Long shunned by tourists who swore by the islands, the Greek capital is now asserting itself as a vibrant city, with a dynamic gastronomic scene and a lively artistic scene in every district. Not to mention its mild winter climate. A cocktail that makes it one of today's most glamorous cities! Proof in 5 places.

LE MODERNIST - AN ELEGANT PORT OF CALL

In the heart of the cool Kolonaki district, this hotel - a stone's throw from the metro and barely more from the famous Syntagma Square - is located on the site of the former Canadian embassy. Behind a modernist charcoal-gray façade lie 38 rooms with balconies, dressed in black and white, with no detail overlooked: all have 4-star bedding, a selection of books on the shelves and Marshall speakers, the grail for music lovers. On the first floor, a bar and a photo collection illustrate the creativity of the young Greek scene. And on the roof, a rooftop with panoramic views of the Acropolis and Lycabette Hill.
IOANNOU GENNADIOU 4
THEMODERNISTHOTELS.COM

ALEKOS FASSIANOS MUSEUM - A CONFIDENTIAL ADDRESS

Painter, poet, writer, designer, ceramist... Alekos Fassianos is probably one of the most important artists on the Greek scene. Since 2023, a museum has been dedicated to him in place of the family home, renovated by his architect friend Kyriakos Krokos. The building overlooks the street and is rather austere on the outside, but is full of charm and poetry on the inside, lit by skylights. On two levels, you'll discover the artist's paintings, drawings and sculptures, as well as sketches displayed in showcases and some previously unseen pieces of furniture. A total work of art, since the painter even designed the door handles and staircase banister! And don't miss a visit to his studio in the adjoining building, which has remained intact.
NEOFITOU METAXA 15
ALEKOSFASSIANOS.GR

RESTAURANT LINOU SOUMPASIS K SIA - HELLENIC AUDACITY

This is one of Athens' most delightful eateries, combining Greek cuisine revisited with modernity and minimalist anodized aluminum décor, and it's a popular spot for lunch and dinner. Needless to say, the terrace, set along a square in the Psyri district, is in demand as soon as the mercury rises. Chef Lukas Mailer's dishes are as generous as they are delicious: white tarama with warm homemade naan, red shrimp ceviche with lemon, raw bonito on a bed of cauliflower, exquisite bottarga pasta. Of course, the menu changes from month to month, as the chef is a stickler for seasonal produce.
2 MELANTHIOU STREET, ATHENS

RESTAURANT PHARAOH - A NEO WINE BAR

In the alternative district of Exarcheia, where street art is displayed in majesty on most buildings, this neo-bistro opened a few months ago and ticks all the boxes, between its brutalist design - concrete ceilings and pillars - and its wood-fired dishes. A good combo to come and sit at the bar while watching the brigade prepare impeccable mezzés: tarama with bottarga, steamed green beans with peach strips and crumbled feta, red mullet or red shrimp ceviche... A tempting menu and a fine cellar of natural wines.
SOLOMOU 54
PHARAOH.GR

GALERIE THE BREEDER - A CROSS-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Behind a heavy metal door lies one of Athens' most cutting-edge galleries, nestled in a former ice-cream factory in the Metaxourgeio district. The owners, who participate in numerous international art fairs, exhibit all media without hierarchy, from painting and sculpture to photography and installation. Works by two of its artists, Panos Profitis and Eleni Psyllaki, hang on the walls of the latest Ace Hotel in Glyfada.
IASONOS 45
THEBREEDERSYSTEM.COM