Guidebook for Athens
Drinks & Nightlife
Not far from Ayias Irinis square - an area getting more and more busy the last few years - in a small street. It can get very busy at night, but during the day it has an amazing back garden, it’s like a city break in the city. Check their website out they often have lives, performances or special nights you might be lucky.
www.sixdogs.gr
356 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
six d.o.g.s
6-8 AvramiotouNot far from Ayias Irinis square - an area getting more and more busy the last few years - in a small street. It can get very busy at night, but during the day it has an amazing back garden, it’s like a city break in the city. Check their website out they often have lives, performances or special nights you might be lucky.
www.sixdogs.gr
Very close to the apartment. One of the oldest bars in Athens still standing with its original design, opened in 1958 by two brothers Mr. Theodoros and Mr. Lyssandros and was designed by a modernist Greek architect, Aristomenis Provelengios. Now it is run by Mr. Lyssandros’ son. It’s a classic bar, not the place to have a party but a bar to either start your night or for a night cup. It stays open late, as long as there are customers drinking away.
http://www.spottedbylocals.com/athens/au-revoir/
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Au Revoir Bar
136 28is OktovriouVery close to the apartment. One of the oldest bars in Athens still standing with its original design, opened in 1958 by two brothers Mr. Theodoros and Mr. Lyssandros and was designed by a modernist Greek architect, Aristomenis Provelengios. Now it is run by Mr. Lyssandros’ son. It’s a classic bar, not the place to have a party but a bar to either start your night or for a night cup. It stays open late, as long as there are customers drinking away.
http://www.spottedbylocals.com/athens/au-revoir/
Similar to Bar Au Revoir, more centrally located in an arcade close to Syntagma square (the Parliament square). Closed on Sundays.
http://www.spottedbylocals.com/athens/galaxy-bar/
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Galaxy Bar
10 StadiouSimilar to Bar Au Revoir, more centrally located in an arcade close to Syntagma square (the Parliament square). Closed on Sundays.
http://www.spottedbylocals.com/athens/galaxy-bar/
A Cafe / Bar / Gallery, close to Monastiraki Square. It’s the interior garden of an old house. It is is usually quiet.
http://theartfoundation.metamatic.gr
141 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
TAF (The Art Foundation)
5 NormanouA Cafe / Bar / Gallery, close to Monastiraki Square. It’s the interior garden of an old house. It is is usually quiet.
http://theartfoundation.metamatic.gr
Cafe / Bar in a nice akalyptos (the space between the back sides of block of flats) at the end of an arcade. Cheap, simply and easy going.
http://www.spottedbylocals.com/athens/cantina-social/
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cantina Social
8 LeokoriouCafe / Bar in a nice akalyptos (the space between the back sides of block of flats) at the end of an arcade. Cheap, simply and easy going.
http://www.spottedbylocals.com/athens/cantina-social/
In Keramikos, the old working class area, more recently was the red light district area. It went through gentrification in the early 2000s. Tthe bar is very nice and usually play nice music. Very close to Seyhelles (tavern see below)
https://www.facebook.com/BlePapagalos
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Μπλε Παπαγάλος
31 LeonidouIn Keramikos, the old working class area, more recently was the red light district area. It went through gentrification in the early 2000s. Tthe bar is very nice and usually play nice music. Very close to Seyhelles (tavern see below)
https://www.facebook.com/BlePapagalos
Cozy funky bar, opens at 9am for a coffee and snack until 4am for a drink. Very close to Syntagma square. Dim lighting and baroque decoration.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SEVEN JOKERS (THE)
7 VoulisCozy funky bar, opens at 9am for a coffee and snack until 4am for a drink. Very close to Syntagma square. Dim lighting and baroque decoration.
Great roof terrace for the summer and cool bar for the winter. One could also catch a play, an exhibition or a music event in this multi-purpose space.
113 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bios
84 PireosGreat roof terrace for the summer and cool bar for the winter. One could also catch a play, an exhibition or a music event in this multi-purpose space.
5 minutes walk from the apartment, It's a βιλατζ is a new cafe (opened in 2016) on Ayiou Georgiou Square. A peaceful square right in the centre of Kypsel - you can enjoy a coffee in the morning, snacks throughout the day or a nice drink at night.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Village
9 Pl. Agiou Georgiou5 minutes walk from the apartment, It's a βιλατζ is a new cafe (opened in 2016) on Ayiou Georgiou Square. A peaceful square right in the centre of Kypsel - you can enjoy a coffee in the morning, snacks throughout the day or a nice drink at night.
Arts & Culture
A relatively new entry - complex of Bar, live venue, artists’ studios with a rich program of cultural activities. Old industrial building which housed the printing and headquarters offices of the 60s - 80s pop magazine “Romantzo”. The area comes across as dodgy (generally the back streets of Omonoia Square can be dangerous, with junkies, homeless etc.) so be careful in any case.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ROMANTSO
3 AnaxagoraA relatively new entry - complex of Bar, live venue, artists’ studios with a rich program of cultural activities. Old industrial building which housed the printing and headquarters offices of the 60s - 80s pop magazine “Romantzo”. The area comes across as dodgy (generally the back streets of Omonoia Square can be dangerous, with junkies, homeless etc.) so be careful in any case.
New museum of Acropolis. The building in itself is also interesting designed by Bernard Tschumi. Also has a nice balcony cafe.
2190 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de la Acrópolis
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouNew museum of Acropolis. The building in itself is also interesting designed by Bernard Tschumi. Also has a nice balcony cafe.
The area betweenn Monatiraki / Thisi and around Acropolis hill is full of Archeological Sites. You can find the Old Agora, The temple of Ifaistos, Dionisos Theatre and Hrodion Theatre. And of course then the Acropolis Hill.
On the other side of Acropolis (SouthWest of Acropolis) you can find Plaka - the old residential area of Athens, where you can see how Athens was 100 years ago. Part of it is very touristic but there are also tiny street you can enjoy a nice walk. Next to Plaka, you can find Anafiotika (SoutheEast of Acropolis) - an area built in mid 19th century, climbing up Acropolis, and was built to house workers coming from Anafi.
280 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Acrópolis
The area betweenn Monatiraki / Thisi and around Acropolis hill is full of Archeological Sites. You can find the Old Agora, The temple of Ifaistos, Dionisos Theatre and Hrodion Theatre. And of course then the Acropolis Hill.
On the other side of Acropolis (SouthWest of Acropolis) you can find Plaka - the old residential area of Athens, where you can see how Athens was 100 years ago. Part of it is very touristic but there are also tiny street you can enjoy a nice walk. Next to Plaka, you can find Anafiotika (SoutheEast of Acropolis) - an area built in mid 19th century, climbing up Acropolis, and was built to house workers coming from Anafi.
One of my favorite galleries. The space is a mixture of industrial and white cube and the shows there are usually good.
http://www.art-tounta.gr/
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre
48 Armatolon ke KleftonOne of my favorite galleries. The space is a mixture of industrial and white cube and the shows there are usually good.
http://www.art-tounta.gr/
The first non-profit gallery in Greece, founded in 2013 by art critic and curator Iliana Fokianaki. Not only a place for exhibitions but also a place for all kinds of cultural events.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
State of Concept Athens, Non Profit Art Institution
19 Mpotsari TousaThe first non-profit gallery in Greece, founded in 2013 by art critic and curator Iliana Fokianaki. Not only a place for exhibitions but also a place for all kinds of cultural events.
Food Scene
A very surprisingly peaceful cafe. Right in the center of Athens, not far from Syntagma Sq. (The Parliament Square). Another nice garden. Nice breakfasts.
http://www.nma.gr
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nomismatiko Mousio
12 OmonoiaA very surprisingly peaceful cafe. Right in the center of Athens, not far from Syntagma Sq. (The Parliament Square). Another nice garden. Nice breakfasts.
http://www.nma.gr
Strongly recommended for brunch. On Aiolou pedestrian street, it can get busy on Sundays but then the pedestrian street is very peaceful since the shops are closed. It might be a good idea to book in advance for Sundays.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mama-Roux/264571513559218
106 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mama Roux
str 50Strongly recommended for brunch. On Aiolou pedestrian street, it can get busy on Sundays but then the pedestrian street is very peaceful since the shops are closed. It might be a good idea to book in advance for Sundays.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mama-Roux/264571513559218
In Thisio, not far from the train station. Nice lamb chops and barrel wine. It’s beautiful to go there for dinner at night - the interior is full of barrels with wine. In the summer time they have a garden. The owner used to be a butcher so meat quality is waranteed.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/To-steki-tou-ilia-Official-site/160010494163578
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
To Steki Tou Ilia (The steak of the sun)
5 EptachalkouIn Thisio, not far from the train station. Nice lamb chops and barrel wine. It’s beautiful to go there for dinner at night - the interior is full of barrels with wine. In the summer time they have a garden. The owner used to be a butcher so meat quality is waranteed.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/To-steki-tou-ilia-Official-site/160010494163578
Very delicious greek food, on Avdi square (close to Blue Parrot bar - see above) and affordable.
http://popaganda.gr/seichelles-ine-kalitero-neo-mezedopolio-sto-kentro/
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Seychelles Restaurant
49 KeramikouVery delicious greek food, on Avdi square (close to Blue Parrot bar - see above) and affordable.
http://popaganda.gr/seichelles-ine-kalitero-neo-mezedopolio-sto-kentro/
Pleasant especially on Sundays lunch time. Located in the Monastiraki flea / antique market and if you get lucky (or unlucky - it depends) they might have live music or set up impromptu live music.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Avissinia
7 KinetouPleasant especially on Sundays lunch time. Located in the Monastiraki flea / antique market and if you get lucky (or unlucky - it depends) they might have live music or set up impromptu live music.
Another relatively old fish tavern in an arcade. It’s kind of small and hit and miss - you might not find a table on a a day and might be empty another day.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
I Kriti
5 VeranzerouAnother relatively old fish tavern in an arcade. It’s kind of small and hit and miss - you might not find a table on a a day and might be empty another day.
Old Greek traditional food tavern. Grandmum’ recipes. Good place to try basic greek cuisine the way it was before cookbooks.
https://plus.google.com/100850597894574292794/about?gl=gr&hl=el
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mparmpagiánnēs
94 Emmanouil BenakiOld Greek traditional food tavern. Grandmum’ recipes. Good place to try basic greek cuisine the way it was before cookbooks.
https://plus.google.com/100850597894574292794/about?gl=gr&hl=el
My favorite fish tavern. On Em. Mpenaki Street, simple, with retro style. Simply because it is old and it has always been like this. Always fresh fish.
https://plus.google.com/102744294155286208820/about?gl=gr&hl=el
ΛΕΣΒΟΣ (Η)
My favorite fish tavern. On Em. Mpenaki Street, simple, with retro style. Simply because it is old and it has always been like this. Always fresh fish.
https://plus.google.com/102744294155286208820/about?gl=gr&hl=el
Italian Restaurant - Wine bar. On one of the staircases connecting Kolonaki and Exarcheia. Good choice if you are walking around Lycabetos Hill.
http://scalavinoteca.com/?page_id=2
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
scala vinoteca
50 SinaItalian Restaurant - Wine bar. On one of the staircases connecting Kolonaki and Exarcheia. Good choice if you are walking around Lycabetos Hill.
http://scalavinoteca.com/?page_id=2
Simple, plain fish tavern in the neighborhood, very close to Viktoria Square. Always fresh fish and friendly environment.
http://www.athinorama.gr/restaurants/place.aspx?id=5001638
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ouzeri Tou Laki
16 ElpidosSimple, plain fish tavern in the neighborhood, very close to Viktoria Square. Always fresh fish and friendly environment.
http://www.athinorama.gr/restaurants/place.aspx?id=5001638
Nicely decorated meze tavern on the Fokionos Negri pedestrian street. The street has been the 70 - 80s bourgeois and bohemian centre - it is only 5 mins walk from the apartment (on the opposite side of Patision Avenue). The pedestrian street is recently becoming once again a cafe hub so you can find plenty of places. This is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood for both lunch and dinner. It decorated in a retro classic way, the food is always nice and the environment very friendly
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Bakalogatos
72 Fokionos NegriNicely decorated meze tavern on the Fokionos Negri pedestrian street. The street has been the 70 - 80s bourgeois and bohemian centre - it is only 5 mins walk from the apartment (on the opposite side of Patision Avenue). The pedestrian street is recently becoming once again a cafe hub so you can find plenty of places. This is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood for both lunch and dinner. It decorated in a retro classic way, the food is always nice and the environment very friendly
Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Really good for the summer time. When the weather is good you can enjoy both the garden and the food. Close to Exarxia Area.
http://www.ask4food.gr/estiatoria/14043-ama-laxei-stis-nefelis
178 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ama Lachei
69 KallidromiouGreek and Mediterranean cuisine. Really good for the summer time. When the weather is good you can enjoy both the garden and the food. Close to Exarxia Area.
http://www.ask4food.gr/estiatoria/14043-ama-laxei-stis-nefelis
A bit far from the centre - you might need a taxi - I estimate it might cost around 12euros to go - but it could be a good choice if you want to go to Palaio Faliro which is by the sea. Not a place to swim but a nice boardwalk / park to walk by the sea.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ψαροταβέρνα-Ψιψίνα-Κυρ-Αρίστος/1434139220133379
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Psipsina
96 ZisimopoulouA bit far from the centre - you might need a taxi - I estimate it might cost around 12euros to go - but it could be a good choice if you want to go to Palaio Faliro which is by the sea. Not a place to swim but a nice boardwalk / park to walk by the sea.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ψαροταβέρνα-Ψιψίνα-Κυρ-Αρίστος/1434139220133379
Oasis in the centre of Athens. Housed in the Museum of Athens built in 1859, it has a beautiful and quiet garden for the summer time and the menu offers contemporary greek cuisine with very fresh products. Also has a very nice selection of cheeses and is open 7 days a week, from 10.00am until 2a.m. The restaurant also hosts music events very often with live music. Book a table in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Black Duck Garden
7 loannou PaparrigopoulouOasis in the centre of Athens. Housed in the Museum of Athens built in 1859, it has a beautiful and quiet garden for the summer time and the menu offers contemporary greek cuisine with very fresh products. Also has a very nice selection of cheeses and is open 7 days a week, from 10.00am until 2a.m. The restaurant also hosts music events very often with live music. Book a table in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
An old neoclassical house turned into a beautiful concept store. You can enjoy a lovely coffee or a delicious sandwich and shop design items, clothes and accessories. Very nicely designed with a lovely menu for brunch
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Philos Athens
32 SolonosAn old neoclassical house turned into a beautiful concept store. You can enjoy a lovely coffee or a delicious sandwich and shop design items, clothes and accessories. Very nicely designed with a lovely menu for brunch
Sightseeing
The Anarchists’ neighborhood. 15 Minutes walk from the apartment (walk south on Patision Avenue (just so you don’t get confused Patision Avenue might be written as 28th October Avenue - it is basically the big avenue close to the house, right in front of America Square) and turn left after the Polytechnic University. Worth seeing is the National Archaelogical Museum and the “Blue Building” on the North side of the Exarcheia Square, one of the first modernist blocks in Athens (1932-33. Le Corbusier wrote “C’est tres beau!” the first time he saw it) The square is always busy in the night, with young people.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exarcheia
168 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Exarcheia
The Anarchists’ neighborhood. 15 Minutes walk from the apartment (walk south on Patision Avenue (just so you don’t get confused Patision Avenue might be written as 28th October Avenue - it is basically the big avenue close to the house, right in front of America Square) and turn left after the Polytechnic University. Worth seeing is the National Archaelogical Museum and the “Blue Building” on the North side of the Exarcheia Square, one of the first modernist blocks in Athens (1932-33. Le Corbusier wrote “C’est tres beau!” the first time he saw it) The square is always busy in the night, with young people.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exarcheia
Peaceful residential area to walk around, visit the Athens First Cemetery, the Zappeion and the National Gardens, the Panathenic Stadium and a bit further north the National Art Gallery. Very close to Syntagma Square (The Parliament Square). In the gardens you can also find the Columns of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrianos Gate (Roman) right by the entrance of the Park.
http://wheretogowhattosee.com/greece/athens/metsAndPangrati.php
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mets
Peaceful residential area to walk around, visit the Athens First Cemetery, the Zappeion and the National Gardens, the Panathenic Stadium and a bit further north the National Art Gallery. Very close to Syntagma Square (The Parliament Square). In the gardens you can also find the Columns of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrianos Gate (Roman) right by the entrance of the Park.
http://wheretogowhattosee.com/greece/athens/metsAndPangrati.php
The affluent residential area of Athens, south of Lycabetous hill and north of Syntagma (cross Queen Sofia Avenue (Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias) When you visit Kolonaki it makes you wonder whether there is a crisis in this country. Beautiful examples of neoclassical buildings, expensive boutique shops and brands. The Benakis museum and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art worth a visit.
397 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kolonaki
The affluent residential area of Athens, south of Lycabetous hill and north of Syntagma (cross Queen Sofia Avenue (Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias) When you visit Kolonaki it makes you wonder whether there is a crisis in this country. Beautiful examples of neoclassical buildings, expensive boutique shops and brands. The Benakis museum and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art worth a visit.
A hill right in the centre of Athens (over Kolonaki & Exarcheia) gives you an impressive overview of the city. You can take the teleferik or if you feel brave enough walk.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Lycabettus
682 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Lycabettus Viewing Area
A hill right in the centre of Athens (over Kolonaki & Exarcheia) gives you an impressive overview of the city. You can take the teleferik or if you feel brave enough walk.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Lycabettus
That is the area where the apartment is. The area of Kypseli is on the east side of Patision Avenue (the apartment is the first parallel street on the west). It was heavily populated in the 1960s when new apartment blocks were building in the Bauhaus and Art Deco tradition, and was the bourgeois neighborhood back then. After the 80s the original citizens started moving out. Now It has a nice and diverse mix population and the last 2-3 it goes through gentrification. It has a reputation of being one of the most densely populated places on earth. I love it because the streets are narrow and you just walk endlessly and stare at the buildings. If you walk from the apartment to the west (towards Acharnon) you can still see the few Neoclassical buildings left. On the east side of Patision you should definitely walk through Fokionos Negri (http://www.athensguide.com/kypseli/fokionos-negri.htm ), a pedestrianized street, the main axis of the area. The further you walk towards Kypseli’s square at the end of Fokionos Negri the more restaurants and cafes you will find.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kypseli,_Athens
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kypseli
That is the area where the apartment is. The area of Kypseli is on the east side of Patision Avenue (the apartment is the first parallel street on the west). It was heavily populated in the 1960s when new apartment blocks were building in the Bauhaus and Art Deco tradition, and was the bourgeois neighborhood back then. After the 80s the original citizens started moving out. Now It has a nice and diverse mix population and the last 2-3 it goes through gentrification. It has a reputation of being one of the most densely populated places on earth. I love it because the streets are narrow and you just walk endlessly and stare at the buildings. If you walk from the apartment to the west (towards Acharnon) you can still see the few Neoclassical buildings left. On the east side of Patision you should definitely walk through Fokionos Negri (http://www.athensguide.com/kypseli/fokionos-negri.htm ), a pedestrianized street, the main axis of the area. The further you walk towards Kypseli’s square at the end of Fokionos Negri the more restaurants and cafes you will find.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kypseli,_Athens
Very close to Monastiraki. Used to be a small industrial area for light weight manufacturers (shoes, leather, textiles). Last 10-15 years it transformed to a restaurant / cafes zone. You can find plenty of places and also on Sundays part of is used as an extension to the Monastiraki market.
http://www.athensguide.com/psiri.html
464 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Psyri
MiaouliVery close to Monastiraki. Used to be a small industrial area for light weight manufacturers (shoes, leather, textiles). Last 10-15 years it transformed to a restaurant / cafes zone. You can find plenty of places and also on Sundays part of is used as an extension to the Monastiraki market.
http://www.athensguide.com/psiri.html
This is the meat, fish and vegetable market of Athens. Nice to stroll through. Also you can find 2 nice restaurants in the meat markets arcades which stay open 24/7.
http://www.newsbomb.gr/tags/tag/46369/varvakeios-agora
102 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Varvakios Central Municipal Market
42 AthinasThis is the meat, fish and vegetable market of Athens. Nice to stroll through. Also you can find 2 nice restaurants in the meat markets arcades which stay open 24/7.
http://www.newsbomb.gr/tags/tag/46369/varvakeios-agora
Everything Else
Athens flea market, not to be missed. Especially good on Sundays.
http://www.athensguide.com/monastiraki.html
841 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monastiraki
Athens flea market, not to be missed. Especially good on Sundays.
http://www.athensguide.com/monastiraki.html
Athens flea market, not to be missed. Especially good on Sundays.
http://www.athensguide.com/monastiraki.html
841 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monastiraki
Athens flea market, not to be missed. Especially good on Sundays.
http://www.athensguide.com/monastiraki.html
Parks & Nature
This is a true oasis in the centre of the city. All of a sudden you walk into a bubble, beautiful, green and very quiet. One of the nicest city escapes within the city.
179 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zappeion
This is a true oasis in the centre of the city. All of a sudden you walk into a bubble, beautiful, green and very quiet. One of the nicest city escapes within the city.