Hestia Ippokratous 35

If you’re itching to hike up a small mountain and it happens to be a cooler day or morning, you can walk in about 10 minutes to the base of Lycabettus Hill and find one of many stairways or pathways that lead to the top. This is a veritable tree-filled park with a rewarding café at the summit, where the views are simply breathtaking. Great for those who want to exercise in nature or for couples of covet a romantic stroll. Too tired to climb? Walk about 15 minutes to the funicular and take it up to the top!

Sometimes it’s the small, lesser-known museums that reveal a curious dimension from the past. The Museum of the History of Greek Costume reveals how life in Greece unfolded from ancient times up to the days it became a Kingdom. In fact, a set of 19th-century porcelain dolls belonging to Greece’s Queen Olga are on display here.

A good barman with inexpensive drinks in cozy corner of Athens, complete with a vintage touch! What more do you want? We’ve heard good things about the cocktails, from the mojito to the zombie, and don’t hesitate to ask for the barman’s advice. Best of all, it’s very close to where you’re staying. Some bites and coffee make it even more eclectic than ever.

What if you can’t sleep and it’s already late? Not to worry, this is Athens and the night is young. Off the Chain, which could be described as a rock bar, is the perfect answer to your nightly woes, as it stays open till the wee hours of the morning. Some might consider the music on the heavy side, but it’s a great after-hours groove and the drinks have earned their fair share of praise.

The name of this hangout means simply “The little bar on Didotou Street”. Greek live music aimed at the locals and more modern than traditional is what sets this bar apart, offering a real genuine cultural experience along with lots of local wine or spirits. It opens relatively late, like 9 pm, and stays in action till the wee hours of the morning.

Feel like a wine bar that serves specialty coffees, divine cocktails, and sumptuous all-day breakfasts? This place has it all and still maintains a unique personality. From the mushroom-cheese omelet to the Merlot and Syrah wines, you’ll find the Warehous to be a truly gastronomic experience.

The name might be complicated, but this little buffet eatery, with a kind of artsy leftist feel, offers two sizes of plates at very affordable prices. Lots of “home-cooked” dishes to try, including many vegetarian and vegan options. The seating is not sophisticated, the service is done by the customers themselves, but it remains an interesting and most importantly tasty experience.

What happens when bohemian meets Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines? You’ll find out at Salero, with a cornucopia of dishes from the simple to the sophisticated. A funky design and an inner courtyard create the perfect backdrop for a good meal. From pork and chicken to salads and vegan options that hail from all corners of Southern Europe, complete with a choice or two of pasta dishes. The place has earned numerous positive reviews!

Offering ood Greek hearty food just six minutes away by foot, Atitamos offers more local Greek recipes than many other places that tourists visit. Standard Greek fare such as Mousaka and lamb roast mixes with starters such as grilled mushrooms and baked feta topped with a bit of honey. Accompany this with house wine and try the syrupy baklava after your meal to offer your palate a happy finale.

Often overlooked by visitors, this little yet interesting museum takes you back to the era of 19th Century Athenian aristocracy, complete with furnishings, paintings, sculptures, and artistic objects. The museum’s building, a formidable example of neoclassical architecture by European architects, was even home to Greece’s first royal couple, Queen Amalia and King Otto. Open until 4 pm (Saturday 3 pm) and closed on Tuesdays.

Here’s a modern café that still has a bit of old-world charm, thanks to the Greek coffee on offer and the attractive croissants. The “secret garden” is ideal for sipping coffee and enjoying the various desserts (e.g. walnut cake with ice cream). Some light savory pies and sandwiches mean you can have a light snack or breakfast here too.

Koulouri usually refers to the traditional thin round sesame bread ring, which has now entered the 21st century with varieties ranging from chocolate chip and cranberry to wholewheat. This local chain is great for trying all kinds of breads and koulouri, with or without a coffee or fresh mixed fruit juice in hand.