Athens culture mix

From Ancient Athens to Street Art, it’s just a hop!

When you think of Athens, the Acropolis featuring the Parthenon at the top always springs to mind. The monument ranks as one the seventh wonders of the Ancient world. For obvious reasons, when your eye first catches the monument, perched on its sacred rock. If your visit of the Greek capital includes only one monument, do not skip the Acropolis. It really is a magical place. While lingering within the building, try to picture and breathe the history of the place. I promise, you will fall for it ! Approximately one million tourists visit the Parthenon every year but if you can avoid the peak summer months, get up early, book your ticket online and be at the gates by 9 am, you’ll experience what happiness really is! The stones up there are part of the history of the world, and you are about to step into it.

 

Open air Street Art stroll. When we say “Street Art”, New York, Paris, London or Berlin always come to mind. Yet, Athens features a great deal of it as well. This form of art emerged in the 90’s but only forged its identity very recently with the economic crisis greatly enhancing the creative energy and transforming Athens into what the New York Times called Europe’s mecca of Street Art”. So go ahead and get lost!

Metaxourgio is one of the most original district of central Athens: it is popular, run down with narrow pedestrian streets crossing major roads. The area boasts a lot of good quality Street Art, cafés, theaters. Don’t miss Paramithias Salaminas, Leonidou, Keramikou Streets which are worth a visit. Half way through Keramikou, you’ll come across a square featuring a former plant, now renovated, where the famous Metaxi silk used to be woven. Before leaving the area, walk along Lasonos Street, a pedestrian street featuring ramshackle neoclassical houses, topped with weird lamps marking the entrance to some rather odd houses.

Gazi includes the area around Keromikos metro station and the former gas station that gave its name to the district. At night, Gazi is an open-air bar. At daytime, it’s a lovely place to discover with its modest workers ‘s lodgings and gas plant from the late 19th century. It was closed in the early 80’s and reopened as a public place after complete renovation. With a lot of Street Art here and there, Gazi is really worth a visit.The central market around Athinas Street is a must. Try to be there before 2 pm to get the most of it. Then, walk off Athinas street and discover the myriad of supply stalls, packed up with ropes, knobs, screws, straps and soles. Head for Evripidou Street and enter the world of spices. Don’t miss the superb view from Mount Lycabettus: a limestone hill facing several landmarks of the city: the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hellenic Parliament and the Acropolis.

Athens, an unexpected culinary delight

Crossroads between mystical Orient and Occident, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Greece boasts a rich culinary tradition and culture, superbly blending local products with various influences, from abundant olive oil to the Silk and Spice routes, from Mediterranean herbs to Italian refinement, not to mention oriental addictive scents.

Our Best Addresses

Kalamaki Kolonaki, this small restaurant with terrace on the street at the foot of Lycabettus Hill is a marvel.

Stinking Bishop, delicious and imaginative, a very pleasant place in Kolonaki, for a dinner for two.

Funky Gourmet, in the area of Keramikos, a starred restaurant, original, fine, unique and exceptional. Booking essential. Funkygourmet.com

The Hotel Grande Bretagne and its unforgettable terrace for a glass of champagne at sunset or for a romantic dinner! But also a cult hotel for a stay out of time. A great spa and a rooftop pool for a lunch with magnificent views of the Acropolis and Athens.

The Fresh Hotel is decidedly in our century with its urban design and very spacious rooms. Pool and roof terrace, just beautiful! Close to the central market. freshhotel.gr

Not to mention Vasilikis, the square in the center where we meet for a joyful aperitif or dinner with friends. You’ll be spoiled for choice among a range of bars and restaurants. Our favorite is the Rock & Balls, a “café - restaurant - bar” depending on the time of day, in an industrial style “Bauhaus Revival”. Open from morning to morning, he offers creative cuisine - try the Asian specialties Balls & Rolls - original cocktails in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. rocknballs.gr

Acropolis Ticket online reservations: http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/etickets/ticketing.php Editorial & images by Fabrice Vallon Traduction Denis Dessapt Laroze