Athens Always - hero image
Cover Explore the most photogenic hotels, restaurants and bars in Athens with our curated guide (Photo: One&Only Aesthesis)
Athens Always - hero image

Discover the most photogenic spots, hotels, bars and restaurants that Athens has to offer

A European city that welcomes visitors with open arms no matter the season, where golden sunshine graces the skyline year-round and the climate remains effortlessly mild? Athens ticks every box. With its captivating blend of ancient history, contemporary design and a culinary scene steeped in time-honoured tradition, the Greek capital offers a rich tapestry of experiences that delight in every season. From its myth-laden landmarks to its stylish modern enclaves, there’s something to discover at every turn. Here’s our thoughtfully curated guide to ensure an unforgettable stay.

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1. Pharaoh

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Pharaoh, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, is led by chef Manolis Papoutsakis and baritone Dimitris Platanias. (Photo: Pharaoh)
Above Pharaoh, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, is led by chef Manolis Papoutsakis and baritone Dimitris Platanias. (Photo: Pharaoh)
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Its entirely wood-fired kitchen revives Greek culinary heritage (Photo: Pharaoh)
Above Its entirely wood-fired kitchen revives Greek culinary heritage (Photo: Pharaoh)
Pharaoh, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, is led by chef Manolis Papoutsakis and baritone Dimitris Platanias. (Photo: Pharaoh)
Its entirely wood-fired kitchen revives Greek culinary heritage (Photo: Pharaoh)

Part wine bar, part restaurant and part listening lounge, Pharaoh inhabits a post-industrial space with flair. This Michelin Bib Gourmand winner is led by a creative team that includes chef Manolis Papoutsakis and baritone Dimitris Platanias. Its entirely wood-fired kitchen revives Greek culinary heritage, and the vinyl-spun DJ sets elevate the experience.

2. One&Only Aesthesis

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Photo 1 of 3 One&Only Aesthesis on the Athenian Riviera in Glyfada is situated just 30 minutes from the Athens city centre (Photo: One&Only Aesthesis)
Photo 2 of 3 It is nestled in a 21-hectare protected forest reserve with private beachfront access (Photo: One&Only Aesthesis)
Photo 3 of 3 It also houses a Chenot Spa offering bespoke wellness programmes and pioneering treatments (Photo: One&Only Aesthesis)
One&Only Aesthesis on the Athenian Riviera in Glyfada is situated just 30 minutes from the Athens city centre (Photo: One&Only Aesthesis)
It is nestled in a 21-hectare protected forest reserve with private beachfront access (Photo: One&Only Aesthesis)
It also houses a Chenot Spa offering bespoke wellness programmes and pioneering treatments (Photo: One&Only Aesthesis)

Craving the sound of the sea? One&Only Aesthesis on the Athenian Riviera in Glyfada—just 30 minutes from the city centre—is nestled in a 21-hectare protected forest reserve with private beachfront access. Elegant and serene, it also houses a Chenot Spa offering bespoke wellness programmes and pioneering treatments.

3. Koumkan

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Photo 1 of 2 Koumkan is a cosmopolitan bar designed for connection and comfort (Photo: Koumkan)
Photo 2 of 2 Its sleek, modern private areas make it an ideal setting for intimate gatherings or romantic evenings (Photo: Koumkan)
Koumkan is a cosmopolitan bar designed for connection and comfort (Photo: Koumkan)
Its sleek, modern private areas make it an ideal setting for intimate gatherings or romantic evenings (Photo: Koumkan)

Situated within the Semiramis Hotel in leafy Kifisia, Koumkan is a cosmopolitan bar designed for connection and comfort. The menu is rooted in global classics and high-quality raw ingredients, while its private areas make it an ideal setting for intimate gatherings or romantic evenings.

4. New Hotel

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Photo 1 of 2 The Art Lounge on the seventh floor offers top-tier cuisine and cocktails with panoramic views across the city (Photo: New Hotel)
Photo 2 of 2 The suites feature eclectic furnishings and luxurious detailing (Photo: New Hotel)
The Art Lounge on the seventh floor offers top-tier cuisine and cocktails with panoramic views across the city (Photo: New Hotel)
The suites feature eclectic furnishings and luxurious detailing (Photo: New Hotel)

Designed by renowned Brazilian duo Fernando and Humberto Campana, New Hotel stands in the heart of Athens as one of its most iconic design addresses. The suites feature eclectic furnishings and luxurious detailing, while the Art Lounge on the seventh floor offers top-tier cuisine and cocktails with panoramic views across the city.

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5. Mona

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Photo 1 of 2 Housed in a repurposed 1950s industrial building, Mona redefines the boutique hotel experience (Photo: Mona)
Photo 2 of 2 This multidisciplinary space includes 20 unique rooms, a concept cafe lounge, a speakeasy basement and a members-only rooftop (Photo: Mona)
Housed in a repurposed 1950s industrial building, Mona redefines the boutique hotel experience (Photo: Mona)
This multidisciplinary space includes 20 unique rooms, a concept cafe lounge, a speakeasy basement and a members-only rooftop (Photo: Mona)

Housed in a repurposed 1950s industrial building, Mona redefines the boutique hotel experience. This multidisciplinary space includes 20 unique rooms, a concept cafe lounge, a speakeasy basement and a members-only rooftop. Located in Psirri—Athens’ most vibrant district—it stands among art galleries, artisan studios, bars, gourmet spots and the buzzing Varvakios Market.

6. Gallina

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Photo 1 of 2 Gallina is more than just a restaurant—it’s an immersive dining journey (Photo: Gallina)
Photo 2 of 2 It brings together French, Greek, and Nordic cuisines under the direction of award-winning chef Pavlos Kyriakis (Photo: Gallina)
Gallina is more than just a restaurant—it’s an immersive dining journey (Photo: Gallina)
It brings together French, Greek, and Nordic cuisines under the direction of award-winning chef Pavlos Kyriakis (Photo: Gallina)

Gallina is more than just a restaurant—it’s an immersive dining journey. Set in a sleek 1,130 sq ft space dressed in marble, wood, silk and wool, it brings together French, Greek, and Nordic cuisines under the direction of award-winning chef Pavlos Kyriakis. Giannis Gougoutoudis curates the expansive wine list, adding a global flair.

7. Bungalow 7

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Photo 1 of 2 Its design aesthetic is rooted in mid-century elegance, while its menu blends Mediterranean ingredients with Asian techniques (Photo: Bungalow 7)
Photo 2 of 2 Bungalow 7 offers a layered experience with indoor-outdoor areas, a library, a tea room and refined private dining (Photo: Bungalow 7)
Its design aesthetic is rooted in mid-century elegance, while its menu blends Mediterranean ingredients with Asian techniques (Photo: Bungalow 7)
Bungalow 7 offers a layered experience with indoor-outdoor areas, a library, a tea room and refined private dining (Photo: Bungalow 7)

In Glyfada, Bungalow 7 offers a layered experience with indoor-outdoor areas, a library, a tea room and refined private dining. With a design aesthetic rooted in mid-century elegance and a menu that blends Mediterranean ingredients with Asian techniques, this is the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail or a glass of champagne.

8. Oikonomou

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Over the decades, Oikonomou has become a local institution serving time-honoured recipes in a cosy, unfussy setting (Photo: Oikonomou)
Above Over the decades, Oikonomou has become a local institution serving time-honoured recipes in a cosy, unfussy setting (Photo: Oikonomou)
Over the decades, Oikonomou has become a local institution serving time-honoured recipes in a cosy, unfussy setting (Photo: Oikonomou)

For a taste of true Greek tradition, visit Oikonomou, a beloved taverna opened in 1930 by Yiannis Oikonomou in his family home. Over the decades, it has become a local institution serving time-honoured recipes in a cosy, unfussy setting. Expect heartwarming fare made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers.

9. Ü Athens

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Photo 1 of 2 A cheerful pit stop in the Kaisariani district, Ü Athens is a cafe-bar designed by local favourites Karn Studio. (Photo: Ü Athens)
Photo 2 of 2 Its name is a nod to the Greek phrase “na hamogelas", meaning “to smile”. (Photo: Ü Athens)
A cheerful pit stop in the Kaisariani district, Ü Athens is a cafe-bar designed by local favourites Karn Studio. (Photo: Ü Athens)
Its name is a nod to the Greek phrase “na hamogelas", meaning “to smile”. (Photo: Ü Athens)

A cheerful pit stop in the Kaisariani district, Ü Athens is a cafe-bar designed by local favourites Karn Studio. Its name is a nod to the Greek phrase “na hamogelas”—meaning “to smile”—and that warmth is reflected in its playful interiors with recycled plastic stools, inox benches, and cheerful tiles in shades of blue.

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