Athens, the capital city of Greece, is known for its rich history, culture, and mythology. It is a city that has stood the test of time, with traces of its ancient past still visible in every corner. It is a place where ancient ruins stand alongside modern architecture, where traditional tavernas mix with trendy bars and cafes – Athens is a destination that appeals to history enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking an adventure!
I’ve been to Athens a handful of times, but it always seemed like I was going to Athens just to head to one of the gorgeous Greek Islands. For many foreigners, Athens is simply a connection to their favorite Greek island – but in the last few years, this historical city has seen a boom in art and foreign investment. It’s become more than just a stepping stone to the Greek islands and attracting buzz for all the city’s potential!
If it’s your first time in Athens – similar to Rome, – there are a lot of ruins and sites to see. It can be daunting, but I say don’t try to do it all in one go! The Acropolis, the most iconic landmark of Athens, is a must-visit attraction. The Acropolis is a complex of ancient ruins that includes the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is one of the most recognizable ancient structures in the world. It is a marvel of engineering and design, with its imposing columns, intricate carvings, and stunning views of the city.
When it comes to sight-seeing in Athens, I’d recommend getting the “Athens Pass” – it comes with skip-the-line tickets for the Acropolis and 6 other sites (Acropolis and Slopes, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Olympieion Kerameikos, and Aristotle’s School)- for $36 USD! Another essential destination in Athens is the National Archaeological Museum. The museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Greece and beyond, with highlights such as the Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera Mechanism. The museum is a treasure trove of history and culture, offering a glimpse into the world of ancient Greece!
For a taste of traditional Athens, head to the “old town” Plaka neighborhood. This charming area is Athens’ oldest neighborhood and is known for its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and traditional tavernas. As charming as this area is, it’s also a bit touristy due to its proximity to so many historic sites and ruins. It’s definitely worth walking through – but just beware! The Plaka is a great place to explore on foot, with its vibrant atmosphere and colorful houses. If you want to experience the modern side of Athens, head to the neighborhoods of Psiri, Gazi, and Kolonaki (my favorite!). These areas are home to some of Athens’ best bars, clubs, and music venues, offering a lively and vibrant nightlife scene. Here, you can enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music or dance the night away in one of Athens’ trendy nightclubs.
Athens is also known for its delicious food, with a range of local specialties that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The Athens Central Market, also known as Varvakios Agora, is a bustling food market that offers fresh seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables, and spices. You can also try some of the local delicacies such as souvlaki, gyros, and baklava!
If it’s your first time in Athens, you have to visit the Acropolis and see a few ancient sites (like the …..) I’d recommend starting the day off with a quick hike up Lycabettus Hill for a quick and easy sweat and an incredible vantage point over the city! After the hike grab a quick coffee and breakfast at Queen Bee, Philos, or The Makers. Stroll through the “Old Town” on the way to The Acropolis and after seeing it, grab a refreshment at The Acropolis Museum Café. For lunch, enjoy incredible views of the acropolis at Cafe Avessinia or go to Me Kolonaki, Barbounaki Kolonaki, or Oikeio. And for dinner head to Pharoh, Brunello, Black Duck Garden, or Dopios. Afterward, grab a cocktail at The Clumsies, or have a night at Juan Rodriguez!
If you have a day or two to spare and need a break from the Athenian heat, head to the Seaside, the “Athenian Riviera”! Rent sunbeds at Dot Beach Club or Zen Beach Club during the day, then go for sunset drinks and dinner at Krabo, Akti or Ithaki! Do beware that in Athens, some restaurants are closed during the summer months (May-August) as the city is so hot and most residents are on vacation in the Greek Isles!
To Eat:
- *Cafe Avessinia – A charming, old-school Athens spot serving home-style Greek dishes in a wonderfully eclectic setting. Head up to the rooftop for lunch with gorgeous views of the Acropolis!
- *Barbounaki Kolonaki – One of our favorites for fresh Greek seafood in Kolonaki! Be sure to order the dakos salad, taramasalata, tiny shrimp and sardines for the table.
- Materia Prima – A stylish but approachable wine bar with a fantastic selection of Greek and international bottles. A great spot for a glass of wine and a few small plates before dinner!
- Ovio – A polished Italian spot with a warm, buzzy atmosphere serving Italian classics and some seriously good Neapolitan-style pizza. Perfect when you need a little break from Greek food!
- *Queen Bee – One of my favorite brunch spots in Athens, with incredible pastries, baked goods and coffee. Their club sandwich is also one of the best I’ve ever had! Highly recommend for breakfast after a hike up Lycabettus Hill!
- *Brunello – A buzzy Italian restaurant in the heart of Kolonaki serving classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Save room for their lemon pie—it’s the perfect way to finish the meal!
- *Me Kolonaki – An easygoing, plant-filled café for smoothie bowls, coffee and healthy bites. A great option for a lighter breakfast or casual lunch in Kolonaki!
- *Balthazar – Set in a gorgeous garden inside a historic neoclassical mansion, Balthazar is one of Athens’ most glamorous spots for dinner and drinks. Come for the elevated Mediterranean-Asian cuisine, but stay for the buzzy, see-and-be-seen atmosphere!
- *Pharaoh – One of Athens’ coolest restaurants, with funky interiors, a hip crowd, natural wines and a menu centered around wood-fire cooking. The menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try!
- *Cherchez La Femme – A cozy, modern Greek spot serving local dishes, seafood and meze in a relaxed setting. Definitely order the tarama and Cretan salad!
- *Dopios – A laid-back modern Greek restaurant with a sprawling terrace that’s especially great for dinner. Come hungry and order a bunch of Greek classics and meze for the table!
- *Nolan – If you need a break from Greek cuisine, this stylish little restaurant serves a creative mix of Greek and Asian influences. It’s one of the more interesting and unexpected meals you can have in central Athens!
- *Black Duck Garden – A hidden little garden oasis in the middle of Athens that’s perfect for escaping the bustle of the city. Stop by for brunch, coffee or an afternoon cocktail surrounded by greenery.
- Kuzina – A modern Greek restaurant combining creative cuisine with one of the best settings in the city. Head upstairs for rooftop cocktails and beautiful views of the Acropolis!
- Bel Ray – A cool, laid-back neighborhood café and bar that’s great for brunch, lunch or drinks. Get the pork and kimchi quesadilla and one of their fresh detox juices!
- To Omorfo – A family-run neighborhood taverna serving authentic, unfussy Greek dishes that feel wonderfully homemade. A great choice when you want something local and away from the more touristy restaurants.
- Karamanlidika – Part deli, part restaurant and an absolute must for food lovers, specializing in cured meats, cheeses and traditional Greek comfort food. Order a spread for the table and try a little bit of everything!
- Taverna Oikonomou – An old-school, off-the-beaten-path Athens taverna that’s all about simple, home-cooked Greek comfort food. Come here for a taste of the traditional Athens that can be harder and harder to find.
- Vassilenas – A more refined take on Greek cuisine, pairing beautifully prepared dishes with polished, attentive service. A great option when you’re looking for an elevated dinner without losing that distinctly Greek feel.
- Kostas – An Athens institution serving some of the best souvlaki in the city! It’s simple, cheap and no-frills—exactly the kind of spot you want for a quick lunch.
- *Philos – A chic, light-filled café serving yogurt bowls, avocado toast, sandwiches and great coffee. One of my favorite options for an easy brunch in the city!
- Acropolis Museum Café – An easy and convenient stop for coffee before exploring the Acropolis or a leisurely lunch afterward. The terrace and Acropolis views make it far better than your average museum café!
- Nice N Easy – A health-conscious Mediterranean bistro focused on fresh, organic ingredients and lighter takes on Greek and Mediterranean favorites. They also have a location in Mykonos!
- Feyrouz – A tiny, casual Middle Eastern street-food favorite that’s perfect for a quick lunch while exploring central Athens. Expect flavorful pies, wraps and other Lebanese and Levantine-inspired bites.
- Cookoovaya – A stylish, upscale restaurant serving modern Greek and Mediterranean dishes designed for sharing. Expect everything from seafood and meats to creative small plates alongside a great wine list.
- Eleas Gi (40 minutes north) – This elevated Greek restaurant is worth the trip for its expansive tasting menus and incredible panoramic views over the city. Come hungry and make an evening of it!
- Art Lounge at NEW Hotel – Perched on the rooftop of NEW Hotel, Art Lounge pairs excellent food and cocktails with panoramic views across Athens. A gorgeous spot for sunset drinks or dinner overlooking the city!
- *Kalamaki Kolonaki – One of our favorites for a quick, casual and delicious Greek meal in Kolonaki. Grab a Greek salad, a few grilled skewers and plenty of pita for an easy lunch, dinner or snack!
- Oikeio – A charming neighborhood restaurant with a warm, homey interior and traditional Greek dishes served family-style. It feels like the kind of place you could settle into for a long, leisurely dinner.
To Drink:
- *The Clumsies – One of Athens’ most famous cocktail bars and consistently ranked among the best in the world. The quirky, multi-room space is super fun, but the inventive cocktails are the real reason to go!
- *Juan Rodriguez – A lively, theatrical cocktail bar with colorful vintage-inspired interiors and a fun late-night atmosphere. Come for creative cocktails and a crowd that gets livelier as the evening goes on!
- *Alexander’s Lounge – Tucked inside the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, this sophisticated cocktail and cigar bar is perfect for an elevated nightcap. Expect great wines, classic cocktails and a beautiful old-world setting.
- *Drachmi – A cozy, neighborhood hangout serving coffee by day and cocktails into the evening. Grab one of the outdoor tables and settle in for some people-watching!
- *Balthazar – One of Athens’ most glamorous spots for late-night drinks and dancing, with a gorgeous garden, great cocktails and a buzzy see-and-be-seen crowd!
- *Retiré Bar on Ergon Rooftop – A chic rooftop hangout above Ergon House that’s perfect for sunset drinks with gorgeous views of the Acropolis. One of my favorite settings for an early-evening cocktail!
- Alexandrinó – A cozy café along the bustling Emmanouil Benaki strip that transforms into a lively neighborhood bar as the sun goes down. Great for a casual cocktail and some local atmosphere!
- Orizontes Lycabettus – Perched atop Lycabettus Hill, this is all about the incredible panoramic views over Athens. Take the funicular up around sunset and grab a cocktail overlooking the city!
- Bab au Rhum – An acclaimed Athens cocktail institution known for its huge rum collection and seriously creative drinks. It’s lively, colorful and an absolute must for cocktail lovers!
- Blue Bird – A cozy neighborhood bar tucked along pedestrianized Ipitou Street, one of the city’s cutest little pockets for drinks. It helped kick-start the bar scene here, and the surrounding streets are now packed with great spots!
- Kinonó – A cool, plant-filled, industrial space that works as a café by day and cocktail bar by night. It has a laid-back, local feel that’s perfect for a casual drink.
- Shamone – One of Athens’ best-known gay nightlife spots, with DJs, dancing, cocktails and drag performances. Come late when the party really gets going!
- Tchin Tchin – Tucked down a narrow pedestrian alley, this cozy little bar feels wonderfully local and hidden away. A great choice for a low-key cocktail away from the busier nightlife spots!
- Poco a Poco – A lively cocktail bar in the heart of Kolonaki that’s great for kicking off—or continuing—a night out. Expect good drinks, music and a buzzy crowd!
- Zurbaran – A stylish, see-and-be-seen Kolonaki restaurant and bar that gets especially buzzy after dark. Come later in the evening for fabulous cocktails and a fashionable Athens crowd!
- *Cinderella – A retro disco club that’s all about dancing, funky interiors and a seriously fun night out. Just note that it typically closes during the summer months!
- *Electra Palace Roof Garden – A polished rooftop atop the Electra Palace with sweeping views across Athens and straight toward the Acropolis. Come around sunset for cocktails and one of the city’s quintessential rooftop views!
- Heteroclito – An adorable little wine bar in Athens’ historic center with a fantastic selection of Greek wines. Grab one of the outdoor tables for a glass before dinner!
Coffee shops & Bakeries:
- Cafe Veneti -A Greek bakery chain with locations all over Athens serving fresh breads, pastries and coffee. There’s even one right outside the airport, right when you walk outside for the taxis—I always grab a spanakopita and freddo espresso the second I land!
- Little Tree Books and Coffee – An adorable little bookshop and café that’s perfect for slowing down with a coffee and browsing the shelves. Cozy, quiet and a nice escape from the bustle of central Athens.
- *Carpo – A chic Greek shop specializing in premium nuts, chocolates, dried fruits, honey and great coffee. Perfect for grabbing a snack or edible souvenir—and they have locations in London too!
- Kokkion – One of my favorite spots for ice cream in Athens, with creative flavors and seriously good-quality gelato. Definitely worth stopping by when you need something sweet!
- Redd Coffee – A sleek third-wave coffee shop that’s serious about its espresso. A great stop for a properly made coffee before exploring the city!
- *Behold Theman – A hip, modern coffee shop serving great coffee alongside breakfast bowls, snacks and lighter bites. It has a cool, local vibe that’s perfect for an easy morning.
- *The Makers – One of the best all-in-one stops in central Athens for breakfast, brunch and coffee—with a little shopping thrown in too! The stylish concept space is a great place to start your morning.
- *Da Capo – An iconic Kolonaki café that’s been part of the neighborhood scene for decades. Grab a coffee outside and settle in for some of the best people-watching in Athens!
- *Yiasemi – A charming traditional café tucked along the picturesque steps of Plaka, with tables spilling out onto the street. Grab a freddo espresso before or after visiting the Acropolis and soak up the Old Athens atmosphere!
- *Overoll Croissanterie – A chic croissant shop known for beautifully laminated pastries with fun, unexpected fillings. Their spinach-and-feta-inspired croissant is a must for a Greek twist on the classic!
- Prasini Tenta – Perched partway up Lycabettus Hill, this casual café is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or bite with incredible views over Athens. Even better after you’ve worked up an appetite climbing the hill!
- Choureal – A dream for anyone with a sweet tooth, specializing in freshly made choux pastries filled to order with different creams and toppings. They’re decadent, messy and absolutely worth it!
- Dry Caffe & Spuntino – A cool, art-filled café with an effortlessly stylish atmosphere that’s great for coffee and light bites. A fun little stop when you want something that feels more local and creative.
The “Athenian Riviera” or Seaside:
Athens’ seaside is a captivating stretch of coastline that offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city. With its proximity to the Aegean Sea, Athen’s seaside boasts numerous beautiful beaches and seaside neighborhoods as well as luxury resorts like The Four Seasons & Margi Hotel! Whether it’s soaking up the sun on the sandy shores, indulging in water sports, or enjoying fresh seafood at seaside tavernas, Athens’ seaside provides a perfect balance of relaxation and recreational activities, allowing visitors and locals alike to embrace the beauty of the Greek coastline right at the doorstep of the capital city! The seaside is about 35-minute drive southwest of the city center!
- *Krabo – Chic, airy beachfront club with a terrace serving local dishes & desserts, plus wine & cocktails. The beach isn’t the best here, but the dancing and vibes transport you to the Greek Isles!
- *Zen Beach Club – Chill beach club fixing up local bites & snacks, plus coffee & juices.
- Island Club & Restaurant – Seaside restaurant and music venue. Great for a sunset drink!
- *Akti – Chic beach restaurant serving elevated Greek cuisine. They don’t have a beach club with sun beds, but it’s right up against the water!
- Ithanki – Sophisticated venue with a terrace & sea views specializing in Mediterranean & Asian fusion cuisine!
- Tylixto Vouliagmeni – Great souvlaki spot to grab skewers and souvlaki before heading to the beach!
- Sardelaki me Thea – cute seafood restaurant with taverna-style seating along the seaside
- Malabar at the Margi Hotel – Day-to-night poolside restaurant & bar at the base of the Margi Hotel!
- *Dot Beach Vibes – Beach club and restaurant, perfect for a chill day and sunset!
- Matsuhisa – From the same owners as Nobu, it’s one of the best sushi spots in town!
- Astir Beach – Surrounded by pines, Astir Beach is a 400 meters long sandy beach, featuring 800 sunbeds, striped umbrellas, and a members’ only lounge!
To do:
- Visit the Acropolis
- See the Acropolis Museum
- See Athens’ Ancient ruins:
- Stroll the National Gardens
- Watch the Changing of the Guards at Syntamaga
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum
- Cook up a storm Traditional Greek cooking class includes a market visit and a full meal.
- Hike up Lycabettus Hill – This hike up the hill is an easy hike (similar to Runyon in LA!) that’s mostly paved. It might take you 20/30minutes to summit. It offers great viewpoints of Athens! A favorite to do in the morning!
- Visit the Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)
- Visit the Allouche Βenias Gallery for rotating contemporary art
- Watch the sunset on Mars Hill
- National Museum of Contemporary Art
- Pick up provisions at Pantopwlion and head into the pine forests of Philopappou Hill for a sunset picnic!
- Visit the Academy of Athens
- Explore the Panathenaic Stadium – this stadium is where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896!
- Go to Cape Sounion and visit the Temple of Poseidon (an hour’s drive from the city center)
To Shop:
- Underflow – gallery & record shop
- True Story Athens
- Athena Design Workshop
- The Makers – Cafe with home goods & apparel!
- Alicia – Men and women’s apparel.
- Stavros Melissinos sandal shop – for a pair of classic Greek leather sandals
- Soho Soho – Designer boutique with offerings for men & women!
- Mavriki & Co. – Outlet home goods.
- Kaloterakis – Home goods and furniture.
- Interni – Great selections of chic home goods from the iconic Mykonos restaurant!
To Stay:
- King George
- Hotel Grande Bretagne
- AthensWas – This is one of my favorite boutique hotels in the city!
- Gatsby Athens – A great stay! The location is fantastic
- Electra Palace Athens
- Davini Palace Acropolis
- The Margi Hotel (Seaside)
- Four Seasons Astir Palace (Seaside)
- Xenodocheio Milos
- NEW Hotel
- Ergon House
- Monsieur Didot
Athens is a city that has something for everyone. It is a city of history, culture, and mythology, with ancient ruins, museums, traditional neighborhoods, modern districts, and a lively nightlife scene. Whether you are visiting for a few days or a few weeks, Athens will leave a lasting impression on you. Have you been to Athens yet? Let me know your thoughts and what you’ve loved about this Ancient city!
Stay Risky,
– John
