Hestia Alexandras 38

Politics aside, the cuisines of Turkey of Greece have a lot in common, and Anadolu (which means Anatolia) brings these flavors to your table. After all, millions of Greeks lived in Anatolia up to a few decades ago and helped shape this cuisine, from salads and baked veggies to good kebabs. Desserts like Kunefe offer a great finale to favorites such as Manti, Urfa Kebab and Çoban salad.

While Gyros and Souvlaki may be the backbone of meaty Greek street food, in recent years several excellent vegan takes on these carnivorouw favorites have emerged across the country to attract even the most ardent meat-eater. Cookoomela offers a great range of Souvlaki sandwiches based on delicious Greek mushrooms instead of meat. Do try the Dakos salad topped with a great white cheese alternative.

The adjacent neighborhood of Exarchia offers great Greek eateries, and Ama Lachei is one of these. You’ll love the inner courtyard and Mediterranean atmosphere in the heart of the city, complete with Greek dishes based on fresh ingredients from across the country and updated with some modern twists. Veal, pork, cheeses, salads, seafood, vegan options, house wine, beers and desserts all rolled in a neat garden setting!

Artsy, alternative and very anti-establishment, against a backdrop of 50s and 60s buildings bathed in Graffiti, Exarchia Square is hard to define. It boasts a rebellious vibe dotted with cafés, eateries, vintage shops, bookstores and music stores that enchant younger visitors to the city who want to venture of the beaten path. Loiterers and vagrants add to its charm.

In one of Athens’ less privileged neighborhoods which still boasts a bit of faded glory in its architecture, Vathis Square has now become the haunt of refugees from Syria, among other Middle Eastern and Asian destinations. The result is a series of ethnic – mostly Syrian – eateries that offer some of the most authentic falafel sandwiches you’ll find in Athens, and at very low prices. Opt to visit during the daytime for a more colorful feel and walk around to see which eatery piques your fancy.

This open-air neighborhood cinema is a true local experience and a must if you’re staying with us during summer. It usually plays English movies so you won’t have a problem there, but do keep in mind that movie-goers are allowed to smoke in open-air theatres (it’s part of the experience almost). A little canteen offers drinks and snacks, enhancing this beloved Athenian summer ritual that’s been part of the city’s history for many decades.

Every old car enthusiast should visit this museum, housed in a curiously shaped edifice just a few minutes by foot from Hestia Properties on Alexandras 38. The exhibition is based on a once private collection donated by Greek philanthropist, with many car brands that no longer exist, as well as prestigious brands that still remain on the market (Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls Royce, etc.). More antique, vintage and classic than modern cars, this collection will make you nostalgic and take you back through time.

Close to the Victoria metro station on a tree-lined street that reflects the more glorious days of this old neighborhood, Mikel Coffee represents a great Greek coffee chain that originated in Northern Greece and that has gathered a strong following. Works for breakfast too…

Meaning the Café of Poets in French, this classical café on multiethnic Victoria Square is a relaxing spot with a French twist of course, and popular with neighborhood retirees. Order a croissant with your coffee, then sit back and admire how life folds around one of Athens’ oldest and most colorful squares.

The café of the National Archeological Museum is set in an attractive garden and has a kind of retro feel yet with good choices for food and drink. It might be a tad more expensive than other places and the servers might be overwhelmed during busy times (avoid in August), but a good coffee and decent food offerings make it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon break from the sun.

Looking for a quiet spot to reflect? Just a few minutes away is a little park on a mound that juts surprisingly out of the urban jungle. It was once part of a stone quarry until the Strefi family donated to the city of Athens, which has enriched its verdant landscape to make the hill an interestingly enjoyable park for neighborhood residents.

The Greek bakery chain that has everything, Veneti offers you great coffee (ask for organic Arabica), many breads (try the monastery bread for something good), sandwiches, salads, and of course Greece’s savory pies such as spinach and cheese pies, as well as desserts from both east and west. They’re open every day from 6 am to 10 pm.

The OK! Anytime Market on Tositsa 17 is perfect for getting stuff when other supermarkets are closed. It stays open from 8 am to 11 pm, seven days a week! It’s not a huge place but a very handy convenience store that’s just a few minutes away by foot. You’ll find spirits, snacks, basic produce, frozen foods, canned goods, pasta, rice and more. By the way, personal hygiene products and cleaning agents also available there.

Walk seven minutes to the “alternative” Exarchia Square and you’ll find a couple of pharmacies on different corners. Opening hours are a bit erratic with one closing in the afternoon for an hour, but weekday mornings are always a safe bet.