Guidebook for Athina
Food Scene
scala vinoteca
50 SinaLovely for dinner, great food and wine tasting for wine lovers
Amazing dishes of healthy and absolutely delicious food. Great spot for lunch and early dinner
126 locals recommend
Avocado
30 NikisAmazing dishes of healthy and absolutely delicious food. Great spot for lunch and early dinner
Healthy, animal friendly and absolutely tasty! They also do home deliveries, take aways.
22 locals recommend
Mama Tierra
84 AkadimiasHealthy, animal friendly and absolutely tasty! They also do home deliveries, take aways.
Lovely food, nice indoors and outdoors atmosphere near the Hilton Hotel that you may also want to visit for a drink at the Galaxy Hilton Bar which is on the roof terrace of the hotel and has an amazing view of Athens and the Acropolis
20 locals recommend
Agora Select
9 Kon/nou VentiriLovely food, nice indoors and outdoors atmosphere near the Hilton Hotel that you may also want to visit for a drink at the Galaxy Hilton Bar which is on the roof terrace of the hotel and has an amazing view of Athens and the Acropolis
At the roof terrace of Hilton Hotel. Beautiful view of Athens and the Acropolis especially during sundowns.
81 locals recommend
Galaxy Restaurant & Bar
46 Vasilissis Sofias At the roof terrace of Hilton Hotel. Beautiful view of Athens and the Acropolis especially during sundowns.
Dinner in the Sky Athens
Aleria Restaurant
57 Meg. AlexandrouYou may also just have a drink and enjoy the wonderful view of Acropolis especially at night.
20 locals recommend
GB Roof Garden
1 Vasileos Georgiou AYou may also just have a drink and enjoy the wonderful view of Acropolis especially at night.
Great food, good restaurant near Caravel Hotel, surrounded by a few other coffee shops and other restaurant bars.
24 locals recommend
OROSCOPO restaurant
42 - 44 AntinorosGreat food, good restaurant near Caravel Hotel, surrounded by a few other coffee shops and other restaurant bars.
Favourite restaurant of many. You definitely need to book a table before you go.
98 locals recommend
Mavro Provato
33 ArrianouFavourite restaurant of many. You definitely need to book a table before you go.
A good taste for lovers of greek food. In the Exarchia Square, 4 minutes walking distance from home. Tables outside in the pavement street of Valtetsiou street or ... indoors which is actually a cool yard.
90 locals recommend
Rosalia
59 ValtetsiouA good taste for lovers of greek food. In the Exarchia Square, 4 minutes walking distance from home. Tables outside in the pavement street of Valtetsiou street or ... indoors which is actually a cool yard.
Lovely food, near home in Valtetsiou street. You may eat indoors or outdoors in their beautiful yard
106 locals recommend
Giántes
44 ValtetsiouLovely food, near home in Valtetsiou street. You may eat indoors or outdoors in their beautiful yard
In my opinion it stands out amongst the touristic restaurants of Thisio. Good quality food and wine.
81 locals recommend
Kuzina
9 AdrianouIn my opinion it stands out amongst the touristic restaurants of Thisio. Good quality food and wine.
Yes, you may have lunch or dinner at Yoleni's but this place is more than that. You may buy good quality groceries, wines, cheese... even coffee cups... the list is long. Walking distance from Home
41 locals recommend
Yoleni's Greek Gastronomy center
9 SolonosYes, you may have lunch or dinner at Yoleni's but this place is more than that. You may buy good quality groceries, wines, cheese... even coffee cups... the list is long. Walking distance from Home
Falafellas is a famous take away falafel place. There usually is a long line waiting to be served but they are fast in their service. Everybody loves their falafel ! If you are in the center and you are walking in Aeolou street try it. Closed on Sundays
85 locals recommend
Falafellas
51 AiolouFalafellas is a famous take away falafel place. There usually is a long line waiting to be served but they are fast in their service. Everybody loves their falafel ! If you are in the center and you are walking in Aeolou street try it. Closed on Sundays
In kallidromiou which is parallel to Eressou where home is. Big yard, different tastes in one place
178 locals recommend
Ama Lachei
69 KallidromiouIn kallidromiou which is parallel to Eressou where home is. Big yard, different tastes in one place
Minnie the Moocher is in the petestrian street named Tsakalof in the center of kolonaki which is neighbourly to Anna's Home. You may walk if you like. It is all in one! A coffee place, a bar and a restaurant with a few but selected dishes. Tsakalof is very lively and is filled with coffee places, take away food spots, restaurant/bars and generally in Kolonaki one might want to go shopping too.
29 locals recommend
Minnie The Moocher
6 TsakalofMinnie the Moocher is in the petestrian street named Tsakalof in the center of kolonaki which is neighbourly to Anna's Home. You may walk if you like. It is all in one! A coffee place, a bar and a restaurant with a few but selected dishes. Tsakalof is very lively and is filled with coffee places, take away food spots, restaurant/bars and generally in Kolonaki one might want to go shopping too.
Sightseeing
Acropolis of Athens
The Zappeion Exhibition Hall, or the Zappeion as the Athenians call it, has witnessed the history of Athens for the past 130 years. A major scene for some of the most significant moments in the country’s history, it has always been integrally linked to the Olympic Games. Even though its uses were varied – from the Olympic Games village and a hospital to a storehouse and even serving as barracks – it has become a landmark in the Greek capital, fulfilling the initial wishes of its benefactor, Evangelis Zappas.
179 locals recommend
Zappeion
The Zappeion Exhibition Hall, or the Zappeion as the Athenians call it, has witnessed the history of Athens for the past 130 years. A major scene for some of the most significant moments in the country’s history, it has always been integrally linked to the Olympic Games. Even though its uses were varied – from the Olympic Games village and a hospital to a storehouse and even serving as barracks – it has become a landmark in the Greek capital, fulfilling the initial wishes of its benefactor, Evangelis Zappas.
The historic district of Plaka, in central Athens, is situated under the Acropolis, around the northeastern slopes of the Sacred Rock, between Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations. Its village-like atmosphere, neoclassical buildings, quaint cafes, souvenir shops and museums make it a favourite among visitors and Athenians who stroll along its narrow streets. Here is a historical snapshot of the oldest neighbourhood in Athens.
1301 locals recommend
Plaka
24 MnisikleousThe historic district of Plaka, in central Athens, is situated under the Acropolis, around the northeastern slopes of the Sacred Rock, between Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations. Its village-like atmosphere, neoclassical buildings, quaint cafes, souvenir shops and museums make it a favourite among visitors and Athenians who stroll along its narrow streets. Here is a historical snapshot of the oldest neighbourhood in Athens.
One of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, today Thiseio is the busiest of the three neighborhoods surrounding Philopappou Hill. The quaint district was transformed, at the turn of the century, into a tourist hub and the favourite spot for the Athenian youth thanks to the creation of the promenade which begins opposite the Hadrian Gate and ends, two kilometers to the northwest, at the Thiseio Metro Station. The pedestrian streets of Apostolou Pavlou and Irakleidon are full of open-air cafes, restaurants and bars buzzing with people from early morning to well after midnight, creating a festive atmosphere particularly during spring and summer.
533 locals recommend
Thiseio
One of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, today Thiseio is the busiest of the three neighborhoods surrounding Philopappou Hill. The quaint district was transformed, at the turn of the century, into a tourist hub and the favourite spot for the Athenian youth thanks to the creation of the promenade which begins opposite the Hadrian Gate and ends, two kilometers to the northwest, at the Thiseio Metro Station. The pedestrian streets of Apostolou Pavlou and Irakleidon are full of open-air cafes, restaurants and bars buzzing with people from early morning to well after midnight, creating a festive atmosphere particularly during spring and summer.
Athens sprawls across the plain of Attica and like many European cities, is built on seven hills. Lycabettus, at 300 meters above the sea level, is the highest peek overlooking the Attica Basin offering unique views from above.
Considered as an oasis in the middle of the city, with rocky slopes covered with pines and low shrubs the hill provides a significant habitat for 64 bird species.
According to mythology, goddess Athena removed a piece of Mountain Pendeli, to boost the heights of her temple on the Acropolis hill, but while en route, bad tidings imposed the goddess to drop the rock in the middle of the city.
On the top of the rock, a large open-air ampitheater hosts world acclaime
682 locals recommend
Mount Lycabettus Viewing Area
Athens sprawls across the plain of Attica and like many European cities, is built on seven hills. Lycabettus, at 300 meters above the sea level, is the highest peek overlooking the Attica Basin offering unique views from above.
Considered as an oasis in the middle of the city, with rocky slopes covered with pines and low shrubs the hill provides a significant habitat for 64 bird species.
According to mythology, goddess Athena removed a piece of Mountain Pendeli, to boost the heights of her temple on the Acropolis hill, but while en route, bad tidings imposed the goddess to drop the rock in the middle of the city.
On the top of the rock, a large open-air ampitheater hosts world acclaime
The Ancient Agora of Athens is the largely green area in between Monastiraki and the Acropolis, one of the few archaeological sites in the world that has a train running through it. Agora means marketplace and the scattered piles of rocks and foundational walls are what is left of the stalls, buildings and shrines that were the center of life in ancient Athens where Socrates, Pericles, Plato and the rest of those wise men once walked, talked and teached. If you are coming from the Acropolis your entrance ticket allows you to visit the Ancient Agora which is great because it is a shortcut to Monastiraki with its shops, restaurants and cafés.
581 locals recommend
Ancient Agora of Athens
24 AdrianouThe Ancient Agora of Athens is the largely green area in between Monastiraki and the Acropolis, one of the few archaeological sites in the world that has a train running through it. Agora means marketplace and the scattered piles of rocks and foundational walls are what is left of the stalls, buildings and shrines that were the center of life in ancient Athens where Socrates, Pericles, Plato and the rest of those wise men once walked, talked and teached. If you are coming from the Acropolis your entrance ticket allows you to visit the Ancient Agora which is great because it is a shortcut to Monastiraki with its shops, restaurants and cafés.
Make the most of your trip by indulging in a refreshing swim in the small beach by the foot of the temple of Poseidon or in any one of the neighbouring beaches in Legrena or Lavrio! Treat yourselves to some fresh fish and seafood in the local tavernas. Drink in the lovely sunset view in one of Attica’s best locations – having the ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea!
474 locals recommend
Temple of Poseidon - Sounio
Make the most of your trip by indulging in a refreshing swim in the small beach by the foot of the temple of Poseidon or in any one of the neighbouring beaches in Legrena or Lavrio! Treat yourselves to some fresh fish and seafood in the local tavernas. Drink in the lovely sunset view in one of Attica’s best locations – having the ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea!
Arts & Culture
Acropolis Museum
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouParks & Nature
Lake Vouliagmeni is a small brackish-water lake fed by underground currents seeping through the mass of Mount Hymettus located to the south of Vouliagmeni, Greece. It is a mineral spa that is reported to have many healing properties for such ailments as eczema and dermatological diseases, neuralgia, headaches, disfiguring arthritis, chronic gynecological diseases, lumbago, sciatica and other problems. The lake is surrounded by beach chairs and umbrellas and there is a cafe-bar-restaurant that serves excellent food and hosts various events. The lake is fine for swimming and snorkeling for therapy as well as for pleasure
317 locals recommend
Vouliagmenis Lake
Λίμνη ΒουλιαγμένηςLake Vouliagmeni is a small brackish-water lake fed by underground currents seeping through the mass of Mount Hymettus located to the south of Vouliagmeni, Greece. It is a mineral spa that is reported to have many healing properties for such ailments as eczema and dermatological diseases, neuralgia, headaches, disfiguring arthritis, chronic gynecological diseases, lumbago, sciatica and other problems. The lake is surrounded by beach chairs and umbrellas and there is a cafe-bar-restaurant that serves excellent food and hosts various events. The lake is fine for swimming and snorkeling for therapy as well as for pleasure
Walk or jog in the park or enjoy your coffee at Aegli near Zappio
1171 locals recommend
National Garden
1 Leoforos Vasilisis AmaliasWalk or jog in the park or enjoy your coffee at Aegli near Zappio
Shopping
Ermou
ErmouAll kinds of shops. Mainly clothing and shoes
It's a must visit place for tourists in Athens for many many reasons. Next to Thiseion, Plaka, in the Acropolis area
418 locals recommend
Monastraki Flea Market
2 IfestouIt's a must visit place for tourists in Athens for many many reasons. Next to Thiseion, Plaka, in the Acropolis area
You need puplic transportation to get there. You may take the metro to go to Doukisis Plakentias station and then the shuttle that will take you to McArthurGlen Discount Village. It's in Spata, the airport area. Shops selling well known brands on discount prices.
190 locals recommend
McArthurGlen Athens
E71 GialouYou need puplic transportation to get there. You may take the metro to go to Doukisis Plakentias station and then the shuttle that will take you to McArthurGlen Discount Village. It's in Spata, the airport area. Shops selling well known brands on discount prices.
Everything Else
Restaurants, coffee shops, bars, shops of any kind, neighbourly to Exarchia
397 locals recommend
Kolonaki
Restaurants, coffee shops, bars, shops of any kind, neighbourly to Exarchia
Mikrolimano is another place you should visit in Piraeus. Mikrolimano is the second largest Yacht marina of the big port with lots of fish restaurants and only 15 minutes walk to the Stadium of Peace and Friendship in Faliro.The port was protected by the goddess Mounihia Artemis that's why sometimes it is referred as port of Munihia. Its old name from the times of the Ottoman occupation was Tourkolimano.
Today Mikrolimano it is a popular location, attracting people from all over Attica. It is a beautiful little harbour with fishing boats, small boats and luxury yachts. If you like fish and seafood have lunch or dinner at one of its famous taverns.
50 locals recommend
ΜΙΚΡΟΛΙΜΑΝΟ
Mikrolimano is another place you should visit in Piraeus. Mikrolimano is the second largest Yacht marina of the big port with lots of fish restaurants and only 15 minutes walk to the Stadium of Peace and Friendship in Faliro.The port was protected by the goddess Mounihia Artemis that's why sometimes it is referred as port of Munihia. Its old name from the times of the Ottoman occupation was Tourkolimano.
Today Mikrolimano it is a popular location, attracting people from all over Attica. It is a beautiful little harbour with fishing boats, small boats and luxury yachts. If you like fish and seafood have lunch or dinner at one of its famous taverns.
Drinks & Nightlife
Sometimes there's nothing like a cosy night in. In such case, I recommend Oinotypo cava/wines which is very near home. You will find excellent wine there and everything else you might need.
7 locals recommend
Oinotypo
98 Char. TrikoupiSometimes there's nothing like a cosy night in. In such case, I recommend Oinotypo cava/wines which is very near home. You will find excellent wine there and everything else you might need.
Chic and classy! In the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Syntagma Square, Alexander's is old-fashioned and sophisticated, like something from a black-and-white film set, with a vast 18th-century tapestry hung above the wooden bar, and occasional live music. It offers an impressive selection of cognacs and malt whiskies, plus classic cocktails. The signature drink is Mandarin Napoleon Select, combining Dubonnet Rouge, Grand Marnier, gin and essential oil of Sicilian tangerines.
Alexander's Cigar Lounge
Chic and classy! In the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Syntagma Square, Alexander's is old-fashioned and sophisticated, like something from a black-and-white film set, with a vast 18th-century tapestry hung above the wooden bar, and occasional live music. It offers an impressive selection of cognacs and malt whiskies, plus classic cocktails. The signature drink is Mandarin Napoleon Select, combining Dubonnet Rouge, Grand Marnier, gin and essential oil of Sicilian tangerines.
The Art Foundation (TAF) combines contemporary art with drinks in a lovely courtyard garden,with awnings creating a roof in winter. Tumbledown 19th-century outbuildings host exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography, while the central courtyard is one of the city's coolest bars, with chill-out music and subtle lighting.
141 locals recommend
TAF (The Art Foundation)
5 NormanouThe Art Foundation (TAF) combines contemporary art with drinks in a lovely courtyard garden,with awnings creating a roof in winter. Tumbledown 19th-century outbuildings host exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography, while the central courtyard is one of the city's coolest bars, with chill-out music and subtle lighting.
To taste some of Greece’s top wines, call at this chic wine bar, set in an arcade opposite the Russian Orthodox church, close to Syntagma Square. They stock Greek wines only, and have a vast selection of over 150 different types, mainly supplied by small-scale producers. The floor-to-ceiling shelves are crammed with bottles, and there’s a bar lined with tall red stools, and subtle lighting. They also serve light meals and snacks to go with your wine, which you can order either by the glass or by the bottle.
73 locals recommend
By the glass Athens
3 SouriTo taste some of Greece’s top wines, call at this chic wine bar, set in an arcade opposite the Russian Orthodox church, close to Syntagma Square. They stock Greek wines only, and have a vast selection of over 150 different types, mainly supplied by small-scale producers. The floor-to-ceiling shelves are crammed with bottles, and there’s a bar lined with tall red stools, and subtle lighting. They also serve light meals and snacks to go with your wine, which you can order either by the glass or by the bottle.
In summer, several glamorous clubs set up along the coast, the most celebrated being Island. Stunningly beautiful, its décor – a sea-view terrace with lots of minimalist white and flickering candlelit lamps – is inspired by the Cyclades. The restaurant serves (pricey) contemporary Greek cuisine plus sushi. Music ranges from ambient and oriental ethnic to mainstream, and regular guests include Greek celebrities and sports personalities. With a tiny whitewashed church on site, it also makes an idyllic summer wedding venue.
122 locals recommend
Island Club Restaurant
Leoforos Athinon SouniouIn summer, several glamorous clubs set up along the coast, the most celebrated being Island. Stunningly beautiful, its décor – a sea-view terrace with lots of minimalist white and flickering candlelit lamps – is inspired by the Cyclades. The restaurant serves (pricey) contemporary Greek cuisine plus sushi. Music ranges from ambient and oriental ethnic to mainstream, and regular guests include Greek celebrities and sports personalities. With a tiny whitewashed church on site, it also makes an idyllic summer wedding venue.
Featured in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2016 awards, the Clumsies occupies a restored neoclassical building with a main bar and a private room (by reservation, maximum 10 persons). They serve a cocktail degustation menu (so you can try three or four different cocktails), plus draught beer and wine by the glass. It gets outrageously busy at weekends - they also do brunch and good coffee, should you need reviving the following morning.
257 locals recommend
The Clumsies
30 PraxitelousFeatured in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2016 awards, the Clumsies occupies a restored neoclassical building with a main bar and a private room (by reservation, maximum 10 persons). They serve a cocktail degustation menu (so you can try three or four different cocktails), plus draught beer and wine by the glass. It gets outrageously busy at weekends - they also do brunch and good coffee, should you need reviving the following morning.
It is a tiny intimate café and bar very near home, on a buzzing strip of Em Benaki. The spot is an excellent place to hang out during the day but really comes into its own at night, when the ornate interiors and friendly crowd create the perfect evening atmosphere. Cocktails are well made and without frills. There’s nothing complicated about Alexandrinó, just old-fashioned attention to detail and an enjoyable sense of ease.
31 locals recommend
Alexandrinó
69a Emmanouil BenakiIt is a tiny intimate café and bar very near home, on a buzzing strip of Em Benaki. The spot is an excellent place to hang out during the day but really comes into its own at night, when the ornate interiors and friendly crowd create the perfect evening atmosphere. Cocktails are well made and without frills. There’s nothing complicated about Alexandrinó, just old-fashioned attention to detail and an enjoyable sense of ease.
One of the best 50 bars in the world in 2016. This is the place to taste quality cocktails blended with handselected spirits from all over the world.
162 locals recommend
Baba Au Rum
6 KlitiouOne of the best 50 bars in the world in 2016. This is the place to taste quality cocktails blended with handselected spirits from all over the world.