Athens , the capital of Greece, is a route that deeply impresses us with its historical values and cuisine. Each neighborhood draws you in to discover its unique character. It’s hard not to feel at home in this city with its streets, mild climate and balconies overflowing with plants. A cozy, historic Mediterranean city.
Athens is a city of great historical importance, the subject of Greek mythology, bearing the traces of different ancient periods. Today, you can go up to the Acropolis, explore the historical texture in the Anafiotika & Plaka neighborhoods, taste delicious Greek food in the Psyri area, visit the iconic bazaars in Monastiraki, experience the street art and coffee shops in the Exarcheia neighborhood, and get a different perspective of the city in the Kolonaki neighborhood.
When we travel to Athens, we usually look for affordable accommodation deals around Omonya Square. It is very close to the tourist areas, it is cheap because it is actually known as an unsafe neighborhood. We have not experienced any unsafe situation so far, but of course you should be cautious.
If you’re after a seaside vacation, head to Vouliagmeni, Voula and Glyfada.
In this list you can find some of our favourite good restaurants and places that are synonymous with Athens:
Restaurants:
• Oikonomou Restaurant
• Seychelles Restaurant
• Akra
• Vezene
• Annie Fine Cooking
• lsandsia
• Aster
•Kapani
• Nolan
• Pharaoh
• Argoura
• Manari Taverna
• Sardelaki me Thea
• Labros
•Birdman
• Tanpopo
• Odori
•Ovio
Affordable & shabby:
-Karamanlidika
-Mavros Gatos
–To Steki Tou Maki
-KlimatariaTavern
-Diporto
-O Thanasis
Street Food & Souvlaki:
•Meat’n Roses
•Hoocut
•Souvlaki Kostas
•Feyrouz
•Ekiben Kitchen
Coffee/Café:
• Motiv
• Myller Coffee
• Foyer Espresso Bar
• Bayard Cafe
• Be Hold The Man
• Kaya Coffee
•Flatwhite
•4m (Rule of 4m)
Bakery / Breakfast / Sweets:
• Kora Bakery
• The Black Salami
• In Love Again
• Sweet Nolan
• Neropistolo
• Queen Bee
• 72H
•Ergon House
• Monokeros Bakery
• Bougatsadiko Psirri
•Ariston
Bar:
• The Clumsies
• Line Athens
• Baba au Rum
• Wine is fine
• Naif
• A for Athens (teras bar)
Oikonomou: A traditional Greek taverna. Rabbit and roast lamb served with onion stew are popular, stuffed cabbage must be tried. Intimate, nostalgic atmosphere.
lsandsia – Minimalist decoration and creative Greek cuisine. Pita bread, and dishes such as grilled liver and langoustine.
Kapani – A place in Athens, named after the famous market in Thessaloniki, the owners are from Florina. It offers a pleasant experience with natural wines and small plates.
Nolan – Greek cuisine inspired byAsia. Grilled cabbage, ravioli, burger and chicken are our favourite dishes. The patisserie is also great.
Pharaoh – one of our favourite bar restaurants in Athens. Appetisers, wild herbs with anthotyro cheese, fritters are very successful.
Manari – A small but ambitious place in the centre. Beetroot, tirokafteri, sharing pasta and open fire flavours.
Akra: A stylish and innovative kitchen. We camehere both for breakfast and to taste the flavours they cook on the hotplate. Although there are service problems , it is successful.
Oven: This is a small bakery with several branches. If you’re staying in the center, it may not make sense to drive all the way here, but it’s a good breakfast/bakery option around Vouliagmeni-Voula. However, we went to the other branch of Sofi for dessert and coffee, Unfortunately, the desserts were very mediocre.
The Black Salami: This is a bakery/sandwich shop we have visited before. The focaccia sandwiches are delicious, the dough is thin and crispy. They also serve it warmed up if you wish. There are also more breakfast-like options.
Queen Bee: This location is near Kolonaki, a more upscale residential area. Naturally, so are the prices. We tasted coffee and croissants, lots of choice.
Neropistolo: A small bakery in one of the side streets in the centre ofAthens. We triedcardamom donut and honey feta cheese roll. It was delicious.
O Thanasis: Like Adana, Athens is also famous for its kebab 🙂 The yogurt kebab of O Thanasis is one of the most popular places. Open late at night. It’ s a shabby and affordable place.
Sardelaki me Thea: This is exactly the kind of place that transports us to the Greek Islands but is still Athens. You won’t feel foreign here because the appetizers, which are very similar to ours, are served on a tray. The flavors are not bad, the seating area by the sea is a wonderful atmosphere;
Labros – another seaside spot on the Athenian Riviera. Fresh fish and a wonderful view.
Seychelles: Go here for a more dynamic and authentic tavern experience. Although we had some problems with the service, the seafood we tasted was delicious and the plates were creative.
Birdman Japanese Pub+Grill – A Japanese-inspired bar in Athens. Wagyu beef gyoza, iberico katsu and small skewered plates.
Ekiben Kitchen: If you are interested in Asian cuisine and its interpretations, this is the place for you. It’s also like a Japanese cuisine market, more of a grab-and-go operation. Reservation is a must if you want to sit. Birdman Japanese Pub+Grill, where it is very difficult to find a seat without a reservation.
Tanpopo – A small and cosy ramen bar. Shoyu ramen and gyoza are especially successful.
Odori – a place famous for its Italian-inspired cocktails and pizzas.
Karamanlidika – What is no longer much of a secret , but still their bacon, cheeses, delicatessen products are very delicious.
Diporto – A very casual restaurant right next to the fish market, serving simple but delicious meals daily.
Feyrouz – Levantine cuisine but quite different from us. Their lahmacuns are not very similar to ours , but the wraps they prepare with zahter bread are enjoyable.
🥯 • Kora Bakery
In Athens, the concept of good bread and bakery seems to have changed with Kora Bakery, a new generation of Athens bakery.
Serving long-fermenting, highly hydrated sourdough doughs, croissants and buns made with French butter, @korabakery was our favorite bakery in Athens.
It is hard not to be impressed by Kora. This small place, which only offers pick-up and delivery services, has taken serious steps on waste management. All electricity needs are also obtained from renewable sources.
In Kora, it is very valuable that the production of bread, which is one of the oldest foods in the world and plays an important role in civilization, is sensitive to the environment.
Sandwiches, snacks, breads, buns, granola and quality coffees prepared with fresh daily ingredients await you at Kora.
Prices for snacks range from 4-8€.
Desserts and buns are between 2-5€.
🥪 • The Black Salami Microbakery
Located in the Exarcheria district, this bakery bakes breads with flours from a family from Turin, Italy and slow fermentation. They prepare delicious sandwiches with Focaccia bread, which they combine with different ingredients. Pastrami, pecorino, mustard and pickles is our favorite.
There are also classic egg options for breakfast. Prices vary between 6-8€. Black Salami has bar tables to sit for a short time.
🥐 • Neropistolo
Neropistolo is one of the most popular restaurants in Athens in recent years, A boutique bakery that attracts attention with its delicious breads and croissants. With its pastries and coffees prepared with quality ingredients, it is a local bakery. It has become one of the favourite stops of both locals and tourists. We triedcardamom donuts and honey donuts with fetal honey.
Neropistolo is a very small bakery, you can stop by while travelling through the historical streets of Athens.
Athens is a city that can be visited throughout the year, The ideal periods are usually spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these periods the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, tourist density is also less than in the summer months. May may not be a very good choice as there is a high density of domestic tourists.
In summer (June-August) Athens is very hot and crowded. Daytime temperatures exceed 35 degrees, which will make it difficult for you , especially when visiting historical sites. However, if you want to combine it with a sea holiday, the summer months can be a good option. Close to Athens Aegina , Hydra, You can easily reach islands such as Poros by ferry and combine your holiday with the sea. You can also take advantage of the small beaches on the Athens Riviera without travelling to the islands.
Although the weather is cooler in the winter months We think it ‘s a good time to explore again. Since the number of tourists is low , hotel and flight prices are more affordable. Also Athens, is also very lively in winter and full of cultural events. As it is a city , you can also make a pleasant journey during this period.
There are many different areas to consider for accommodation in Athens. The purpose of your trip, your budget and how long you will spend in the city are important factors when choosing which area to stay in.
Plaka – One of the most touristy and historic areas of Athens , Plaka is located at the foot of the Acropolis. It is very popular for its narrow stone streets, traditional Greek tavernas and cosy cafes. If you want to feel the historical texture of the city and be close to the sights, Plaka is an excellent choice. However, hotels can be a bit expensive.
Syntagma – Syntagma Square , the most central point of Athens, It is notable for its proximity to both the city’s tourist attractions and public transport. It is rich inluxury hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities. If you want to stay in a central location and have easy access to the city, Syntagma is a good choice.
Monastiraki – Monastiraki attracts attention with its historical texture and shopping opportunities, It is famous for its flea markets, souvenir shops and traditional taverns. If you want to stay in an authentic atmosphere, If you want to be close to the bustling nature of the city, Monastiraki can be a good choice.
Koukaki – Popularised in recent years, Koukaki is a neighbourhood slightly off the tourist areas but still centrally located. More affordable boutique hotels, local cafes and restaurants can be found here. If you want to get away from the crowds and have a more localised experience, Koukaki is a good choice.
Psiri – Psiri is one of the most vibrant nightlife areas of Athens, famous for its bars, music venues and chic restaurants. If you want to be close to the nightlife and stay in a fun atmosphere, Psiri is the place for you. However, if you are sensitive to noise, this place may not be suitable for you.
Kolonaki – Boutique hotels, if you are looking for a more luxurious accommodation, Kolonaki is a good option , home to chic restaurants and design boutiques. This is one of Athens’ upmarket neighbourhoods, It isparticularly famous for its shopping and fine dining.
You can also choose Glyfada to be closer to the beaches where you can swim.
Can I swim in Athens? Where can I swim? In fact, the answer to this question determines a lot, and if you think that the beaches of Athens are not for you, maybe it is better to visit this city in winter.
There are actually many options for swimming in Athens, the Athenian Riviera is full of beaches, starting near the port of Piraeus and continuing all the way to Cape Sounio.
Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni and Vari are the areas closest to the city center and have popular beaches. On this trip we visited the beaches in this area;
One of the suggestions we received when we arrived here was to book the beaches in advance through online applications. There are apps called Beach booking and Plazz. However, the entrance fees are quite high for beaches where we will be staying for a short time. We didn’t want to pay between 45-90€ per person.
We have listed 6 of our favourite spots for you.
1- Lefteri’s Cateen: This is a pleasant and calm spot where you can dive directly into the sea from the wooden steps in front of a kiosk.
2- Posidonos Bay: This small bay reminded us of the tiny beaches of Kaş, unmanaged and rocky, but the color of the water is magnificent. There is also a Nudist Beach in the bays just beyond. See 4. photo 👀
3- Lake Vouliagmeni: This is a completely different experience, if you want a more calm water and comfort, you can swim here by paying an entrance fee of 20€.
4- Secret Beach: This little cove between a taverna and a restaurant that we love is a lovely unmanaged spot, but it can suddenly get crowded.
5- Glyfada Beach: One of the closest beaches to Athens, entrance is free. But be warned that there were small fish that would come and bite your skin. This seems to be a bit common in Athens.
6- Mikro Kavouri Beach: This is also a beach between big businesses. The water is clean, there is a small park right behind it.
In this list, we tried to choose places where you can find easy parking and where there are businesses such as restaurants around. Among them, only Lake Vouliagmeni has an entrance fee.
Save your trip to Athens if you don’t want to pay high entrance fees.
We try Diporto for an authentic meal in the basement of a historic Greek tavern without a menu or even a sign.
If you smell a strong aroma of food among the dilapidated and neglected buildings near Athens’ most important fish market and market hall, look down immediately, because you may be passing one of the two entrances to Diporto, which has been open since 1887 and is not signposted.
There is usually a line at the door and sometimes you can share a table with complete strangers because there is no room. There are only 5-6 tables. But everyone is friendly and open to chat. Around you are wine barrels and you can hear tourists from all over the world chatting in different languages.
The waiter brings some bread and a copper carafe of house wine as soon as you sit down. Then, without taking an order, three plates of the dishes of the day are served. Luckily for us, grilled sardines, a chickpea dish and plenty of juicy baked beans arrived. The fish and chickpeas were delicious. We paid ~10€ per person.
We didn’t come across any, but sometimes musicians would come from the street and perform for the guests. As we learned from Fotis Vallatos, there is also a rule here: If you buy fresh fish from the fish market, Mr. Mitsos, the owner, will grill it for you for a small fee and then serve it to you.
We loved it. Definitely go see it.
Another one of the places we were impressed by looks like a small shop selling meat and charcuterie products. We don’t know about you, but we love to spend time in these intimate little establishments and nibble on the delicacies they offer. Just like the aperitivo places in Italy or the tapas bars in Spain.
You may think, “We came to Athens from Turkey and we are going to eat sucuk & pastırma?”. Why not? What makes Karamanlidika enjoyable is not only the good delicatessen products but also the atmosphere. An intimate experience accompanied by ouzo.
#kişnişvesaire #kişnişvsathens
Karamanlidika, named after the Christian Turks of Karaman who were exchanged as a result of the Lausanne Treaty of 1923, brings the traditional flavors of Cappadocia and Cilicia to Athens. Opened in 1935, first as a delicatessen, it now also serves as a restaurant.
🥓🍖 A parade of flavors with sausages, pastırma, cheeses, sooty products and appetizers. Some liken it to the Byzantine pastomageirio, a tavern of salty products.
The third generation owner and chef of 🧑🏻🍳Mekanın is Fanis Theodoropoulos.
Fanis, which converted this building built in the 1870s into a restaurant, focuses especially on Anatolian and Thracian flavors. Let’s leave the debate about who these flavors belong to behind and let’s try to do justice to the ingredients. Because that is exactly what is happening here.
🥓 We had previously tried and loved Sahanaki fried cheese and Karamanlidika style meatballs with eggplant and tomato sauce. This time we arrived early. We had breakfast here with Greek salads, charcuterie plates and eggs. It was very enjoyable again;
🥩 If you happen to be in Turkey, you can also try their roasted pastrami and appetizers and experience for yourself that delicious pastrami is not only in Turkey. The most favored dishes are also dishes quite close to us. Familiar delicacies such as ‘Pelmeni’ resembling ravioli, eggs with sausage, beans with cheese&sausage, sarma.
we have already mentioned how impressive the cocktail bars in Atina are. We’re at another cocktail bar, the 19th best in the world according to @50bestbars; cocktail bar,The Clumsies. @the_clumsies #kişnişvesaire
With its cocktail list and pleasant atmosphere, it is definitely one of the bars you should visit. The Clumsies is located in the center of Athens, with an impressive bar at the front and a terrace at the back.
The menu they offer, < is an exploration into the different emotions felt in a bar. They created cocktail recipes to convey feelings of happiness, excitement or tenderness through the sensation of taste. There are detailed descriptions on the menu, but there are also QR codes if you want to find your lucky drink at random. Good idea, we love it! 💙 The concept and the venue are quite impressive. Let's talk about cocktails; It is easy to choose according to taste and style from the section with the most popular cocktails on their menu. We tried the Aegean Negroni, voted the best cocktail of 2019 by Time Out. It was very delicious; Aegean Negroni: The Clumsies Old Tom Gin, Ambrato, Vermouth, Campari, Fennel Seeds, Diktamus Mediterranean Gimlet prepared with Greek Salad Cordial and Fortified Baklava Wine flavored with baklava spices were the other options that caught our attention. Cocktail prices are quite reasonable for a bar that is considered one of the best in the world, ranging from 9-12€. There is also a wine menu where you can find the wines they produce themselves, and you can get advice if you want to try them. The venue is open from 10.00 in the morning until 02.00 at night. We didn't try it, but there is also a food menu that looks pleasant.
Baba Au Rum & In Love Again | #kişnişvsatina #kişnişvsathens
We never expected such a vibrant cocktail bar world before our travels to Athens. But we were also certain to visit Baba Au Rum, which has been on our list for a long time. This is *just* one of the places that made the @50bestbars list.
The Clumsies, Line Athens and Barro Negro and Baba Au Rum from Athens were included in this list of the world’s best cocktail bars. Put them all on your bucket list for your trip to Athens.
We are no longer surprised that alcohol is sold cheaper in Europe than in Turkey, but we are happy that cocktails are between 9-12€ in places that have made it to the 50 Best Bars list.
Their signature cocktails are very popular, and according to local food and drink writers, they have one of the best Daiquiris.
Although the interior of the place has a very impressive decoration, we were more attracted to the option of sitting outside.
The name behind Baba Au Rum is Thanos Prunarus. Not only has he opened one of the most aesthetic and quality bars in the city, he has also opened a pastry shop opposite it. This place is called In Love Again. Here they offer quality coffees, focaccia sandwiches and delicious desserts.
At In Love Again, just across the bar, you can taste Baba Au Rhum, a classic French dessert, or discover their special dessert called Ekmek, which is a perfect combination of bread pudding and panna cotta.
Desserts range from €2.5-5. Our favorite was Bread. Do not pass by without trying;
Quality coffee shops are indispensable stops on our travels. In the 2 days we spent in Athens, we tried too many coffee shops without realizing it. Here are our favorites among them:
☕️ We discovered it by chance while wandering the streets of Psirri and stole our hearts with its blondie with peanuts
@myllercoffeeshop
☕️ Located in Exarchia, one of the most distinctive neighborhoods of Athens @behold_theman
☕️ You can find beans from different roasteries around the world @foyer.espressobar
@motivathens has branches in two characteristic neighbourhoods of Athens: Exarchia and Pangrati
☕️ again in the city center, where we tried coffee with sudden caffeine fairies @tateathens
☕️ A tiny coffee shop in the back streets of Pangrti, you can go for brewed coffee @rule_of_4m
More on maps 💙🍽️☕️🤍
