City Guides Athens

While many pass through Athens on their way to the Greek islands, it’s a mistake to overlook it. Athens is a favorite in the Gohar universe and a port city worth savoring — layered with history, art, architecture, and plenty of tzatziki.

EAT

LINOU SOUMPASIS K SIA

Opened in a former candle shop by restaurateurs from the island of Limnos, this dining room serves some of our favorite food in Athens.

O LOLOS

An unassuming local taverna serving fresh seafood and generous carafes of house wine — ideal for a leisurely, long lunch. 

PHARAOH

Concrete walls, high ceilings, vinyl DJs, and contemporary takes on classic Greek cooking make this Exarchia favorite worth lingering over.

MINARI TAVERNA

Traditional Greek cooking centered around grilled meats cooked on an open fire.

OIKONOMOU TAVERN

A neighborhood classic with warm yellow walls and the best beans in Athens.

SEYCHELLES

Tucked into the quiet neighborhood of Metaxourgeio, Seychelles offers a welcome escape from the bustle of the city. Don't miss the pappardelle ragù.

CAFE AVISSINIA

Request a table upstairs for one of the city's best views of the Parthenon, or sit overlooking Monastiraki Square to watch the flea market unfold below.

DIPORTO

This small, no-frills spot hidden below street level has no printed menu. Order whatever is written on the chalkboard and settle in, with wine poured directly from a barrel. 

DO

ILIAS LALAOUNIS JEWELRY MUSEUM

Nestled beneath the Acropolis, this museum is dedicated to the history and craft of jewelry — one of only a handful of its kind in the world.

MONASTIRAKI FLEA MARKET

Visit this Sunday flea market for heirlooms, antiques, and other treasures. 

CYCLADIC MUSEUM

Home to ancient Cycladic sculpture and jewellery that’s a constant reference in the Gohar World universe. Don’t miss the well-curated gift shop. 

STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION CULTURAL CENTER

This expansive cultural campus designed by famed architect Renzo Piano houses a library, art exhibits, cafés, and one of the city's most dramatic views. 

BREEDER ATHENS

Hidden behind an oversized golden door, Breeder’s one of Athen’s leading contemporary art galleries.

THEATER TRAIN AT ROUF

A delightfully theatrical dining and performance venue set inside restored railway carriages. In summer, drinks spill out onto the open-air platform.

DRINK

WINE IS FINE

A French-inspired natural wine bar we return to again and again.

WAREHOUSE

Open from morning coffee through late-night wine, with tightly packed sidewalk tables that invite you to linger long into the evening.

BIOS

A contemporary arts center with a lively rooftop bar and sweeping views of the city.

BRETTOS

Athens' oldest distillery, where colorful bottles line the walls and stools spill onto the street for tasting spirits inside or out.

KENNEDY VINS

This intimate wine bar beneath Hotel Mona offers a thoughtful selection of natural wines.

CHESS CAFE PANELLINION

 In this old-world café, locals gather over backgammon, chess, and coffee.

STAY

10AM LOFTS (and Apotheke)

Industrial lofts for design-minded travelers. Be sure to visit its shop, Apotheke, downstairs and stop into the café on the weekend.

HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE

A timeless Luxury Collection landmark overlooking Syntagma Square. Visit Alexander’s Bar for intimate drinks with a friend or lover. 

ERGON BAKEHOUSE ATHENS

A culinary-led hotel from the ERGON team, centered around an in-house bakery and all-day dining.

SHILA ATHENS

Set inside a restored neoclassical townhouse in the upmarket neighborhood of Kolonaki, Shila offers six thoughtfully designed suites that feel more like a beautifully lived-in home than a hotel.

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