Haris Rigalos

Designer @harryrigalo 

Cultural Experience

1. Explore Piraeus’ industrial zone, replete with shuttered repair shops and warehouses. Wander through the alleys near the Papastratos tobacco factory where you’ll find instrument makers’ workshops and blacksmith forges. If you like contemporary art and collectible furniture, the nearby Carwan Gallery (39 Polidefkous) is definitely worth a visit.

For a swim nearby

The Four Nudists Beach, in the Dikastika area of Marathonas, is a beautiful spot far from the bustle of city life, with emerald-green waters and no facilities. It’s ideal for getting back to nature and indulging in long swims!

Night out

Teras (45 Theodoritou Vresthenis) in Neos Kosmos offers delectable drinks in a lush Athenian courtyard. Alternatively, Odeon (19 Markou Mousourou) in Mets promises a fun evening with cold beers, mingling with the creative local crowd.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

For a cozy setting and great food, particularly fish dishes, try FITA (1 Ntourm). It’s located in a historic neighborhood of public housing, which enhances the atmosphere.

Shopping tips

The Kobrai bookstore (34 Didotou) in Kolonaki has a small collection of select English-language publications. Its cozy café is the perfect place to unwind with your chosen book.

Georgina Liossi

Actress @g.le.fou

Cultural Experience

The National Observatory of Athens (Hill of the Nymphs) offers a touch of everyday magic, even for those not particularly versed in astronomy. A visit can set you on a cosmic and perhaps even philosophical journey.

For a swim nearby

Althea Beach (35th kilometer of the Athens – Sounion coastal road) is a turquoise paradise boasting crystal -clear waters, fine pebbles, and a serene atmosphere on weekdays. It’s about forty minutes from the city center.

Night out

The rooftop of Ergon House (23 Mitropoleos) in the center of Athens is the place to head. Its spectacular views of the Acropolis, the distant hum of city life, and a pleasing selection of wines and cocktails are sure to delight all your senses.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

Nestled under the Acropolis, Hellevoro (2 Rovertou Galli) is a restaurant that seems to have been plucked from a different era in Athens’ storied history. The music comes from a record player, the Mediterranean cuisine is delectable, and the atmosphere is warm. If you’re fortunate, you might even encounter the owner’s charming cat!

Shopping tips

Redy Design Studio + Shop in Exarchia (117 Zoodohou Pigis) is a recent discovery of mine. It’s a delightful hideaway where you can find everything from unique designer items and luxury editions to original garments, fashion accessories, and striking ceramics.

Christina Androulidaki

Owner of CAN Gallery @cangallery

Cultural Experience

Visit the Benaki Museum at 138 Piraeus for contemporary art exhibitions. Outside the city, the Temple of Artemis in Vravrona, in a beautiful wetlands setting, and the Archaeological Museum of Marathon (114 Plataion, Vranas, Marathon) are both true gems.

For a swim nearby

The small bay beneath Krabo Beach (Zoska Bay, Thespidos, Vouliagmeni) may be bristling with beach umbrellas from the popular bar. Still, it offers the comforts of an urban beach with crystal clear waters and a beautiful seabed for snorkeling.

Night out

The elegant establishment Wine is Fine (6 Vyssis) lends a French touch to our Athenian nights. It’s easy to spot among the old shops on the pedestrianized street where it’s located.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

Pay a visit to Travolta in Peristeri (33 Aghiou Pavlou) for impeccable service and high-quality seafood. Don’t miss out on the calamari kontosouvli (arguably the best grilled squid in Greece), the summer bream dish with okra, and the amazing kunefe with ice cream.

Shopping tips

Check out the Lemoni bookstore in Thisio (22 Iraklidon) for its unique selection and atmosphere, Hard.Clo (53 Ermou) for t-shirts and sweatshirts, and 2plus1equals2 (26 Akadimias) for custom-made clothes. Utopia in Kolonaki (26 Skoufa) is the place for original gifts, and More Than This in Ilisia (10 Dionisiou Eginitou) has jewelry and designer items.

Ermis Geragidis

Songwriter @ermismusic

Cultural Experience

The Museum of Cycladic Art
(4 Neofitou Douka) gives visitors the chance to appreciate timeless design. Some exhibits are simply beautiful, while others can evoke a strong emotional response.

For a swim nearby

Seek out your own private cove in the area of Limanakia, in Vouliagmeni. Take a refreshing dip in the water, then bask on the rocks to warm up again – a sequence worth repeating at least a few times.

Night out

At night, Lefteris’ Canteen in Vouliagmeni serves beers, drinks, and snacks and offers an atmosphere reminiscent of a relaxed, faraway island, even though you’re just minutes away from the city.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

Dopios (1 Skouleniou) offers a modern take on the traditional Greek meze. Here, renowned chef Christoforos Peskias innovates ingeniously without compromising the emotion and nostalgia inherent in authentic Greek food. The sea bass tartare with tomato -infused water is a must-try.

Shopping tips

Consider investing in an analog camera to capture simple moments. You’ll find a number of photography stores around Panepistimio, but the folks at Kalavretzos (14 Harilaou Trikoupi) will always be pleased to equip you with the basics.

Angela Liarikos

Architect & Interior Designer @angela.liarikos, @ athens__mon_amour

Cultural Experience

The National Archaeological Museum (44 28is Oktovriou) is an essential stop, encapsulating Greek antiquity in all its splendor. This exquisite building, home to some of the most important Greek antiquities, is soon to be renovated and expanded by the esteemed architect David Chipperfield.

For a swim nearby

Poseidon Beach in Vouliagmeni is my personal favorite. Here, you can spot the neighborhood’s elderly residents taking their invigorating swims all year round, even during winter.

Night out

For an evening out, try 7 Jokers Bar (7 Voulis), a classic bar right in the center of Athens. With excellent music that inspires you to put down your cocktail and dance, it’s a delightful spot.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias (22 Lekka) is among my preferred dining spots. It’s a traditional fish taverna with exceptional service and tasty food, located in a charming arcade. The name, which means “the Rose of Deliciousness,” is itself captivating.

Shopping tips

For an exceptional shopping experience, check out Hyper Hypo (10 Voreou). This bookshop/gallery space, with its selection of cool art books, boasts impressive interior design and a relaxed atmosphere created by owners Andreas and Stathis. With luck, you’ll be welcomed by Wanda, the fabulously elegant poodle, as you enter the shop.

Thodoris Voutsikakis

Singer @voutsikakis

Cultural Experience

The First Cemetery of Athens (3 Logginou) is an open-air sculpture gallery filled with cypresses and other trees. Here, you’ll see works from notable Greek sculptors adorning the most distinguished tombs. It’s an experience that inspires profound emotions.

For a swim nearby

KAPE Beach, possibly the best swimming spot near Sounio and conveniently close to Athens, is truly an oasis, especially on weekdays when it’s less crowded.

Night out

The square of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens radiates the coolest vibes in the city. Here, you’ll find charming places to enjoy drinks and light bites. Wine lovers should definitely pay a visit to the nearby Heteroclito wine bar (2 Fokionos).

Guilty (edible) pleasure

Lost Athens (7 Archelaou) is a casual eatery in a pleasant neighborhood serving delectable dishes of Mediterranean cuisine and a rich selection of beers.

Shopping tips

Soul & Matter (7 Mnisikleous) is a charming little gallery that sells art objects, antiques, and collectibles. If you like Scandinavian design items, check out the enticing collection at Myran (3 Fokilidou) in Kolonaki.