Cafes in Athens are like pubs in London – if you’re in the city, you’re near one. But in the early morning things get a little trickier, as many don’t start serving until after 9.

But fear not, early birds – we have you covered.

If you’ve rolled into the city on an early-morning flight, or just an early riser who doesn’t want to waste a moment of your holiday, these cafes are just the ticket (and for normal human beings, they’re great throughout the day too).

1. Grande Bretagne Roof Garden

Open: 6am to 11am for breakfast daily

Probably the most elegant setting in all of Athens in which to start your day. The roof garden bar at the Grande Bretagne hotel offers unrivaled views of Syntagma Square and the Acropolis. Sip on a coffee or one of the fine teas on offer, or linger over a deliciously prepared breakfast as your every need is catered to by the fantastically attentive staff.

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Vasileos Georgiou 1A, Syntagma. Tel. (+30) 210.333.0766

2. Taf

Open: 7am to 8pm, Sunday closed

This place takes its artisanal coffee very seriously and it shows. This year alone they won first place at both the national Barista Championships and the Brewer’s Cup, adding to a long list of awards their baristas have been accumulating since they opened in 2006.

Specializing in single estate coffees and environmentally sustainable growing methods, the staff really know their stuff so get them to suggest a cup of something and get your day off to the right start with a caffeine hit that’s an experience in and of itself.

7 Emmanouil Mpenaki, Athens. Tel. (+30) 210.380.0014

3. Peri Kafe

Open: 6am – 11pm, weekends from 7 am

Great coffees and baked goodies. They also offer hearty breakfasts, delicious hot chocolate and an espresso bar where you’ll be served by wooden bow-tie wearing baristas. The extremely friendly staff will make you feel welcome immediately and help you choose the perfect pick-me-up from their espresso menu. They also offer 12 tea flavors, five types of hot chocolate and their speciality roasts are available to buy and take home.

Mitropoleos 1, Athens. Tel. (+30) 210.331.11

4. Clemente VIII

Open: 8.30 am to 00.30 am, Sundays from 10am

Located in the City Link plaza, Clemente VIII is a magnet for the city’s artists, creative types (and the odd politician). Their coffee selection is vast and expertly prepared, if a little on the pricey side. The decor is a classy combination of predominantly black with touches of gold.

Apart from the usual breakfast fare of butter croissants or pain au chocolat, savory snacks are available too. If you want to start your day in truly spectacular style, go for one of their desserts, which are reason enough to visit.

Voukourestiou 3, Athens. Tel. (+30) 210.321.9340

5. Centrale

Open: 6am to 1am daily

As the name suggests, this cafe is centrally located just off the main shopping street of Ermou. A good spot to start your day in the city extra early with freshly roasted coffee, fresh orange juice and a breakfast menu. Their flaky croissants are delectable, and if you want to spoil yourself, go for a chocolate-smothered waffle. During the day they serve cooked food, delicious salads and indulgent desserts.

2 Evaggelistrias, Athens. Tel. (+30) 210.322.6681

6. BOO! Cafe bar

Open: 7am to 3am daily

A cozy and colorful all-day cafe and bar which is known for playing good music. Its eclectic style, a mix of artistic and industrial, has won over many fans who will find a perfectly Instagrammable background to go with their drink. They host regular art and photography exhibitions, so you can get cultured with your morning coffee – the cappuccino is particularly good. In the evenings, it transforms into a music venue hosting jazz, rock and funk-soul sounds.

7 Sarri, Athens. Tel. (+30) 210.325.5542

7. Fillo Cafe

Open: 7am to 18:00 pm, Saturdays 8:30 am to 4pm, Sundays closed

A good place for a cup of tea or coffee, although its location means it can get busy as the morning rush hour gets underway. If you want to try a Greek pie with your morning coffee, you’re in one of the best places in town. The selection of pies features delicacies from all over Greece and the filo pastry is handmade. Creamy, custard-filled bougatsa also features on the menu, and needless to say their best selling item is that Greek breakfast favorite, the trusty cheese pie – just salty enough and encased in crunchy pastry.

14 Karagiorgi Servias, Athens. Tel. (+30) 210.321.5373