Athens: 6 Insiders Reveal Their Top Picks

By Georgia Fekou | September 5th, 2025

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

Nikos Chandolias

Creative Head Baker, 72H Artisanal Bakery

Cultural experience

Athens is teeming with art galleries, but my current favorite is the Alekos Fassianos Museum in Metaxourgio (15 Neofitou Metaxa), housed in a beautifully restored building and offering a rare glimpse into the visionary world of Fassianos.

For a swim nearby

The island of Spetses is just two hours from Piraeus by hydrofoil, and it’s always worth the trip. Its crystal-clear waters, pine forests and timeless architecture make it an ideal escape.

Night out

For a relaxed evening under the stars, head to +2H, a rooftop retreat above Ergon Bakehouse (27 Mitropoleos & Patroou). The menu is a love letter to carbohydrates: slow-fermented pizzas, hand-crafted pasta and creative comfort food.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

Tucked away in one of Athens’ still-ungentrified neighborhoods, Petek Pastry Shop (81 3is Septemvriou) is a nostalgic haven of traditional and ’90s-inspired sweets. I never leave without their plant-based dark chocolate gaufrette.

Shopping tips

I always make time to support local fashion wherever I travel. Para Todos (50 Perikleous) and Mohxa Clothing (59 Zoodochou Pigis) in Exarcheia are two standout brands in Athens that blend streetwise style with thoughtful design.

Vasiliki Verousi

Creative Director, Founder of Hydra Edition

Cultural experience

The former home and studio of Panayiotis Vassilakis (aka Takis) (Dervanakion Terma) is now a foundation devoted to his visionary work in kinetic art. This year marks the centenary of his birth, making it the perfect occasion to explore his world of magnets, motion, and sound.

For a swim nearby

Only a short ferry ride from Athens, Hydra is timeless. No cars, no noise – just cliffside dives, long seaside lunches, and hours that pass by unnoticed. When I stay in the city, I love Lemos Vouliagmeni. The waters are crystal-clear and the pines reach the shore; it feels like nature’s nudged the city aside.

Night out

Once a garage, Voulkanizater (17 Odissea Androutsou) is now a hidden urban sanctuary with relaxed energy, fresh faces, and great food and drink. For a touch of old Athens, I head to Rantevou (8 Arkadon) – part kafeneio, part mezedopoleio, and entirely steeped in nostalgic charm.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

There’s something innocent and joyful about hot loukoumades topped with cold soft-serve ice cream and drizzling with honey. Krinos (87 Aiolou) downtown always delivers the goods.

Shopping tips

The Museum of Cycladic Art Shop (4 Neofitou Douka) is a haven of design, with items that blend modern aesthetics and timeless craftsmanship. I also adore Athinas Street, a patchwork of spice shops, hardware stores and humble everyday treasures.

Marina Miliou Theocharaki

Contemporary Curator Artistic Director, B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music

Cultural experience

The Yannis Tsarouchis Foundation (28 Ploutarchou), once the artist’s own home and studio, is my favorite cultural spot in Athens. It feels as if Tsarouchis has just stepped out for a moment, and his paintings and everyday objects have been left to tell his story.

For a swim nearby

Each rocky cove in Vouliagmeni has its own appeal. I first discovered them through my grandmother, who still swims there almost daily in the summer.

Night out

A great night out begins with art, whether it’s a new exhibition opening or a visit to a gallery. Dinner at FITA (1 Ntourm) in Neos Kosmos is always a good idea. After that, you’ll either find me at Odeon (19 Markou Mousourou), my favorite bar, or at Abstract (10 Arktinou).

Guilty (edible) pleasure

There are two things I adore: ice cream and my rescued chihuahuas. Maraboo (17 Archelaou) combines both with their decadent flavors and special doggy ice cream bites!

Shopping tips

I love discovering unique things. Nouveaux Vieux, an online vintage store curated by Greek musician Olina, is a goldmine. I also adore ABLOOM (32 Archelaou), a stylish flower shop with incredible aesthetics.

Thanasis Besinis

aka Pene DJ, Bar Owner (Radar Athens), Founder of Reigning T-shirts

Cultural experience

One of the oldest live music venues in the city, Gagarin 205 (205 Liosion) consistently delivers. Its energy is unmatched, and the lineups are always razor-sharp. The last time I was there, Fu Manchu and Warmduscher brought the house down.

For a swim nearby

Just about an hour’s drive from Athens, Alepohori is home to a gorgeous bay and one of the best beach bars I’ve come across: Cariocas. The vibe is low-key magic – sandy feet, strong drinks and guest DJs who know what they’re doing. Get there early to grab a spot and settle in.

Night out

Kick off the night at Radar (22 Kotzia) with some of the best vinyl DJs in the city and cocktails that hit the right note. Then head to Lulu (57 Ippokratous) for more drinks. Hungry? Grab a slice of American-style pizza at its finest at Giant (21 Georgiou Olympiou) or go upscale with a table at ParkBench (10 Pramanton).

Guilty (edible) pleasure

The American cheesecake at Portatif (21 Sina) is pure decadence. I always eat one there and grab two more to go. No regrets.

Shopping tips

For streetwear, the Ministry of Concrete (3 Athanasiou Axarlian) always delivers. But to be honest, most of my budget goes to vinyl. My go-to spots: Kasseta Records (5 Sofokleous), Dum Dum Records (3 Proklou) and Entropia Records (68 Ithakis). Each one’s got its own groove.

Lilly Chalikia

Sommelier at Oinoscent, Wine Importer

Cultural experience

My favorite cultural venue is the Greek National Opera, which has been housed at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center since 2017. With its grand hall and the more intimate alternative stage, it offers a program of opera and ballet that’s visually and emotionally captivating – an ever-evolving tribute to timeless classics.

For a swim nearby

For me, nothing compares to the “Rock” at Kavouri: no sand, no beach – just the rocks, the sea and the endless sunsets. It feels like a well-kept secret, even though it isn’t.

Night out

The perfect evening starts with a glass – or bottle – of wine at Oinoscent (45-47 Voulis) and usually ends at 7 Jokers (7 Voulis), a bar that’s iconic in all the right ways.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

I’ve got a sweet tooth, so Anastasia’s éclairs (23 Neftonos) are just the thing. The patisserie is only a short drive from home and always worth the visit.

Shopping tips

I have a soft spot for rings – there’s really no such thing as too many. My favorite designer is Daphne P. Blots, whose creations can be found at Marianna Petridi Jewelry (34 Haritos) in Kolonaki. Elegant, sculptural and just the right kind of bold.

Makis Papantoniou

Co-owner, Foyer Espresso Bar

Cultural experience

These days, I always catch the exhibitions at Gagosian (22 Anapiron Polemou). The gallery is housed in a neoclassical mansion that is a destination in itself, and the quality is consistently exceptional.

For a swim nearby

The pier at the Nautical Club of Vouliagmeni Residents (4 Poseidonos), which is located directly in front of Bluefish Restaurant, is one of my favourite hidden spots. Locals and water sports lovers gather here for a quick dip. It’s ideal for a midday swim or a refreshing pause before lunch.

Night out

I like to begin with a dry martini and a Cretan borek at the elegant bar inside the eatery Pharaoh (54 Solomou). From there, it’s a short walk to Au Revoir (136 28is Oktovriou), a true Athenian classic dating back to 1958. Step inside, order a classic cocktail and gaze at the night traffic on the broad avenue outside.

Guilty (edible) pleasure

It’s got to be a pork gyro pita – or two – from Achilleas (18 Spintharou) in Neos Kosmos. I always eat it standing by the window, soaking up the street buzz. It’s my first stop whenever I get back from a trip. Trust me: once you’ve tried it, there’s no turning back.

Shopping tips

Visit my friend Christina’s boutique, It’s a Shirt (67 Asklipiou). She sells mostly shirts, expertly made in her family’s Athens workshop. With its carefully chosen furnishings, calming music and subtly flawless taste, the store itself is a treasure.