Before my arrival I’d quizzed my Athenian friends for their insider knowledge; I really wanted to uncover the beauty of Athens. I’d been told to stay near Kolonaki Square – a trendy, buzzing neighbourhood full of good food and boutique shops. I’d rested on Agistri Island and I was now ready to rock and roll. Here is my Insider’s Guide to Athens.
Stephanie Hunt
Stephanie Hunt immersed herself in the history & culture of Athens, Greece. Image © Stephanie Hunt
St. George Lycabettus Boutique Hotel is a beautiful base. The cute rooftop pool and bar are spotted with white pots of geraniums – just like my granddad has. The restaurant view is just as impressive – you can eat your eggs while taking in the panoramic view of the Acropolis.
St. George Lycabettus Boutique Hotel
The rooftop pool at St George Athens Lycabettus Hotel. Image © Stephanie Hunt
Breakfast with a view at St George Athens Lycabettus Hotel. Image © Stephanie Hunt
Hike Lycabettus Hill
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The hotel is nestled against the slopes of Lycabettus Hill – which is well worth hiking purely for the view of Athens. Half the fun is walking up there amongst the Athenians.
Mums, dads, kids, grandparents, young lovers, and dogs, all push forward with their arms folded behind their backs, talking about the meaning of life.
If the hike is too much, or you’ve eaten too much baklava and can’t move, you can always opt for the cable car.
Post-hike, you’ve definitely earned yourself a cocktail or two. Head to Galaxy Restaurant & Bar on the Hilton Hotel rooftop for sunset drinks.
Acropolis of Athens. Image © Stephanie Hunt
The Acropolis
Get set for the beauty of Greek ruins. The Acropolis and its monuments form the greatest architectural complex left by Greek antiquity to the world.
Plans for The Acropolis were put in place in the second half of the 5th Century BC after Athens had just thrashed the Persians. Around the same time a democracy had been established.
The Parthenon and the small temple Athena Nike are my highlights.
Anafiotika Cafe, Athens: Where Athenians cool off over a home made lemonade. Image © Stephanie Hunt
Stroll Around Anafiotika
For its size, the heart of Athens is actually quite easy to walk around – but it is hot.
On the way down from the Acropolis I took a stroll through Anafiotika, a 19th-century neighborhood on the northern slopes of the Acropolis hill.
Anafiotika seems far removed – it’s almost as if you’ve entered a long-lost land. Bougainvilleas climb whitewashed walls and cats pounce from balcony to balcony.
Cafes are squeezed in between endless runs of stairs.
Anafiotika Café was always packed with locals – a good sign. It offers traditional Greek food, hearty salads, great coffee, homemade lemonade, and a free shot on departure.
The waiter told me the name Stephanie is Greek, and it means Crowned One. He also suggested we were probably cousins. What’s not to like about that?
Visit the Museum of Cycladic Art
Another good tip from my local mates – check out the Museum of Cycladic Art.
Here you can see bits and pieces from the 3rd millennium BC. Unbelievable.
Athens Shopping
Finally, what’s a trip to Greece without dropping some cash at the shops?
Plaqa and Syntagma Square in the center of town have the staples like Massimo Dutti and Zara.
Kolonaki has a few of the big chains, like Sisley, but also lots of little boutiques and family-owned stores.
Step into the past at Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. Image © Stephanie Hunt
Graffito, the first concept store in Athens, serves healthy snacks and great Greek coffee while you shop. Image © Stephanie Hunt
My favourite is Graffito just near Kolonaki Square.
I walked past the shop on its opening day and instantly fell in love with the clothes, shoes, homeware, and friendly staff. There’s everything from locally designed bags and shoes to leather lounges and film set lights to a cute little cactus collection.
The raw food cafe serves excellent coffee and top-notch gluten-free chocolate pie.
Don’t forget to ask to look at the kooky artwork in the back patio. The staff had to literally push me out of the store at closing time.
Fashion, furniture and fresh, healthy food come together at Graffito, Athens. Image © Stephanie Hunt
Grab a gift and a piece of raw cake at Graffito, Athens. Image © Stephanie Hunt
Delicious coffee and raw cake at Graffito, Athens Image © Stephanie Hunt
Another cute little food surprise is Era Nuts.
Past the old, heavy wooden doors is a magical display of nuts, herbs, spices, and sweets.
Almonds, cashews, dried fruits, and your healthy fare are presented in tall glass bottles along with an evil selection of chocolates, baklava, homemade honeycomb, and Turkish delight.
Of course, wine and spirits are also on offer. Heaven.
From Athens, there is so much more of Greece to see:
Take a short trip from Athens city to Eleusis, an ancient city with a mysterious story.
Also near Athens is the gorgeous Agistri Island.
Jump on a plane and discover all the amazing things to do in Mykonos.
Spend a few romantic days in Santorini and try these Santorini hikes.
Local and delicious products from Era Nuts, Athens. Image © Stephanie Hunt
Stephanie Hunt is an Australian journalist based in Sydney. She is also the creator and host of the podcast ‘And We’re Rolling’, where she interviews female industry leaders to find out what scares them and how they find the grit to do it anyway.
Steph and her husband also created Habari Productions – a photographic, storytelling, and travel hub. Together they’ve explored places like Syria, Iran, and Mongolia and spent 2012 living with Africa’s most remote tribes.