Athens

Whether you are in the Greek capital for business or pleasure, the New Hotel puts you right in the middle of things, exactly halfway between the city’s historic center and its business district. Everything this great city has to offer is at your doorstep. Although I wouldn’t go anywhere until I’d sampled the hotel’s brunch buffet, one of the best in the city and the perfect way to kick off the day!

Mama Roux is exactly what you would expect to find in the heart of a city that is thousands of years old! A blend of culture, tastes, aromas, flavors and people, all coming together to start your day with a smile on your face. Take a great breakfast or a delicious lunch to kick off the day! The bar woman makes a killer Margareta - though not recommended for breakfast ;-) -.

Gareth is from London and he loves making bicycles. But not just any bicycles… Funky colors, custom designs and unique fixies that are tailor made to suit each and every rider! And once you’ve found your own piece of two-wheeled perfection, you don’t have to go far to celebrate! Cause Gareth also owns the café and restaurant next door.

True to its owner’s ambitions, Color Skates is arguably the best skate shop in Athens. Vassilis’ dream was to create a hub for anybody looking to experience the city from a different point of view. And I’m here to say that he has well and truly succeeded. There are dozens of hidden secrets here just waiting to be discovered!

Oh, La Esquina!! How I love your yummy burgers, your excellent coffee, your late-night cocktails! And how hard it is to choose between them!! Just one street down from the bustling Patriarchou Ioakeim, the tree-lined Charitos street offers some amazing flavors in a modern, relaxing atmosphere. A place you can enjoy at any time of day! As I frequently do. ;-)

Say the word “shopping” and many Athenians will instinctively reply “Attica”. When you’ve shopped but not quite dropped, take the lift to the top floor. As well as great food and excellent coffee, you’ll also be treated to some amazing panoramic views of the city!

Looking for a picturesque and romantic spot to take in the Acropolis in all its glory? Yiasemi takes some finding, tucked away in the scenic little streets of Plaka beneath the Acropolis. But when you do, you’ll find a little slice of authentic Athens whose charms are bound to put a smile on your face. Stop for a coffee or quick bite but believe me, the temptation to linger here all afternoon is great!

The Benaki Museum is one of the oldest and most celebrated Museums in Greece and has earned the highest praise from historians around the globe. Their impressive permanent collections are matched only by their thought-provoking special exhibitions, offering an intriguing snapshot of both modern and ancient Greece.

Artist, poet, sandal maker… Melissinos is a man of many titles. And his little shop in downtown Psiri has been a hub of beauty in its many forms. From gorgeous, traditional Greek sandals to enigmatic sketches, drawings and other works of art, this magical place has been luring the likes of Sofia Lauren, Anthony Queen, Queen Sofia of Spain and countless other celebrities for the past 50 years!

Tucked away in the heart of the Monastiraki flea market lies a hidden Garden of Eden. Here you can get a taste of what Athens must once have been like! Traditional Greek music, cuisine and décor all come together in this monument to a bygone era. Tip: pick up a copy of the owner’s cook book, and relive the experience over and over again.

“I’ll take you to a prison’s holding cell!” Not quite the sentence you want to hear when you’re about to embark on your night out in the coolest gallery in town! The exhibition space, that used to be a prison, now also houses a bar! Metamatic: taf was actually a holding cell many years ago, the only thing that remains from those days is a mysterious, yet delightful aura, one that truly captivates visitors. The covered garden is a great kick-off point for your night out, with exceptional cocktails and an awesome atmosphere.

If you think Athens has too many casual-food spots, I recommend stopping at Lukumades. One visit will be enough to change your mind. From early morning to late at night, the tiny sweet dough balls (lukumades) served with a variety of toppings can satisfy even the most stubborn of cravings.

Bring on the night… and if you want it to be a night to remember, do yourself a favor and put Faust at the top of your list! One of the hottest hotspots in town, this night club combines funky tunes, hip people and a list of cocktails as long as the bar! The best of Athenian nightlife in one hell of a nutshell!