Where to Stay:
There are many great hotels in Athens, and although some may be at the top of the luxury levels, and some more economically friendly, all of our selections have something great to offer.
There are many great hotels in Athens, and although some may be at the top of the luxury levels, and some more economically friendly, all of our selections have something great to offer.
For an unbeatable location and large rooms, we loved The Perianth Hotel. As a member of the Design Hotels group, the hotel is designed with the discerning international traveler in mind with comfortable and elegant amenities, fast internet, and beautiful interiors.
For a budget friendly price point and the best view of the acropolis, we suggest the Plaka Hotel, which has a rooftop bar available exclusively for its guests. Its sister hotel, Hermes, also in Plaka, offers comfort and a great location, also near Ermou, the main shopping street, and a 3 minute short walk from all the organic and vegan restaurants and juice bars on Nikis street.
The St George Lycabettus, located about 20 minutes walk from the city center in Kolonaki, offered incredible views of the city from their restaurant (which we also enjoyed - try the homemade pappardelle with mushrooms & truffle). The roof pool is the perfect place to spend the warmer months in Athens.
The St George Lycabettus, located about 20 minutes walk from the city center in Kolonaki, offered incredible views of the city from their restaurant (which we also enjoyed - try the homemade pappardelle with mushrooms & truffle). The roof pool is the perfect place to spend the warmer months in Athens.
5. Hotel Grande Bretagne
1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square Str,
Athina 106 64, Greece
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1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square Str,
Athina 106 64, Greece
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The reliably elegant Hotel Grande Bretagne is perfect for the most elegant traveler, and we can highly recommend their spa services as well.
Where to Eat:
One thing you’ll have a hard time doing (especially if you follow this list) is finding bad food in Athens. We had the exceptional luck of having friends recommend some of the best meals the city has to offer, a great mix of low-key cafes, tavernas, and fine dining.
One thing you’ll have a hard time doing (especially if you follow this list) is finding bad food in Athens. We had the exceptional luck of having friends recommend some of the best meals the city has to offer, a great mix of low-key cafes, tavernas, and fine dining.
Athénée Athens is an elegant landmark restaurant established in 1939. Athénée has a varied menu with excellent Greek and Italian cuisine. The best items on the menu were the taramasalata, the polenta and mushrooms, the carpaccio, and the seafood in general. The interiors are traditional and gorgeous with the furniture upholstered in a deep velvet red; a compelling contrast to the contemporary lighting by one of our favorite designers, Greek Cypriot Michael Anastassiades.
The Egg of The Rooster is a very traditional taverna outside of Plaka in the more gritty neighborhood of Metaxourgio. Recommended to us by Athens Design Forum founder Katerina Papanikolopoulos, the food here is outstanding: The red rooster with pasta is a must, and their namesake salad with pomegranate seeds is a favorite as well.
For our dairy-free readers, or anyone who needs a break from all the feta, Winners Vegan is the spot for excellent and creative salads and vegan dishes. The golden latte and Winners Salad (sweet potato, beets, walnuts, oranges, and more) were our favorites.
Sense restaurant, located on the roof of the AthensWas Design Hotel was one of the more memorable meals we had in Athens. The food is chef driven, seasonal, and creative. One of the standouts was a 25-ingredient salad that looked kind of like a pile of gorgeous dirt. A perfect date spot with impressive views.
Recommended by our artist friend Rubin Bansie, Cherche La Femme is an elegant, yet laid-back, outdoor cafe in the center of Plaka that can become an easy-to-frequent spot. Come here for a coffee, their pomegranate smoothie, anchovies, and saltwort salad.
Dexameni is a low key outdoor cafe located in a plaza a few feet away from the The St George Lycabettus. The scene is laid-back and the food is fantastic. The beets in yogurt, anchovies, and lentils are a favorite.
For when you are craving an authentic taverna experience, Karamanlidika is the perfect option for a traditional, casual, and homey feel. Don’t miss their marinated anchovies, and the yoghurt and candied carrot dessert offered after our meal was a delicious surprise.
Dexameni is a low key outdoor cafe located in a plaza a few feet away from the The St George Lycabettus. The scene is laid-back and the food is fantastic. The beets in yogurt, anchovies, and lentils are a favorite.
Wild Souls is a beautifully designed healthy food concept store located in central Athens. Come here for your salads, organic coffee, excellent matcha lattes, small vegan bites, and local products you can take home like Greek honey, marmalade, and nut butters.
Recommended to us by Design Boom editor Sofia Lekka Angelopoulou, Ohh Boy is a chic little brunch spot - very young and cool, with downtown vibes in the outskirts of central Athens. You can get all the matcha lattes, avocado toasts, salads and organic foods that your heart desires.
