Athens is, of course, an undeniably touristic city and with good reason. Yet at some point, you may feel the urge to slip away from the well‑trodden paths, far from the crowds and the endlessly revisited landmarks. And that’s exactly where we come in! Below, you’ll find a non‑exhaustive selection of our favourite hidden gems, the kind of unique places you might easily miss if you stick to the usual routes.


To Mikio 

Nestled along the quiet stretch of Ioánnou Drosopoúlou 14 in Athens, this tiny spot is so discreet you could easily walk past it, which would be such a pity. “Mikio”, meaning small or tiny in Cretan, is an affectionate twist on mikró (μικρό = small), and the name suits the place perfectly. True to its spirit, the restaurant offers some of the most emblematic Cretan dishes: mouthwatering apaki, Cretan pies filled with wild greens, and graviera in several subtly spiced variations, all best enjoyed with a generous splash of raki. Kali orexi!

Jazz in Jazz


@nikos.mytilinaios

A cosy little gem tucked away at Deinokratous 4 in Athens this spot will delight any whisky enthusiast will be absolutely charmed by the selection offered on the menu of this bar with its vaguely Parisian charm. The moment you step inside, you’ll notice the owner’s immense love for jazz, a passion he’s carried with him across his travels, collecting instruments that now hang from the ceiling or proudly adorn the walls. The playlist deserves its own round of applause too, offering a lovingly curated selection of iconic, era‑defining jazz tracks that set the tone beautifully. The owners have crafted a truly singular atmosphere in one of the city’s most elegant neighbourhoods, making it a place that feels both intimate and vibrant. It does get busy, but it’s absolutely worth the bustle - arriving early is your best bet for soaking it all in.

St George Square, Kypseli


@tsiou_k

This lovely little square, wrapped in greenery and dotted with colourful lanterns, is your happy place from morning to night, whether you’re after a late‑morning brunch, a hearty meal, a sweet afternoon treat, or a quick ice cream on your way back home. From traditional Greek dishes cooked right before your eyes by an army of yayas to indulgent desserts perfect for a cheeky cheat day, the tiny eateries surrounding the square have you covered. Take your time, soak up the joyful yet peaceful atmosphere, and above all, enjoy every bite.

Perched on the edge of the equally adorable Kypseli neighbourhood, the square is the perfect starting point for a gentle wander. As you stroll through the area, you’ll come across small independent shops, carefully curated vintage finds, and characterful coffee places that make the whole walk feel like a little urban treasure hunt.

L’on Space


@lon.space

Calling all fashion lovers and second‑hand enthusiasts: Monastiraki is about to become your personal paradise. Step into L’on Space, located at Praxitelous 33, a beautifully curated haven where you’ll stumble upon the future favourites of your wardrobe, from impeccably cut timeless classics to one‑of‑a‑kind pieces with a distinctly refined flair. The overall aesthetic is effortlessly elegant, Mediterranean‑inspired, and crafted from second‑hand treasures and deadstock finds. Do remember to leave a little room in your suitcase…!

Chalandri Neighborhood

Chalandri, tucked away in the northern reaches of Athens, has all the charm of a little town within the city, and no wonder, given it truly was a small village until Athens sprawled its way outward in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it’s a delightful spot for a leisurely wander, whether you’re browsing quirky artisan boutiques or dipping into the big international brands. As evening falls, the neighbourhood shifts effortlessly into a lively hub, its cobbled streets lined with festive tavernas and cosy corners perfect for lingering. It’s a refreshing change of pace, far from the well‑trodden districts you’ve likely explored to exhaustion, offering a slice of Athens that feels both familiar and wonderfully unexpected.

Bageion Hotel


Courtesy of openhouseathens.gr

Omonia may be one of Athens’ least‑loved districts these days, but who would ever imagine that it once played host to such a luxurious hotel? Designed in the late nineteenth century by Ernst Ziller (a Saxon‑born architect who embraced Greece as his home and went on to shape the city’s neo‑classical identity with more than 500 buildings between 1870 and 1914) the place boasts a pedigree that feels wonderfully out of step with its present‑day surroundings.

Now reinvented as a vibrant multicultural venue spread across two floors, it showcases performances and contemporary art exhibitions, hosts designer markets, and slips effortlessly into an electro or techno club once night falls. A little secret haunt for the coolest among us, hiding in plain sight in one of Athens’ most unexpected corners.

Παραδοσιακόν Καφενείον Καστέλλο

Last but not least on our little list, a tiny restaurant at Evripidou 88, absolutely worth getting lost in the dimly lit backstreets to find. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the staff wonderfully friendly, and the traditional dishes are both generous and beautifully flavourful — all at prices that feel almost too good to be true. The dolmadakia, in particular, deserve a special shout‑out!

“I am lucky to be able to travel a lot – my work affords me the opportunity to move around all the time. So much so, that I don’t really have a place that I consider ‘home’. I’m a person who can honestly say ‘wherever I lay my hat is home’ – and I mean it. This lifestyle is not about wealth and riches – quite the opposite: this lifestyle is about having different experiences and the richness of meeting interesting people wherever I go.

The last few weeks were particularly special. I spent the first ten days in the Peloponnese, staying in a rural house, looking after the pets for the owners who were away. This was lovely and peaceful, a world away from the urban chaos of London, my previous destination. Then I came to Athens, determined to see the ancient sites that I had learned about during my studies. I wouldn’t say I had many expectations – I take each experience as it comes.

The ruins and rocks I expected. What I didn’t expect was the realization that Athens is more about what you feel than what you see. There are of course some beautiful parts of the city – and there are some not-so-beautiful parts of the city. But this feeling is undeniable, this unique mix of highly charged and yet incredibly relaxed energy – this is how I will think of Athens and its people.

This is a city that one must experience, rather that ‘tour’. And hopefully at the end of your experience, you will say ‘I get it’ – as I did. It is not a city without challenges and troubles and woes – but I believe that even these things add to the particular energy that is Athens. I understand why so many choose to live here – also not because of wealth and riches, but rather about the richness of everyday life. I found myself thinking that my hat might like to stay here for a while…”

Thanks for the inspiration, Kristie!

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Address: Kolokotroni 37, 1st floor, Kefalari

Tel: 2108015324

Closed Sundays.

athinorama.gr

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

• 1 kg salted cod fillet
• Olive oil for frying
  
  For the batter:

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• (75 grams (about 1 1/2) egg whites (or replace with 1 tbsp baking powder)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup corn flour (corn starch)
• 250 ml beer (or 165 m beer an 85 ml water)
• ½ tsp salt
• A pinch of white pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fennel fronds finely chopped (optional)