Cabezon
A relaxed, arty all-day bar in up-and-coming Kerameikos, good for coffee and a bite by day and drinks with a laid-back local crowd by night. A neighbourhood favourite off the tourist trail.
Athens
Brettos
Athens’ oldest distillery, running in the heart of Plaka since 1909, its back wall stacked with a glowing rainbow of bottles. Come for a shot of house ouzo, mastiha or brandy in one of the city’s most photogenic bars.
Six d.o.g.s
A sprawling all-day cultural hub near Monastiraki – café and leafy garden by day, buzzing bar, club and gig venue by night. One of the anchors of central Athens nightlife and creativity, open year-round.
Impact Hub Athens
A community and coworking hub for people building social and environmental ventures, hosting events, incubators and a network of changemakers. A window into Athens’ fast-growing social-enterprise scene.
Forget Me Not
A gem of a shop in Plaka championing contemporary Greek design – witty, beautifully made objects, homeware and gifts from independent local designers and makers. A far better souvenir than the tourist tat nearby.
Athens Backpackers
A friendly, well-located hostel moments from the Acropolis Museum, with dorms, privates, a rooftop bar (Acropolis view included) and a big social scene. The easy, affordable base for younger travellers.
Shedia Home
A beautiful four-floor cafe-bar-restaurant, art space and shop run by the Shedia street-magazine organisation, employing around 30 people who were once homeless – its chefs trained by a Michelin star. Great food, a lovely heritage building, and every euro doing good.
NEW Hotel
A bold design hotel by the Campana brothers just off Syntagma, full of playful recycled-timber interiors and a rooftop with Acropolis views. Central, characterful and fun.
Perianth Hotel
An art-filled boutique in a restored Bauhaus building near Monastiraki, full of contemporary Greek design and a great little rooftop. Creative, central and personable.
The Modernist Athens
A discreet, elegant boutique in chic Kolonaki, all clean mid-century lines and warm service on a quiet residential street near the shops and museums. A refined, low-key base away from the tourist crush.