Athens, with its millennia of history, has always been a city of contrasts and a cradle of democracy. On one hand, the timeless grandeur of the Acropolis dominates the skyline; on the other, the bustling streets below hum with modern energy. Since relocating here, I’ve had the privilege of watching Athens evolve into one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals—a place where ancient stones harmonize effortlessly with contemporary creativity.
Today, Athens is experiencing a renaissance, swiftly rising as one of Europe’s most vibrant cities in the post-COVID years. In 2024, it earned the prestigious title of "Europe’s Leading City-Break Destination." This resurgence is fueled by a blend of historical grandeur, modern culture, and year-round accessibility. With over 7 million visitors in 2023, Athens has cemented its status as a top destination for travelers seeking both ancient treasures and contemporary urban experiences.
The city’s bustling streets pulse with life, from chic cafes and world-class dining to cultural venues and hidden gems like quaint tavernas nestled amid lush greenery. The iconic Acropolis continues to awe visitors, while rejuvenated neighborhoods such as Plaka and the Athens Riviera bring a fresh, cosmopolitan charm to the cityscape. Rooftop bars offering sweeping views of Mount Lycabettus are now among the hottest spots for soaking in the city’s electric atmosphere. It’s not just the new venues drawing attention—traditional favorites have also reinvented themselves, thriving in this new era of vibrancy.
More than a mere layover en route to the islands, Athens has emerged as a destination in its own right. Relocating here has given me a front-row seat to its transformation. From boutique stays that blur the line between art and hospitality to restaurants where tradition meets innovation, Athens is a hotspot for travelers seeking an experience that goes beyond a glimpse of the past. This is my guide to uncovering the very best of Athens today.
Luxury Redefined: The Art of Living in Athens
Finding the right place to stay in Athens isn’t just about luxury—it’s an experience that shapes your connection to the city. I’ve handpicked three remarkable properties in Athens's heart, each offering a unique window into the capital’s soul.
Perched below the majestic Acropolis, The Dolli is Athens’ most exquisite new escape, where history and luxury intertwine seamlessly. Once a cherished fabric store, this storied buildinghas been reimagined into an elegant sanctuary that honors its heritage while embracing modern opulence. Each space is adorned with carefully curated art and bespoke design, offering a visual journey that pays homage to Athens' past. Sunlight spills into the rooms through large, elegant windows, casting gentle shadows over plush bedding, while marble-accented bathrooms exude understated luxury. The lobby, with its grand ceilings and sculptural furniture, serves as both a gallery and a place to unwind. The rooftop offers stunning views of the Acropolis, grounding guests in the beauty of the city’s rich landscape. At The Dolli, the past whispers through every detail, yet the experience is distinctly contemporary—a blend of Athenian nostalgia and exclusive comfort that turns a stay into an unforgettable, luxurious narrative.
A city hideaway in an art and design haven, the Perianth Hotel seamlessly blends modern design with a reverence for contemporary art and culture. Housed in a once-abandoned 1930s modernist building, it has been transformed into a vibrant boutique sanctuary. Designed by the visionary K-Studio, the layout offers a home-like intimacy enriched by curated contemporary Greek artworks that spark meaningful connections. Nestled beside the buzzing Agia Eirini Square, the hotel immerses guests in the city’s vibrant rhythm—from the charming markets and cobblestone streets of Plaka to creative studios and lively cafes. Rooms are spacious, thoughtfully designed, and bathed in natural light, offering luxurious comfort and an authentic sense of place. Each room features an open balcony with captivating views of the Acropolis or the charming cityscape, bringing guests closer to the essence of local living. Perianth is more than a hotel—it’s a portal to Athens’ layered soul, where history and contemporary creativity converge in perfect harmony, radiating artistic energy and style.
Located in the heart of Athens, Xenodocheio Milos redefines boutique luxury with a seamless blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and the ethos of its celebrated culinary legacy. As the debut hotel from the Milos group, it embodies a philosophy of understated elegance and exclusivity. The Milos Signature Suite and Milos Terrace Suite stand as triumphs of design and comfort, offering serene, light-filled spaces with refined materials and unparalleled views of the city. These iconic suites have welcomed luminaries from royals to global celebrities, reflecting the property’s elite reputation. Throughout the hotel, warm wood, intricate marble details, and curated artistry create a harmonious yet striking aesthetic. The celebrated Milos dining experience, a hallmark of Mediterranean excellence, elevates the stay to a cultural and sensory journey. Xenodocheio Milos is not merely a retreat; it’s a masterfully curated escape where design, gastronomy, and discretion are woven into an unforgettable urban sanctuary.
The Riviera Retreat: Where the City Meets the Sea
No visit to Athens is complete without exploring the Riviera, a stunning stretch of coastline where luxury, design, and the Aegean Sea come together. My journey along this revitalized shoreline brought me to three exceptional destinations, each offering a unique take on the art of hospitality.
The iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel is a beacon of elegance perched on a pine-studded peninsula in Vouliagmeni. From the moment I arrived, the property exuded understated luxury. Its two distinct wings, Arion and Nafsika, provided contrasting atmospheres: one a serene escape steeped in mid-century charm, the other a vibrant hub of contemporary design. The mornings here were nothing short of magical. I started each day with a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, its edge blending seamlessly with the Aegean’s azure waters. Afternoons were spent basking on private beaches, the sound of gentle waves lulling me into serenity. The culinary offerings, from fresh seafood at Pelagos to Mediterranean classics at Mercato, made every meal a feast for the senses. As the sun set, the resort transformed into an enchanting retreat where the coastline shimmered in golden light.
The One&Only Aesthesis redefines luxury with its immersive blend of privacy, design, and natural beauty. Located along a pristine stretch of the Athenian Riviera, the property feels like a world unto itself. Staying at the Villa One felt like discovering your own private slice of paradise. The infinity pool, a private beachfront with panoramic views of the sea, was where you want to spend most of your time, soaking in the tranquility. The resort captures the essence of mid-century glamour while embracing modern Greek design. Every detail, from bespoke furnishings to curated culinary and event programs, radiates exclusivity.
The brand new Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens brought a refreshing energy to my Riviera escape in Glyfada. Mornings started with lazy hours at the Swim Club, where cocktails and conversation flowed as easily as the music from their curated playlists. The room's minimalist design, with its blend of natural woods and Mediterranean-inspired graphics and touches, was effortlessly chic. The Ace doesn’t just offer a stay; it’s a cultural hub where art installations, live music, and creative energy come together, making every moment feel alive.
Athens on a Plate: Culinary Adventures & Revolution
Athens has transformed into a culinary playground where tradition meets bold innovation, creating a dining scene that captures the soul of modern Greece. Every meal feels like an exploration, with chefs reimagining local flavors and textures, infusing them with global techniques, and setting the stage for dining experiences that are as exciting as they are memorable.
Whether indulging in a Michelin-starred tasting menu in a hidden garden, savoring rustic charm in Psiri, or sharing small plates at a cozy wine bar, Athens invites you to taste its heart and soul on every plate. Here’s a curated journey through some of Athens’ most beloved dining spots, each offering a unique slice of the city’s culinary renaissance.
My culinary adventure began at CTC Urban Gastronomy, a restaurant hidden within a lush garden sanctuary. Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis crafted an 11-course tasting menu that felt like a journey through Greece’s gastronomic heritage, elevated by French techniques and modern artistry.
The garden setting was enchanting—a serene escape from the city’s bustle. Each dish was a masterpiece, but the lamb stood out: tender, aromatic, and evocative of traditional Greek feasts, yet thoroughly contemporary in its presentation. With each course came a story that connected me to the land, the sea, and the vision of a chef redefining Greek cuisine.
The next favorite brought a stark contrast at Pharaoh, an Edgy, Bold, and Unforgettable spot located in the rebellious neighborhood of Exarchia. From the moment I stepped inside, the industrial-chic interiors and pulsating beats set the tone for a dining experience as bold and unapologetic as the space itself.
The Cretan dakos—a vibrant mix of tomatoes, barley rusks, and creamy cheese—was a refreshing start. The mushroom onion stew, slow-cooked to earthy perfection, lingered on my palate long after the last bite. Paired with organic wines, the meal felt deeply rooted in Greece’s rustic culinary traditions, yet the ambiance transformed it into an electrifying cultural experience where food, wine, and music collided.
For something more intimate, I headed to Linou Soumpasis & Sia, a cozy gem tucked away in the lively Psiri district. Housed in a former candle shop, the space exudes rustic charm with its flickering candles and warm wooden tables. The highlight here was the rabbit, slow-cooked with lemon and oregano—a dish that transported me to the Greek countryside. The flavors were earthy and comforting, reminiscent of family recipes passed down through generations. Paired with a biodynamic Assyrtiko wine, it was the kind of meal that felt as personal as it was memorable.
Delta Restaurant is a fine dining marvel that pushes the boundaries of Greek gastronomy. Nestled in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Delta combines high-end cuisine with a commitment to sustainability and innovation. The tasting menu was an ode to Greece’s landscapes, with locally sourced ingredients transformed into artistic creations. Each course was thoughtfully paired with Greek wines, enhancing the experience and making it clear why Delta is one of Athens’ most celebrated dining destinations.
No culinary journey in Athens would be complete without honoring its culinary roots, and Oikonomou Restaurant in Petralona was the perfect place to do so. This humble, iconic taverna has been serving traditional Greek dishes for decades, and every bite feels like a tribute to the past. Their moussaka was a standout—a comforting, layered masterpiece of eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel. Paired with a simple carafe of house wine, the meal reminded me of the enduring power of tradition in a city constantly reinventing itself.
Athens After Dark: A City That Never Sleeps
I thought NYC was the only city that never sleeps, but Athens’ nightlife is as dynamic as its streets by day, with bars that are destinations in their own right.
In Monastiraki, Noel charmed me with its eclectic decor and imaginative cocktails. The whimsical and playful space feels like stepping into a theatrical wonderland, where each drink is as playful as the setting itself.
Consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, The Clumsies lives up to its reputation. Every cocktail I tried felt like a work of art, crafted with precision and creativity. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself lingering, savoring every sip.
With its sultry, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere, Juan Rodriguez Bar offered bold, unforgettable flavors in both its cocktails and ambiance. The drinks here are as daring as the space, making it a standout in Athens’ nightlife scene.
At Line Athens, I discovered a fresh twist on cocktails with their innovative use of natural wines. Each drink was a delightful surprise, blending the unexpected with the familiar, and the relaxed vibe made it a place I could have stayed all night. The spot is also nominated as No.6 among the 50 Best Bars in the world in 2024.
For a more laid-back evening, Blue Parrot was the perfect choice. Its open-air setting and tropical-inspired drinks made me feel like I’d been transported to an island, even while still in the heart of the city.
The New Athens Awaits
Athens is a city reborn—its layers of history enriched by a wave of creativity and reinvention. Living here has shown me that this is a city in its prime, where the past and present collide in extraordinary ways.
From its culinary treasures to its vibrant nightlife, Athens is just the beginning of a journey that promises endless discoveries. Beyond its food and mixology, the city’s art, entertainment, and cultural scene are equally captivating—future chapters in this story that I’m excited to share. From the theaters and galleries that celebrate creativity to the music and festivals that bring the city to life, Athens has so much more to offer.
This is my Athens, and I can’t wait for you to explore it, taste it, and make it yours. Stay tuned for more ways to experience the heartbeat of this extraordinary city. Athens is waiting for you, ready to surprise and inspire at ever turn.
Comentários