Athens
Where Ancient Soul Meets Modern Style
Athens is a city where past and present blend in perfect harmony. Steeped in ancient history yet pulsing with modern energy, it’s a destination that captivates travellers from around the world. From the moment you glimpse the iconic Acropolis rising above the cityscape, you understand you're somewhere truly special.
Visitors fall in love with Athens for its vibrant street life, its rich cultural layers, and its effortlessly chic lifestyle. By day, you can wander ancient ruins, stroll through elegant neoclassical neighbourhoods, and sip espresso under the sunlit shadow of the Parthenon. By night, the city comes alive with rooftop bars, world-class dining, and a creative spirit that’s uniquely Athenian.
And just beyond the city? The Athens Riviera offers turquoise waters, sandy coves, and the kind of relaxed glamour usually reserved for island escapes—all just 30 minutes from the city centre. Whether you're here for history, cuisine, design, or simply to unwind, Athens is a city that leaves a lasting impression, effortlessly balancing heritage with hedonism..
Luxury Hotels
Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel
A landmark hotel with unmatched views of the Acropolis and Syntagma Square. Expect old-world charm, a world-class spa, and impeccable service. The rooftop bar and restaurant is a must for sunset cocktails.
King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Right next to the Grande Bretagne, but with a more boutique feel. Ideal for art lovers and foodies. Tudor Hall restaurant serves fine Greek cuisine with a view.
The Dolli
A neoclassical mansion turned ultra-stylish boutique hotel with panoramic Acropolis views, contemporary art, and minimalist elegance. A favourite among design-conscious travellers. The rooftop pool and restaurant are showstoppers — both for the view and the cuisine.
WHERE TO STAY
Boutique Hotels
xenodocheio Milos
Athens’ first luxury gastronomy hotel, xenodocheio Milos combines refined hospitality with the world-renowned Milos restaurant. Located opposite the Old Parliament, it offers elegant, minimalist rooms and suites with marble accents and high ceilings—perfect for discerning travellers who value design, location, and culinary excellence.
The Perianth Hotel
Set in a vibrant square just steps from Monastiraki, The Perianth blends modernist architecture with bold, artistic interiors. With panoramic views of the Acropolis and a connection to a Zen meditation centre, it’s a sophisticated retreat for design lovers and urban explorers alike.
AthensWas Hotel
A member of Design Hotels, AthensWas offers sleek, contemporary luxury on the historic Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade—right by the Acropolis Museum. Floor-to-ceiling windows, bespoke furnishings, and an exceptional rooftop restaurant with direct Acropolis views make it an unbeatable base for stylish cultural immersion.
EXPERIENCES
Luxury Travel Experiences in Athens
Private Acropolis & Ancient Agora Tour
Avoid the crowds with early access or after-hours private tours. Hire an archaeologist guide for deeper insight.
Acropolis Museum VIP Tour with Expert Curator
A private, curator-led tour through the Acropolis Museum, offering in-depth storytelling, exclusive access to lesser-known artefacts, and a deep dive into ancient craftsmanship.
Helicopter Tour Over Athens & Cape Sounion
A stunning aerial view of the city, coastline, and Temple of Poseidon.
Tailored Shopping Tour in Kolonaki
Explore upscale boutiques, concept stores, and local designers with a personal stylist.
Private Dinner in a Neoclassical Mansion
Curated by local chefs and sommeliers, this experience combines gastronomy with heritage.
WHERE TO EAT
Fine Dining in Athens
Delta Restaurant – Two Michelin Stars & Futuristic Flavours
Located at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Delta offers a bold, forward-thinking culinary experience. Expect avant-garde presentations, local ingredients reimagined, and a world-class wine list in a space that feels like a modern art installation.
📍 Kallithea, SNFCC
CTC Urban Gastronomy – Inventive Tasting Menus in a Garden Setting
Tucked in a leafy courtyard, CTC takes you on a journey through modern Greek cuisine with playful, elegant tasting menus. Each dish tells a story, making it a top choice for adventurous food lovers.
📍 Kerameikos
Spondi – Athens' Timeless Culinary Institution
With two Michelin stars and a long-standing reputation, Spondi blends French technique with Greek inspiration. Set in a neoclassical villa, it offers an exquisite fine dining experience backed by one of the city's finest wine cellars.
📍 Pagrati
Hytra – Modern Greek with a View
Located atop the Onassis Cultural Centre, Hytra serves elevated Greek dishes with contemporary flair. With one Michelin star and sweeping city views, it’s a stylish choice for a refined yet relaxed night out.
📍 Syngrou Avenue
Varoulko Seaside – Michelin-Starred Seafood by the Water
Set in the marina of Mikrolimano, Varoulko is a landmark for seafood lovers. Chef Lefteris Lazarou transforms the day’s catch into delicate, flavourful creations that celebrate the sea with every bite.
📍 Piraeus
Acropolis View Restautants
Strofi – Classic with a View
One of the most well-known Acropolis-view restaurants, Strofi serves traditional Greek cuisine with a fine touch. The rooftop terrace offers unobstructed views of the Parthenon—especially stunning at sunset.
📍 Rovertou Galli, near the Acropolis
Sense Restaurant at AthensWas Hotel – Creative Greek Gastronomy
This rooftop gem offers modern, artistic interpretations of Greek cuisine, with direct views of the Acropolis. It’s romantic, intimate, and ideal for a special evening without being overly flashy.
📍 Dionysiou Areopagitou, Acropolis area
Point A at Herodion Hotel – Cocktails & Small Plates with a Backdrop
A stylish rooftop bar and restaurant offering modern Mediterranean dishes and a brilliant cocktail list. Views of both the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum light up beautifully after dark.
📍 Rovertou Galli
Attic Urban Rooftop – Casual Dining with Killer Views
Located above a department store in Monastiraki, this relaxed rooftop spot offers a mix of Greek and international dishes. It’s a great place for a laid-back dinner or sunset drinks with postcard-worthy views.
📍 Ermou Street, Monastiraki
The Zillers Roof Garden – Boutique Elegance with a Skyline Backdrop
Elegant yet relaxed, this rooftop restaurant at The Zillers Boutique Hotel serves refined Mediterranean dishes and cocktails with front-row views of the Acropolis and Athens Cathedral.
📍 Mitropoleos Street
Local Gems
To Kafeneio – Hidden Gem in Plaka
Tucked down a quiet lane in Plaka, this cosy spot is known for its warm atmosphere and home-style dishes like moussaka, baked lamb, and zucchini fritters. Popular with both locals and clued-in travellers.
📍 Epicharmou Street, Plaka
Taverna Klimataria – Old-World Charm & Greek Comfort Food
Operating since 1927, Klimataria is full of character, with a vine-covered courtyard and live traditional music on many nights. Come for slow-cooked casseroles and soulful Greek hospitality.
📍 Theatrou Square
Oinomageiremata – Modern Taverna with Traditional Roots
Located in the up-and-coming Psyrri area, this modern-meets-classic taverna offers beautifully prepared Greek favourites with a slightly elevated touch—without losing the homestyle essence.
📍 Kalogrioni Street, Psyrri
Tavern Akrovatis – Live Music & Local Vibes
A beloved local hangout known for its meze, grilled meats, and cheerful atmosphere. There's often live rebetiko music in the evenings, making it a great spot for an authentic Greek night out.
📍 Psyrri
A SENSORY GUIDE OF THE DESTINATION
We’re here to book the best accommodation for your trip, the best guides and drivers, and to make sure you receive top-quality service every step of the way. But there’s one thing we can’t do for you — and that’s to truly feel and sense the destination by being present in the moment.
To help you get a real feel for the place and take home a fully sensory travel memory, we’re sending you a few suggestions on how to experience the heartbeat of the destination.Find a moment to fit them into your trip, and you’ll enjoy a more holistic experience — one you’ll never forget.
👁️ See
Stand at Syntagma Square and watch the Evzones perform their slow, deliberate changing of the guard — every movement a tribute to tradition. Stroll down Ermou Street and let your eyes wander over neoclassical facades, modern storefronts, and street art that tells stories of revolution, resilience, and youth.
👃 Smell
Follow the scent of roasted chestnuts and koulouri from street vendors. Walk into the heart of Varvakios Market, where the air is rich with the aroma of fresh oregano, cured meats, and the metallic tang of fish laid out on ice.
👂 Hear
Let the city speak to you — the murmur of taxi drivers debating politics, the hum of a busker’s bouzouki, the sound of church bells mingling with the call of street sellers. In quieter corners, listen to the rustling of olive trees in hidden courtyards..
👅 Taste
Pause at a traditional kafeneio for a Greek coffee, thick and gritty, with a spoonful of glyko tou koutaliou (spoon sweet) on the side. Sample a koulouri warm from the oven, or dig into a plate of souvlaki wrapped in pita, dripping with tzatziki.
✋ Touch
Run your fingers across sun-warmed marble steps on Philopappos Hill. Feel the worn coins at Monastiraki Flea Market, passed from hand to hand for generations. Lean against a cool stone wall in Plaka and feel the contrast between the ancient and the alive.
🧠 Feel
Close your eyes in the Ancient Agora and imagine Socrates walking past. Stand before the Parthenon and let 3,000 years of history wash over you like a wave. Let your pace slow, and sense the rhythm of a city that has mastered the art of balancing chaos and calm.