Athens through our eyes
by Oracle Oil Admin
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Oracle's Athens Guide
STAY
I love the neighborhood feel and tree-lined streets surrounding the Modernist Hotel in Kolonaki, and its proximity to Lycabbetus Hill makes for a great morning or sunset hike.
Visit the Grande Bretagne Hotel for a classic Athenian stay in Syntagama. I love having cocktails on the rooftop for amazing views of the Acropolis.
SEE
Cycladic Museum
The Cycladic Museum focuses on ancient art and artifacts but also brings in great rotating exhibitions; visit soon to catch their fantastic show, Brice Marden and Greek Antiquity.
Carwan Gallery is a contemporary design gallery promoting innovative international artists and designers. For nearly a decade the gallery was in Beirut, Lebanon but in 2020 opened in the port area of Piraeus. Currently they are showing new work in marble by India Mahdavi. *Next to Paleo Wine Store and Bon Bon Fait Maison
Part of Neon Gallery, the former Public Tobacco Factory is now a public, permanent contemporary cultural and social space. There’s currently a great group show and more to come in the future.
DRINK
Paleo wine bar, Athens.
Paleo Wine Store, housed in an old warehouse, is one of my favorite Italian-inspired wine bars. The owner sources limited-production and rare wines from around the Mediterranean. They have delicious snacks, like the Sicilia caponata and Caprese tomato salad. *Next to Carwan Gallery and Bon Bon Fait Maison
Visit The Clumsies, a moody, wood-laden bar, for imaginative cocktails and good conversation.
The NYTimes calls Heteroclito “low-key but excellent”, and I have to agree—it’s another favorite wine bar in the city.
SHOP
Daphnis and Chloe, Athens.
Daphnis and Chloe is my friend Evangelia’s stunning herb and tea shop. Located in a quiet corner of central Athens in the neighborhood of Neos Kosmos, it’s definitely worth a visit (you can book online). My favorites include the smoked chili flakes, wild thyme and mountain tea blossoms!
Mon Coin is a great ceramic shop featuring ceramicists from many of the Greek islands.
Check out Forget Me Not for a nice departure from the usual cookie-cutter souvenir shops in Athens.
EXPLORE
For an amazing afternoon or day trip, visit Lake Vouliagmeni, located in the heart of the Athenian Riviera, not too far from the center of Athens. Soak in the thermal springs, book a massage, go snorkeling or hike their trails.
EAT
Fita gastro-taverna, Athens.
Stop in at Kora Bakery for delicious sourdough bread and great coffee.
The oldest yogurt shop in Athens (1931) is Stani Yogurt; I love the sheep yogurt with walnuts and Greek thyme honey.
Bon Bon Fait Maison is my favorite handmade ice cream (vegan options as well!) and creperie shop in Athens. The owner sources from small producers around Greece. *Next to Paleo and Carwan Gallery
The menu at Seychelles is creative, seasonal and features a blend of authentic and modern dishes. Located in a former silk factory in Metaxourgeio district in central Athens, the building also houses the Municipal Art Gallery and was designed in 1833 by the Danish architect Hans Christian Hansen. It’s one of most important surviving neoclassical buildings. The interior is very simple with an open kitchen, and I love sitting outside in the town square where they jam together as many tables as possible.
Fita, with the same owner as Seychelles, is a gastro-taverna with really interesting combinations of food that leans more heavily on fish. I love their catch of the day grilled with the classic “ladolemeno” Greek sauce (simply: lemon, salt and olive oil), and their sashimi with wild chard.
For a healthier breakfast or lunch, try Me Kolonaki. They have gluten free options as well and a nice selection of smoothies and treats.
Ohh Boy is something between a Greek island and Scandinavian cafe, with a to-go window, plenty of vegetarian options and a great selection of baked goods, matcha and turmeric lattes on a lovely, quiet street.
The hip, newly opened Linous Simpasis & Co sports a constantly-changing menu with high quality ingredients. Do yourself a favor and sit outside in the back alley. Everything we ate was delicious, especially the pasta with tuna.
Proveleggios, by the people behind the famous Nolan restaurant, makes their own sourdough bread, cheese and beer. It’s set in a charming alley with good music.