Kolonaki, Athens guide

A stroll through Kolonaki reveals Neoclassical and modern architecture and plenty of historic corners to explore. Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St Dionysius the Areopagite, then wander the grounds of the Gennadius Library. If you’re interested in Athens’ counter-cultural past, head to Dexameni Square’s ‘ouzeri’ (Greek tavern), where intellectuals gathered in the 1930s.

Kolonaki is known for its cafe culture. And in this historically aristocratic neighbourhood, where you go for coffee says a lot about the company you keep. Fashionistas can be found furthest from Kolonaki Square, mainly around Milioni and Kapsali streets, while politicos gather near Tsakalof Street. Interested in the city’s literati? You’ll find them at the cafes along Skoufa Street.

Lycabettus Hill is Athens’ highest point, offering panoramic views over the city from its summit. It’s also home to the 18th-century Church of Agios Georgios. The quickest way up the hill is by a cable car that passes through a tunnel. Consider walking on the way back down to make the most of the scenery.

Audio-visual exhibits and staff-led demonstrations make the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology a great choice for families. And the Hellenic Children’s Museum is full of interactive games and exhibits that encourage young imaginations. In need of some outdoor fun? Hit the playgrounds by Dexameni Square or just above Deinokratous Street.

Discover some of Athens’ most famous museums in Kolonaki, including the Museum of Cycladic Art, the War Museum Athens and the Byzantine and Christian Museum. If learning about Greek history and culture gets your juices flowing, don’t miss the Benaki Museum. It showcases over 100,000 artefacts from the Bronze Age to World War II.

The cafes around Kolonaki Square are prime spots to enjoy people-watching over a flaky slice of ‘spanakopita’ (savoury spinach and feta pie). For larger meals, you’ll find casual and high-end restaurants offering everything from international cuisine to Mediterranean classics. Craving local flavours? One of the best restaurants in Kolonaki for Greek comfort food is Filippou, open since 1923.

After dark, Kolonaki offers a taste of the Athens high life with a sophisticated lineup of cocktail bars, lounges and exclusive clubs. Nightlife here is more about getting glammed up for the evening than all-night partying. But Skoufa Street’s collection of late-night watering holes provides plenty of options if you’ve got the energy to go bar-hopping.

Kolonaki is one of Athens’ go-to shopping districts, especially for luxury brands. Voukourestiou Street and Patriarchou Ioakim Street are known for their chic boutiques. And Skoufa Street has a wide variety of designer retailers, big-name brands and galleries. If you’re on the hunt for local souvenirs, stop by Kombologadiko, where traditional ‘komboloi’ (worry beads) have been sold since 1988.

Lace up your running shoes and join the Lycabettus Run, an annual race in February that ends at the top of Lycabettus Hill. Looking for something less strenuous? Plan your visit between June and July for the Athens Photo Festival, Greece’s longest-running annual photography festival, which has exhibits at the Benaki Museum.