Pergamon Museum
The star of Museum Island, home to monumental ancient reconstructions like the Ishtar Gate and Market Gate of Miletus. It’s under a long phased renovation, so check which wings are open before you book.
Listings
Neues Museum
A beautifully restored museum on Museum Island whose star is the 3,000-year-old bust of Queen Nefertiti, alongside a superb Egyptian and prehistory collection. The David-Chipperfield restoration is a marvel in itself.
Reichstag Dome
Norman Foster’s glass dome crowning the German parliament, with a spiralling ramp and a 360-degree view over the city. Entry is free but you must register online in advance – do it early, especially for sunset slots.
Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
The 368m TV Tower on Alexanderplatz – the tallest structure in Germany and an East-Berlin icon. Ride up for the best panorama in the city; there’s a (slowly revolving) restaurant near the top. Book a timed slot to skip the queue.
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.