ATHENS
A city that rewards those who look twice. Beneath the traffic and concrete: rooftop dinners, modern art, natural wine, and some of the best food in the country. Spend your mornings in ancient ruins and your nights in cocktail bars that don’t announce themselves. The pace is quick, the flavors are bold, and the city stays up late. Come for the Acropolis, stay for the energy.
Where We Eat
Athens is loud, layered, and full of flavor—from grilled fish near the port to open-kitchen tavernas where meals linger and end with a shot of mastiha on the house.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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A quiet favorite in Psyrri, tucked behind a nondescript door and a line of candles. The menu shifts often but leans on Greek tradition with modern clarity—standouts include kakavia (fish soup) when available, a pine-scented salad with smoked eel, and grilled lamb. Wines are natural and deeply local, and the whole place feels low-key brilliant.
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In leafy Ano Petralona, this classic taverna has been feeding Athenians since 1930. It’s no-frills and deeply comforting—braised rooster, stuffed zucchini, slow-cooked beans, and daily stews written in chalk. Come early, bring cash, and know you won’t leave hungry.
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Located in Neos Kosmos just outside the center, Phita does what every “modern taverna” aims for but rarely gets right—local ingredients, open kitchen, contemporary dishes without pretense. Think whitebait with yogurt and chili oil, fried cod with garlic mousse, and a no-shortcuts approach to simple food. The natural wine list seals it.
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Hidden near Omonia Square, Klimataria has live rebetiko music most nights and a true Athenian taverna soul. Meals are rustic and generous: lamb slow-cooked in parchment, stewed eggplant, and oily Greek greens that taste better than they should. It’s unfussy, warm, and full of regulars.
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Steps from Syntagma Square, this spot walks the line between casual and considered. Meze dishes are the move—try the fava, soutzoukakia, or pork with honey and thyme. Service is friendly, and the location makes it a reliable stop between neighborhoods.
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A neighborhood ouzeri in Exarchia known for its island-style seafood—grilled octopus, taramasalata, fried anchovies, and ouzo served by the carafe. The tables spill onto the sidewalk and the pace is relaxed. If you’re looking for something informal but entirely real, come here.
Street Food
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A central institution—since the 1950s—serving precisely grilled pork souvlaki wrapped in ultra-soft pita, tomato, onion, tzatziki, and occasional fries. Lines form early, and it’s easy to see why elevation isn’t necessary.
Pl. Agias Irinis 2, Athina 105 60, Greece
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Modern, spacious and reliably excellent. These folks master both souvlaki and gyros, with high-turnover freshness and an outdoor seating area. A go-to for fast but reputable Greek staples.
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Loved by locals over tourists, this Pita-centric stall is known for its juicy pork gyro, packed compact and no-nonsense—perfect mid-exploration fuel.
Athinas 18, Athina 105 51, Greece
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A must-stop late-night. Their lamb gyro is simple and succulent; with fries inside the pita, it’s both comforting and iconic—especially in the energy of the square after dark. Open until 2am.
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Early morning champ. Sesame-crusted bread rings are baked fresh; chewy-crisp, often grabbed en route to the Acropolis for a quick, soulful bite.
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Since 1910, Ariston has been baking warm, flaky bougatsa—choose sweet custard or savory cheese versions—for a breakfast or snack that’s pure comfort. Expect dustings of powdered sugar and cinnamon on the custard, or salty richness in the cheese pie, both best enjoyed early, still-warm.
Voulis 10, Athina 105 62, Greece
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A beloved pie shop tucked into a side street near Monastiraki, Bougatsadiko Psirri is famed for its spanakopita cuts—flaky, golden, and filled with earthy spinach, tangy feta, and fragrant herbs. Served on steel trays with cocktail sticks for easy handheld eating, this is the kind of snack Athenians queue for the moment they spot that pastry steam rising. It’s unassuming but unforgettable.
Go All Out
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A two‑Michelin‑star tasting journey by chefs Papazacharias & Feskos—Nordic‑inspired dishes grounded in Greek terroir. Expect theatrical presentations like potato‑sea‑urchin with rose petals or cuttlefish on white pebbles. A luxurious, nearly ritualistic experience.
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The city’s benchmark for haute cuisine—two Michelin stars since 2002. Elegant, French‑inflected, and refined, with precision and consistency run through its multi‑course menus. A perennial fine‑dining icon.
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A celebrated seafood destination helmed by Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou. Fresh Mediterranean fish and seafood on pristine plates, all served with waterfront views.
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Perched on the hotel’s seventh floor with direct views of the Acropolis. A Michelin-starred fusion of Mediterranean finesse and polished presentation—think steamed cod with lobster and yuzu-kosho or bonito with kiwi‑cucumber.
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One Michelin star. Named for the sea, this restaurant crafts refined, forward‑looking dishes from seasonal Greek ingredients. It’s light, luxurious dining by the Riviera
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Perched atop Lycabettus Hill with sweeping views of Athens and the Acropolis, Orizontes offers Mediterranean-driven cuisine in a modern glass-and-stone pavilion. Try the prawn pasta or the creamy mushroom risotto finished tableside, all while enjoying a sunset you’ll remember.
Best Desserts
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A loukoumades (Greek doughnut) bar that nails the classics plus modern twists—salted caramel is a stand-out. Sweet, sticky, and full of buzz late into the evening.
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A historic dessert café running since 1931, revered for its baklava soaked in honey-water and layered with flaky phyllo and pistachios. Its classic black-and-white décor matches the nostalgic clarity of the pastry.
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This under-the-radar gem is known for its perfect custard-in-phyllo incarnation—crisp and buttery on the outside, creamy and fragrant inside. Locals swear by its balanced syrup and pure texture
Leof. Ionias 104, Athina 104 46, Greece
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A neighborhood treasure just outside the city center, serving hot-out-of-the-oven bougatsa with semolina custard. Fans come early and are willing to wait for the flaky, warm perfection
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A longtime patisserie revered for old-world, Istanbul-influenced baklava using house-made butter and perfect phyllo layers. Culinary Backstreets calls it the city’s best.
Where We Wake Up
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A quietly luxe spot known for its buttery croissants (plus pain au chocolat and feuilleté). Coffee is thoughtfully sourced from Brooklyn’s For Five roasters, and the scene—lined with plush banquettes—is perfect for people-watching high-end Athenians in elegance.
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For a genuine, grab-and-go Greek breakfast: koulouri hot from the oven, sesame-dusted and slightly chewy, often paired with creamy anthotyro cheese. Pair it with traditional Greek coffee brewed on sand—authentic and daily.
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A multifunctional mecca combining a gourmet market and café. Breakfast includes spanakopita, yogurt parfaits, eggs and avocado toast—all grounded in Greek staples and served within an open, industrial-chic space.
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Reputed by locals as one of Athens’s best caffeine purveyors, this compact specialty café offers sleek flat whites, pour-overs, and a deliberate, quiet atmosphere—ideal before wandering toward the Acropolis.
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A polished brunch choice a step from Ermou Street, with clean presentations like smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, spinach sauté, and tiramisu pancakes. Has a refined, light-filled setting and consistently well-made dishes.
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Pink cappuccinos and mushroom toast with parmesan cream signal a café unafraid of color and flavor. A brunch lover’s delight, known for its light-hearted vibe and creative small plates (avocado included).
The Night Starts Here
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Perched right on the Athenian coast, Island brings VIP-level service over candlelit tables and beachside seating. Think seafood towers, DJ sets, and lounge lighting that shifts seamlessly from sunset dinner to late-night lounge.
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Herodeon offers a sleek, mood-lit dining experience that easily shifts into evening energy. The Atrium Bar & Restaurant serves elevated Mediterranean dishes—think grilled calamari, beetroot carpaccio, and locally sourced lamb—under glass ceilings and clean lines. As the night deepens, the mood becomes theatrical. Point A, the rooftop offshoot, pairs Acropolis views with inventive cocktails and a gallery-like ambiance, turning dinner into the first act of a long evening.
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A coffeehouse-turned-evening spot known for its cutting-edge drink program—suddenly alive after dark with natural wines and small bites, local flavor, and intimate, creative energy.
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A dimly lit temple to premium rolls, sashimi, sake cocktails, and a slight buzz that lingers after dessert. Quiet luxe meets night-out polish.
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Perched atop a building overlooking Monastiraki’s buzzing plaza, 360 Cocktail Bar is where views meet vibe. By day, a bright rooftop café; by night, it transforms into a lounge pulsing with energy—think inventive cocktails (the Fragola spritz is a summer favorite), DJs on weekends, and a mix of locals and travelers easing into the evening under the Acropolis glow. Click here.
Where We Sleep
A For Athens
A minimalist boutique perched right above Monastiraki Square, with some of the best rooftop views in the city.
This is one of the few spots in central Athens where budget meets buzz. Rooms are clean and simple—but the real highlight is the rooftop terrace, which delivers uninterrupted views of the Acropolis. You’re steps from the metro and the flea market. While the rooms are small, the value is exceptional.
Image courtesy of A for Athens
From ~€110/night
Centrally located above Monastiraki Square
Rooftop bar with Acropolis views
Standard rooms are compact but efficient
Free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping
No spa or gym onsite
Easy walk to Plaka, Psyrri, and the Ancient Agora
Quiet after 11 pm, despite central location
Request a higher-floor room facing the square for sunset light through the Acropolis and minimal foot traffic noise.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
The Gatsby
An art-deco–inspired boutique perched above Ermou Street with its own rooftop lounge, where weekend evenings feel curated and local.
Why We Like It
Elegant without pretense, Gatsby delivers refined interiors, strong design details (think pink rotary phones in rooms), and a rooftop lounge that turns into a DJ-fueled social space. It strikes smart city chic — ideal for early-evening drinks before your night out begins.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~€190/night
Boutique size (~33 rooms), each thoughtfully styled
Rooftop bar with rotating DJs and night views
On-site restaurant and small fitness room
Steps from Monastiraki Square, shopping, and nightlife
Daily breakfast included in most rates
Wi-Fi and late room service available
Check-in from 3 pm; quiet up on upper floors
Call ahead to request an upper-floor room with soft city views — quieter and better for sleeping in.
Details To Know
The Zillers
A small neoclassical Plaka townhouse favored for its boutique charm and rare Acropolis views from front-facing rooms.
Quiet, historic, feminine and thoughtfully restored — Zillers feels like staying in a private home with elevated service. The rooftop terrace looks directly at the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum, making it a peaceful retreat amid Athens’s tourist circuit.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~€280/night
Only ten individually designed rooms
Rooftop bar and esteemed dining space overlooking the Acropolis
Complimentary breakfast included
Located on Mitropoleos Street, steps from major sights
Concierge can arrange private spa, tours, and dining
No gym or pool
Highly recommended to book rooms facing the square early
Book the “Superior Acropolis View” room for cinematic Parthenon perspectives at dawn and dusk.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Ergon House
A concept stay that blends boutique rooms with a gourmet market, cooking classes, and a rooftop cocktail bar.
Why We Like It
Built by the team behind the Clumsies and Ergon Foods, this energetic stay prioritizes food and design. Downstairs feels like a food hall; upstairs, rooms are sleek and thoughtfully equipped. The seasonal rooftop bar pours natural wines and offers quiet Acropolis glimpses — perfect for late afternoon or early evening unwinding.
Image courtesy of Ergon House
From ~€240/night
Located between Plaka and Syntagma, within walking distance to both
Gourmet mini-bar stocked with Ergon products
Rooftop bar Retiré open spring through fall
Fitness room on lower level
Daily gourmet breakfast included
Strong Wi‑Fi and work-friendly lobby corner
Ask about cooking workshops or tasting events when booking — they’re unmarked gems that current guests often discover on arrival.
Details To Know
St. George
Lycabettus
An iconic Kolonaki institution with panoramic views, art-gallery touches, and a rooftop pool that makes Athens feel expansive.
154 rooms and suites with balcony sightlines to Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis, a rooftop pool and bar that feels elevated but welcoming, and a blend of mid-century fabrics and mosaic bathrooms. It combines residential calm with unexpected perks—private spa, Turkish bath, resident art gallery, and a corner café that breezes into low-key late-night mode.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~€250/night
Located in upscale Kolonaki, a 20-minute walk uphill from Monastiraki
Rooftop pool and bar restaurant serving Mediterranean plates and cocktails
On-site spa, Turkish bath, fitness center, and art gallery
Buffet breakfast with Acropolis views included
Private balconies in premium rooms with city or Lycabettus Hill views
Multilingual staff, complimentary parking (extra fee), and e-bike rental available
Afternoon elevator music drifts over the rooftop bar—don’t skip the sunset hour here.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Monument Hotel
A quietly luxurious boutique set in a 19th-century neo‑classical mansion in Psyri—top-tier artful design without high-season flash.
Just nine rooms spread over three floors in a restored listed building, Monument feels intimate and ideal for travelers who appreciate detail. Interiors marry classic mouldings and terrazzo floors with Scandinavian-style fixtures and plush muted linens. You can linger in the cozy guest lounge or unwind in the spa’s Turkish bath.
Image courtesy of Monument Athens
From ~€390/night
Located just off Kalamida Street in bohemian Psyri, a 5-minute walk from Monastiraki and the Agora
Only nine individually styled rooms
Converted protected mansion designed with vintage staircase and no elevator
Inclusion: cooked-to-order breakfast served in a salon-like dining room
Spa suite includes Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, steam room; limited capacity so reserve
Free bike rental for exploring
Staff score overwhelmingly high for warmth and personalized attention
No gym or pool onsite
Monument doesn’t advertise a restaurant—it is close to artisanal bars and taverna clusters in Psyri. The Nidus Suite requires stair access via private spiral staircase, so not ideal if mobility is limited.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Xenodocheio
Milos
A refined retreat for design lovers and seafood purists, anchored by the cult-favorite Estiatorio Milos and soft-spoken elegance throughout.
Launched by Estiatorio Milos chef Costas Spiliadis, Xenodocheio Milos offers 43 thoughtfully designed rooms with plush baths, marble detailing, and curated Greek snacks. Its in-house seafood restaurant elevates the stay, making it a discreet yet food-sophisticated choice in the city center.
Image courtesy of Xenodocheio Milos
From ~€350/night
43 rooms including terrace suites with Lycabettus views
Central Athens near Monastiraki Square and Syntagma
Pillow menu, premium linens, marble bathrooms
On-site Estiatorio Milos restaurant serving Greek seafood
Complimentary breakfast plus in-roof dining terrace
Spa services, fitness center and massage available
Highlighted by repeat guests as Athens’ best breakfast
Guests can request a private seafood tasting or chef-led wine pairing on the quiet second-floor terrace, away from restaurant buzz.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
The Dolli
A neoclassical landmark reimagined as a design-forward boutique stay with rooftop glamour and art-gallery poise.
46 rooms offer museum‑caliber style, each one combining Greek artifacts with modern comfort. The rooftop pool and restaurant serve cocktails during sunset and winter bowls beneath the ruins. A tea‑lounge, library, and speakeasy bar complete the layered experience. It’s refined but unpretentious, central but off‑mainstream—a smart base for design-loving food travelers.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~€450/night
Located on Mitropoleos Street, Athens’s main shopping boulevard
Forty-six rooms in a restored 1920s mansion (listed building)
Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic Acropolis views
Library lounge, tearoom, and speakeasy bar in the basement
Fitness gym on site
Exceptionally personal service with boutique scale
Breakfast and all‑day light café fare included
Chic design includes velvet armchairs and avant‑garde lighting
In-room dining comes on custom marble trays designed to echo the building’s original floors. Breakfast on the balcony feels private and ceremonial.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
One&Only
Aesthesis
A glamorous beachside retreat on the Athens Riviera, blending mid-century glamour with boutique resort ease.
Athens’s first true coastal resort just 30 minutes south of the city. Highlights include forested grounds with cabanas, multiple pools, a private beach, and a spa. The sleek bungalows and villas are built into olive groves and along the shore in mid‑century style, making every detail feel curated. Culinary programming by Michelin‑level chefs gives it an edge—a city extension on the sea.
Image courtesy of One&Only Aesthesis
From ~€800/night
Located on 21 hectares in Glyfada, on Asteras Beach
127 rooms, plus 95 bungalows, 18 private residences, 12 villas
On-site dining range: Italian‑Greek (Ora) and pop‑up by Paco Morales
3 swimming pools, beach club, tennis court, yoga pavilion & gym
Guerlain Spa and wellness pavilion with sauna, massages
Round‑the‑clock concierge, private boat charters, bike access, complimentary valet
Artisanal cocktails in multiple bars—sunset terraces included
Guests staying in bungalows can be waved off directly onto the water—literally: some units include private docks with ladder access into the Saronic Gulf.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Four Seasons
Astir Palace
A storied coastal palace and the definitive ultra-luxury choice on the Athenian Riviera.
Why We Like It
Instantly iconic: a white‑columned façade set against deep-blue sea. Multiple restaurants including Matsuhisa and Greek-Latin beachfront dining. Rooms blend neutral elegance with local marble, plush fabrics, and private balconies facing the Aegean. The wellness amenities are first-tier: spa, fitness experience, private beach access, and curated cultural programming.
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace
From ~€850/night
Located on Vouliagmeni peninsula, ~30 min from Athens center
300+ rooms, suites, penthouses, and villas on landscaped grounds
Multiple fine dining venues and casual beachfront cafés
Spacious pools: adults-only and family-friendly lagoon lagoon pools
Guerlain and Japanese treatments in the spa; gym, tennis, Pilates
Boathouse water sports, yacht charters via reservation
Luxury family concierge and babysitting services
Sunset cappuccino is served on floating trays in the beach pool—sip while watching yachts glide past the pine-dotted shoreline.
Details To Know
What We Do
Athens may be ancient, but it doesn’t sit still. Between world-class antiquities and sharp contemporary design, the city hums with layered experiences that go far beyond the Acropolis. Whether you’re gallery-hopping in Metaxourgeio, tailoring a sandal in Monastiraki, or sipping natural wine after a private museum tour, this is a capital of contrast—one that rewards those who look past the ruins.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
After-Hours Acropolis Tour
An extraordinary way to experience the Acropolis—without the crowds and under the golden light of sunset. This exclusive-access tour begins after regular hours, offering a private ascent led by a licensed archaeologist. You’ll wander the hill in near silence, with only the Parthenon and your guide for company.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Acropolis Hill, Makrygianni
Price: From €420 per group (up to 4 people)
Vibe: Cinematic, rare, deeply moving
Need to Know: Available only on select days with limited entry slots; book well in advance and wear solid shoes for the climb
The Naxos Apothecary
A scent-forward emporium selling artisanal skincare and fragrances made from Naxian botanicals—homeopathic formulas that smell ancient and modern at once.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Kolokotroni 3-5 & Voulis,, 105 62 Athens, GR
Price: Body oil or soap €20–£25; perfumes ~£100 (convert ~€120)
Vibe: Botanical, heritage-rooted, quietly luxurious
Need to Know: All formulas reference Greek flora and island rituals; the store is part of the Mouki Mou lifestyle concept
It’s A Shirt
A minimalist boutique crafting timeless shirts using deadstock and natural fabrics, designed and sewn in Athens with quiet integrity.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Asklipiou 67, Athens (Psyrri/Syntagma area)
Price: Shirts from €140–200; seasonal collaborations vary
Vibe: Slow-fashion, gender-neutral, aesthetically pure
Need to Know: Drop in to shop fabrics—each piece is cut and sewn on-site, and most purchases can be custom-fitted in under a week
Mouki Mou
A curated concept boutique in Plaka, channeling mid-century architecture and an international edit of fashion, objects, and fragrances anchored in Greek sensibility.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Plaka, near Monastiraki Square
Price: Clothing and jewelry from €150–€2,000; home goods €50–500
Vibe: Editorial, cultural, quietly avant-garde
Need to Know: This flagship space is one of a kind in Athens—it carries labels like Casey Casey and Lemaire, and blends design with preservation
Athens Food Tour
This is not a staged tasting menu or Instagram photo walk—it’s a true flavor-first exploration of the city. You’ll sample koulouri, loukoumades, artisanal cheeses, honey, olives, and more as you wander through central markets and old-school bakeries. Led by locals who know the backstreets, not just the hits.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Begins near Syntagma, exact address shared upon booking
Price: From €69 per person
Vibe: Local, low-key, deliciously real
Need to Know: Runs daily at 10am and lasts about 4 hours; wear walking shoes and come hungry—this is breakfast and lunch in one
The Essentials
Acropolis & Parthenon – the eternal hilltop landmark that defines Athens; best visited early for fewer crowds.
Temple of Hephaestus – a Doric temple nestled in the Ancient Agora, often overlooked but hauntingly beautiful.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus – the still-functioning Roman amphitheater at the foot of the Acropolis
Panathenaic Stadium – entirely made of marble, this was the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and remains an architectural marvel.
Kerameikos – the ancient cemetery and sacred city gate with ruins, wildflowers, and a peaceful stillness rarely found elsewhere in the city.
Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds – wander this open-air museum to see an ancient marketplace and the world’s first weather station carved in marble.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Sunset at Cape Sounion
An hour from central Athens, the Temple of Poseidon crowns the cliffs of Cape Sounion—where mythology and sea meet in golden-hour perfection. It’s a classic for a reason, and whether you self-drive or hire a guide, it’s worth planning your day around.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Southeastern tip of the Attica peninsula
Price: €10 entrance fee to the temple; private transfers or tours available from ~€70+
Vibe: Cinematic, iconic, and surprisingly peaceful
Need to Know: Go just before sunset for the full effect—timing is everything; combine it with a seafood lunch or dinner at a taverna in Lavrio
Parnitha National Park
Just 45 minutes from downtown, Parnitha’s alpine trails, old sanatorium ruins, and shaded picnic spots offer a cool escape. Hike with a guide or follow a self-guided route like Bafi Refuge for sweeping views.
Location: North of Athens; accessible via car or bus/train + taxi
Price: Free entry; guided hikes start from €25–€35
Vibe: Fresh air, locals-only, hidden side of Athens
Need to Know: Bafi Refuge has a café and facilities—base yourself there if unsure of trails; red deer sightings are common near dusk
DETAILS TO KNOW
Mount Lycabettus Hike
The highest point in central Athens, Lycabettus offers a short but rewarding climb with sweeping views of the Acropolis, sea, and city. Start early to beat the heat, or go late and catch the lights coming on over the Parthenon.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Kolonaki district
Price: Free to hike; €10 if you opt for the funicular
Vibe: Urban nature, local jogger energy, epic views
Need to Know: Trailhead begins near the end of Aristippou Street; wear shoes with grip—loose gravel can be slick
Nightlife
Nightlife
Baba Au Rum
A cult classic in Monastiraki, celebrated for its tropical flair and Creole artistry. Expect well‑balanced cane‑spirit cocktails like the Pearl Fishers or Basquiat’s Daisy made with house‑fermented raspberry wine.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Arcade near Monastiraki Square
Price: Cocktails~€11–14
Vibe: Mid‑century tropicana meets local connoisseur crowd
Need to Know: This spot was the first Greek bar in The World’s 50 Best Bars list; the leather‑buttressed stools and tight footprint mean it fills fast—ask for a corner seat
360 Cocktail Bar
Rising above Monastiraki Square, this rooftop bar transitions from sunny lunch stop to dark‑sky drinking lounge. The Fragola spritz and classic martinis come with panoramic views of the Acropolis—day and night.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Fifth floor, Ifestou 2, Monastiraki
Price: Cocktails ~€12–15
Vibe: Breezy, skyline‑driven social hub
Need to Know: Open until 3 or 4 am, so it’s a reliable first or second stop; DJs play on weekends with crowd energy spilling onto the plaza
Crust
Start with NY-style pizza downstairs on Psirri’s Protogenous Street—and once your slice is gone, stairs lead into a basement club hosting jazz, house, disco DJs, or open-mic nights. Athens’s unofficial afterparty spot.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Protogenous Street, Psyrri
Price: Slice ~€3–4; entry to club nights varies €5–10
Vibe: Surprise rabbit hole, creative, spontaneous
Need to Know: Late-night regulars swear by Crust—it’s a living example of the “one more place” mentality Athenian nights are built on
The 7 Jokers
A beloved downtown institution where the party truly goes on to dawn. Painted murals, masked mannequins, and vintage fixtures give this bar a carnival-grunge vibe. It’s the kind of place you come in for a post‑dinner drink and stay for the whiskey shots, shared tequilas, and Rolling Stones blasting at 4 am. No airs, all attitude.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Voulis 7, just off Syntagma Square
Price: Drinks €5–8; late-night energy unbeatable
Vibe: Divey, bold, untamed
Need to Know: No reservations—and by midnight you’ll need them. Bartenders serve shots directly over the counter like neighborhood heroes dispensing liquid courage.
MoMix Bar
A sleek, design-driven cocktail spot in Gazi, MoMix sets the bar high with molecular mixology, immersive lighting, and kinetic cocktails. It feels more art installation than watering hole—from color-shifting ice spheres to smoke-infused drinks—and remains a standout in Athens’s avant-garde cocktail map.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Voutadon 36, Kerameikos/Gazi
Price: Cocktails ~€13–18
Vibe: Futuristic, theatrical, flavor-focused
Need to Know: Evenings often include immersive visuals and curated playlists; go straight to the bartender for their current “lab menu” and tasting whirldrops
The Bar in Front of the Bar
A nondescript side street bar across from a salon by day; a dynamic, sustainably minded cocktail venue by night. Every night’s menu is unique, with seasonal ingredients that define the signature drinks. Tongue-in-cheek signage and minimalist decor make it feel very in-the-know. Located just off Kolokotroni Street, it’s easy to miss—but hard to forget.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Petraki 1, near Kolokotroni & Agia Irini Square
Price: Cocktails ~€12–15
Vibe: Witty, creative, local-savvy
Need to Know: The bar hosts “pop-up sister” concept nights behind unmarked doors—ask the bartender for “Rumble in the Jungle,” a stealth speakeasy hidden just inside the block.
Barro Negro
Athens’s pioneering tequila and mezcal destination, Barro Negro is a moody interpretation of Oaxaca’s spirit culture. The interior—a clay-black palette with candlelit booths—sets the backdrop for elevated cocktails like the smoky Los Abuelos, where mezcal meets olive oil and fennel bitters.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Ioannou Paparrigopoulou 15, downtown Athens
Price: Mezcal cocktails ~€12–16
Vibe: Intimate, smoky, deeply grounded in agave tradition
Need to Know: Open until late and perfect for digestif rounds; ask for the single-origin mezcal flight if you’re curious about the raw forms
Kennedy Vins
A listening bar-meets-natural wine destination in Koukaki—opened by photographer‑DJ Chris Kontos. The wine list showcases tiny Greek producers alongside thoughtful European pours, and the space feels like a cross between a gallery and a tasting room.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Koukaki neighborhood
Price: ~€8–€12; bottles range widely
Vibe: Curated, low‑key, sociable
Need to Know: This is where Athens’ natural-wine wave started; the music and vinyl sessions often start after 11pm
The Clumsies
Located in a beautifully restored 1919 townhouse, this is Athens’s most celebrated cocktail institution. Expect inventive drinks that blend Greek ingredients with global technique. Its layered rooms—a candlelit atrium, a hidden library bar, and a cozy garden courtyard—make this more than a single night out; it’s an all-evening experience.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Praxitelous 30, Athens
Price: Cocktails ~€14–18
Vibe: Refined, theatrical, social
Need to Know: Most cocktails come with a small palate teaser—a salted popcorn or bite named after Greek flora—so your drink arrives with a subtle flavor prelude.
Fitness & Wellness
Fitness & Wellness
Holmes Place Spa
A luxury spa and fitness club hidden above central Athens, offering a full hydro-wellness zone and organic-product treatments—often favored by locals who treat wellness like self-care maintenance.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Boukourestiou 4 & Stadiou, Athens
Price: Daypass or treatments €60–120, depending on treatments
Vibe: Polished, day-rate accessible, subtle luxury
Need to Know: Facilities include a 25 m indoor pool, sauna, and steam; opt for midweek for minimal crowds
Irene forte spa
Modern, high-intensity reformer classes by the sea, designed to sculpt, tone, and invigorate—plus recovery tools like Normatec compression boots and infrared therapy to match. Suited to those wanting a sleek workout outside the city’s center.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Markou Botsari 3, Glyfada (Athens Riviera)
Price: Single reformer class €20–25; class packs or monthly options available
Vibe: Sporty, beachside-chic, performance-led
Need to Know: The studio offers complimentary valet parking—perfect for pairing a Pilates workout with beachside wellness or coastal design dining afterward
Lake Vouliagmeni Thermal Waters
This mineral-rich lake is open year-round, fed by underground thermal springs and framed by dramatic cliffs. Come for its beauty—but stay for its therapeutic depth: the water is naturally warm and high in minerals. Access includes loungers, swimming zones, a café, and well-appointed facilities.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Vouliagmeni, 30–40 minutes south of the city
Price: €16-19; upgrades available for €50–80 depending on options
Vibe: Discreet luxury, nature sanctuary
Need to Know: Early arrival ensures access to premium sunbeds; massages must be booked in advance and are only available during high season
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 48 Hours
PART ONE: Wake With The Gods
Check into The Dolli, or for something equally central but under €400, the Gatsby Athens. Start strong with espresso freddo and a warm koulouri at Dope Roasting Co. Wander over to the Acropolis for your private early-access tour, avoiding the crowds and enjoying the morning light on the Parthenon.
Afterwards, dive into artifacts at the Acropolis Museum, then walk the leafy promenade of Dionysiou Areopagitou toward Anafiotika, where Cycladic-style houses meet old-world Athens. Lunch at Klimataria, where handwritten menus and live laiko music keep things rooted in real Athens.
PART TWO: Afternoon Unwinds, Evening Builds
Make time for shopping and soul in Metaxourgeio—browsing handmade ceramics at Made in Earth or striking pieces at Mouki Mou. Around golden hour, retreat to Lake Vouliagmeni for a swim in warm thermal waters framed by cliffs and pine.
Head back to the city and change for dinner at Herodeon, a theatrical start to your night with perfect lighting, high energy, and Greek-Asian fusion small plates. Keep the momentum going with a nightcap at The Clumsies or Line Athens—each on the World’s 50 Best Bars list for good reason.
PART THREE: Street Scene & Secret Stairways
Begin day two at Morning Bar in Petralona—Athens’ low-key It neighborhood. Order the scrambled eggs with feta and tomato and sip on Greek-roasted filter coffee. Spend your late morning exploring the city’s Byzantine past with a visit to Monastiraki Square, Hadrian’s Library, and the Roman Agora.
Pause for spanakopita at Ariston—a third-generation bakery known for its 120+ fillings. If you’re craving something sweet, nearby Krinos has loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) drizzled with honey or chocolate.
PART FOUR: Dinner Outside, Night Inside
For your final night, begin on the Athens Riviera with drinks and oysters at BlueFish in Vouliagmeni, where the breeze softens everything.
Back in town, go big: dinner at CTC Urban Gastronomy, where chef Alex Tsiotinis offers a 12-course Greek-forward tasting menu that’s earned a Michelin star without any of the fuss. End with dancing under the stars at Six d.o.g.s or tucked into the velvet booths at Galaxy Bar with views of the lit-up Acropolis—because Athens always saves a little magic for last.
