Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Cape Sounion is one of the most beautiful and meaningful excursions from Athens.

Located at the southernmost tip of Attica, approximately 70 kilometres from the city centre, Sounion is where the Athenian coastline ends dramatically above the Aegean Sea. At the highest point of the cape stands the Temple of Poseidon, one of Greece’s most iconic ancient monuments.

The temple was built between 444 and 440 BCE, during the Golden Age of Athens, and was dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea. Its position was no coincidence. Standing around 60 metres above the water and surrounded by the sea on three sides, the sanctuary served as both a religious landmark and a powerful symbol for sailors approaching Atti

plaka

Plaka is Athens’ most famous historic neighbourhood and one of the most atmospheric areas in the city.

Located beneath the Acropolis, it is filled with neoclassical houses, Byzantine churches, narrow pedestrian streets, cafés, tavernas and small shops. The official Athens guide recommends exploring it by simply wandering through its lanes and enjoying unexpected views of the Acropolis between the buildings.

Plaka is ideal for a first visit, particularly for couples and families who want to stay within walking distance of the main archaeological sites.

The busiest streets can feel touristy, but quieter corners around Anafiotika and the upper part of Plaka retain extraordinary charm.

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Koukaki 

Koukaki is one of my favourite recommendations for travellers who want to feel close to the Acropolis without staying in the busiest tourist streets. The opening of the Acropolis Museum and the pedestrian route connecting the city’s ancient monuments helped transform Koukaki into one of Athens’ most fashionable neighbourhoods. Today it offers excellent cafés, bakeries, wine bars, restaurants and boutique accommodation in a relaxed residential setting. Koukaki works especially well for couples, families and repeat visitors.

Kolonaki

Kolonaki is the sophisticated side of central Athens. Located beneath Lycabettus Hill, it is known for designer boutiques, elegant cafés, art galleries, stylish restaurants and some of the city’s most prestigious residential streets. It is a strong choice for travellers who value shopping, dining and a more polished atmosphere. It is also close to the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Benaki Museum. Kolonaki feels more local and refined than Plaka or Monastiraki, although reaching the Acropolis usually requires a longer walk or short taxi ride.

Psyrri

Athens’ liveliest evening neighbourhoods. By day, its streets are filled with workshops, cafés, street art and small shops. By night, the area becomes a centre for restaurants, bars, live music and social life. It is an excellent choice for travellers interested in food and nightlife, but it is better suited to adults than to families seeking quiet evenings.

Pangrati

Pangrati is one of the best areas for travellers who want to experience contemporary local Athens. The neighbourhood is filled with cafés, modern tavernas, bakeries, wine bars and small restaurants. It is also close to the Panathenaic Stadium and within a reasonable distance of Syntagma and the National Garden. Pangrati has become increasingly popular among food lovers and creative Athenians and offers a more residential atmosphere than the historic centre. The official Athens guide lists it among the city’s key neighbourhoods to explore.

The Acropolis

No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis. Rising above the city, it is home to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea. Beyond their architectural importance, these monuments offer one of the most powerful visual experiences in Europe. I recommend visiting early in the morning, particularly between June and September. The site becomes hot and crowded later in the day, and the softer morning light makes the experience far more enjoyable. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and avoid planning a long outdoor walk immediately afterwards during the hottest months.

The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum should be considered an essential part of the Acropolis experience rather than an optional addition. Its galleries provide historical and artistic context for the monuments above, while the top-floor Parthenon Gallery is aligned with the Parthenon itself. The museum also includes the Museum of the Excavation, where visitors can see remains of the ancient neighbourhood discovered beneath the building. A good itinerary is to visit the archaeological site first thing in the morning and continue to the museum before lunch.

What to Eat

Souvlaki and gyros

These are essential Athens street foods, but quality varies. Look for busy establishments with a high turnover rather than choosing only by location.

Koulouri

A sesame bread ring sold at bakeries and street stands, ideal for a simple breakfast or snack.

Spanakopita and cheese pies

Athens has excellent traditional bakeries where handmade pies are filled with spinach, feta, wild greens or other cheeses.

Greek meze

Order several dishes to share, such as fava, grilled vegetables, local cheeses, meatballs, octopus and seasonal salads.

What to Eat

Greek meze

Order several dishes to share, such as fava, grilled vegetables, local cheeses, meatballs, octopus and seasonal salads.

Moussaka and pastitsio

These classic oven dishes are best enjoyed in a good traditional restaurant rather than a highly commercial tourist taverna.

Fresh fish and seafood

For seafood, the Riviera, Piraeus and neighbourhood fish restaurants generally offer stronger experie

Modern Greek cuisine

Athens is now one of the best cities in Greece for creative interpretations of traditional ingredients, from tasting menus to relaxed neobistros.

The Best Areas for Dining

Syntagma and the historic centre offer fine dining, rooftops and convenient options near the main hotels.

Psyrri and Monastiraki are best for casual food, meze, street food and energetic evenings.

Kolonaki offers elegant restaurants, polished cafés and modern European or Greek cuisine.

Pangrati has one of the city’s most exciting collections of contemporary neighbourhood restaurants.

Koukaki combines wine bars, modern tavernas and quality casual dining.

The Athens Riviera is ideal for seafood, sunset dining and high-end restaurants by the water.

Concrete Restaurant Recommendations

Athénée

A stylish and historic meeting point close to Syntagma, suitable for breakfast, lunch, coffee or evening drinks.

Tudor Hall

Located at the King George hotel, Tudor Hall offers refined dining and one of the city’s best views of the Acropolis. It is particularly appropriate for a romantic dinner or special celebration.

GB Roof Garden

The rooftop restaurant of Hotel Grande Bretagne combines polished service with panoramic views over Syntagma and the Acropolis.

Cookoovaya

Known for modern Greek cooking and high-quality ingredients, this is a strong choice for travellers seeking contemporary cuisine without a formal tasting-menu format.

Concrete Restaurant Recommendations

CTC Urban Gastronomy

A creative fine-dining restaurant offering a carefully constructed tasting experience. It is suitable for serious food lovers and should be booked well in advance.

Delta

Located at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Delta offers one of Athens’ most ambitious fine-dining experiences.

Spondi

One of Athens’ established fine-dining institutions, known for refined cuisine and a romantic courtyard setting.

Oikonomou

A classic taverna in Petralona, appreciated for traditional Greek dishes and an atmosphere that feels connected to old Athens.

Karamanlidika tou Fani

A popular choice for cured meats, cheeses, meze and flavours influenced by the food traditions of Greeks from Asia Minor

Shopping in Athens

Ermou Street

Ermou is Athens’ principal central shopping street.

It connects Syntagma with Monastiraki and contains international fashion chains, footwear stores and cosmetics brands.

Voukourestiou Street and Kolonaki

This is the strongest central area for luxury brands, jewellery, Greek designers and elegant boutiques.

Kolonaki’s side streets are also worth exploring for fashion, homeware and art.

Monastiraki

Monastiraki is better for vintage objects, leather goods, records, antiques and souvenirs.

Quality can vary, so it is worth comparing several shops before buying.