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.
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.
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.
A cool design hotel right on the pedestrianised Acropolis promenade, with mid-century interiors and a rooftop restaurant looking up at the Parthenon. Quiet, stylish and about as close to the ancient sites as you can sleep.
A calm, natural-materials design hotel (beds, of course, by the Greek mattress maker Coco-Mat) near Syntagma, with a lovely rooftop bar looking to the Acropolis. Sustainable, comfortable and central.
The grande dame of Athens hotels, on Syntagma Square since 1874 – old-world opulence, impeccable service and a famous rooftop restaurant-bar gazing straight at the floodlit Acropolis. The classic Athens splurge.
A sleek, well-run hotel steps from Syntagma, best known for its rooftop pool and restaurant with a knockout Acropolis view. Central, polished and great value for the location.
An evening cruise down the glamorous Athens Riviera – seaside suburbs, swimming spots and the coastal drive to Cape Sounion for the sunset over the sea and the Temple of Poseidon. A romantic escape from the city.
A guided graze through the raucous Varvakios market and the surrounding delis – olives, cheese, cured meats, spices, koulouri and Greek coffee – with a local unpacking Athens’ food culture. Come hungry.