Things to do in Athens

Restaurants & Bars

Brunch Spots: Start Your Day Right

Explore some of Athens' best brunch offerings in central and easily accessible neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm.

1. Philos Athens (Kolonaki): Housed in a beautifully preserved neoclassical building, Philos offers a stylish and airy setting for brunch. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere and a menu featuring elevated brunch classics, it's a favorite in Kolonaki.
2. Minu (Psyrri): A unique café and concept store in the heart of Psyrri, surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, and carefully curated design objects. Minu combines a relaxed atmosphere with a seasonal brunch menu, specialty coffee, and plenty of beautiful spaces to sit and unwind. A great choice if you’re looking for a brunch spot with a creative, design-forward feel.
3. Morning Bar (Koukaki): A beloved spot in the lively Koukaki neighborhood, just a short walk from the Acropolis. Morning Bar is famous for its exceptional coffee and freshly baked sourdough bread, used in their delicious sandwiches and creative brunch dishes. It's a fantastic local hangout.
4. Warehouse (Exarchia): In the alternative and bustling Exarchia, Warehouse is a well-known all-day spot that offers an excellent brunch. Beyond its specialty coffee and extensive wine list, their brunch menu features elevated Greek-inspired dishes in a cool, industrial-chic setting.

Lunch Destinations: A Taste of Greek Cuisine

Discover standout lunch experiences across Athens, featuring beloved spots in or very close to the city center.

1. Lithos (Thissio): Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine with the stunning backdrop of the Acropolis. Lithos offers both delicious food and an unparalleled view in a charming setting.
2. Nolan (City Center): A unique and highly acclaimed spot in the city center, Nolan offers a fascinating fusion of Greek and Japanese flavors. Expect small, creative dishes perfect for sharing, focusing on high-quality ingredients and unexpected combinations. It's a modern culinary adventure.
3. Seychelles (Metaxourgeio): This modern Greek "meze" tavern is highly regarded for its fresh seafood and high-quality ingredients, offering a casual yet sophisticated lunch in the vibrant Metaxourgeio neighborhood, just a short distance from the historical center.

Evening Drinks: Athenian Nightlife

As dusk settles, Athens transforms with a vibrant bar scene, offering something for every preference.

1. Baba Au Rum (City Center): A highly acclaimed cocktail bar, Baba Au Rum is a must-visit for its innovative concoctions, especially its expertise in rum-based drinks.
2. The Clumsies (City Center): Consistently ranked among the world's best bars, The Clumsies provides an exceptional cocktail experience in a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
3. Couleur Locale (Monastiraki): Perched in Monastiraki, Couleur Locale is a fantastic rooftop bar known for its incredible, unobstructed views of the Acropolis and vibrant atmosphere. It's a prime spot to enjoy cocktails as the city lights up below.
4. Barro Negro (Syntagma): With an extensive list of tequila and mezcal, along with signature cocktails such as Margaritas and Palomas, Barro Negro stands out as one of the world's top bars ideal for agave spirits lovers.

Greek Night: Wine & Mezedes

Experience an authentic Athenian evening ritual: gathering with friends for quality wine, ouzo, or tsipouro, complemented by a delightful array of small, flavorful dishes known as mezedes. It's all about shared moments, lively conversation, and savoring genuine flavors in traditional settings.

1. Avli (Psyrri): Tucked away in a charming, secluded courtyard in Psyrri, Avli is an quintessential spot for authentic Greek mezedes and drinks. It offers a wonderfully local and unpretentious atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening.
2. To Mavro Provato (Pagrati): Located in the lively yet still somewhat local neighborhood of Pagrati, "The Black Sheep" is celebrated for its excellent, good-value mezedes and a fine selection of drinks. It's a contemporary take on a traditional mezedopoleio, often bustling with locals, ensuring an authentic experience.
3. Rhino Vegan Beat Athens (City Center): A great option for anyone looking for Greek street food with a vegan twist. Located in the heart of Athens near Syntagma and Monastiraki, Rhino Vegan Beat serves 100% plant-based versions of Greek favourites like gyros, souvlaki and pastitsio, alongside burgers, wraps and other comfort food. With its casual open-air setting and central location, it’s an easy spot for a relaxed meal while exploring the city.
4. AVIT Athens (City Center): A modern plant-based restaurant in the heart of Athens, combining Mediterranean flavours with more creative and contemporary approaches. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and includes everything from Greek favourites like moussaka and pastitsio to more inventive dishes and sharing options. A great choice for anyone looking to try vegan food with a more modern twist.
5. To Hohlidaki (Neo Psychiko): Venture to the northern suburb of Neo Psychiko for a superb ouzeri experience. To Hohlidaki boasts an impressive collection of over 100 ouzo brands from across Greece, paired with a frequently updated menu of regional mezedes. It's a culinary journey, highly favored by locals for its unique offerings.

Museums & Ancient Sites

Athens is a city rich in history, boasting world-class museums and archaeological sites that span millennia.

1. Acropolis Museum (Ancient): A truly remarkable museum showcasing artifacts found on the Acropolis, with stunning views of the ancient citadel itself. It offers a profound journey through history.
2. National Archaeological Museum (Ancient): As the largest archaeological museum in Greece, it houses an immense collection of artifacts from across Greek antiquity. Allow ample time to explore its vast halls.
3. Ancient Agora (Archaeological Site & Museum): Step into the historical heart of ancient Athenian life. This extensive archaeological park was once the central hub for commerce, politics, and social gatherings. Be sure to visit the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, which houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
4. National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) (Modern): Housed in the repurposed FIX brewery, EMST is a dynamic space dedicated to contemporary art from Greek and international artists, offering a striking contrast to the city's ancient past.

Coastal Spots: The Athenian Riviera & Beyond

When you need a break from the city's energy, Athens offers beautiful coastal areas and easily accessible beaches.

1. Flisvos Marina: Just south of central Athens, Flisvos Marina is a great place to enjoy the waterfront without leaving the city. Take a walk along the marina, watch the boats, stop for a coffee or a drink, and enjoy the sea views. [View on Google Maps]
2. Peiraiki: Along the Piraeus coastline, Peiraiki offers a beautiful seaside promenade with open views across the Saronic Gulf. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed walk, especially around sunset, with plenty of cafés and tavernas along the waterfront. [View on Google Maps]
3. Erotospilia (Porto Rafti): A charming, somewhat secluded cove near Porto Rafti, Erotospilia ("Love Cave") features crystal-clear waters nestled between rocks. It offers a wonderfully bohemian and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a more secluded spot.
4. Limanakia Vouliagmenis: For a more rugged, natural feel, explore the "Limanakia" (small harbors) near Vouliagmeni. These rocky inlets boast pristine turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, though they are not organized beaches.
5. Schinias Beach: Located about an hour from the city center, Schinias is a vast sandy beach fringed by pine trees. It's an excellent choice for families, offering ample space and popular opportunities for water sports.