aesthetic and products straight from the growers.

EN DELPHIS CAFÉ – BAR
This café / bar is a meeting place of many young actors and musicians.

ALEXANDRIA
A haven harbor in the center of the city with Egyptian and Mediterranean tastes. Falafel, humus, babaganous, foulia etc can be found there

Source: Athens24

Read also The 7 Best Restaurants in Exarcheia by Culture Trip & Exarcheia Restaurants by Tripadvisor