The Ultimate Guide to Post-Pandemic Athens

This ultimate guide to post-pandemic Athens includes some of the best areas to visit — and experiences to enjoy— in the Greek capital. Almost everything listed here is located downtown within walking distance of Syntagma Square.

By Peter Poulos / Follow on Instagram

Months of in-and-out lockdowns have seen downtown Athens change in many positive ways. Streets were paved, trees planted, parks revived and cared for, graffiti eliminated, and many new hotels and restaurants sprang up.

Athens is opening and filling up, so I decided to share this official/unofficial list of where to stay, eat, visit, shop, sightsee, and people watch.

Athens Guide to Ancient Sites

Most of Athens’ famous historic landmarks are located downtown and can be visited on foot. A pedestrian roadway has recently connected them, so in theory, you should be able to visit them without being interrupted by traffic. However, this is Greece, so people drive their cars and motorbikes just about everywhere.

There is a lot to see, and in particular, the holy rock of the Acropolis involves quite a bit of climbing, as well. You can buy one ticket that gets you into all the sites and allows you to visit these over a period of days. The guide to ancient Athens follows.

Acropolis and surrounding monuments

The Parthenon is undergoing a massive renovation, but it doesn’t detract from this awe-inspiring experience in the least. The best time to visit is at the end of the day when the crowds of tourists have cleared out and the temperatures are a bit cooler. Note: If the Acropolis site states it’s closing at 8, you can be assured they will start chasing people away at 7, so plan accordingly.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest temple in the ancient world. Its construction spanned over 700 years. Originally, there were 100 columns while, today, only twelve remain intact. These are currently under restoration but still quite impressive. Keep an eye out for the army of turtles that inhabit the site.

First Olympic Stadium / Kalimarmaro

This is a refurbished ancient horseshoe-shaped marble stadium that seats 50,000 where the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896. Don’t miss the tunnel at the end of the stadium. The House of Dior just held a much talked-about fashion show there.

Socrates’ jail cell

A little known and rarely visited piece of history, this is just up the path to Phillipapou Hill.

The Kerameikos – Athens’ Ancient Cemetery

Continuously buried for 6000 years, this open-air cemetery is 30 feet below street level. Don’t miss the world-class museum there.

Athenian Agora

This is where the ancient Greeks shopped. The site is loaded with ruins. The best-preserved Greek temple in the world is here, the Temple of Hephaestus.

Roman Agora

This is the market the Romans built after conquering Greece in the 1st century BC.

Tower of the Winds

Located inside the Roman Agora, this is a must-see; it is an ancient marble clock. This clock is remarkably the only ancient monument that still has its roof intact. You are allowed to visit the inside too, which is a real treat.

Museums in Athens

Athens is a museum city, from ancient artifacts to modern art and everything in between. Athens has something for everyone. If you have only a few days in the city, hit the biggies, but if you have more time you should branch out and explore. Below is a guide to the museums of Athens.

The New Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum contains all the finds from the slopes of the Acropolis and the Acropolis proper and is a must-see in Athens. I highly suggest visiting the museum before you tour the Acropolis and hiring a guide since it is not self-explanatory and is oddly laid out. The building was designed by Bernard Tschumi and Michael Photiadis and is not their best work, but the artifacts steal the show and are well worth a visit. The archaeological site underneath the museum depicts an ancient street and buildings and is now open, as well.

The National Archaeological Museum

This is the best collection of ancient Greek art in the world and is a must-see.

The Benaki

The Benakis are the Guggenheims of Athens. They are a wealthy merchant Greek family from Egypt who donated their private collection of Greek, Islamic, and Modern art to the state. The main Benaki Museum is located in Kolonaki, in a grand neoclassical mansion, and tells the story of Greek history from ancient times to the present. The New York Times said, “It was worth a visit to Athens just to see the Benaki.” The Benaki has five museums in Athens.

The Museum of Cycladic Art

This is a private collection of very ancient art from the Cycladic islands and Cyprus housed in two separate buildings. One is an important 19th-century building designed by the architect Ernst Ziller. There are also excellent collaborations with modern artists and a wonderful café and museum shop. There are also great programs for kids. They’ve literally thought of everything.

The Ilion Melathron

This is the Athens coin museum which is housed in one of the nicest neoclassical buildings in Athens. The house has a great garden in the back with a sweet café and was once the palatial home of Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy.

The Jewish Museum of Greece

This museum chronicles the rich Jewish life that existed in Greece for thousands of years that almost came to an end with the German occupation. It is also housed in a beautiful neoclassical building.

The National Gallery

Newly renovated, expanded, and landscaped, the National Gallery is an excellent venue to appreciate Greek art and artists and is located across from the Hilton; it is a must-see museum.

Modern Athenian attractions and unique neighborhoods

The National Gardens

A Victorian-era oasis in the center of Athens, part of the gardens are currently under renovation, but this does not detract from a visit. Make sure to visit the turtle pond, and look for wild parrots and ancient ruins scattered about. You may see Mr. Stavros wading in the duck pond.

Central Market

This is Athens’ main meat, fish, fruit, vegetable, and spice market and is a must-see. However, it’s not for the weak-stomached. The streets that radiate off the market are filled with spices, cured meats, and other wonderful treats.

Kolonaki

Kolonaki is one of Athens’ most chic neighborhoods. Located in downtown Athens, it is chock full of stores, restaurants, cafes, museums, etc. It is a great place to people watch. There are more shoe stores than any other place you’ve ever seen in the world, and the area is full of Athenian Bauhaus architecture.

Changing of the Guards

This happens every hour outside the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of Parliament on Syntagma Square. The guards are called Evzones and they wear a traditional uniform, including the historic fustanella, leggings, and spiked shoes.

Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. It is a heavily wooded hill in the center of the city, topped with a small, whitewashed church. There is a funicular to take you up or you can walk for a good workout. Great views of the city can be enjoyed from this hilltop.

National Cathedral

This Cathedral was built from the stones of 100 Greek churches destroyed by the Turks as they finally retreated from Athens in the early 19th century.

Little Metropolis

One of Athens’ finest Byzantine churches, Little Metropolis is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history, as it is constructed of classical marble elements from ancient temples.

The Church of Ayia Dynami

This small 16th century, unassuming Byzantine church is one of the most loved in downtown Athens and is nestled under the Electra Mitropoleos Hotel.

Plaka

Plaka is Athens’ (and Europe’s) oldest neighborhood, located at the base of the Acropolis. It is a great place to go exploring and is loaded with old neoclassical houses, shops, cafes, and ruins among other things. Be sure to hike up to the area of Anafiotika!

Kotzia Square

Kotzia Square is located near the Central Market and one of Athens’ main squares. You can enjoy shopping, ruins, and cafes here.

Athens’ 1st Cemetery

Not to be confused with Athens’ ancient cemetery, this one rivals Paris’ famous cemetery and is located in the neighborhood of Metz.

Thision

Thision is an ancient neighborhood facing the Acropolis. The café scene here is one of the best in the city, and it is loaded with neoclassical buildings.

Plateia Agia Irini

This is the Soho of Athens. Go sit at Tailor Made or Rooster and people watch. The architecture here is amazing, and it is great to wander around the surrounding streets. Mr. Stavros loves to sit at Rooster. The Cathedral of Agia Irini is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture.

Psirri

Athens’ ancient blacksmith’s neighborhood is now its East Village. It is a super cool neighborhood with great vibes and tons of good, one-off shops, exquisite restaurants, fun hotels, and excellent nightlife.

Athens Guide for Places to Shop

Kolonaki

Find everything you could ever want here from clothes and jewelry to shoes and antiques or books. The big chains are here, as well as many small boutiques. This experience is not to be missed!

Attica

This is Athens’ largest department store. It has it all.

Syntagma – Ermou

This is a pedestrianized shopping zone that goes on for about a mile. This is where all the medium-end brands are located.

Psirri

Psirri is filled with hipster one-off shops and lots of vintage. If you have kids, make sure to check out Little Kook.

Monastiraki

Visit the small streets surrounding Athens Flea Market at Avyssinias Square for the best in vintage lighting, furniture, and other objects.

Places to eat and drink

The café life in Athens is out of control. Many locales are packed all day long, and there are literally thousands of them. Breakfast is usually non-existent although all hotels will serve an American-style breakfast. Most Greeks eat a koulouri (sesame round) or a spinach, cheese, or custard pie on the run which can be bought anywhere in the city.

Lunch is usually eaten around 2 or 3 pm while dinner starts around 9 or 10 pm and generally goes till 12 or 1 am. Bars and clubs open after that and stay open until the wee hours.

Guide for street food in Athens

Pay attention because this is important. Make room for Athens street food in your calorie counter. Some of our fave places downtown are listed below.

Ariston – Pitas or Greek pies. Savory and sweet. Since 1906. Packed all day. Mr. Stavros recommends the shrimp pie.

Mam – Pies, focused on spinach and cheese pies. Grab one of each and eat outside the shop.

Krinos – Loukoumades, Greece’s answer to the doughnut. Covered in honey and finger licking goodness.

Kostas – The best souvlaki downtown. Spotlessly clean. Always busy.

Koulouri tou Psirri – Greece’s ubiquitous sesame rounds come from this bakery, so worth a visit to the mothership. Mr. Stavros highly recommends.

Feyrouz – Lahmazoun, Lebanese flat bread with spiced meat and sauce. Veggie available as well.

Fallafellas – If the name doesn’t want to make you eat there, the falafel will knock your socks off. Prepare to wait in line.

Restaurants in Athens — Syntagma/Monastiraki Neighborhoods

Nolan: Greek-Japanese fusion. Not fussy and 1000% delicious. NFC! Make a reservation.

Dopios: The new kid on the block. Beautiful setting behind Klathmonos Square. Elevated Greek food done right.

Madame Fu Manchu: Across the way from Dopios, another new entry to the Athens culinary scene. Authentic Vietnamese food served by the friendliest wait staff and overseen by the charming co-owners Luc and Dimitris.

Athenee: Athens famous Zonar’s Café reborn as a chic restaurant/cafe with excellent food and friendly service. Some of the city’s best people watching. Note: The salmon and avocado plate should be illegal because it’s that good.

O Tziztigas kai o Mermigas (The Grasshopper and the Ant) (Mitropoleos and Voulis Streets): This simple, charming restaurant has some of the best Greek food in downtown Athens. Very reasonable. Always busy.

Birdman: Order the burger, and then write me a thank you note.

Maya Taqueria: If you are jonesing for good Mexican food, go check out Maya. Excellent salsa, corn tortillas and chips, fish tacos, quesadillas, and a killer margarita. Gluten free options.

Filema: Another solid Greek taverna frequented by locals. Excellent grilled sardines, giant squid, and a really delicious burger.

Ergon: The Greek version of Eataly. Not to be missed.

Trinatafylou: One of the best tavernas in downtown Athens.

Burratino: Excellent Italian restaurant in downtown Athens. Amazing pizzas. Negroni shots!! Ask for Socrates, the friendly owner.

Thanassis: Classic Kebab House. Sunday afternoon is a fun, crazy, scene. Cheap and delicious. Besides Kebab they have excellent Greek salad, tzatziki and fries.

Kolonaki Neighborhood

Papadakis: High-end Greek seafood restaurant in the heart of Athens’ best neighborhood, Kolonaki. Expensive but worth every penny. Argiro Barbarigou is the talented and charming chef/owner.

Zurbaran: Casual fun restaurant with a great crowd and decent, straightforward food.

Pangrati Neighborhood

Mavro Provatos: A perfect Athenian “mezedopoleio” in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Gazi/Keramikos Neighborhoods

Seychelles: Excellent eclectic menu in the heart of Keramikos

Elvis: Hands down the best kalamakia (skewered meat) in Athens.

Funky Gourmet: When you’re looking for a Michelin star experience and Moussaka foam.

Vouliagmeni Neighborhood (outside the city center at the seaside)

Blue Fish, Vouliagmeni: creative dishes and always the freshest fish from chef Giorgos.

Taverna Louizidis, Vouliagmeni: great home cooking in a relaxed atmosphere. Excellent meze.

Guide to Bars in Athens

Rooster, Plateia Ayia Irinis: Fun bar with a mixed gay/straight crowd.

Clumsies, Plateia Klathmonos: The best cocktail bar in Athens.

Baba Au Rum, Syntagma: Another excellent cocktail bar.

360, Monastiraki: Fun roof top bar.

Heteroclito, Syntagma: Inexpensive wine bar with a great vibe.

By the Glass, Syntagma: Chic wine bar with excellent food in a historic building next to InnAthens hotel.

SixDogs, Monastiraki: Thank me later.

TAF, Monastiraki: If you find this bar you will be the coolest kid on the block.

Tazza: Fun bar with good food and drinks.

Guide to accommodations in Athens

HIGH END (in order of preference)

Perianth Hotel
We are a bit obsessed with this new hotel, housed in an exceptional interwar building. Nicely appointed and perfectly located on Plateia Ayias Irinis. Super friendly staff. Stavros says five paws friendly.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

This is the Grande dame of Athenian hotels and one to add to your bucket list. Located across from Parliament on Syntagma Square. The city’s best view from the eighth floor bar/restaurant. Food is good, not great, and a bit pricey. Nice place to have a drink. Sixth floor rooms facing the square are best. Pool. Mr. Stavros approved.

New Hotel
Part of the Yes Hotels Group. Super chic design. Excellent location. Fun hip place. Great restaurant and roof deck. Helpful, friendly staff. Checks all the boxes. No pool.

King George
Located next to the Grande Bretagne. This is the younger child of the Grande Bretagne. Big useless lobby but nice if you want to be by yourself. Chicer crowd. Nice rooms.

Electra Palace and Electra Mitropoleos
Nice hotels located in the middle of Plaka and near Syntagma Square. Quieter than the GB and KG. Recently renovated. Roof top pools. I prefer the Mitropoleos. Do not confuse with the Electra Hotel on Ermou Street. Mr. Stavros loves to roll around on the entrance mat.

Ergon House
Athens first gastronomy hotel. Perfectly located for exploring the ancient and modern city. Ask for a room facing the Acropolis. Friendly, helpful staff. They serve a nice breakfast. First floor market is a lifesaver.

Athens Was
Opened (April 2015) modern design hotel. Excellent location, Acropolis neighborhood, for exploring the monuments of ancient Athens. Top floor rooms have Acropolis views. Nicely appointed. They make excellent cocktails on the roof top bar.

InnAthens
We really like this hidden little hotel. Feels like you’re in a London mews. The location could not be better for exploring. Historic building.

The Ziller’s
Small, boutique hotel in a lovingly restored neoclassical building designed by the architect Ernst Ziller. Rooftop restaurant and bar. Wonderful views of Athens’ Cathedral and the Acropolis.

Athens Capital Center Hotel M Gallery
The newest addition to Athens luxury hotel scene. Looks nice from the outside and location could not be better. However, I have not personally toured the hotel so I can’t recommend it wholeheartedly.

Medium-end hotels

Hotel Central
Located in Plaka, this little hotel gives a lot for the money. Some rooms are small and don’t have great views so you need to be particular about what floor and view you want.

Alice Inn
Now you can experience what it’s like to stay in an old Athenian neoclassical house. Small, bohemian chic, B&B in Plaka. Great vantage point for exploring the city. Hippy chic. Your host John is a winner.

Micon Lofts
Great little hotel right in the heart of hipster neighborhood Psirri. Ask for Kayle when you make a reservation.

Some helpful pointers

Athens is a very safe city but there is petty crime, so you need to be careful.

While riding the metro, keep phones and wallets in a very safe place.

Look both ways before crossing a one-way street.

Look both ways before stepping out on a sidewalk.

Don’t leave phones and other valuables on a table while dining.

Don’t hang your bag off the back of a chair while dining.

If you wear a backpack, don’t put phones, wallets, and other valuables in the front pocket if you are in crowded places.

Don’t believe anyone that suddenly befriends you on the street and then suggests a place for dinner.

Tipping is not the same as the US. 10% is the norm and considered generous and appreciated.

Peter Poulos is the Executive Director of the Hellenic Initiative.

Related: The Greek-American Guardian of Neoclassical Athens