Cheap souvlaki, hidden tavernas, zero-waste restaurants and world-class cocktails – unlock the best of the Greek capital.
In Athens, it's easy to plan your days around exploring the historical wonders that line its every corner. But beyond the relics are a swathe of brilliant bars, charming tavernas and elite hotels that should nicely intersperse any itinerary. From three-euro souvlaki to ultra-inventive tasting menus, this is your go-to guide to Athens.
Where to snack
While the Acropolis is a no-brainer for most first-timers, those in-the-know will head to the other two central hills for superior views overlooking the Parthenon. At the base of one of these – Philopappos Hill – hole-in-the-wall Kolouri Bake House is the spot for a pre-climb feta and spinach filo pie or a namesake kolouri – a traditional Greek sesame-crusted bagel. Lycabettus Hill is the other, and home to Kora, which doles out delicious, piping hot coffee and moreish pastries stuffed with spicy cured sausage, cheese and potato.
Enjoy a three euro souvlaki at Lefteris o Politis
No trip to Greece is complete without souvlaki. Follow the crowd to Kosta, whose queue snakes all over the city centre. Fear not: it does move fast, and punters are generously rewarded with pockets of pillowy pita, filled with seared pork or beef, seasoned tomato and French fries.
Not keen on the queue? Slip down a side street to Lefteris o Politis. Opened in 1951 by Turkish refugee Stavros Savvoglou, this rustic spot is now run by his children, but the menu hasn't changed since day one, serving long meatball-style kebabs topped with paprika, all for under three euros.
For something traditional
Tavernas are the lifeblood of traditional Greek food. Tucked into a narrow courtyard, Avli hits all the right notes: hearty plates, warm and welcoming no-frills interiors and the occasional stray snoozing on an empty chair. Go for the crusty bread with velvety tzatziki, courgette fritters and saucy soutzouki – traditional Greek sausage – with seasoned fries. 
Head to O Lolos for a serious line-up of dips and traditional Greek dishes
While wandering the buzzy streets of Koukaki, drop by O Lolos for dinner. This taverna spills out onto the street, dishing up a simple but heavy-hitting menu that covers most of the classics. Seafood is the specialty, with platters of crisp, fried squid in varying sizes, depending on the size of the day's catch. There are also next-level dips: spicy feta, roasted aubergine with chilli or skordalia (mashed potato and garlic). Wash down with an ice-cold beer or a glass of Greek white wine for maximum enjoyment.
Memorable tasting menus
Just as Athens is known for its streetside eats, its fine dining hits just as hard. At Delta, meals unfold over 10-14 courses, guided by a hyper-sustainable ethos with ingredients almost entirely taken from its farm in Mesogeia. Like the artwork hanging on its walls, Delta's dishes are just as thoughtfully put together, such as the wild sea buckthorn with burnt butter and fermented seeds, made to resemble a poppy. Go for the wine pairing to fully explore Delta's two cellars, filled with Adriatic gems.
Soil's tasting menu is grounded in eco-concious principles
Inside a neoclassical mansion just steps from the Panathenaic Stadium, Soil follows a similar eco-conscious philosophy. Chef Tasos Mantis (whose CV includes stints at The Fat Duck, Geranium and Hof Van Cleve) has created a theatrical, memorable and uniquely Greek menu. A squid course, for example, arrives as a thinly sliced, perfect hemisphere enhanced by basil, fennel pollen and dressed with micro flowers. Dessert is no less intriguing: try the melon with horseradish, capers and native hyssop herbs, served in a custom-made hollow ceramic in the shape of the fruit.
Where to drink
The last 10 years has seen Athens' bar scene grow from a side note to one of Europe's most exciting. Behind that push is one particular bar, Baba Au Rum, often featured among The World's 50 Best Bars. Here, rum-based, tropical cocktails are king: start with the Zombie Rendition, made with a blend of five different rums, tropical juices, dry orange curaçao, falernum, spices and bitters. From its experimental section, you won't want to miss the beetroot-infused Beatnik Paloma No.3.
Baba Au Rum has helped spearhead a new era for Greek cocktail bars
A short hop away, The Bar in Front of the Bar's dual-concept approach continues to turn heads, landing a debut on The World's 50 Best Bars list in 2025. Seats are alfresco at this street-facing bar, specialising in supremely crushable, low-waste creations. Just eight cocktails are on offer each night, made using residual ingredients from its indoor sister venue, Rumble in the Jungle. Outside, it's all about lively, al fresco drinking, while inside delivers an experimental menu dares to get a bit funky. The C.R.E.A.M, for instance, combines tsipouro – a traditional, house-made brandy – and mastiha with a warm frothy top of coconut foam infused with white chocolate, lemon and tonka bean.
The Bar in Front of the Bar and Rumble in the Jungle bring together indoor and outdoor drinking in one spot
Just 10 minutes out of the city is Line, set within a former art gallery. The USP at this warehouse-style bar is the on-site lab, where no ingredient or offcut goes to waste. Expect everything from strawberry 'wines' to margarita made with tequila, mustard, ketchup potato water and spices, alongside prawn sandos with house-made kimchi.
Where to stay
The Dolli began its life as a private mansion in the early 20th century before it became a hotel in 2023. In contrast with the antiquity surrounding it, the hotel's rooms are decked out with minimalist furnishings, modern artwork and bathrooms which lean into a palatial, marble-encased vibe. At the hotel's bar, even more artwork – including original Picassos – bring the space to life. Its rooftop restaurant, directly overlooking Hadrian's Library, is worth a visit for the views alone. 
Astir Palace has been loved by luxury travellers since the 1960s
Just 30 minutes outside of the city, Astir Palace has been a titan within the luxury hotel scene since the 1960s. Under Four Seasons' stewardship today, privacy and serenity are its cornerstones, with spacious light-filled suites, a multitude of pools and three private beaches offering views across the Athenian Riviera. When it comes to amenities, there's plenty of choice: 10 restaurants and bars, including fine dining Pelagos and cocktail spot Avra. If you're game to get your heartrate up, there's padel and tennis courts, sea kayaking and guided tours of ancient Greek sites.
Discover more fantastic restaurants, bars and hotels with 50 Best Discovery, and start planning your next adventure.
