Guidebook for Athina
Drinks & Nightlife
For Coffee Lovers: Chelsea Hotel
One of the hippest places to be in the area, Chelsea Hotel is where to go to chill out and lounge with a coffee by day and a cocktail by night. It has an unpretentious vibe, despite being packed from morning 'til late, with tables spilling out onto the pavement all around. The prices are low but that’s just a perk of the neighbourhood. The drink selection is wide and they also have some ‘meze’ selections for nibbles. Bonus: they offer fuzzy blankets to wrap up in if you’re sitting outside on a chilly day.
118 locals recommend
Chelsea Hotel
και ProklouFor Coffee Lovers: Chelsea Hotel
One of the hippest places to be in the area, Chelsea Hotel is where to go to chill out and lounge with a coffee by day and a cocktail by night. It has an unpretentious vibe, despite being packed from morning 'til late, with tables spilling out onto the pavement all around. The prices are low but that’s just a perk of the neighbourhood. The drink selection is wide and they also have some ‘meze’ selections for nibbles. Bonus: they offer fuzzy blankets to wrap up in if you’re sitting outside on a chilly day.
For Cool Vibes: Kain
One of the more recent openings in Mets is the all day café/bar Kain, located perhaps a little too close to the cemetery but it’s totally alive!! Kain is always busy with friends meeting up for a drink or a coffee to catch up, and they often bring in DJs for some live beats.
39 locals recommend
Kain
22 AnapafseosFor Cool Vibes: Kain
One of the more recent openings in Mets is the all day café/bar Kain, located perhaps a little too close to the cemetery but it’s totally alive!! Kain is always busy with friends meeting up for a drink or a coffee to catch up, and they often bring in DJs for some live beats.
For the Jazz Lovers: Half Note.
For a slightly more chill vibe, Half Note is a club that hosts a variety of artists, mostly playing jazz, blues or some eclectic mix. Both Greek and international artists play here, so it is well worth checking out the lineup. The atmosphere inside is warm and intimate and the music is always good. Check out the upcoming shows to see if you can find something to your taste!
66 locals recommend
Half Note Jazz Club
17 TrivonianouFor the Jazz Lovers: Half Note.
For a slightly more chill vibe, Half Note is a club that hosts a variety of artists, mostly playing jazz, blues or some eclectic mix. Both Greek and international artists play here, so it is well worth checking out the lineup. The atmosphere inside is warm and intimate and the music is always good. Check out the upcoming shows to see if you can find something to your taste!
Food Scene
For the Hummus Lover: Baba Ghanoush
The newly renovated Varnava Square is not just a great place to chill and people watch, but it also houses a number of new cafés and restaurants that are popping up all the time. One of the best things to do there is a visit to Baba Ghanoush, which has jumped on the recent bandwagon of falafel places also sprouting up all over Athens. This is actually one of the great places to eat in Athens though - their falafel is consistently delicious, and the rest of their menu is small but mighty. Its location right next to the square also makes it kid friendly, so it’s a great place for a family outing.
49 locals recommend
Baba Ghanoush Vegetarian Restaurant
25 - 27 EmpedokleousFor the Hummus Lover: Baba Ghanoush
The newly renovated Varnava Square is not just a great place to chill and people watch, but it also houses a number of new cafés and restaurants that are popping up all the time. One of the best things to do there is a visit to Baba Ghanoush, which has jumped on the recent bandwagon of falafel places also sprouting up all over Athens. This is actually one of the great places to eat in Athens though - their falafel is consistently delicious, and the rest of their menu is small but mighty. Its location right next to the square also makes it kid friendly, so it’s a great place for a family outing.
For the Vintage Aficionado: Superfly Café.
A coffee at Superfly is a whole lot more than just a coffee. Once you step into the door, you’ll find yourself transported to a vintage wonderland, full of nostalgia for the best of the 80s. From the vintage decor to the comics to the working Atari hiding in the corner, this place is a total escape from reality (and from the present day).
29 locals recommend
Superfly Cafe
28 EmpedokleousFor the Vintage Aficionado: Superfly Café.
A coffee at Superfly is a whole lot more than just a coffee. Once you step into the door, you’ll find yourself transported to a vintage wonderland, full of nostalgia for the best of the 80s. From the vintage decor to the comics to the working Atari hiding in the corner, this place is a total escape from reality (and from the present day).
For the Carnivore: Colibri.
You may not think of burgers as the first thing to eat in Greece - after all it’s not exactly a staple of traditional Greek cuisine, but you will be surprised by the delicious choices the city offers. For one of the best, try Colibri. Their burgers come in a variety of combinations, but the meat is always good quality, and they also offer yummy salads and pizzas too.
105 locals recommend
Colibri
15 EmpedokleousFor the Carnivore: Colibri.
You may not think of burgers as the first thing to eat in Greece - after all it’s not exactly a staple of traditional Greek cuisine, but you will be surprised by the delicious choices the city offers. For one of the best, try Colibri. Their burgers come in a variety of combinations, but the meat is always good quality, and they also offer yummy salads and pizzas too.
For the Budding Hemingway: Odeon cafe - bar.
Mets has the reputation of being something of a haven for artsy types, and Odeon exemplifies the vibe. The neighbourhood is small enough that there are plenty of regulars who frequent this cosy but sophisticated little place - during the day it’s a chill and light space to burrow into a book or generally get creative, and at night it’s also a low-key spot for a drink with friends. Every so often you might catch some live music too, and it really captures the authentic vibe of the neighbourhood.
28 locals recommend
Odeon
19 Mark. MousourouFor the Budding Hemingway: Odeon cafe - bar.
Mets has the reputation of being something of a haven for artsy types, and Odeon exemplifies the vibe. The neighbourhood is small enough that there are plenty of regulars who frequent this cosy but sophisticated little place - during the day it’s a chill and light space to burrow into a book or generally get creative, and at night it’s also a low-key spot for a drink with friends. Every so often you might catch some live music too, and it really captures the authentic vibe of the neighbourhood.
For the Late Night (or Any Time) Munchies: Elvis.
There is nothing more classic than the Greek souvlaki, and Elvis offers some of the very best. This is the second store of the same name in Athens, and it never, ever disappoints. The offerings are few - just grilled meat of various types, including pork, chicken and sausage, served on the skewer with french fries on the side. No frills but always delicious, this is a great solution for when hunger strikes at any hour!
95 locals recommend
Elvis
29 PlateonFor the Late Night (or Any Time) Munchies: Elvis.
There is nothing more classic than the Greek souvlaki, and Elvis offers some of the very best. This is the second store of the same name in Athens, and it never, ever disappoints. The offerings are few - just grilled meat of various types, including pork, chicken and sausage, served on the skewer with french fries on the side. No frills but always delicious, this is a great solution for when hunger strikes at any hour!
For the Gourmand: Spondi Restaurant.
Mets is home to one of Athens’ Michelin starred restaurants (with two stars no less!). Spondi is the one of the best places to eat in Athens, tucked in an unassuming side street off Varnava Square. Conceived by creative restauranteur Apostolos Trastelis, the cuisine is Mediterranean (with lots of French influence), and the setting can't be beat. A magical courtyard draped with flowers and an impressive wine list set up an unforgettable dining experience and a romantic one too!
103 locals recommend
Spondi Restaurant
5 PirronosFor the Gourmand: Spondi Restaurant.
Mets is home to one of Athens’ Michelin starred restaurants (with two stars no less!). Spondi is the one of the best places to eat in Athens, tucked in an unassuming side street off Varnava Square. Conceived by creative restauranteur Apostolos Trastelis, the cuisine is Mediterranean (with lots of French influence), and the setting can't be beat. A magical courtyard draped with flowers and an impressive wine list set up an unforgettable dining experience and a romantic one too!
Sightseeing
Panathenaic Stadium (or Kalimarmaro):
This is one of the main landmarks of Athens and a major Greek tourist attraction - another to add to the list of 'Athens' must see' and ancient monuments to explore beyond the Acropolis. This is the only fully marble stadium in the world, refurbished for the first modern Olympic Games in 1864, and it's also home of the Athens Classic Marathon finish line! (Here's some inspiration to get in the marathon mood or recharge after the race!)
870 locals recommend
Panathenaic Stadium
Leoforos Vasileos KonstantinouPanathenaic Stadium (or Kalimarmaro):
This is one of the main landmarks of Athens and a major Greek tourist attraction - another to add to the list of 'Athens' must see' and ancient monuments to explore beyond the Acropolis. This is the only fully marble stadium in the world, refurbished for the first modern Olympic Games in 1864, and it's also home of the Athens Classic Marathon finish line! (Here's some inspiration to get in the marathon mood or recharge after the race!)
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Syntagma Square
Platia SintagmatosGreek Parliament / Change of Guards / National Gardens.
The Zapeion Hall a building in the National Gardens of Athens in the heart of Athens and it is generally used for meetings and ceremonies, both official and private.
74 locals recommend
Zappio Megaro
The Zapeion Hall a building in the National Gardens of Athens in the heart of Athens and it is generally used for meetings and ceremonies, both official and private.
Hadrian's Arch
50 Leoforos Vasilisis AmaliasAcropolis of Athens
Shopping
For the Bookworm: Periplanisis Bookstore.
While you’re enjoying your coffee at Odeon or generally exploring the backstreets of Mets, it’s hard not to be inspired to dive into a book - or at least flip through something literary. For some inspiration, Periplanisis (‘Wanderings’) is the neighbourhood bookstore of your dreams. For the Greek-speaking audience, they often host author events, readings, and children's storytime, but their selection is diverse and includes English books and a curated selection of gifts for every bookworm. There is also a secret courtyard through the back of the shop, which is a wonderful peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.
8 locals recommend
Mark. Mousourou 22
22 Markou MousourouFor the Bookworm: Periplanisis Bookstore.
While you’re enjoying your coffee at Odeon or generally exploring the backstreets of Mets, it’s hard not to be inspired to dive into a book - or at least flip through something literary. For some inspiration, Periplanisis (‘Wanderings’) is the neighbourhood bookstore of your dreams. For the Greek-speaking audience, they often host author events, readings, and children's storytime, but their selection is diverse and includes English books and a curated selection of gifts for every bookworm. There is also a secret courtyard through the back of the shop, which is a wonderful peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.
Jeweller ZOLOTAS SA
Essentials
EUROBANK
151 MichalakopoulouΕλένη Καγιούλη
3 MenechmouPHARMACY
MARKET IN
47 VeikouOK Anytime Markets
8 AmintaDimitrakopoulou 34
34 DimitrakopoulouGROCERY STORE
Misaraliotou 14
14 MisaraliotouBAKERY
Getting Around
Avis
47 Vasileos GeorgiouAt 300m / 5min Acropoli is the nearest metro Station (M2 - Red Line).
351 locals recommend
Acropoli station
At 300m / 5min Acropoli is the nearest metro Station (M2 - Red Line).
At 200m /3 min walk at Makrigianni str., there are plenty of buses towards the center and the Athenian Riviera.
Makrygiannē
At 200m /3 min walk at Makrigianni str., there are plenty of buses towards the center and the Athenian Riviera.
At 200m / 3min walk at Vouliagmenis Avenue there is a tramway that connects the center with the Athenian Riviera.
ΛΕΩΦ.ΒΟΥΛΙΑΓΜΕΝΗΣ
At 200m / 3min walk at Vouliagmenis Avenue there is a tramway that connects the center with the Athenian Riviera.