Falling in love with Athens
Sightseeing
This is one of the best sunsets in Greece. Get a bottle of water, some biscuits and head there. You can go using public transport but I recommend renting a car.
Sounio
This is one of the best sunsets in Greece. Get a bottle of water, some biscuits and head there. You can go using public transport but I recommend renting a car.
This is worth an afternoon walk. Get a bottle of water with you (as always) and go around the hill. Enjoy the views.
145 locals raden deze aan
Filopappou
This is worth an afternoon walk. Get a bottle of water with you (as always) and go around the hill. Enjoy the views.
Set aside a full morning or the Acropolis museum and immerse yourself in history. Note: I would recommend going to the Parthenon on a different day; if you are tired you won't enjoy one of the two.
2190 locals raden deze aan
Akropolismuseum
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouSet aside a full morning or the Acropolis museum and immerse yourself in history. Note: I would recommend going to the Parthenon on a different day; if you are tired you won't enjoy one of the two.
Food scene
It's worth leaving the touristic areas a beat to visit this gem. Preferably after 8pm as it's way cooler than the rest of the city. Get mezedes (tapas) and try as many new flavours as you can.
Not as good as Lostre (right opposite) but this one is perhaps better for a beer, especially during the summer.
61 locals raden deze aan
ΤΟ ΤΡΙΚΥΚΛΟ ΚΑΦΕ-ΜΕΖΕΔΟΠΩΛΕΙΟ-TO TRIKYKLO
It's worth leaving the touristic areas a beat to visit this gem. Preferably after 8pm as it's way cooler than the rest of the city. Get mezedes (tapas) and try as many new flavours as you can.
Not as good as Lostre (right opposite) but this one is perhaps better for a beer, especially during the summer.
Less touristic than most, Mani Mani offers traditional Greek flavours with a twist. Definitely worth giving a try.
127 locals raden deze aan
Mani Mani
10 FalirouLess touristic than most, Mani Mani offers traditional Greek flavours with a twist. Definitely worth giving a try.
Aperio cucina & vino
258 MesogionThis Italian restaurant is worth going out of your way for.
This is one of my favourite restaurants in Athens. Simple and honest. No matter what, just go for the daily special. Always for the daily special :)
MALTAGLIATI
16 TerpsitheasThis is one of my favourite restaurants in Athens. Simple and honest. No matter what, just go for the daily special. Always for the daily special :)
This is one of the very last traditional "galatadiko" (milk place - as in "selling milk products") in Athens. Definitely worth visiting. More than once. Per day :D
11 locals raden deze aan
Stani
10 Marikas KotopouliThis is one of the very last traditional "galatadiko" (milk place - as in "selling milk products") in Athens. Definitely worth visiting. More than once. Per day :D
Pronounced "Lostré Kouzina" (as in Koo-Xena - Greek for "kitchen"), this a nice, quaint restaurant with nothing but locals.
If you find Dionisis there, say hi. He's a great guy but so is everyone who works there.
The meat platter is great and you might be tempted but, if you ask me, there is so much to try. Get a meat platter for two only (for a group of four or five, let's say) and order other flavours.
Good, simple, honest food.
28 locals raden deze aan
Λοστρέ κουζίνα
32 PitheouPronounced "Lostré Kouzina" (as in Koo-Xena - Greek for "kitchen"), this a nice, quaint restaurant with nothing but locals.
If you find Dionisis there, say hi. He's a great guy but so is everyone who works there.
The meat platter is great and you might be tempted but, if you ask me, there is so much to try. Get a meat platter for two only (for a group of four or five, let's say) and order other flavours.
Good, simple, honest food.
Neighbourhoods
You can reach Koukaki easily by metro (red line). This used to have a rugged feeling but then went public through the social media. Although the authentic feeling is now lost (for my personal taste), this - now touristic - are has a lot to offer: Coffee, food or just a walk. Obviously, the farther you go from the metro station, the less touristic it is (does not apply to everything but it's still a good rule of thumb like everywhere else).
Koukaki
You can reach Koukaki easily by metro (red line). This used to have a rugged feeling but then went public through the social media. Although the authentic feeling is now lost (for my personal taste), this - now touristic - are has a lot to offer: Coffee, food or just a walk. Obviously, the farther you go from the metro station, the less touristic it is (does not apply to everything but it's still a good rule of thumb like everywhere else).
My favourite cafes
This used to be a hidden Athens gem but then went viral. Still, you can enjoy an ice-cold coffee, a beer or a quick bite before heading down to the Roman Agora.
28 locals raden deze aan
Klepsýdra
KlepsidrasThis used to be a hidden Athens gem but then went viral. Still, you can enjoy an ice-cold coffee, a beer or a quick bite before heading down to the Roman Agora.
Night scene
The Party
31 Γεωρ. ΚαραϊσκάκηNice vibe and usually nice cocktails
Great for a drink during a hot summer day. Go after seven pm and expect to hunt for a table.
141 locals raden deze aan
TAF (The Art Foundation)
5 NormanouGreat for a drink during a hot summer day. Go after seven pm and expect to hunt for a table.
Great cocktails with a view. Do not expect to find a table just like that.
179 locals raden deze aan
Couleur Locale
3 NormanouGreat cocktails with a view. Do not expect to find a table just like that.
Formerly "underground", this bar became hip (a bit too hip) years ago. Still, a great place for a drink or even an afternoon coffee.
356 locals raden deze aan
six d.o.g.s
6-8 AvramiotouFormerly "underground", this bar became hip (a bit too hip) years ago. Still, a great place for a drink or even an afternoon coffee.
Underground, a bit industrial, outside the beaten path. Still, worth the try. Just grab a beer and enjoy the view.
113 locals raden deze aan
Bios
84 PireosUnderground, a bit industrial, outside the beaten path. Still, worth the try. Just grab a beer and enjoy the view.
Stadsadvies
Vervoersmogelijkheden
Get an ATH.Ena card
If you intend to stay in Athens for more than 3 days, get an ATH.Ena card. For more details, check this out: https://www.athenacard.gr/jsp/smartafc/general/customers/agorase.jsp
Vervoersmogelijkheden
Hailing a cab
Getting a taxi can be daunting when in Athens. While the majority of taxi drivers speak English, there have been cases of complaints and even scams. If you want to err on the safe side, download FreeNow (taxi hailing app, used to be called Beat and then got acquired by FreeNow).