One of Exarcheia’s longest-running secondhand shops, Yesterday’s Bread has been digging up vintage treasure on Kallidromiou for over 25 years. Rummage the racks for 80s Levi’s from around 20 euros, leather jackets from about 50, plus hats, shoes and properly quirky accessories. Come on a Saturday and pair it with the Kallidromiou street market just outside the door.
A vintage cafe-bistro on a quiet Koukaki corner, Lotte feels like stepping into an old European living room — mismatched furniture, jazz and retro Greek records, and art on the walls. The homemade cakes are the draw: the orange cake and daily desserts are baked by the owner’s mother, and there are handmade savoury pies if you want something more substantial. In the evening it shifts to cocktails and spritzes. Tip: it’s just a few blocks from the Acropolis Museum, so come for coffee and cake after your visit.
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’ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.