Athens: 6 Insiders Offer Their Own Tips

By Georgia Fekou | January 15th, 2025

Six Athenians tell us about their favorite haunts in the city, from great places to explore, eat out and shop, to hidden cultural gems.

Despina Isopoulou

Floral Designer, Eikō Flowers @youstrikemyfancy

Cultural Destination

Polidefkous, near Piraeus Port, is an art-filled alley worth exploring. Visit Intermission (37A Polidefkous) and Sylvia Kouvali (41 Polidefkous), then enjoy fine wine at Paleo (39 Polidefkous). For a more adventurous escape, take the fast ferry to Hydra, a true artists’ haven.

Only in Athens

Soak up the sun and enjoy authentic Greek seafood in Keratsini or Perama, in the south of the city. These neighborhoods are home to waterfront tavernas serving tsipouro and meze against a backdrop of smokestacks and abandoned factories.

Night out

Burger Disco Club (11 Nikis) is my go-to for music and dancing. Known for its club vibe, it hosts world-famous DJs such as Tom of Holland. Their early Sunday parties, starting at 7 PM, are perfect for a guilt-free night out.

Guilty Pleasure

Craving something sweet? Visit Asimakopoulos (82 Charilaou Trikoupi), a pastry shop famous for its Athenian desserts. Their tsoureki and galaktoboureko are unforgettable.

Shopping Therapy

The Eleni Marneri Gallery (8 Pittakou), located in a stunning 1910 neoclassical building, is a must-visit for fine perfumes and unique contemporary jewelry from brands such as Santa Maria Novella – perfect for a special gift or personal treat.

Stathis Mitropoulos

Graphic designer, DJ, and co-owner of Hyper Hypo bookstore @stathismitropoulos

Cultural Destination

The basement of Hyper Hypo (10 Voreou) hosts some of Athens’ most intriguing and alternative book and magazine launches, featuring local and international speakers that attract the city’s coolest crowd. Other events include exhibitions, performances, parties, and talks (often in English) on topics such as art, photography, architecture and queer culture.

Only in Athens

The sea! Less than an hour’s drive (or bus ride) from the city center, Limanakia’s rocky beaches offer an unspoiled escape. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming beside you.

Night out

Koukles (32 Zan Moreas) is a drag cabaret like no other. The two-hour show features performers playing iconic Greek and international divas, delivering a mix of camp humor and genuine emotion. Don’t be surprised if you spot celebrities like Jean Paul Gaultier or Tilda Swinton in the audience – they’re fans, too.

Guilty Pleasure

Kapsa (4 Skouleniou), meaning “excessive heat” or “intense desire,” lives up to its name with bold souvlaki creations by chef Christoforos Peskias. Expect innovative takes on classic flavors that will leave you craving more.

Shopping Therapy

Zacharias (20 Ifestou) record store is a vinyl haven in a quiet arcade near bustling Ifestou Street in Monastiraki.

Iannis Ganas

Visual Artist @iannis.ganas

Cultural Destination

The “Museum of the Excavation,” located beneath the Acropolis Museum (15 Dionysiou Areopagitou), offers a glimpse into everyday life from 3,500 BC. The excavation reveals centuries of human history through stratified layers of soil just a few meters deep. It’s a captivating journey through time.

Only in Athens

Take a trail run to the top of Lycabettus Hill in the heart of the city. The 7km route is challenging, but the breathtaking views of the city make it worth the effort. Burned too many calories? Stop by Geuseis Marasli (37 Marasli) at the foot of the hill for some of the best tsoureki in Athens.

Night out

Santarosa (69 Asklipiou) is my go-to spot for drinks, with its cool atmosphere and impressive art on the walls.

Guilty Pleasure

Returning home on my motorbike, only to change plans at the last minute and ride all the way down to Kavouri, a beautiful seaside area. Once there, I enjoy a leisurely swim – a perfect way to recharge and reflect.

Shopping Therapy

Foyer Espresso Bar (2 Vriaxidos) in Pangrati, my neighborhood, is perfect for a mid-day coffee break. I often leave with a bag of their top-notch coffee beans, a book or magazine I didn’t know I needed, or a bottle of wine.

Melina Antonopoulou

Founder of Dameli Wines, Wine Importer @dameli.gr

Cultural Destination

The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art (22 Aghion Asomaton) is a treasure trove of ceramics, textiles, calligraphy and more from the 8th to the 18th century. The vivid Iznik tiles are particularly stunning. Visit the rooftop café, offering serene views of the Acropolis and Psyrri—a perfect spot from which to appreciate this rich cultural heritage.

Only in Athens

Escape the city at Panagia Katafygiotissa in Katafigi Bay, just before Sounio. Perched on a hill between two beaches, this picturesque white chapel features murals by Dimitris Mytaras. Bring wine and relax until sunset, or combine your visit with a trip to the temple at Sounio.

Night out

For wine lovers, Gamay (42 Zoodochou Pigis) is unbeatable. The great wine, cozy atmosphere, tasty bites (such as tarama bruschetta), and friendly staff make it an ideal spot for any occasion.

Guilty Pleasure

Chau’s Restaurant (66 Aghiou Konstantinou) serves incredible Vietnamese food. The rolls are the best in town, and the Peking duck with rice wraps is a must-try. This no-frills spot feels like home.

Shopping Therapy

MOD (20 Loukianou) in Kolonaki offers a curated collection of unworn vintage clothing that blends timeless and contemporary styles. With its artistic vibe, it’s a haven for vintage fashion hunters.

Makis Papasimakopoulos

Podcaster, Radio Producer, Video Creator @gerard_y_otros

Cultural Destination

The recently renovated movie theater Cinobo Patision (79 28is Oktovriou). Curated by Akis Kapranos, noted for his Midnight Express film program, it’s perfect for late-night cinema lovers.

Only in Athens

Few cities offer so many options for bar-hopping. In Athens, you can trip on the uneven sidewalks and fall into a bar that wasn’t even open when you started tumbling – it’s part of the city’s charm.

Night out

Start with a drink at Amore Spritzeria (1-3 Menechmou) for its lively vibe or Ham on Rye (12 Klisovis) for something quieter. Grab a pizza and a beer at Lisa Athens (25 Negri Fokionos), or enjoy fine dining at Cookoovaya (2a Chatzigianni Mexi). End the night with a nightcap at Bonnot (57 Emmanouil Benaki) in Exarchia.

Guilty Pleasure

The peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies at Kick (26 Sporadon) are irresistible. The coffee’s great too, but those cookies are my weakness.

Shopping Therapy

If you’ve got money to spend, Cinema Libre Filmstore (34 Themistokleous) is a treasure trove for DVDs, Blu-rays, and B-movies. For vinyl oddities, head to Entropia Records (68 Ithakis) for its wonderfully curated selection.

Elina Pelvanidi

Exhibitions Coordinator at Gagosian Gallery @elinapelvanidi

Cultural Destination

Explore a cultural triangle in Kolonaki: Gagosian (22 Anapiron Polemou) for modern and contemporary art, the Cycladic Museum (4 Neofitou Douka) for its iconic collection, and the Benaki Museum (1 Koumpari) for a celebration of Greek culture. Fournos (168 Mavromichali) is a fringe theater in Exarchia that’s also known for seasonal site-specific exhibitions.

Only in Athens

Experience the legendary Athenian light that has inspired countless artists. A walk up Lycabettus or Filopappou hills at sunset reveals why it’s so special.

Night out

Start your evening with an early drink at Alexandrino (69a Emmanouil Benaki), then head to Galaxy (10 Stadiou) for the next round – both are iconic Athenian institutions.

Guilty Pleasure

I have a sweet tooth, so anything from Varsos, Athens’ oldest patisserie in Kifissia (5 Kassaveti), is my ultimate indulgence. For a savory fix, Black Salami (71 Zoodochou Pigis) offers incredible sandwiches that are particularly satisfying after a night out.

Shopping Therapy

Flowers are my therapy. I treat myself weekly to fresh blooms from ABLOOM (32 Archelaou) in Pangrati; they specialize in bespoke floral arrangements.