06 Ιουλ 2020
Whether you’re a tourist here to explore Greece’s wonders and plan on visiting Athens, or already a resident looking to branch out, we proudly present the ultimate guide to Athens.
Anna Maria Mazaraki has proudly compiled this guide, showcasing the top spots that you must visit while in Athens. Spend unforgettable days touring museums, local attractions, restaurants, hotels, and many more!
MUSEUMS
1.THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Dionysus Aeropagitou 15, Athens 117 42
Listed as one of the top 10 museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum
is globally renowned for its unique design and priceless treasures. Tour the museum and discover the history of Ancient Greece, then unwind at the café with a stunning view of Athens.
2.B& E GOULANDRIS FOUNDATION
Eratosthenous 13, Athens 116 35
For those who love modern art, the Goulandris museum is the #1 choice in all of Athens. Found in the central area of Pagrati, you can marvel at classic pieces from Picasso, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Monet, and many others. Greek masters, like Hatzikuriakos-Gkika, Morallis and Tsarouhis, find their place among the works of other European masters.
A gift from Vasilias and Eliza Goulandri to the Greek art scene, the Goulandris museum regularly hosts workshops, seminars, and corporate functions.
3.BENAKI MUSEUM
Koumpari 1, Athens, 106 74
The Benaki Museum provides a fascinating insight into Greek antiquity and history, chronicling from 3000 BCE to the early 20th century.
Made possible by the endowment of art collector Antonis Benakis to his father Emmanuel, the museum includes pieces of pre-historic origins, Roman and Chinese art, and Byzantine and Modern Greek displays and curios.
4.THE ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
28 Oktovriou 44, Athens 106 82
The Acheological Museum of Greece is one of our biggest and most important museums, with worldwide acclaim. Housed in a neo-classical building designed by E. Ziller based off of designs by L. Lange, it contains over 11,000 exhibits covering the gamut of Greek history.
With pieces from throughout the world on both pre-history and ancient civilizations, this is a must-see for antiquity aficionados.
5.THE CYCLADIC MUSEUM
Neophytou Douka 4, Athens 106 74
The Museum of Cycladic Art is dedicated to the study and promotion of ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus.
It contains a rich reporting on Cycladic Art from the 3rd millennium B C. Communication with the public is very important to the museum, leading to numerous educational programs, activities for children, lectures, and conferences.
6.MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS ATHENS
Ermou 119, (Entrance from Astiggos 12) Athens 105 55
Visual, photographic, and creative illusions that will amaze you and you teach that perception is influenced by science, vision, viewpoint, and the stimuli received by your brain.
Get ready for an experience that will dazzle and sharpen your mind as you discover the secrets behind illusions in the most innovative space of experiential entertainment in Athens.
FOOD & COFFEE
1. ELECTRA METROPOLIS PALACE
Mitropoleos 15, Athens 105 57
The perfect choice to book after a day of walking in Athens! It offers Mediterranean cuisine and dishes such as fava beans with Kalymnos bubbles and tartar tone with crispy quinoa!
Of course, the biggest asset is the breathtaking view of the Acropolis during the day and night.
2. ZORBAS TAVERN
Lissiou 15, Athens 105 57
The first choice for those who want authentic Greek cuisine! You will find it in the alleys of Plaka, in the area of Anafiotika.
Here you will enjoy the Greek village salad, meatballs, moussaka, and squid with ouzo!
3. ΜPAIRAKTARIS
Kirikiou 6, Athens 105 55
Mpairaktaris is the oldest tavern in Greece and is the favorite haunt
of famous actors and politicians.
Enjoy traditional dishes of the day, kebabs and skewers with wine!
4. KOUVELOS TAVERN
Gennaiou Kolokotroni 66, Athens 117 41
The Kouvelos is the first choice of Athens for a tavern with courtyard bygone era flavor. It has a relaxed, authentic environment, in one of the most picturesque areas of Koukaki, with mosaic on the floor and small wine cellars.
We recommend tasting the zucchini meatballs with Amfilochia pecorino, Roumeliotiko kokoretsi, cheese pies filled with three different cheeses, and the seasonal salads. Don't forget to try sweets such as orange pie and pavlova!
5.COOKOOVAYA
Hatzigianni Mexi 2, Athens 115 28
One of the most talked about restaurants, Cookoovaya is renowned for its for “wise cuisine.” Chefs fix traditional dishes full of creativity that showcase Greek products.
Try the tartare of beef tenderloin, gnocchi with shoulder black pig, or ossobuco with Mavrodaphne sauce and see it all take shape in the open kitchen. Save room for dessert and enjoy a unique bougatsa with crispy pastry sheets and vanilla cream!
6.MPARMPOUNAKI
Pl. Mitropoleos 4, Athens 105 56
Mparmpounaki should be the first choice for anyone who love fish! George Papaioannou from the homonymous restaurant in Piraeus gives us the opportunity to tasty in central Athens unique saltwater dishes like fish roe salad, filetarismenes sardines with diced tomato, steamed pout with chili pepper puree!
7.JASMINE
Mnisikleous 23, Athens 105 55
Jasmine is a popular hangout for a coffee after a walk in Plaka! Climb the stone steps and sit at one of the small, cozy tables and try a variety of coffees and drinks, such as strawberry juice, and sweets, such as orange pie.
8. A FOR ATHENS
Miaouli 2, Athens 105 54
A for Athens is located near the Monastiraki Metro station and is an oasis for those who want to take in the Athens cityscape while drinking coffee. A wonderful rooftop garden overlooks the Acropolis, in a modern hotel with undoubtedly the best cocktails that you can find in the center!
9. ATHENEE
9 Boukourestiou, Athens
Athens ' historic café, formerly Zonar 's, is definitely an integral part of the city's everyday life. The TAF has created special blends for Athenne so you can enjoy gourmet coffee.
Continue with sweets from Stelios Parliaros or enjoy an evening drink. This café is also very popular with artists – perfect for meeting interesting people.
10. CAFÉ AVISINIAS
Kynetou 7, Athens 105 55
The Avisinias Café is a treasure in the square Monastiraki. With the old fashioned chairs, pink floral wallpaper, and the marble tables, you will be transported to another era, tasting dishes full of Macedonian and Cypriot flavors!
The historic cafe is located near antiques market is ideal for drinking your coffee from a terrace overlooking the Acropolis!
HOTELS
1.SAINT GEORGE LYCABETTUS
Kleomenous 2, Athens 106 75
An emblematic hotel in the heart of Athens!
The historic Saint George Lycabettus overlooks the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf, and is the first choice for those who want a lifestyle hotel with a quiet stay a few meters away from the shops, museums, and galleries of Kolonaki!
2. COCO MAT HOTEL
Patriarch Joachim 36, Athens 106 75
A unique hotel in the center of Athens designed for those looking for a new experience! Enjoy a pleasant COCO MAT rest, with its amazing spa, and roof garden restaurant, full of Greek flavors and hospitality. You can even buy the sleeping products from your room!
3.NEW HOTEL
Filellinon 16, Athens 105 57
This luxury 5 star hotel was the first hotel project of the award-winning design duo Fernando and Humberto Campana. The New Hotel is real work of art and member of Design Hotels.
Beyond the beautiful interior, the New Hotel offers a fully equipped 24-hour gym, New Taste restaurant that comes complete with delicious Mediterranean flavors, and fresh air from the Constitution and Plaka.
4.MET34 ATHENS
Petraki 9, Athens 105 63
Hotel MET 34 is located in the heart of Athens, just 3 km from the Acropolis. It combines a luxurious and technology to create a modern design with rooms and suites impeccably furnished!
When you leave the hotel, you will find yourself in the favorite area of Monastiraki, full of traditional taverns and shops!
WHERE TO VISIT
1.DIONISIOU AEROPAGITOU
Feel like a true Athenian by enjoying the picturesque walk on Dionisiou Aeropagitou! This emblematic street in Athens circles the Acropolis and overflows with people walking and relaxing in the midst of ancient monuments and modern architecture.
Ride a bike or take a stroll, and take a moment to enjoy the street performers. Don't forget to pass by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus before you end up on Apostolou Pavlou Street in Thiseio!
2.ZAPPEION
The Zappeio Palace and the National Garden are the crown jewels of Athens.
Zappeion and the National Garden, with its lush vegetation, takes you to a peaceful environment that bears no resemblance to the city center.
You can relax walking on the scenic paths, feeding the ducks in the lakes, and smelling the wide range of flowers! In the Zappeion Manor, events including charity bazaars are open to the public, in a building of historical significance (where Greece's entry to the EU was signed).
3. LYCABETTUS
Lycabettus is one of the most beautiful views in Athens in morning or evening. Enjoy the enchanting city from above, visit the small church on the hill and the small cafe where you will drink your coffee with your friends!
4.ΚΟΥΚΑΚΙ
An up and coming neighborhood in the center of Athens! Koykaki is located next to many entertainment options such as museums, bars, cinemas and is close to many unique places, such as the hill of Philopappos.
5.PLAKA
Plaka’s streets with colorful traditional houses and the picturesque alleys in Anafiotika will remind you of Cycladic islands. Take a break on one of the benches and enjoy the view.
Visit the market full of antiques and antique shops where you are sure to find unique pieces at incredible prices – and all available for haggling!
6.KOLONAKI
A fantastic combination of something old with modern! Here you will find the most fashionable boutiques, galleries, and bars with live jazz music.
You can sit in the main square of Tsakalov and drink your coffee as people pass in front of you! Browse the picturesque paths and reach Lycabettus by cable car and admire the view!
7.ANCIENT MARKET
Under the hill of the Acropolis, is the Ancient Agora, where social and religious activities and trade took place.
Admire the Stoa of Attalos that houses the Museum of Ancient Agora, the temple of Hephaestus, Tholos, and the Bouleuterion. This archeological walk will definitely be unforgettable!
PS: Don’t forget to stop by our stores in Athens! Our girls can't wait to cheer you up and help you choose the most fashionable jewelry!
Ermou 5, Syntagma Square
16 Boukourestiou, Athens
Skoufa 5, Kolonaki