Vacations On Athens 🇬🇷
A travel guide to Greece's capital featuring 30 tested and approved places to check out and a ready-to-use Google map.
Full disclaimer
This is not an “ultimate” guide of any kind. My three one-week trips merely scratch the surface of what Athens has to offer, especially in comparison to the wealth of knowledge locals possess. Plus, I do not intend to take the joy of discovery away from you. Rest assured, Athens is an incredible city to explore.
The purpose of this guide is to set you up for a good start. New destinations might feel overwhelming upon the first coming. You feel weary after the flight, you have to figure out how to transfer from the airport, and you have to check in to a new stay that is not guaranteed to be as good as you expect. There is just too much stuff going on at once.
In that regard, I want this guide to assist you with where to eat, what to see, and what to bring home. Consider it a helpful starting point, akin to advice from a trusted friend. Once you’ve got your first steps covered, you can build from there on your own.
If you find this guide helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share it with your friends who might benefit from it 💙 And if you've already been to Athens and have additional recommendations, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below this post.
The guide
All of the places from this guide are marked on the Google map, together with short descriptions you will find below. Feel free to use it on your phone and share it with friends.
PS Look for some little extra bonus at the end of each section 😏
Food
The Varvakios Central Market in Athens
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit an old-school market if there's one in the area. The dedication and hard work of the merchants and craftsmen who have devoted their lives to these humble occupations truly inspire me.
The Varvakios Central Market in Athens is divided into fish and meat departments, and simply witnessing the abundance of fresh produce is an experience in itself. If you don’t have the opportunity to cook at home while traveling, don't hesitate to explore the market bodegas, which are authentic, frequented by locals, and offer affordable options.
I personally tried Ouzeri Karayiannis, a charming hole-in-the-wall bodega, and Ταβέρνα Μαχαιρίτσα, a traditional Greek restaurant, but honestly, any of the establishments will provide a memorable experience.
If you can't secure a spot at the now-discovered hidden gem that is Diporto, Avli is an equally excellent choice. Finding it is part of the adventure — look for an inconspicuous door that opens into a narrow passageway, guiding you to the inner courtyard, where this Greek sanctuary awaits. Inside, you'll be greeted by delightful checkered oilcloths, a lively atmosphere, and a menu filled with all the classic favorites.
Another traditional Greek outpost bustling with locals, this time specialized in seafood. Nobody speaks English including numerous cats, ever vigilant for any morsel that may fall from the shaky but plentifully laden tables.
Honestly, I love absolutely everything about this place. From the captivating name, logo icon, and street sign to the ingenious Japanese-style barbecue, delectable cocktails, captivating interiors, and immersive music, every detail transports me to Japan (even though I've never been). Make sure to secure a table in advance, and the good news is, you can easily do it online.
Nestled discreetly in a quiet hallway, far from the bustling Panepistimiou street, this hidden gem serves up delightful everyday fare with a touch of whimsy sprinkled throughout.
You have probably heard about this new breed of chefs who refuse to conform to tradition, creating their own rules from scratch. They might want their suppliers to be not farther than 50 km away. They bake their own bread and brew their own beer. They seek authenticity and taste. Proveleggios does it all while keeping prices accessible and ambiance inclusive.
You can never grow tired of Greek cuisine but if you're seeking a refreshed ambiance, look no further than Atlantikos. Here, you can savor the same mouthwatering seafood dishes while relishing the open kitchen and modern interior design featuring chairs that won't pose a threat to your safety.
Παλιά Γειτονιά Μουσικό Μεζεδοπωλείο
Undoubtedly, one of the most surreal experiences I've encountered in Athens. It all started as a serendipitous visit since the nearby Paleo Wine Store and Bon Bon Fait Maison happened to be closed. Inside, I stumbled upon a massive two-story tavern where several local families, each on their own, gathered, indulging in hours of feasting, smoking, and drinking rakia, all while a live band played traditional Greek music. Between the meals, guests would occasionally take the stage to sing or dance, and when their performances were particularly impressive, other guests or restaurant staff would bring out stacks of plates to smash them one by one at the performer's feet. A sign of appreciation akin to the hip-hop culture, if you ask me. This tradition is rarely seen in Greece nowadays, mostly reserved for festive occasions like weddings or for the sake of entertaining tourists. However, this gathering was neither of those. It exuded a wild, almost Ari Aster's "Midsommar" vibe, making it an experience I will never forget.
A quintessential Greek establishment where weathered locals with a rugged charm spend their days smoking cigarettes and sipping beers from petite glasses. Ask for the impeccably simple kalamari (squid), although Greek salad and octopus don’t miss as well.
Nestled in a tranquil corner of the lively Plaka area, this traditional Greek institution attracts both locals and tourists, all savoring the delight of fried crispy seafood, flavorful beans, and the obligatory combination of ouzo with water and ice.
While I’ve never got tired of Greek cuisine myself, if you're in the mood for a contemporary-styled and universally-acclaimed brunch this must be the place.
Bonus💥 A few places that I haven’t had a chance to experience yet, but would definitely check out next time (in no particular order): ΦΙΤΑ, Guarantee, Linou Soumpasis, Kora, Bon Bon fait maison, Lost.
Bars
Free-spirited, youthful bar with basic drinks, wobbly outdoor sitting, extravagant crowd, and loud, yet tasteful music. It’s dirty and rugged, but the vibe is delightfully liberating.
Athens proudly presents three of the World's 50 Best Bars, with Clumsies and Line among the ranks. However, my heart belongs to Baba au Rum. What surprised me the most was its unpretentious and welcoming ambiance, contrasting its esteemed status. With tasteful Caribbean-inspired interiors, ample outdoor seating, a grooving DJ in the background, and impeccable cocktails, the overall experience exuded nothing but good vibes.
Athens’ premier location for wines. An extensive lineup of local wines, brilliant staff, and an inviting atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
Bonus💥 A few places that I haven’t had a chance to experience yet, but would definitely check out next time (in no particular order): Paleo, Junior Does Wine, Tanini Agapi Mou.
Coffee
It's amazing how 3rd wave coffee has become ubiquitous, with most places now dedicated to providing freshly roasted beans and a solid filter coffee. While I genuinely appreciate the taste of black coffee and take pleasure in brewing my own Aero Press at home, I'll admit that I don't possess the expertise to fully grasp the nuances between different processing methods or grind sizes. Therefore, I categorize coffee places into two groups: those that simply serve a good cup of coffee and those that elevate the experience with an extra special something.
Not only does this place serve incredible coffee (they roast their own beans), but it also boasts a delightful array of fresh pastries and brunch-style dishes. The warm wooden mid-century interiors, coupled with a charming inner courtyard, create an inviting atmosphere that's hard to resist. To top it off, there is also a small curated corner featuring coffee accessories and independent magazines.
Besides serving excellent coffee, tenderly soft brioche sandwiches, and marvelous desserts, this minimalist space also showcases a vast array of specialist coffee accessories and refined homeware.
I’ve only been to Dope’s Thimarakia outpost. Along with a proper filter coffee, they also offer a broad selection of brioche sandwiches, sweet cakes, cinnamon rolls, and cookies. What made it even more enjoyable was the lovely outdoor seating area overlooking a charming small garden.
Bonus💥 A few places that I haven’t had a chance to experience yet, but would definitely check out next time (in no particular order): Foyer Espresso Bar.
Views
There is a number of hills in Athens that offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the city from above. Lycabettus is the tallest among them. You have the option to hike up the hill, take the funicular, or drive to the top. Make sure to visit for a memorable sunset, with breathtaking views of the uniform cityscape.
It's hard to fathom the spectacle of the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896 at Athens' ancient Panathenaic Stadium, but this contemporary site, built in 2004, offers its own picturesque scenery. Roaming through the vast and empty landscape, masterfully designed by the Spanish visionary of organic architecture, Santiago Calatrava is a very peaceful experience.
Breathtaking, 7-m. tall sculpture of a running man made out of stacked glass pieces.
Nestled amidst the lush greenery, Athens Conservatoire is an architectural gem designed by renowned Greek modernist Ioannis Despotopoulos in 1959. With its elevated brick-like structure supported by pillars and dressed out in marble, the conservatoire exudes a serene ambiance that invites you to stroll through the colonnade and admire the elegant grey slabs.
Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation
An awe-inspiring collection that spans the works of Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Paul Cézanne, Jackson Pollock, and countless other acclaimed artists. The contemporary renovated building is complemented by a beautifully designed cafe and museum shop.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Completed in 2016, this multifunctional complex is home to a theater, library, and a breathtaking sloping park that reaches a height of 32 meters, offering panoramic views of the city to the north and the sea to the south. Renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano brought this project to life, thanks to a generous cultural donation from the foundation established after the passing of Greek shipping tycoon Stavros Niarchos, one of the largest in history. To learn more about this remarkable endeavor, visit Dezeen.
The national Technical University of Athens Patission campus
Stepping foot on the campus just before the COVID outbreak in 2020 was quite a surreal experience. The blend of 19th-century neo-classical buildings adorned with graffiti, both inside and out, created a unique atmosphere. Surprisingly, the campus was entirely open to the public, allowing me to wander freely, including stepping into the auditorium. It became clear why this institution held a special place in history as the heart of the 1973 uprising against Greece's military dictatorship.
Bonus💥 A few places that I haven’t had a chance to experience yet, but would definitely check out next time (in no particular order): Latraac Skate Cafe, Rex Theatre, Hot Wheels Athens, Lake Vouliagmeni, The Breeder.
Stores
A charming space by a local clothing brand founded in 2017 by Christina Christodoulou. The concept is based around, well, a familiar shirt silhouette, but that doesn’t prevent the brand from experimenting beyond that. Christina sources local, often dead stock fabrics and, for production, commissions orders to a Greek factory run by her parents. Best of all, she runs the store by herself and is always ready to give recommendations on hidden gems around Athens.
Every city deserves a proper streetwear store. Besides hosting a broad range of acclaimed brands such as Aries, Carhartt WIP, Stussy, Retrosuperfuture, Suicoke, Gramicci, and Medicom Toy, among others, DangerousMinds also features an affordable in-house line of the same name, making it a decent option for finding a souvenir to bring back home.
An impressive local establishment hosting a delicatessen store, a restaurant, and a boutique hotel. Considering its prime location right in the heart of Greece’s capital, I doubt it’s the most authentic or the best value for money. But it’s certainly the gentrified version of that, meaning that it’s a very convenient, pleasant space providing visitors with a vast array of local artisanal products to take back home.
A beautiful concept store by a local cosmetics brand. Think of it as a Greek version of a brand like Aesop: it’s conceptual, it’s pricier, and it makes you want to buy it just by looking at it. They also have a tiny outpost inside Athens International Airport, in case you travel without check-in luggage.
Bonus💥 A few places that I haven’t had a chance to experience yet, but would definitely check out next time (in no particular order): METHEN, Mon Coin, Kopria.
Thank you for reading the guide until the end🙏 It genuinely means a lot to me. I would greatly appreciate it if you could share this guide with your friends or just tap the like button 💙
PS If you feel excited about Athens and want further reading, check out my interview with a local photographer and Kennedy Magazine founder Chris Kontos or my photographic report on elderly Athenians’ street style.