FREE ATHENS people & the city
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ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS Unforgettable summer evenings under the Acropolis Οdeon of Herodes Atticus, the Roman conservatory built under the Acropolis in the 2nd century BC, is considered one of the most emblematic theatres in the world. Since 1955, w hen the Athens Festival began, Odeon of Herodes Atticus has hosted legends of the world’s artistic scene: Maria Callas, Herbert von Karajan, Igor Stravinsky, Rudolf Nureyev and Leonard Bernstein, are just a few. This summer, great symphony orchestras, iconic classical music soloists and concerts with artists of high caliber from the international stage promise to offer the audience unique musical experiences.
Classical music at Odeon of Herodes Atticus All performances start at 21:00 Yuja Wang - Gustavo Gimeno - Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra // Works by Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Shostakovich, Stravinsky | 17 June
A unique partnership at the first major concert of classical music in this year’s Festival program: the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Gustavo Gimeno, with the great Chinese pianist Yuja Wang. The superstar of piano has conquered the public with her explosive performance.
Leonidas Kavakos - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Works by Mendelssohn, Mozart, Beethoven | 22 June
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Europe’s most long-lived orchestras, joins forces with the top violinist and conductor in one of the most important musical events of this summer.
Yo-Yo Ma The Bach Project 6 Bach suites for cello, unaccompanied | 30 June
The world’s greatest cellist makes Athens one of the 36 stations on his world tour. The top artist will perform the 6 Bach suites for cello, unaccompanied, at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus for one night only. The Bach Project began in August 2018 and takes place in emblematic venues all over the world. The audience has often enjoyed Yo-Yo Ma in the contemporary music scene, as he has collaborated with artists such as Carlos Santana, Phillips Glass, Bobby Mc Ferrin and others.
Anne Teresa De Keersmaek-
er, Jean-Guihen Queyras / Rosas // In the midst of life we are in death / 6 Bach cello suites | 2 July
An anthem in modern dance. An anthem to Bach’s emblematic work. Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, the most important living choreographer, presents, along with the Rosas group the 6 Cello suites of her beloved Bach for a unique evening on the 2nd of July at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. A special performance called by the critics “an ideal marriage between Bach and the Rosas” and “the ultimate moment of grace and beauty”. The suites are performed by the great French cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, who is renowned for his musical versatility. “He plays as he breathes”, critics have to say about him, while the audience is in anticipation of his appearances around the world.
Riccardo Muti Ravenna Festival - Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra - The Roads of Friendship | 9 July
The internationally acclaimed conductor Riccardo Muti returns to Athens and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus after 11 years with the Streets of Friendship, a concert for the universality of the musical language. One of the most important conductors in the world, Muti has conducted leading orchestras, and has a long-term and close cooperation with the Salzburg Festival. Under Muti’s baton, Italian and Greek musicians and choristers will present together the popular Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, highlighting the appeal for brotherhood featuring at the “Ode to Joy”.
Maxim Vengerov - Stefanos Tsialis - Athens State Orchestra // Works by Brahms and Dvořák | 16 July
In the face of Maxim Vengerov, the world audience recognises one of the most important violinists and a restless musical spirit. His wider culture and sensitivity make each one of his appearances anywhere in the world, a unique artistic event.
EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL A unique experience in one of the oldest theatres in the world! Built in the 4th century BC in the Argolis mountains, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is famous all over the world for its unparalleled and perfect acoustics. The Epidaurus Festival completes over 65 years of life and hosts performances of ancient drama by Greek and international troupes. Household names on the global stage have been hosted on it, such as Maria Callas, directors Peter Hall and Peter Stein, actors Helen Mirren, Fiona Shaw, Kevin Spacey, Ethan Hawke, choreographer Pina Bausch.
ATHENS EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL 2019
Getting there The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is located at the archaeological site of Asklipeio, a half-hour drive from Nafplio and about two hours from Athens. Buses going directly to the Ancient Theatre depart from Syntagma Square.
International appearances at the 2019 Epidaurus Festival All performances have English surtitles and start at 21:00 Robert Wilson // Oedipus - based on the work of Sophocles | 21-22 June
A performance where new technologies combine uniquely with the ancient scenery. Wilson, one of the most iconic artists of theatre and visual arts, creates a magical universe, composing in a unique way lights, scenery and movement. With the participation of an international troupe and Lydia Koniordou as the Greek narrator.
Comédie-Française Ivo van Hove Electra / Orestes by Euripides 26-27 July
One of the greatest artistic events of this summer! Ivo van Hove, an iconic director of our time, and ComédieFrançaise, founde in 1680 by the actors of Molière, the world’s oldest active troupe, join forces in a strong performance of the two major works of Euripides, which premiered in Paris, drawing glorious reviews. The New York Times wrote “forget Game of Thrones. No one does violence like Euripides”.
Municipal and Regional Theatre of Patras - Stavros Tsakiris // Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus: starring Kathryn Hunter 9-10 August
A show-event, closing the Epidaurus Festival 2019 in he best possible way. The award-winning actor Kathryn Hunter meets her Greek roots reading Prometheus at Municipal and Regional Theatre of Patras performance, directed by Stavros Tsakiris. Hunter has won world recognition by interpreting major male roles, such as King Lear or Cyrano de Bergerac. Prometheus Bound will be a milestone in her career as she will not only appear for the first time in Epidaurus, but she will also perform for the first time in Greek.
i See all the performances of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival on the Festival’s website, greekfestival.gr Tickets: greekfestival.gr ticketmaster.gr +30 210 8938112 Athens & Epidaurus Festival main box office: Panepistimiou 39 (inside Stoa Pesmazoglou), Monday-Friday 10:00 -16:00, Saturday 10:00-15:00 Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus Monday to Thursday 10:00 -13:00 & Friday to Saturday 10:30-21:30
We did not intend to publish another guide, like those you will find in a bookstore or in an information kiosk. We wanted to create a free press to talk about Athens in a more realistic way. As travelers ourselves, we enjoy finding interesting guides and magazines to read in every destination. This is a good way to explore the culture and enter the reality of the place we visit. That’s why we thought it would be a good idea to create something like this for you. Our articles try to show you Athens beyond clichés and reproductions of formal pictures. We aim to share with you -even a little bit- the soul and the identity of the city that will host you for a few days or more. We want to show you details that deserve your attention, streets that are ideal for long walks, neighborhoods that if you hadn’t read about, you would have not visited. The articles in the magazine you hold, are written by the creators of the monthly free press “I Poli Zei” (The City is alive/The City Lives) which is being realeased the last 6 years in the streets of Athens. “I Poli Zei” is a free press with a different philosophy and its own state of mind, created by people who enjoy speaking the truth and dealing the issues with honesty and simplicity.
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4, Korai str. MEMORIAL SITE 1941-1944 The building which is placed at 4, Korai Str. was built in 1938 by “Τhe Ethniki” Insurance Company. Immediately after the invasion of German troops in Athens, in 1941, it was commanded by the German administration. The basements of the building were used during the German occupation as the Kommandatur detention facility. In the detention chambers, a large number of spike scriptures and inscriptions of the people who passed through these spaces in the period 1941-1944 are preserved, and through their “narrations”, they have bequeathed an important part of modern history of Greece to the next generations. The “Memorial Site 1941-1944” functions as a Monument open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, during the hours: 9: 00-14: 00.
The “Memorial Site 19411944” and the Art Space “STOart KORAI” at 4, Korai str., operate within the framework of the Corporate Social Responsibility of “The Ethniki” Insurance Company, the largest and a longer-lasting insurance company in Greece. These areas reflect company’s beliefs in the values of art and culture.
More information:
www.korai4.gr facebook.com/Korai4
www.stoart.gr facebook.com/stoartkorai
Art Space “STOart KORAI” The Art Space “STOart KORAI” was founded in 2015 with the aim of becoming an oasis of artistic creation in the center of Athens. Renowned and young artists have the opportunity to exhibit their work without commercial exploitation and to get in touch with the art lovers. Till these days, dozens of individual and group exhibitions have been hosted. The Venue is Open from Monday to Friday, during the hours: 10: 00-20: 00. In August, it is closed.
FREE ATHENS
find your way among the suggestions we make!
On the right pages of the magazine you will find our suggestions for your stay in Athens. Places we think you should visit, because each of them has their own quality and vibe. Places that we ourselves visit every day for our coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner or drink. Take a look! We are sure that you will find more than one which suit you!
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Meet people. Nothing is better than talking to people, getting to know them, listen to their stories. Knowing the people means that you know the city. Take a walk in the streets, talk to locals, observe scenery and the buildings, the details. The beautiful and the tough aspects of reality. Join us to feel the cohesion of the city, its contrasts and its identity. Whatever is real is nice, isn’t it? Have fun!
KOTSANAS MUSEUM
http://kotsanasmuseum.com | fb: @KotsanasMuseumOfAncientGreekTechnology | Instagram: @kotsanasmuseum
Are you ready to explore Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology? In a historic Art Nouveau building at the very heart of Athens, we present more than 145 functional inventions through our exhibition “Ancient Greece – The Origins of Technologies”. From the robot-servant of Philon to the Hydraulic Clock of Ktesibios and the Antikythera Mechanism, you will get to know a relatively unknown aspect of Ancient Greek culture. What to expect: Interactive guided tours | Experimental workshops on different topics | Handmade replicas of the exhibits at the Museum’s shop. Kotsanas Museum is nominated for the “European Museum Award 2019”. 450 m / SINTAGMA
INSCRIPTIONS OF ANCIENT GREECE
METRO LINE 2, 3
6 Pindarou St. & Academias - Kolonaki t: +30 211 41 10 044
SCIENCE, ART & TECHNOLOGY OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS
ANCIENT GREEK TECHNOLOGY
pg 7
MUSEUM HERAKLEIDON
Ancient Greek Technology | War Technology in Ancient Greece | Automata - Antikythera Mechanism | Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday 10:00-15:00 last admission, 14:00 | Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 last admission, 17:15
300 m / THISSIO METRO LINE 1
Epigraphic Museum of Athens houses the largest collection of ancient Greek inscriptions, the primary historical sources, that provide valuable information for the economic, politic, religious and social life of antiquity. It stores 14078 inscriptions on stone, deriving mostly from Attica, the region that gave birth to the democracy, but also from other areas of the ancient Greek world. Most of the inscriptions are written in ancient Greek language, few in Latin and a small number in other languages (Phoenician, Hebrew and Ottoman), and they are dating from the 8th cent. B.C., until Byzantine, Post Byzantine and later times. Because of the great variety of subjects of ancient Greek inscriptions, a visitor of the Epigraphic Museum can learn about all aspects of ancient life, ranging from details of private lives to the most important aspects of public life and politics. Opening hours: 08:30 - 16:00, closed on Tuesdays.
METRO LINE 1
http://herakleidon-art.gr fb: HerakleidonMuseum | ig: herakleidon_museum
Museum Herakleidon was founded in 2004 by Mr and Mrs Firos and extends to two buildings in the historic district of Thissio, next to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus. The buildings are located at 16 Herakleidon and 37 Ap. Pavlou, both pedestrian streets. Museum Herakleidon is an interactive center of science popularization and a technological museum that focuses on antiquity, with emphasis on the achievements of the ancient Greeks. The current exhibition is «EUREKA, Science, Art and Technology of the Ancient Greeks» demonstrating War Technology and Automata of Ancient Greece.”
EPIGRAPHIC MUSEUM
850 m / VICTORIA
FREE ATHENS
1 Tositsa St. - Athens | t: +30 210 82 32 950 e-mail: ema@culture.gr | fb: Epigraphical Museum Athens
16 Herakleidon St. - Thissio - Athens t: +30 210 34 61 981
Except for the museums already known to you, such as the one of Acropolis, there are so many others, that can really surprise you! Because, nowadays, the philosophy of museums in the whole world, and for sure in the Greek capital, has changed: they are more interactive, thanks to the new technologies. Some of them have free entrance some days of the month or of the week. Stay informed about the special exhibitions of your favorite museums and give a chance to places that even Greeks do not know very well, those little spaces which reveal interesting stories about the Greek society, gastronomy, education as well as everything else you can imagine. Do not forget that Greek history goes really deep and far into the centuries, while Greek people have been mixed throughout the years with different and numerable populations of other countries and cultures. The beauty of our country, and, of course, of our colorful capital is that we are a spicy and unique mixture of elements that can be found in almost all over the world! To know us better, there are many ways. One of them, maybe one of the best ways, is a walk to what is dramatically changing day by day. Plan to visit the places that you want, but also relax and enjoy what your own spontaneous steps in the city will reveal to your eyes! Surprises of knowledge and discovery will be waiting for you…In Athens, you are not going to miss two things: food and history. Both are everywhere. Both are precious, but not expensive. The numerous museums of almost every corner of this city prove that, if you like to expand your knowledge while vacating, you are in the right place.
INTERESTING MUSEUMS!
Useful Advice for Museum Explorers • Wake up early, for god’s sake! (of course, you did not expect us to remind that to you). • Organise well your day. Some really good museums can be found in the same part of the city. Famous museum spots are of course Plaka, Monastiraki, Kolonaki and Syntagma. Choose which day you are going to visit EACH museum. • Keep the purchase of some special presents for the people you love in museums’ shops. Really good quality, originality and a variety of options will help you return home as a real collector of Greek history!
Enter www.ipolizei.gr/freeathens for more!
ΜΕLINA MERKOURI
1930
MELINA MERKOURI WAS A GREEK ACTRESS AND POLITICIAN. AWARD WINNING ACTRESS WITH A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL AWARDS AND WORLD-CLASS PERSONALITY WAS MINISTER OF CULTURE IN 1981-89 AND 1993-94
Can you imagine a museum in which the entrance is free? In which you can speak as loudly as you want, drink and eat whatever you want? A museum that never closes its doors? Oh, that would be awesome if it was real… And, hopefully, it is. This magical museum is Athens. Even if you have no time to spend in an official museum out there, you can smell the history in every street of this city. Ancient walls, big stones where maybe a great philosopher standed one day, streets that have been walked by warriors or famous politicians, such as Periklis or Eleftherios Venizelos. Try to understand that history in Athens did not end with the ancient Greeks and Socrates. The continuity is even more fascinating: Romans, Byzantine Empire, modern Greek history. In addition, all those years many artists lived and created in Athens, such as famous architects, poets and musicians. Can you discover their masterpieces which are spread in all over the city? Can you recognize some statues? Are you familiar with names such as Kostis Palamas, Alekos Fasianos, Dimitris Fotiadis, Melina Merkouri? Can you see the signs that lead to the most strategic points of Athens? Religion has played an important role to the evolution of our history. Beautiful Christian orthodox churches are located everywhere and they are so different from the catholic ones, which exist in Athens but they are not so many. What about mosques? Our city is the only European capital in which they are not official mosques and the ones which are in function are… illegal and/or unofficial. As for the modern, political and social history of Athens, this can be read in the walls. Mottos and graffitis show the difficult economic situation of our country or shout this one for freedom, equality and love. History in Athens-and, to be honest, in every city as vivid as- is written every day… If you stand a few minutes in Monastiraki Square you can see the history of Athens in 10 minutes. Recently renovated, the Square was covered with mosaic blocks of marble, stone and carved cast iron, which symbolize the «flows» and the people of the Mediterranean. You can find the train station (1895) and the metro station (2004). The lines of the metro are meeting the ancient river Iridanos. In front of you, there is the Tzistaraki Mosque (1759), the small Pantanassa Church, which used to be a church only for women during the ottoman domination, as well as a part of Library’s Wall (132 A.C), as a gift from the Roman Emperor Adrianos.
The best
Athens Flea Market starts from Monastiraki Square. Everybody knows that, after history classes, a shopping therapy is the best you can do!
museum of all is… Enter www.ipolizei.gr/freeathens for more!
MIKIS THEODORAKIS
1925
MIKIS (MICHAEL) THEODORAKIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CONTEMPORARY GREEK COMPOSERS. AT THE SAME TIME, HE WAS A POLITICIAN AND ACTIVIST HONORED WITH THE PEACE PRIZE OF LENIN IN 1983. HE HAS DEALT WITH ALL KINDS OF MUSIC AND HAS COMPILED THE PERHAPS MORE RECOGNIZABLE GREEK RHYTHM INTERNATIONALLY, THE «ZORBAS».
The funniest
60 minutes
you will spend in Athens
“Medea and other friends I made in Athens” is the only theater show performed in English in Athens, specially written for visitors of the city who wish to complete their experience of Greece. The play follows the adventures of a present-day tourist who, while visiting the Acropolis, slips and gets knocked out. When he wakes up, he finds himself transported back to the 5th century B.C., Athens. Michael Kalambokis and Alexandra Voutzouraki have directed a troupe of young, extremely talented actors who with the assistance of the KOILON production team, manage to entertain audiences, of every nationality, with the deep, timeless messages of the ancient Greek civilization in the most entertaining and uncomplicating way.
t. +30 697 99 14 706
BOOK ONLINE
www.koilon.gr
Daily Theatrical Show
ex
Next to the Acropolis Metro Station
. All in English! m eu us
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The KOILON Team Ath. Diakou & Tziraion 13
the Acropolis o t m t
Performances will take place daily at the ‘Athenian Stage’ theatre, at 6pm until October 31st. Ticket prices are 18€ for adults, 14€ for children (up to 12 years old) / students / disabled visitors.
A European capital famous for its multicultural art scene and underground culture. A place where something is always happening. A youthful community that’s alive and evolving. A city that doesn’t possess the iconic Parisian style, nor London’s polished manners. Instead, it’s full of graffiti, emerging cult neighborhoods and boho corners. Many have compared Athens’ upcoming creative vibe to the iconic scene of Berlin. Just LIKE Berlin, your best bet to savor the alternative culture is to pay attention to the DIY posters on the walls. Special happenings await there. Underground culture is literally located underground. Look downward at the entrances of what used to be cellars and storage rooms, as often they REVEAL unusual shops and cozy cafes. Do not be surprised by the street names of Schliemman and Ziller. German archeologists and architects played an important role in morphing the early years of Greece as a sovereign country. Artisan workshops and thrift stores can tell you as much about a city’s history as a museum. Berlin and Athens are lucky to have a generous collection of those. or a typical Chinatown? There are areas in this city that seem to belong elsewhere. They are full of narrow streets, sometimes lit and sometimes submerged in the twilight. Electric lights are glitching, the city dust is settling slowly on the pavements. That could be a great opening for a detective novel, except not in Athens. Just a few streets away the main road would be buzzing with nightlife. A couple of neighbors would be loudly arguing about noise pollution. Athens has a lot of different sides. The maze of shops, old and new, hit by the crisis and not as polished as you’d wish, may look shabby to some. The city center, hosting a few of the immigrant communities thanks to low rent cost and job availability, can seem a bit erratic. There are dark alleys and there are red lights that are best avoided, like everywhere. We are not going to lie and put a pretty facade, because Athens is a straightforward city. What you see is what you get. Yet, if you are feeling a bit adventurous and open to discoveries, you can try to lose yourself in the labyrinth of old workshops in Psirri. You can ask the Pakistani shop owner how’s life in Greece. You could enjoy the traditional song on the taxi radio, while stuck in midday traffic. You could haggle with the merchant on the street market and get a “local” price.
Welcome
Even the most trivial neighborhood has its story. Learn real stories about real people and that’s the only souvenir that’s unique in this world.
to Athens… the new Berlin(?) Enter www.ipolizei.gr/freeathens for more!
KATINA PAXINOU
1900
KATINA PAXINOU WAS A GREEK ACTRESS, MAINLY OF DRAMATIC REPERTOIRE, KNOWN ALL OVER THE WORLD, AS SHE HAD PLAYED IN MANY HISTORIC MOVIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL CINEMAS SUCH AS: FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, HOSTAGES, CONFIDENTIAL AGENT, MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA, ROCCO E I SUOI FRATELLI, UN ETE FAUVAGE
BOOKSTORE
RAILWAY CARRIAGE THEATER
pg 13
AMARILLO SUAVE
fb: Amarillo suave
A bookstore very close to America Square offers you the opportunity to stay tuned with your country’s news. At Amarillo Suave, you will find a variety of newspapers and magazines from all over the world. In addition, you can buy a book in your language! In Amarillo Suave, you will find also second-hand books, in English, French or German, many of them in editions of previous centuries! If, on the other hand, you want to get in touch with Greek literature, you can find books of great, classical Greek writers, translated into several languages.
17 Lelas Karagianni St. -Kipseli - Athens t: +30 210 86 71 466
1.400 m / VICTORIA METRO LINE 1 / BUSES 3, 608, 11
ATHENS CITY MUSEUM BISTROT
FREE ATHENS
TO TRENO STO ROUF
After a successful series of performances and tours in Brussels, in cities of Australia and India, the theatrical production “Women of Passion, Women of Greece” returns to Athens, to continue its successful journey in a genuine railway carriage. Three mythical female figures, three legends of art and life, tragic Medea and the two contemporary Greek “priestesses”, Maria Callas and Melina Mercouri, make a symbolic train tour from ancient to modern Greece. Every Sat 19:00 | duration 60’ | the performance may be followed by dinner reservations +30 210 92 37 076 750 m / KERAMEIKOS METRO LINE 3
THE BLACK DUCK GARDEN You wouldn’t guess that such a beautiful place can be found in the heart of the city. Black Duck is a secret garden hidden in Klafthmonos square. It is a summertime oasis full of green trees, flowers and a fountain. It was the first public garden in Athens organized by queen Amalia, king Othonas wife, back in 1836. Located next to Athens City Museum, an all-day bistrot where you can enjoy quality food, coffee and signature cocktails. Black Duck loves art! Check out the facebook page / site for all the artistic projects and events that take place in the garden. Listen to the music, smell the jasmine, feel the sun, read a book, enjoy your brunch or dinner and taste the experience of the Black Duck.
http://blackduckgarden.gr fb: Black Duck Garden 5-7 Ioannou Paparigopoulou St. - Athens | t: +30 210 32 52 396
290 m / PANEPISTIMIO METRO LINE 2
http://totrenostorouf.gr
Konstantinoupoleos Ave. | "Rouf" Suburban Station t: +30 210 52 98 922
Here the theater was born, but also many other forms of Art. How could this country not be full of cultural life? All year round, Athens hosts so many cultural events that if you have time, you can see a dance performance, a theater performance, art exhibitions or concerts all in one single day! So, in the summer, as the weather allows, City celebrates! In addition to many street events, you will also find many organized events that attract people from all over the world. Concerts: World names of music will be found this year in the capital of Greece. Have your eyes open for posters and flyers to stay tuned. In addition, see the calendar at the end of the magazine for more suggestions. Festivals: Many festivals take place in the capital, especially in the summer. You should not miss the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. A plethora of actions awaits you to discover them. Performances and street performances, often with English subtitles, are hosted both in cultural venues and in unexpected locations. At the same time, the festival hosts concerts, children’s events, art and photo exhibitions. Plus, this Festival is a good opportunity to visit the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus where classic works are presented, all with English super-titles, created by Greek and international artists. Cinemas: Open air cinemas, the so-called “therina” (from the greek word for summer, “theros”) are the go-to entertainment source during the hot months in Athens. They are much less formal than their usual counterparts, with a cozy, “garden” vibe to them. Decorated with flower pots and paved with gravel, equipped with the famous director’s chairs and small coffee tables, they resemble more a home screening at the beach than a high-tech cinematic experience with ultramodern sound systems and 4D technologies. That is not to say that the quality of screening is not satisfying. It’s just more human. You can watch old movies as well as the new ones. Don’t worry about the language barrier. Very few movies in Greece are dubbed, the vast majority are screened in their original language with greek subtitles.
Concerts Festivals, Cinemas Enter www.ipolizei.gr/freeathens for more!
ODYSSEAS ELITIS
1911
ODYSSEAS ELYTIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT GREEK POETS, A MEMBER OF THE LITERARY GENERATION OF THE ‘30S. HE WAS AWARDED WITH THE STATE POETRY PRIZE IN 1960 AND IN 1979 WITH THE NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE. HE IS THE SECOND AND FINAL GREEK NOBEL PRIZE-WINNER TO DATE.
CAFE-BAR
ALL DAY BAR | CAFE
pg 15
AROMA PLATEIAS fb: Άρωμα Πλατείας/Aroma Plateias A well-known spot among the people of Athens is “Aroma Platias”. In Greek, means “the smell of the square” and it is suitable for this place! You can find “Aroma Platias” on the central square of Nea Smirni. An all-day bar for all ages and all tastes. You can drink your coffee; you can eat your breakfast or taste the delicious burgers and pizzas and when the night comes, you can drink excellent classic and non-classic drinks. Listen to the soul, funk and jazz music! Here, you have the chance to meet Athens by night!
210 m / AGIA FOTINI TRAM LINE 4, 5
WHERE KNOWLEDGE MEETS FUN
FREE ATHENS
19 25th March St. - Nea Smirni t: +30 210 93 57 505
FRAU
fb: FRAU cafe-bar | Instagram: @frau_cafe_bar
The hot spot of fun has the name of “Frau”. In one of the most famous neighborhoods of Athens, in Exarchia, you will find the right place for coffee, as well as the right place to party till the morning. “Frau” is a modern place with tables and bar stools, on the street and in the inside, with plenty of space to dance. There, you enjoy wines, beers, classic drinks and cocktails, value for money! The staff is welcoming and the music is suitable for dancing without stopping. An artistic place, since most famous actors in Greece are choosing “Frau” after the performances! 448 m / OMONOIA METRO LINE 1, 2
6 Feidiou St. - Athens t: +30 210 38 10 640
CENTER OF GREEK LANGUAGE & CULTURE | ALEXANDER THE GREAT In the heart of Athens, at a very nice neoclassical building, that was built 100 years ago, among adult students from all over the world you may learn Greek and get introduced into Greek culture. During your stay you will learn to dance syrtaki, visit important museums of the Greek capital, watch Greek movies, attend presentations on cultural topics and dine under the stars: our enthusiastic, multilingual & well qualified staff will make sure your stay will be an experience to remember. Besides, you will learn Greek using the most effective teaching methods based on our experience -since 1972- and the use of high quality educational material, developed by us in cooperation with European Universities and Schools. We are 300m away from Victoria metro station and very near a lot of Bus Lines. We are open from 09.00 to 21.00 from Monday to Friday. Come by to learn more about our programs, or contact us via our website! 300 m / VICTORIA METRO LINE 1
25 Mavrommataion St. - Athens | t: +30 210 82 17 710 http://alexander-edu.org/en/ | fb: greekschoolalexander | e: alexander@bhc.gr
The first graffiti artist that made it out of the underground circles goes by the name of TAKI 183. Coincidentally, his origin is quite Greek and he grew up in an immigrant neighborhood in Manhattan. His signature (known as “tag” in graffiti slang) could be found all around Manhattan and made it to the papers. The wave of tag competition he created was the predecessor of modern graffiti culture. The spirit of street art, with its revolutionary, non – conformist aspect is very much in tune with the Athenian restlessness. A densely populated city of many cultures, of considerable social differences and one that goes through tough times is the dream of any creative with a voice that needs to be heard. If you take into account the number of unused buildings and the greyness of the cityscape, it adds up to an inviting canvas. You don’t have to chase graffiti in Athens. It will find you itself. However, a few areas embellished by great works are the rebellious Exarchia neighborhood, the industrial Gazi area and the labyrinth of Psiri. Here, you don’t merely get to see some random drawings made by local aficionados but works of art by names worldwide known: iNO, WD, Alekos Skoutariotis, Vaggelis Chrousoglou, Stamatis, Achilles Skitsofrenis have all made their contribution to vivify the walls of the city. Graffiti in Athens makes it to the news quite often: mostly to start a debate about the appropriateness of some spaces versus others (graffiti regularly appears on historical buildings, reinventing their facade). Although we can eternally argue about what art is “real” art, one thing is for sure: an outlet of expression that is alive and beating, that is contemporary and moving has a right to be represented. An art form free and accessible that aims to humanize the concrete jungle is one to be reckoned with. A message screaming from the wall is worth listening to. What do you think? Some of the most distinctive works have been graduation projects by students of the Higher School of Fine Arts. Pavlos Tsakonas for example, made an impressive Durer inspired drawing on the number 20 of Pireos street to make the passer-by question the meaning of praying. Some of the graffiti tell whole stories: if you turn to Sarri street, in Psiri, you may find a pair of adorable dog eyes staring at you. This would be “Loukanikos”, the legendary stray DOG who accompanied protestors in every demonstration and fought the policemen.
Graffiti
Make a game out of admiring the art. Try to identify an artist’s personal style and look for his works in different areas of the city. Collect as many as you can with your camera.
street art
Enter www.ipolizei.gr/freeathens for more!
MICHAEL CACOYANNIS
1921
MICHAEL CACOYANNIS WAS A GREEK-CYPRIAN ACTOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE ENGLISH SCENE FROM 1941 TO 1951. SINCE 1951, HE HAS MOVED TO ATHENS AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE DIRECTION OF THEATER PLAYS AND, SINCE 1952, IN GREEK CINEMA. HE WAS HONORED WITH MANY DIRECTING AWARDS.
VINTAGE SHOP
ATHENS VINTAGE CLOTHES
pg 17
FREE ATHENS
HOTSY TOTSY
fb: Hotsy Totsy Athens Vintage Clothes
LIKE YESTERDAY'S
fb: likeyesterdays2ndhand | Instagram: likeydays
In the heart of the center of Athens, in Exarchia there is a shop that thinks
It’s always a good season to buy vintage pieces and also the best souvenir
both our style and our budget! “Hotsy Totsy” has come to bring second hand
along with the pictures from your trip to Athens. A retro skirt or a vintage
vintage clothing and accessories to Athens straight from Amsterdam and
dress will always remind you of the summer that you visited Greece even if
England. Unique pieces for men and women, in many numbers that travel
the years have passed. Everything is in reasonable prices. Like Yesterday’s
us to the clothing of past decades that have returned to fashion. From 12:00
is a perfect choice to buy presents for your friends! Choose among clothes,
p.m to 21:00 p.m. (Tuesday-Thursday-Friday) or 12.00 p.m. to 16.00 p.m.
accessories, faux bijoux and other small treasures that will surprise you!
(Monday-Wednesday-Saturday) Hotsy Totsy awaits you to give you its own stylistic tips! 740 m / PANEPISTIMIO
SECOND-HAND & VINTAGE
METRO LINE 2
77 Ippokratous St. - Exarchia t: +30 210 36 05 902
260 m / MONASTIRAKI METRO LINE 1, 3
KREMASTRA An oasis of good taste, color and positive energy exists in the neighborhood of Pagkrati. This is “Kremastra” (means Hanger!), where you find vintage and second-hand clothes for men and women, but also accessories. Sophia and Adel are working on Attica to find pieces that match their aesthetics - some extremely rare and valuable - while they are very helpful and with customers who are first introduced to the philosophy of thrift shopping. From time to time, bazaars and exhibitions are organized, while “Kremastra”’s available pieces for sale are updated regularly. Don’t miss the chance to visit this place: you can find many unique items that are suitable to your taste and size. Maybe it’s a good chance to buy presents for your friends too!
fb: Kremastra Second-Hand & Vintage 42 Ekfantidou St. - Pagkrati - Athens | t: +30 210 34 11 646
1500 m / EVAGGELISMOS METRO LINE 3
16 Protogenous St. - Athens - 105 54 t: +30 216 70 04 810
Athens, the city with the one thousand faces. Behind the traffic and the noise of the big boulevards, there are picturesque streets and alleys where the real residents walk before and after job, fight and fall in love. You cannot learn a city if you do not navigate its streets. Which streets? We certainly are not talking about the most well-known that tourist guides propose. Syntagma is not only the Parliament. Kerameikos is not only Gazi square. Kolonaki is not only Benaki museum. The real city often emerges in the most unusual places. Get into the favorite neighborhoods of the Athenians, discover the narrow streets, the pedestrian streets, the dead ends. Meet people and talk about life in Athens. Observe the cats and dogs that live around the city, graffitis, “secret bars”, real greek tavernas with original Greek food, old houses with great history and distinctive architecture, old people with their grandchildren, immigrants from all over the world. You will see people in their balconies smoking, drinking and talking, while delicious odours from the bakeries and the restaurants can sweetly daze you. Music from every corner, live or not, can cheer you up. Come on! Athens is to be walked… The words synthesis and antithesis are of course greek and, coming to Athens, you are going to understand the reason. Walking around the city, you will see many different images that you couldn’t imagine that belong to the same city. Discover every corner and ask for help by real Athenians who are hospitable and generous. Ask them to propose you which place to visit. Meet the real Athens with your own eyes. Above all, see the differences between the day and the night life in the same city. Oh, yes, there are plenty of those.
Walking Travel to the Athens’ history…Discover it as if you were a local!
in the city
Enter www.ipolizei.gr/freeathens for more!
ELLI LAMBETI
1926
ONE THE MOST FAMOUS AND BELOVED ACTRESSES IN GREECE SINCE 1942 TILL HER DEATH (1983). SHE HAS PARTICIPATED IN INTERNATIONAL FAMOUS MOVIES SUCH AS MOVIES DIRECTED BY M. CACOYANNIS AND THE WASTREL, ONE DAY, MY DADDY. BEFORE SHE DIED BY CANCER, SHE LOST THE ABILITY TO SPEAK AND THAT IS WHEN SHE WAS THE LEADING ACTRESS IN “SARAH: THE CHILDREN OF A LOWER GOD”, WHERE THE MAIN ROLE WAS DEAF-MUTE.
HANDMADE JEWELLERY
CBD PRODUCTS
pg 19
TSIOU SEEDS
https://tsiouseeds.gr | fb: Tsiouseeds | info@tsiouseeds.gr
Cannabis products from all over the world that are now legally available for purchase in Greece can be found in “Tsiou Seeds”. Collective cannabis seeds from the largest seed banks, cannabis products with high CBD content, as well as flowers, crystals, oils, vape pods and CBD pet products. Plus, you will find the right tools like vaporizers, bongs, grinders to enjoy the cannabis product you prefer.
280 m / ACROPOLIS METRO LINE 2
HANDMADE
FREE ATHENS
2 Parthenonos St. - Koukaki t: +30 690 89 55 055
ΕVZO JEWELLERY
Evgenia Zoidaki, after she studied design and crafting of handmade jewellery and worked in studios, decided to run her own by the name of “Evzo” (the term consists of the Greek words εὖ, which means «well», and ζῆν, which denotes «life»). Evzo Jewellery with studios in Τhe Hague and Athens, presents the new collection that has the title “Rails”, inspired by travels, train lines, expectations that the loved ones will come back. The materials used are silver 925, gold k14 and precious stones. Make a gift with symbolism for true travellers: the journey is important, not the destination!
Brinckerinckstraat 18, 2531VD, Τhe Hague, The Netherlands | t: +31 62 62 85 225 e-shop: www.etsy.com/shop/evzojewellery | e: info@evzojewellery.com
TO KOMPOLOI TOU PSIRRI Here you will grasp the idea of what a KOMPOLOI is and the culture that accompanies it. There, you can choose among dozens of items and materials such as amber, aromatics and semi-precious stones all creatively and tastefully made. You will have to chance to feel them, play with them, listen to their sound, and you must trust your touch and find the one that fits your hand and your style. There are many types of ‘kompoloi’ of course! In days of old, every Athenian man had his own kompoloi, an irreplaceable accessory for relaxing moments. This place hides a surprise too! If you walk into the store holding our magazine «FREE ATHENS», you will earn a 15% discount on all products! Do not miss this opportunity!
https://kobojewels.gr fb: TO KOMPOLOI TOY PSIRRI 13 Ag. Anargiron St. - Psirri | t: +30 210 32 43 012
350 m / MONASTIRAKI METRO LINE 1, 3
www.evzojewellery.com | fb: Evzojewellery | ig: evzojewellery
THE CITY SHAPES ITS PEOPLE AND PEOPLE SHAPE THE CITY. THAT’S WHY, FOR US, ATHENS IS NOT ONLY ARCHITECTURE, ROADS OR LAYOUT. THE CITY IS LIFE, IT HOSTS TRUE STORIES, IT OFFERS ENDLESS MEMORIES. HOW COULD YOU DISCOVER A CITY, A COUNTRY, IF YOU DO NOT GET IN TOUCH WITH PEOPLE WHO LOVE IT, SOMETIMES THEY GET TIRED OF IT, SOMETIMES THEY ARE BORED AND SOMETIMES THEY MISS IT? GET IN TOUCH WITH LOCALS. IT’S WORTH IT. THAT’S WHAT WE DID. TRYING TO GIVE YOU THE IMAGE OF ATHENS, WE CHOSE PEOPLE TO TALK TO US ABOUT IT. WHAT THEY LIKE AND WHAT THEY DON’T. WHAT THEY DO AND WHAT THEY ENJOY DOING. HOW THEY SEE ATHENS THEMSELVES, THIS IDEAL TRAVEL DESTINATION FOR SOME, BUT A REAL PLACE FOR SOME OTHERS. PEOPLE THAT WORK AT MANY DIFFERENT FIELDS, LIVE AT DIFFERENT SITES, HAVE DIFFERENT AGES BUT THEY SHARE THE SAME LOVE FOR ATHENS. PERHAPS YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE KEYHOLE. INVISIBLE ASPECTS OF A DAILY ROUTINE THAT IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING. ALL THESE PEOPLE WANTED TO PRESENT THE ATHENS THEY ADORE (OR ADORE TO HATE!), THE ATHENS WITH MANY PROBLEMS, SOMETIMES THE EMOTIONS AND VIBES THEY GET FROM IT, WHAT THEY ENJOY DOING OR WHAT HURTS THEM. AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THAT ATHENS IS A MOSAIC OF HISTORY, SOUL, ART, SCIENCE, MYTHOLOGY, FAIRY TALES, BUT ALSO PROBLEMS, INDIGNATION, DARK PLACES. EACH CURRENCY HAS TWO SIDES. CAN YOU LOOK AT BOTH? SOMETHING UNITES THE CITY AND ITS PEOPLE. BE A PART OF THIS UNION!
PEOPLE AND THE CITY That’s Athens for you
BREAKFAST AND MORE
pg 21
MOUTHFULL Our day should always start with a rich breakfast. Most likely, for you, that you are about to discover a whole city in a few days! For an energetic breakfast, the first choice is Mouthfull. On the main square of Omonia, Mouthfull opens its doors since 7 a.m. There, you can find coffee, fresh juices (from peach and mandarin to classic orange), yoghurt, stuffed croissants, sandwiches, handmade puff pastries, eggs and salads to taste a full breakfast. The advantages of Mouthfull include rich choices in vegan, sugar free and lactose free products, while respect for the environment is obvious in paper packaging and biodegradable straws. Enjoy a tasteful breakfast in the large Mouthfull’s hall or take your meal as take away, so you can enjoy it on your walk for the discovery of Athens!
fb | instagram | youtube: mouthfullathens 9 Omonoia Square | t: +30 211 18 28 672
73 m / OMONOIA
COFFEE HOUSE
METRO LINE 1, 2
MARTINIS On one of the most historic avenues of the city, which starts from Omonia and reaches Patisia, there is a new spot for coffee and brunch. Right next to there, you will find Martinis Kouzina (page 45), which for fifty years has been offering Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. This experience led to the creation of a space that was missing from the whole region. Early in the morning, Martinis offers a rich breakfast with very good quality coffee, inspirational and original ideas for brunch, excellent sandwiches and burgers. Don’t miss the sweets, juices and energy drinks too. The rich menu is signed by the well-known chef Sofi Hatzieleftheriou and you can taste the delicious choices until late night. Trust the 50 years’ experience in taste! The staff is always there to help you!
289 Patision & Iakovaton St. - Athens | t: +30 210 21 11 063
800 m / KATO PATISSIA METRO LINE 1
FREE ATHENS
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ATHENS IS THE ALL-DAY COFFEE IN A DAY OFF WITH FRIENDS, PLAYING BACKGAMMON. ATHENS IS A SMALL, FLORAL BALCONY IN THE CENTER, WHERE YOU OBSERVE THE TRAFFIC OF THE STREET, READING A CLASSIC BOOK. ATHENS IS THE MAPLE TREES IN THE PEDESTRIAN STREETS, AN OUZO IN THE SQUARE OF SAINT GEORGE, IN KYPSELI. ATHENS IS THE HORN FROM THE CAR AND THE OPEN-AIR CINEMA. ATHENS IS THE VIEW OF THE ACROPOLIS FROM AFAR AND THE ANCIENT THEATER OF HERODES ATTICUS. A BEER AT MIDNIGHT ON THE BENCHES OF A SQUARE. A QUICK MEAL AT MAVILI SQUARE. ATHENS IS OVERNIGHT UNTIL THE SUN RISES.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
My Athens
FREE ATHENS
pg 22
COFFEE | BAR
TAPROOM & BOTTLESHOP
pg 23
STRANGE BREW
www.strangebrew.gr | fb: Strange Brew
For beer lovers and especially craft beer lovers, we found the place to be! Strange Brew was established in late 2015, when three friends and homebrewers decided that plastic buckets were no longer enough and was officially introduced to the fans of craft beer on May 2017, with Jasmine IPA. Now, you can find more special labels such as: Mandy Black, Strange Years, Uncle Jam’s Brewhouse Tales that includes 4 choices: Double IPA, American Stout, Galaxy IPA and Wallonian Farmhouse. All these are now in Koukaki, in a brand-new place, where you can find some classic drinks too, that are alternated from time to time. 450 m / SIGGROU-FIX METRO LINE 2
ALL DAY BAR
FREE ATHENS
86 Falirou St. - Koukaki - Athens t: +30 210 92 32 146
1937
fb: 1937 Coffee Bar
A classic option for coffee in Athens is 1937. A special atmosphere that will carry you to oldest times, as its name implies. At 1937, you should order original Greek coffee, whilst in the evenings, you can enjoy your drink: beers, wines and well-made cocktails. Jazzy sounds and gentle melodies let you have a great conversation with your friends, but in the weekends, you can find DJ’S on decks. This place is unique and ideal for those who want to have a glimpse in old Athens. 750 m / SINTAGMA METRO LINE 2, 3
1B Klitiou St. - Athens t: +30 212 10 56 629
IT’S A ΒΙΛΑΤΖ «It’s a Βίλατζ» located in Saint Georges Square in Kypseli is definitelly a «must visit» destination to put on your checklist if you are in Athens. The name inspired by the word “Village”, indicates that Athens is a big village, where you can meet people and make friends. Here you can enjoy your coffee, fresh juices and brunch all day long. The staff is friendly and you will surely feel «like home». You can choose to sit outside, under the trees or on the inside where you can work on your laptop and enjoy your snack. The -all day- bar serves cool drinks and the most refreshing cocktails, named by the streets around the square. Every night there is a different dj set and the kitchen stays open until late if you want a tasty pizza or salad to accompany your drink! Also check the facebook page for events or art exhibitions, there is always something going on in the most… urban «Βίλατζ» of the world!
fb: It's a Βιλατζ 9 Ithakis St. (Saint George Square) - Kipseli - Athens | t: +30 210 82 20 222
959 m / VICTORIA METRO LINE 1
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ATHENS, A CITY LIKE A MISTRESS-YOU WAKE UP NEXT TO SOMEONE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU ARE DREAMING OF. A PROTECTED SPOT OF HISTORY, HISTORY THAT IS MARKED IN ALL THOSE NAMES OF THE STREETS AND BOULEVARDS. THOSE NAMES BELONG TO PEOPLE THAT MAY HAVE NEVER REALLY MET EACH OTHER THROUGH THE CRAZY DANCE OF THE YEARS-HOMER WITH LORD BIRON, PLATO NEXT TO OUR IMPORTANT GREEK POET, NIKOS GATSOS. AH, THIS CITY IS A REAL ENCHANTRESS, BREATHING OUT ALL THOSE STORIES OF PEOPLE WHO SLEEP IN ITS ARMS. ATHENS INVITES PEOPLE TO CORNERS OF COLLABORATIVE MEETINGS AND TO STREETS THAT ANYONE MUST TO WALK ALONE. IT LOOKS LIKE A CANVAS MADE OF COLORS FROM THE FOUR SPOTS OF THE HORIZON, HAVING FOR BACKGROUND THE WHITE MARBLES OF ACROPOLIS. YES, IT IS A CONSTANT INVITATION TO ROUTS OF PHILOSOPHICAL QUEST AND OF TEMPORARY SPENDING OF OUR WORDS. THAT IS ATHENS, WHERE THE BUILDINGS KEEP THEMSELVES SILENT, WHISPERING HIDDEN MEMORIES AND WHERE THE WANDERERS SHOUT, EXPECTING TO CREATE THEIR OWN. s t o n p a r a m y t h i o n t a s t a v r o d r o m i a . b l o g s p o t . c o m
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Enchanted
FREE ATHENS
pg 24
ATHENS BAR
pg 25
GULLIVER In a classical Athenian arcade, “Gulliver” makes our lives beautiful and adventurous! In the old private arcade of Kolokotroni street, “Gulliver” (a name clearly inspired by the hero of the book «Gulliver’s Τravels») puts his own mark on the Athenian day and night. Combining the luxury of old Athens with the modern world, the urban landscape with exotic beauty, it is decorated with frescoes inspired of the popular book. Gulliver is an all-day bar, that serves special coffee, breakfast, coffee & bar food until midnight and a delicious brunch is served on weekends. As for drinks? Early drinks from 14.00, classical bar, based mainly on whiskey, while the cocktails are house made. “Gulliver” is passionate about black music and during the night, you can find guests DJs or live music. “Dare to explore, dare to live” along with ... Gulliver!
fb: Gulliver Athens Bar 11 Kolokotroni St. - Athens | t: +30 210 32 38 199
400 m/ PANEPISTIMIO
ALL DAY BISTRO
METRO LINE 2
NEUF An all-day bistro that reminds us of … France can be found in the capital of Greece! Specifically, “Neuf” is located in Pagkrati, in the center of Athens. From 10 a.m. until late at night, is open and ready to welcome us! It stands out from a distance due to the characteristic blue color, while, entering the space you will be impressed from the decoration: artworks, many of them inspired by Toulouse Lotrec’s art, that travel us in time and space. “Neuf” is the perfect chance to relax and enjoy your day! There, you can taste special coffee, delicious brunch, a lot of snacks and salads, special menu for lunch and dinner, made by an executive chef and off course, a lot of carefully-selected drinks: choose a housemade cocktail, greek wine (organic or not!), take a look at the updated list of beers and listen to good music!
fb: Neuf 9 Archelaou St. - Pagkrati - Athens | t: +30 210 72 23 724
658 m / EVAGGELISMOS METRO LINE 3
FREE ATHENS
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I WAS BORN A SEPTEMBER AT PIREUS, PASALIMANI. IT WAS BACK IN 1956… SO, THAT WAS THE FIRST NEIGHBOURHOOD OF MY LIFE, I BECAME A WOMAN THERE. I ALSO MARRIED AND GAVE BIRTH TO MY SON AND DAUGHTER. “BORN AND RAISED” THERE. THIRTEEN YEARS AGO, I CREATED CABARET VOLTAIRE, AN ART BAR AND LIVE STAGE, IN THE CENTRE OF ATHENS, IN THE VIVID AND “LUBEN” BLOCK OF METAXOURGIO. SO, I CHANGED MY WHOLE LIFE, MY ROUTINE, AS, FROM NOW ON, I HAD TO STAY HERE, DOWNTOWN. MY CONNECTION WITH THE CAPITAL OF GREECE, ATHENS, IS THIS VERY PLACE, MY OWN BUSINESS, WHICH COMBINES MY HOME AND MY WORK. THANKS TO IT, I GOT TO KNOW ATHENS BETTER AND, OF COURSE, LOVE IT. THROUGH THE ARTISTIC ENVIRONMENT OF CABARET VOLTAIRE, I DISCOVERED THE VOICES AND THE POINTS OF VIEW WHICH BELONG TO PEOPLE I USED TO ADMIRE, OR I DID NOT EVEN KNOW, BEFORE THEY BECAME MY NEW FRIENDS. ATHENS IS VERY CHARMING TO MY EYES; IT INSPIRES ME TO LIVE WHILE I CREATE. ITS MULTICULTURAL FACE FASCINATES ME ALL THE TIME. I NEVER FELT FEAR OR DANGER HERE AND, THE MOST IMPORTANT, IN THIS CITY I CAN HAVE FUN IN ALL POSSIBLE WAYS, MEET EASILY MY FAVORITE PEOPLE, TASTE WHATEVER I WANT, ENJOY REALLY GOOD MUSIC, THEATRE, ARTS. LIVING IN ATHENS EVERY DAY, I LOVE IT MORE AND MORE. AND MORE…
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
A charming city
FREE ATHENS
pg 26
GREEK RESTAURANT
GREEK CUISINE AND DRINKS
pg 27
AMORGIANO PERASMA
fb: Αμοργιανο πέρασμα/ Amorgiano Perasma
Amorgos is a very beautiful island in Cyclades, in Aegean Sea. The owners of this place are coming from this island and they decided to honour their roots. The name “Amorgiano Perasma” means “passing by Amorgos” and it is the title of a traditional Greek song. In this place, you will find traditional Greek food, raki from Amorgos and you will enjoy the Greek nights there, full of live music. The service is kind and friendly and they will explain to you everything you need to know! 130 m / KALLITHEA METRO LINE 1
TASTES AND SPIRITS
FREE ATHENS
AKROVATIS
fb: Akrovatis
A place with an identity that reminds us of old times. Τhe building was constructed in 1889, while ceilings are painted by a local folk painter of our times! Τraditional Athenian decoration, but with a contemporary look when it comes to the menu! Here, we drink coffee, we enjoy our meal (all-day breakfast, lunch or dinner) along with Greek beers, traditional Greek drinks such as tsipouro and raki. All the products are fresh and pure, respecting our taste! Akrovatis (means Acrobat!) also hosts discussions, performances and exhibitions.
51 Sivitanidou St. - Kallithea t: +30 210 95 92 080
277 m / METAXOURGIO METRO LINE 2
26 Psarron & Maizonos St. - Athens t: +30 210 52 30 750
MIKRI VENETIA In Acropolis feet, you will find one of the most picturesque neighbourhood of Athens, Koukaki. There, you will find “Mikri Venetia” too! “Mikri Venetia” is a place where you will taste unique dishes, inspired by local cuisine in a very friendly atmosphere, ideal for meeting the famous Greek Hospitality. Their menu is amazing: from morning till night, they serve original Greek dishes, enriched with their own touch: taste the traditional Mediterranean breakfast, bruscettes, brunch and for lunch or dinner, choose their fresh salads, original Greek cheese, appetizers (our favorite is “pasturma” rolls!), pasta and risotti, meat and fish dishes! For those who do not eat meat, the vegetarian menu is also rich and updated! The tastes are unique because in Mikri Venetia’s cuisine, they use special materials, from all parts of Greece, mainly from small local communities. In fact, in Mikri Venetia you will taste the food that the locals (Athenians and Greeks in general) choose to eat! 546 m / SYGGROU-FIX METRO LINE 2
15 G. Olympiou St. - Koukaki - Athens | t: +30 213 02 59 158 www.mikrivenetia.gr | e: info@mikrivinenetia.com | fb: MikreBenetia
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I LIVE IN ATHENS FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS. I LOVE IT, AS LONG AS ITS NEIGHBORHOODS. I LIVE IN ZOGRAFOU, A JOYFULL SUBURB, FILLED WITH THE STUDENTS’ LAUGHS. IT IS BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE IT IS CLOSE TO HYMETTUS HILL, A GREAT PLACE FOR LONG WALKS. ZOGRAFOU IS CLOSE TO AMBELOKIPI, A NEIGHBORHOOD FULL OF CINEMAS. THIS IS ONE OF MY GREATEST LOVES! I LOVE ATHENS FOR ITS OPEN-AIR CINEMAS AND THE FLOWERS AT THEIR GARDENS I ALSO LOVE THE NARROW STREETS OF PLAKA THAT WE GO FOR OUZO. AND WALKING TO THISSIO AS WELL. WHATEVER BAD HAS HAPPENED TO ME, I FORGET IT WHEN I LOOK AT ACROPOLIS. I LIKE THE PEOPLE OF ATHENS TOO. THEY ARE PROGRESSIVE AND OPEN-MINDED, POLITE AND HOSPITABLE. WELCOME TO OUR CITY!
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
When you love Athens
FREE ATHENS
pg 28
FOOD & SPIRITS
BRUNCH | COFFEE | COCKTAILS
pg 29
MONSIEUR BARBU
fb: Monsieur Barbu
KOLOKITHI
fb: Κολοκύθι/Kolokithi
Monsieur Barbu, placed in the neighborhood of Koukaki, conceals small and
In the favorite district of Mets, in the center of Athens, you will find “Kolokithi”
big surprises. Vintage decoration that reminds us of the old Athenian houses,
(it means pumpkin!). Excellent coffee, fresh juices and all kinds of beverages
shapes a place simple and intimate. Monsieur Barbu is renowned for its
are waiting for you. When it comes to food, you will taste homemade flavors
excellent cuisine and flavor combinations, with brunch options and all-day
from high-quality products. Omelets, fruit salads and tasty yoghurts, so you
meals. Coffee, drinks and special cocktails complement our taste from 11am
can start your day with the energy you need! Freshly prepared salads, club
to 2pm in the night. The staff is a friendly, open-hearted company, always
sandwiches, baguettes for a delicious break. Their wide experience within the
ready to offer small bites with small sips that unite companions who dare to
entertainment, allows them to be proud of the quality of drinks and cocktails
dream, share and have fun!
they serve. Warm environment for everyone, all day and night!
115 m / SIGGROU-FIX METRO LINE 2
MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
FREE ATHENS
59 Falirou St. - Koukaki - Athens t: +30 210 92 47 555
550 m / ACROPOLIS
KIVELI You will find ‘Kiveli’ on a beautiful round square (named Saint George’s Square and decorated with an astonishing statue) in a classic, historical and renovated neighborhood of Athens. Here, you will taste flavors that combine the Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, including new approaches that will surprise you! The breezy atmosphere in the summer meets the delicious food, the affordable prices and the gastronomic innovations. Don ‘t hesitate to explore them. The service is friendly and always there to advise you what to order. Taste the Greek tsipouro that they offer and have a nice time to a place that true Athenians choose. You will be surprised of their fancy decoration and you will enjoy your meal listening to Greek music. Summer is here! You should choose to sit at the tables on the round square. “Kiveli” addresses all ages!
fb: kivelirest 15 Eptanisou St. - Athens | t: +30 210 82 19 406
900 m / VICTORIA METRO LINE 1
METRO LINE 2
18 Anapafseos St. - Mets - Athens t: +30 211 40 05 637
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MARGARITA KOTSINI
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ATHENS, THE CITY OF SUN, SKY, BOOKSTORES, ART AND COFFEE. WHEN SOMEBODY WORKS IN ATHENS DOWNTOWN, IS BEING CARRIED AWAY FROM THE EVERYDAY VIBE AND DOES NOT HAVE ALWAYS THE TIME TO REALLY OBSERVE THIS CITY WHICH OFFERS ACCOMMODATION TO PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. IF YOU WALK AROUND HAVING NO STRESS, IT WILL BE EASY TO YOU TO SEE THE PLAY OF THE LIGHT AND THE SHADOW BETWEEN THE TREES AND THE BUILDINGS. YOU CAN FIND OUT ALL THOSE ARCHITECTURE DETAILS OF OUR BUILDINGS, TO DISCOVER GALLERIES AT THE END OF UNPREDICTABLE STREETS, YOU CAN GUIDE YOURSELF FOR HOURS TO THE SHELVES OF ANY BOOKSTORE. PRESENTS ARE HIDDEN IN ATHENS. TINY COFFEESHOPS INSIDE ARCHWAYS, THAT ARE LIGHTED ONLY BY A SMALL PEEL OF SKY, IDEAL FOR A SHORT STOP THAT WE NEED IN ORDER TO TAKE A BREATH, TO READ SOME PAGES OF OUR BOOK AND THEN KEEP WALKING. STREET ARTISTS, GRAFFITIES, PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE PLANET ARE HERE AND KEEP THE RHYTHM OF THIS CITY.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Athens, every day a different promenade!
FREE ATHENS
pg 30
COFFEE AND SNACK
pg 31
PERI KAFE For unique people, there is a unique place that serves unique coffee! “Peri Kafe” means “all about coffee” and it is placed really close to Syntagma Square. Here in Greece, coffee is more than a simple beverage: it is style, attitude, habbit and addiction! In Peri Kafe, you will find special brand coffee from exotic places (heirloom for Aithiopia, Typica from Guatemala), simpler coffee tastes and beverages such as cold chocolates, Frappuccino, Moccacino, fresh juices and smoothies. Plus, there are a lot of options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner: a rich menu made by experienced chef, cooked by high-quality materials, for all tastes, where you will find yoghurt, all kinds of eggs, sandwiches, salads, pasta, burgers, meat and vegan dishes! Don’t miss the chance to taste original Greek pies, baked carefully in the cuisine of “Peri Kafe”! Enjoy your coffee and food in the shop, but you can also take them with you, while you are walking around Athens!
www.pericafe.gr fb: Peri Kafe- Athens 1 Mitropoleos St. - Syntagma - Athens | t: +30 210 33 11 102
162 m / SYNTAGMA METRO LINE 2, 3
FREE ATHENS
*
Age
65
Athens
*
pseli
Director Owner of Topos Allou Theatre
*
Ki
NIKOLAS KAMTSIS
THEY BLAME IT FOR ALL THE SINS OF THE WORLD. URBAN CHAOS, TRAFFIC JAMS, DIRT, NOISE BUT SHE HAS A WILD BEAUTY THAT IS IMPOSED FROM THE FIRST MOMENT. ROUTE: OMONIA SQUARE: THE PANSPERMY OF NATIONS AND PEOPLE. WALKING ON STADIOU STR., RIGHT AND LEFT THE NEOCLASSICAL BUILDINGS, LEFT THE ORPHEUS ARCADE WITH CLOSED STORES, WAITING FOR BETTER DAYS BETTER. KOLOKOTRONIS STATUE REMINDS US OF AN INDEFINITE DEBT OVER TIME. IN SINTAGMA (CONSTITUTION) SQUARE, DEMOCRACY IS BEGGING FOR A FEW EUROS FROM THE PEASANTS WHO COME OUT OF THE BIG HOTELS. IN MONASTIRAKI, THE BASKETS FULL OF BARGAIN PRICES. ACROPOLIS. THE ABSENCE OF THE PARTHENON MARBLES ENVELOPS YOU. YOU SPONTANEOUSLY GO TO THE BRITISH MUSEUM AND ASK WHAT IS HISTORICALLY AND RIGHTFULLY OWNED. THAT IS ATHENS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
A different route
FREE ATHENS
pg 32
GRILL HOUSE
FRESCA PIZZA | PASTA | CAFE
pg 33
FREE ATHENS
LA PIZZETTA
PRIGKIPAS
www.lapizzetta.gr | fb: LaPizzetta
http://prigkipas.gr | fb:Πρίγκιπας Streetfood Restaurant ig: prigkipas.exarcheia | Tripadvisor: Prigkipas Πρίγκιπας
The place in Athens where you can get closer to Italian cuisine and culture
“Prigkipas” is the word for Prince in Greek and the name of the place where
is “La Pizzetta”. On the historic Aiolou street, “La Pizzeta” cooks handmade
you can eat the best traditional meat recipes the way Greeks prefer it. Surely
pizzas, for all tastes and in many sizes. Various doughs and creative
you can visit many places to taste souvlaki and kebab but when it comes to
combinations of ingredients, for meat lovers or vegetarians, are waiting for
“Prigkipas”, we talk about tradition of north Greece’s food combined with the
you! You can also taste spaghetti, calzone, salads or hot dogs, as well as
quality of an expensive restaurant. Different types of meat are used to make
Greek pies. The tables are on the first floor, but you can also take your food
each choice unique. A tasty travel from Kerkini to Florina, the best meats of
with you, as you walk around Athens!
Nothern Greece, that you can in delicious burgers, sandwiches, “souvlaki pitta”.
350 m / MONASTIRAKI
700 m / OMONIA ISAP LINE 1 / METRO LINE 2
23 Charilaou Trikoupi St. - Exarchia t: +30 211 40 50 070
GREEK CUISINE AND SPIRITS
GREEK RESTAURANT | GREEK SOUVLAKI
METRO LINE 1, 3
56 Aiolou St. - Athens t: +30 211 18 23 444
RIGANI
fb: souvlaki.athens
“Rigani” (means Oregano) is the first choice of Kypseli residents (and not only!) for good Greek souvlaki and delicious traditional Greek recipes. In “Rigani”, the Greek flavor is combined with “scented” choices: classic Greek souvlaki with pork “gyros” wrapped in pie, as well as unexpected flavors (chicken, chicken crispy fillets, kebab etc.) combined with vegetables, fried potatoes and handmade sauces. In addition, you will find various dishes, such as fresh salads, appetizers and grilled meats. Do not forget to order raki, traditional Greek spirit, of their own production. The service is always in a good mood, ready to help you make the right choice and enjoy your meal. 900 m / VICTORIA METRO LINE 1
15 Fokionos Negri St. - Kipseli - Athens t: +30 210 86 17 022
PLATEIA
fb: Οινομαγειρειο η πλατεια
In a traditional Athenian district, you will find “Plateia”, a restaurant that stands out for its flavors, the quality and the very good prices. On a beautiful square named “Melina Merkouri”, “Plateia” (means Square!) has tables on the outside so as to enjoy the summer. Eating Greek dishes, as Greek mums make, the menu is often refreshed, since the cooks of “Plateia” always use seasonal materials. Every day, fresh fish, fine wine and special tsipouro await you to taste them. “Plateia” is the living example that you can get quality, at reasonable prices. 371 m / PETRALONA METRO LINE 1
3 Deinoharous St. - Petralwna - Athens t: +30 210 34 20 705
*
Age
49
Athens
*
pseli
Scenographer, Costume Designer, Interior Designer
*
Ki
MIKA PANAGOU
I GREW UP IN A SUBURB, I LIVE AND WORK IN ATHENS, BETWEEN ACHARNES AND KIPSELI - BETWEEN TWO NEOCLASSIC BUILDINGS OF 1924 - FOR 24 YEARS NOW. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE LIVED HERE IN 1920_30_40 BETWEEN THESE BEAUTIFUL NEOCLASSICAL, MODERN, ECLECTIC BUILDINGS AND HOUSES BEFORE THE APARTMENT BLOCKS. THE CENTER HAS LIFE, ENERGY, MULTICULTURALISM THAT CAN ONLY BE COMPARED WITH SOHO OR EVEN CHINATOWN. IT IS A CITY THAT DOES NOT SLEEP. ATHENS HAS PRESENT HISTORICAL MEMORY. I HOPE TO SEE ATHENS CLEANER, GREENER, MORE FRIENDLY TO US THAT WE INSIST ON LOVING IT DESPITE ALL ODDS.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Wishes and Hopes
FREE ATHENS
pg 34
CAFE | BAR
ALL DAY CAFE BAR
pg 35
FREE ATHENS
THE HANDLEBAR
fb: The Handlebar
INTRIGA
fb: Intriga Cafe Bar
A classic meeting point in Psyrri’s picturesque neighborhood is named “The
In the heart of Exarchia, “Intriga” is the oldest bar in the area (since 1981). In case
Handlebar”. It arrived in 2013 to join all the Athenian cyclists, but it turned into
you are interested in experiencing the real-life Athens, you should visit this place!
a hangout for everyone! Open from 11 a.m to 1.30 p.m., it serves delicious
A café bar of two floors, decorated in a tasteful and classic way. Since 11 p.m. in
brunch and lunch, coffee, juices and beverages, while its strong point is
the morning, “Intriga” serves coffee, beverages and snacks. For the late hours,
selected beers from small brewers. Relax in a place that resembles a family
you can enjoy your drinks or handmade cocktails. Also «Intriga» is well known for
lounge. If you are a cyclist and want to fix your bike to continue your ride, the
the variety of beer labels that offers: from international labels, such as the Irish
store provides you with all the right tools!
Stout, to Greek crafted beers, you will surely find the one that suits your taste. All these of course, accompanied with a totally alternative and rock music and vibe!
338 m / MONASTIRAKI
ALL DAY CAFE AND ROCK BAR
METRO LINE 1, 3
8 Melanthiou St. - Athens t: +30 211 40 93 002
900 m / OMONIA METRO LINE 1, 2
SILVER SPURS If you want to explore Athens by night while you are a rock lover, you should visit Silver Spurs. No, you won’t find cowboys in there (only Lucky Luke in some pictures!). But you will appreciate a spot, famous among the Athenians! Original and authentic rock lovers, the owners of Silver Spurs created a place that honors not only the rock music, but also the rock attitude! It is open from morning till late night. You should taste their special coffee (choose the “Gentleman Jack Mellow Espresso”, which is costadoro espresso with Gentleman Jack whiskey, a unique all-day choice!), but also their dishes, such as salads and bruschettes. During the night, enjoy your drink (beers, whiskeys etc) by listening to good, rock music. There, you will have the chance to meet Greek rock music too. Sit on the wooden bar, notice the decoration, full of posters of great rock stars and make new friends!
fb: Silver Spurs 22-24 Efranoros St. - Pagkrati - Athens | t: +30 210 75 67 262
91 m / PROFITIS ILIAS STATION TROLLEY BUS 4
60 Dervenion St. - Exarchia t: +30 210 33 00 936
*
Age
33
Athens
*I
klio
photographer
*
ra
ODYSSEAS KARADIS
ATHENS IS A DILEMMA FOR ME. I DON’T EXACTLY KNOW HOW I SEE IT AND FEEL ABOUT IT. FOR SURE, THROUGH MY CAMERA, EVERYTHING BECOMES MORE AND MORE INTERESTING AND THEY MAKE ME WANT TO CREATE ANOTHER PHOTOSHOOT. A PHOTOGRAPH HERE IN ATHENS CAN BE SPECIAL, EITHER I HAVE TAKEN IT IN A WELL-KNOWN PLACE, FROM THE MANY THAT CAN BE FOUND IN THIS CITY, EITHER I HAVE CHOSEN ANOTHER SPACE, A HIDDEN ONE, A PLACE THAT MAYBE FOR MOST PEOPLE HAS NO IMPORTANCE AND VALUE. DAY OR NIGHT, SPONTANEOUSLY OR SET UP, THE CHOICES ARE NUMEROUS, BECAUSE THE CONTENT AND THE SUBSTANCE OF THIS NAUGHTY CITY IS UNIQUE TO ME.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
An endless photo shooting
FREE ATHENS
pg 36
ARTISAN ICE CREAM
pg37
PAGOTO -14 The paradise for those who are passionate about ice cream is located in the center of Athens. Pagoto -14 offers real –like the old days - taste of chilled flavors wrapped in artisan philosophy. All made with milk processed in small producers’ farms, with fruits fresh and juicy and with nuts perfectly roasted. If you choose a sorbet, you think you eat the frozen fruit itself and with these tasty materials, they make fresh squeezed juices with ice cream, milk shakes, coffees stirred with ice cream etc. Also, you can find a variety of traditional Greek desserts like kadayifi nests or semolina halvah (both matched with ice cream too!) and you will find lots of garnishes like choco fudge, nuts, syrups or Greek “spoon sweets” to top them! Don’t miss the pistaccio or the kaimaki flavors!
www.pagoto-14.gr fb: @pagotominus14 ig: @icecream_minus14athens e: info@pagoto-14.gr 3 Athinaidos St. - Athens | t: +30 213 08 89 072
400 m / MONASTIRAKI
ALL DAY AND NIGHT BAR
METRO LINE 1, 3
DUDE Walking on one of the most characteristic pedestrian streets, Kalamiotou, in the heart of the historic center of Athens, a meeting venue leaves its own mark and tone. Dude is an all day and night bar. Honoring the Big Lebowski movie, its name is inspired by the main character. Special coffee in the morning, while at nights it becomes a classic rock bar that fills our lives with good music, quality drinks and fun till dawn! An original Athenian bar, but also universal, as it reminds us the bars in which the great heroes of literature and cinema sit and enjoy their drinks. All these are perfectly combined with the scenery, as Kalamiotou street, a street where fabrics are sold since the 1960s, is now attracting people ready to coexist with many different cultures, to flirt, to relax along with a glass filled with authentic spirits.
fb: The DUDE Bar 14 Kalamiotou St. - Athens | t: +30 210 32 27 130
323 m / MONASTIRAKI METRO LINE 1, 3
FREE ATHENS
*
Athens *
Age
31
FENI BENOU
Technopolis City of Athens Marketing Communications Manager
ATHENS IS A RESILIENT CITY. IT IS THE CITY FORMED BY ITS PEOPLE AND THE CITY THAT SHAPES PEOPLE. IT’S THE CONSTANT QUEST FOR HEAVEN. IT’S HER LIGHT. IT IS THIS FEELING THAT, FROM ANYWHERE ON THE PLANET YOU COME, YOU ARE AT YOUR HOME. IT’S MY HOUSE. OR, RATHER, IT IS THE COURTYARD OF MY HOUSE. MORE THAN ANYTHING I LIKE TO WALK IN ITS STREETS. I WALK EVERY DAY AT ITS CENTER, AND I FEEL LUCKY TO SAY AT LEAST 300 TIMES A YEAR ON THE ACROPOLIS! (ATHENS IS AN (STREET?) ARTIST, IT IS A LIVING ORGANISM THAT PREFERS THE QUESTIONS FROM THE AFFIRMATIVE SUGGESTIONS.)
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Athens is an artist
FREE ATHENS
pg 38
ALL DAY BAR
ALL-DAY COCKTAIL BAR
pg 39
MINT
fb: Mint All Day Bar
In the bustling neighborhood of Archelaou Street in Pagkrati, you will see the Mint, emerging between the buildings. Cool as its name implies, Mint is an All-Day Bar, which opened about four years ago in order to offer us moments of relaxation, enjoyment and fun, from morning till night. You can choose among homemade juices, tea varieties, smoothies, coffee, drinks, and special cocktails. When it’s night, the music is into the hands of DJs, with freestyle moods, familiar listening and low intensity.
30 Archelaou St. - Pagkrati - Athens t: +30 215 54 57 386
651 m / EVAGGELISMOS METRO LINE 3
COFFEE, BRUNCH AND SWEETS
FREE ATHENS
ZIGGY Hidden behind urban greenary in Eratosthenous Street,you’ll find Ziggy, the new all-day cocktail bar in Pagkrati. Right across of the upcoming Museum of Modern Art, you have one more reason to visit it. Early in the morning you can start your day with a TAF coffee, one of the best specialty coffee brands in Greece. In case you are hungry, Ziggy won’t let you down. Different kinds of bagels with a variety of sweet and savory spreads, salads and snacks are served here. If you are visiting Athens for business, Ziggy is also the perfect choice for an after-work drink. Early dj sets from 6pm and a big list of aperitives and special cocktails are here to offer you a complete experience. 1000 m / EVAGGELISMOS METRO LINE 3
THINGS IN JARS Christos and Katerina, the owners of this fabulous place, have decided to make their dream come true. Both, having acquired years of experience in famous cuisines and with a passion for confectionery, created Things in Jars! With respect to simple, fresh material and with artistic tendency, they serve fine coffee, delicious chocolates, a variety of teas and healthy cold pressed juices. The brunch they serve is delicious after they have put their own personal touches (croque madame with croissant is a unique recipe, benedict eggs, sandwich with fresh bread, chicken salad and pancakes are ideal for our taste) and you should accompany it with 3 different spritz. Do not forget to try the special sweets and cupcakes! From 09.00 in the morning until 10.00 in the night, enjoy the delicious dishes and beverages in a carefully decorated room, since all the handmade paintings -from the ceiling to the floor- have been created by artists!
fb: Things in jars instagram: thingsinjarsgr 30 Petraki St. - Sintagma - Athens | t: +30 210 32 49 945
467 m / SINTAGMA METRO LINE 2, 3
10 Ivikou St. & Eratosthenous Pagkrati - Athens
IF ATHENS WAS A COLOR, IT WOULD BE CRIMSON RED. THE SAME RED YOU SEE ON THE “AKROKERAMA”, THE TRADITIONAL ROOF TILES THAT STAND OUT BEAUTIFULLY AGAINST THE BLUE SKY. THE RED OF MELTING IRON IN A FORGE. ATHENS IS BREWING WITH LIFE, CONSTANTLY TRANSFORMING, FORGING A CONTEMPORARY IDENTITY IN A TIME OF MANY CHANGES. ATHENS IS BOILING, SOMETIMES BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER, BUT MORE OFTEN BECAUSE OF THE CITIZEN MOVEMENTS, THE PROTESTS, THE DEBATES, THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS. IT IS A CITY WITH AN OPINION. IF ATHENS WAS A SHAPE IT WOULD BE A TRIANGLE. IT ALWAYS LOOKS UP TOWARDS THE SUN, WITH ITS HILLS, ITS ANCIENT TEMPLES, ITS ROOFTOP GARDENS. ITS HEART IS ALSO A TRIANGLE: THE CITY CENTER BETWEEN OMONIA, MONASTIRAKI AND SINTAGMA SQUARES CONTAINS MOST OF THE COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC. EVEN THE NARROW ALLEYS AND COBBLED STREETS THAT CRISSCROSS EACH OTHER IN THE OLDER DISTRICTS FORM SMALL TRIANGULAR ISLANDS OF NEOCLASSICAL MANSIONS FULL OF UNUSUAL SHOPS. IF ATHENS WAS A FLAVOR IT WOULD BE CINNAMON. A STRONG AROMA, COMING FROM THE EAST, BUT SO DEEPLY MIXED WITH THE WESTERN CULTURE, YOU CANNOT TELL THEM APART ANYMORE. A SPICE WELL-LOVED IN THE GREEK CUISINE, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE ARRIVAL OF THE REFUGEES FROM ASIA MINOR IN EARLY 20TH CENTURY, WHO DOUBLED THE URBAN POPULATION AND THE GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS. SWEET YET STRONG, THAT IS HOW ATHENS’ TEMPERAMENT IS BEST DESCRIBED. IF ATHENS WAS A TYPE OF COFFEE, IT WOULD BE A FREDDO CAPPUCCINO – A GREEK TWIST ON THE ITALIAN TRADITION. IT’S MORE THAN A BEVERAGE: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CONNECTING, A GREAT COMPANION ON A WALK IN THE HISTORICAL CENTER, A LITTLE SOMETHING TO BRIGHTEN THE ROUTINE. ATHENS CAN BE EITHER REFINED AND HIP OR SIMPLE AND FUN, DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION AND THE OCCASION. ATHENS IS OLD. 5.000 YEARS OLD. ONE OF THE OLDEST CITIES IN THE WORLD. IF ATHENS WASN’T A CITY, IT COULD BE A LOT OF THINGS. HOWEVER, IT WOULD ALWAYS BE A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. JUST ATHENS.
That’s Athens
ATHENS FOOD COURT
pg 41
STR. EATERS Flavors and perfumes from around the world in a place that brings a new food and drink experience to the center of Athens. A food court where street food is the central theme, while the rhythms, images and sounds of the city will pass through it. Food is not the only reason why you will come to Str.Eaters! You will come to the pop-up stores that will be set up at regular intervals for musical and special events for the creative workshops that will be held during the year in the specially designed area of Str.Eaters! Relax, choose one of the eight food stands with different street food suggestions and travel to a new and unique entertainment and dining experience in the city center. Come to discover the world of Str.Eaters!
https://streaters.gr fb: Streaters instagram: @streaters_official e: info@streaters.gr 7 Karitsi St. - Athens | t: +30 210 33 144 20
404 m / PANEPISTIMIO METRO LINE 2
FREE ATHENS
pseli
Age
30
* Athens *
*
Ki
THOMAS SIABEKAS Digital Printing
ATHENS IS A MULTIFACETED CITY. SO GREAT CONTRADICTIONS ARE DIFFICULT TO BE SEEN ELSEWHERE. BEAUTY AND UGLINESS, RICH AND POOR, OLD AND NEW. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I LIKE. WHATEVER YOU THINK, YOU WILL FIND IT IN ATHENS. AT THE SAME TIME, YOU WILL FIND ITS OPPOSITE! ON THE SAME STREET YOU CAN FIND A 1920S BUILDING AND A TRENDY ONE TOO. ATHENS HAS NO GHETTOS. IT HAS NEIGHBORHOODS THAT YOU CAN FIND JUST MORE PEOPLE WITH SOME COMMON FEATURES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE RICHEST WILL BE IN KIFISSIA, THE IMMIGRANTS IN THE CENTER OF ATHENS, THE ELDERLY IN PERISTERI, THE ARTISTS IN EXARCHIA AND SO ON. BUT THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS. I WOULD LIKE THE ATHENIANS THEMSELVES TO TAKE CARE OF THE CITY. OR RATHER TO RESPECT IT. THIS IS THE CORRECT VERB.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Beauty and The Beast
FREE ATHENS
pg 42
GREEK TAVERN
pg 43
ROZALIA An authentic, traditional Greek tavern is “Rozalia”, located in one of the most known pedestrian walkways of Exarchia. Since 1978, insisting on traditional Greek cuisine with notes of new creation, “Rozalia” is a historic place. Enjoy your meal in the garden, full of plants and trees or on the tables on the pedestrian walkway, tasting the original Greek flavor and feeling the famous Greek hospitality. There are plenty of choices for starters (you can choose between 16 plates and plenty different recipes), home-cooked main dishes and dishes of the day. You should also try their always fresh seafood dishes. All the materials are of high quality while the prices are reasonable. This place won’t disappoint you. If you want to meet all aspects of Greece, including its taste, “Rozalia” is the place to be.
fb: Ροζαλια/Rozalia 59 Valtetsiou St. - Exarchia | t: +30 210 38 02 725
700 m / OMONIA
GREEK CUISINE
METRO LINE 1, 2
ACHILLEAS-VERGINA Vergina (Achilleas’s restaurant!) is the place for those who want to taste the wide variety of Greek cuisine! Greeks prefer homemade dishes (the ones that reminds us of our mama’s food!) and Vergina is the best place for you to taste them as well. Every day, they order pure ingredients and that’s why the food is always fresh. All the choices of the menu are well-cooked, based on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. You should try traditional pies, fresh fried potatoes, chabroiled souvlakia, “kokkinisto meat” (named after the color of fresh tomato sauce) or “lemonato meat” (named by the sauce who is made of lemons and spices). Don’t forget to taste “gemista” too (tomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice). Certainly, you won’t forget the taste of Vergina! If you revisit Greece, it’s sure that you will return to this place!
fb: Achileas1978 62 Valtetsiou St. - Exarchia | t: +30 210 33 02 933
700 m / OMONIA METRO LINE 1, 2
FREE ATHENS
Age
52
Athens *
*
gkrati *
Pa
VIVI CHARITOU Journalist
BESIDES ITS PROBLEMS, ATHENS IS AMAZING. THIS CITY FASCINATES US WITH ITS SCENTS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE SPRING SEASON WHEN THE CITRUS TREES BLOSSOM. ATHENS IS INDEPENDENT AND MOVES WITH TENSION, CREATING ITS OWN RHYTHM. SOMETIMES, IT MAY BECOME A LITTLE DULL, BUT IT WILL NOT LET YOU FEEL BORED, BECAUSE IT IS INEXHAUSTIBLE AND ENDLESS WITH ITS SURPRISES AND POSSIBILITIES. IT IS A CITY WITH PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, A SECOND HOME WHICH, LET YOU KNOW IT BETTER THE MORE YOU WALK AROUND IT AND GETTING TO DISCOVER IT. ALL THOSE UNPREDICTABLE CORNERS AND SECRETS SPOTS ASK YOU, IN A WAY, TO SEARCH MORE, TILL YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH ATHENS MORE AND MORE…
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
A city that you can fall in love with
FREE ATHENS
pg 44
GREEK RESTAURANT
pg 45
TO AVGO TOU KOKKORA A very famous restaurant with rich history is placed in one of the most famous neighborhoods of Athens! “To Avgo tou Kokora” (means Rooster’s egg!) exists since 1982 and the Athenians still choose this place for lunch or dinner. In a historical place (the building exists since 1933), full of pictures that portray famous Greeks and glorious times of past, you will taste unique dishes of Greek cuisine. For starters, you can choose fresh salads, appetizers, cheeses and for main dishes, you have a lot of options too, such as meat, fish, seafood, pasta and risotti. You can accompany your meal with great drinks, traditional for a Greek family meal. Now that summer is here, you should sit on the tables on Avdi Square! Under the trees, your meal will be perfect! From 12 p.m till 01.00 a.m, visit the place where even the Rooster gives birth to eggs!
www.toavgotoukokkora.gr fb: Το Αυγό του Κόκκορα Μεταξουργείο 25 Millerou & Leonidou St. - Metaxourgio - Athens | t: +30 217 70 50 103
564 m / METAXOURGIO
GREEK RESTAURANT
METRO LINE 2
MARTINIS KOUZINA This restaurant exists since 1969 and it is still at the forefront of traditional Greek and Mediterranean flavors. The first concern is always the satisfaction of the customers, both in taste and in terms of service. That’s why the restaurant has been a famous spot for years among the Athenians. There, you can enjoy delicious meals. Especially, the restaurant’s grills stand out for their quality! The meat and fish are fresh and cooked in a special way by experts. Enjoy your meal in the magical garden where you feel like you are in the yard of old Athens’ houses, where neighbors met and shared their news. Full of olives, lemon and herbs, it is a cool, fresh place in the center of Athens, ideal for the hot summer of Greece! If you want to have a true Greek experience visit the restaurant of Martinis family!
www.martiniskouzina.gr fb: Μartinis Kouzina 289 Patision & Iakovaton St. - Athens | t: +30 210 21 11 063
800 m / KATO PATISSIA METRO LINE 1
FREE ATHENS
Age
33
Musician/Plummer
*
*
a Ionia thens * A
Ne
GIORGOS ANTONIS
ATHENS IS A PLACE FOR WALKS! I LOVE TO START MY WALKS FROM SINTAGMA SQUARE AND END TO MONASTIRAKI. SOMETIMES I CLIMB UP THE HILL OF PHILOPAPPUS AND DESCEND TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF KOUKAKI. I LOVE SPENDING MY EVENING IN A «KOUTOUKI» (OLD GREEK TAVERN) AND GET LOST IN THE MUSIC OF THE REBETIKO. THE VIEW OF ALL THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES CALMS ME AND, HAVING BEEN AROUND THE CITY PLAYING MUSIC ON THE STREET, I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY HIDDEN BEAUTIES. I LIKE THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT HAVE NOT LOST COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PEOPLE. I AM DEEPLY BOTHERED BY THE ABUSE OF ANONYMITY. THE FACT THAT PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW EACH OTHER LEADS TO ARBITRARINESS.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Around the streets of Athens
FREE ATHENS
pg 46
RESTAURANT COCKTAIL BAR
pg 47
TO KOUTI “Kouti” (the Box!) is the oldest store on the picturesque pedestrian street of Adrianou and has recently been renovated! Beautiful, with very nice decoration in the interior and the exterior space, colorful flowers on all the tables, wonderful views to Acropolis, impeccable service and courtesy, “Kouti” is open from morning till night! The best choice to start or end your walk around the historic center, it serves coffee, beverages and breakfast, while you have many options for lunch or dinner: Greek traditional cuisine, always sprinkled with the chef’s personal touches. The cocktail list stands out, as it was made by a professional barista! “Kouti” is chosen by the locals because it has its own identity and opens its doors to everyone, in order to remind us that quality of products and freedom of expression match together! At least on that pedestrian street!
fb: To Kouti 23 Adrianou St. - Monastiraki - Athens | t: +30 2103238276
170 m / MONASTIRAKI METRO LINE 1, 3
FREE ATHENS
Age
28
hens *
*
pseli *
At
Ki
MYRTO STELIOU Graphic designer
COMING TO ATHENS FROM THE SMALL VILLAGE WHERE I GREW UP, I WAS REALLY FRIGHTENED THAT IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE CITY’S VIBE. 10 YEARS LATER I’M REALLY GLAD TO SAY THAT I HAVE FOUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD I ALWAYS WANTED. THAT NEIGHBORHOOD IS NOT ONLY THE SQUARE WHERE I LIVE BUT IT CONTAINS ALL THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF ATHENS. EVERY DIFFERENT PLACE I VISIT HERE, IS A SMALL VILLAGE. YOU CAN FIND WELCOMING AND HEARTWARMING PEOPLE ALL AROUND THE CITY, READY TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH YOU, TO GET TO KNOW YOU, TO DRINK AND SING WITH YOU. KIPSELI, KOUKAKI, PETRALONA... EVERY CORNER OF THIS CITY HIDES A SMALL TREASURE: A PARK, A SMALL ROAD WITH TRADITIONAL CAFES, BEAUTIFUL OLD HOUSES, STREET ART IN THE STRANGEST PLACES... BUT TRULLY, THE BIGGEST TREASURE OF ALL, ARE THIS CITY’S PEOPLE. PEOPLE FROM ALL AROUND GREECE AND FROM AROUND THE WORLD, LIVING HERE, WORKING HARD, BUT ALWAYS SMILING AT THE END OF THE DAY. ATHENS FOR ME IS LIKE A BIG TABLE WHERE I SIT WITH MY FRIENDS, DRINKING TSIPOURO AND PLAYING MUSIC, STRANGERS PASSING BY AND BECOMING ONE WITH US... SMILES AND SONGS. NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Smiles and songs
FREE ATHENS
pg 48
NIGHT CLUB
pg 49
FREE ATHENS
BANANA ATHENS Our favorite Banana club, the… «island» placed on a historic road next to Kallimarmaro, in the heart of the city, offers us unforgettable summer nights! Famous all-around Athens, the decoration and breeze of Banana make you feel like you are in an exotic place: four large bars are dominating in its magnificent open-air space, summer colors and pictures, while the stone terrain reminds us the narrow streets of Greek islands. The unique musical choices from top Dj’s, the cocktails and the friendly staff are added to the list of its positive features. Banana club Athens hosts top DJs. Open all week, it presents a different party every night. Feel the summer breeze and see the dawn in Athens, dancing in Banana!
fb: Banana Athens 1 Ardittou St. - Mets - Athens | t: +30 698 100 9190
433 m / ACROPOLIS
ALL DAY COFFEE COCKTAIL BAR
GRANNY'S MEATBALLS RESTAURANT
METRO LINE 2
GRANNY’S MEATBALLS
fb: Granny's Meatballs
ΑΡBARΌΡΙΖΑ
fb: Αρbarόριζα
The new hot spot of the city awaits you to taste handmade meatballs, like
The cozy ambience of Arbaroriza (it means apple geranium) has colors,
Greek grannies use to cook! In this place you will find handmade meatballs
aromas and a special identity that derives from the menu as well as the
with unique combinations of flavours and aromas, triple-fried potatoes, along
friendly staff. Innovative signature cocktails that combine Greek spirits with
with many different sauces (all of them hand-made with extremely pure
special flavors are famous all-around Athens. Arbaroriza excels in food too -
ingredients). If you are in Pagkrati and a smell breaks your nose, then you are
especially breakfast and brunch, but also delicious comfort foods, such as its
in the right place! Relax and enjoy the moment by tasting the most beloved
delicious burgers and, of course, the ... PFC (pagkrati fried chicken)! Youthful
Greek dish!
and value for money, Arbaroriza always proposes new things in order to evolve and satisfy its customers.
1000 m / EVAGGELISMOS METRO LINE 3
2 Plastira Square - Pagkrati t: +30 694 46 84 597
1000 m / EVAGGELISMOS METRO LINE 3
10 Plastira Square - Pagkrati - Athens t: +30 210 70 19 530
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PANOS DRAKOPOULOS
ATHENS FOR ME IS A GATEWAY TO EVERYWHERE, AN OPEN DOOR TO THE MIRACLE, THAT WAITS IN EVERY CORNER OF THE CITY. AND EVEN IF YOU DON’T FIND IT, YOU CAN FIND A DIFFERENT ASPECT OF YOURSELF THROUGH THIS SEARCH. I LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE, THIS UNIQUE AIR OF THE CITY’S CENTER THAT CAPTIVATES YOU, WHEN YOU’ RE LIVING THE MOMENT IN A BAR, IN A CAFE, IN A STREET, OR JUST IN A COUPLE OF STAIRS THAT YOU’ RE HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS. AND THE MAGIC IS COMPLETED WHEN YOU SEE THE VIEW OF THE CITY IN A ROOFTOP OF PLAKA.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Poetic Aspects
FREE ATHENS
pg 50
CAVA & WINE BAR
pg 51
MATERIA PRIMA A perfect day in Athens learning all about Greek wines and Culture. "Forget your normal image of a wine bar: Materia Prima is all light and air and blond wood, with an almost hippie dedication to artisan winemaking, in Greece and beyond." Source: Lonely Planet At the center of Materia Prima’s attention are artisan wine producers who work as «naturally» as possible to offer us authentic, terroir wines. 700+ etiquettes are sure to make you have a great time! Our sommeliers will happily guide you across the mountains and islands of our wine-producing country. Take a flavorful ‘walk’ with our chefs through their passion about fresh, local products and how these can match with our wines. Note: During August 1-31 we will be swimming around the islands (closed).
fb: materia.prima.winebar 68 Falirou St. - Koukaki - Athens | t: +30 210 92 45 935
350 m / SIGGROU FIX
FOOD-TRUCK RESTAURANT
METRO LINE 2
48 URBAN GARDEN A food truck parked into a gallery is enough reason to visit this great place, but surely not the only one! Located on the ground-floor of the Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Center, in the center of Athens, lies the 48 Urban Garden restaurant. It is an urban garden built in different levels of wooden platforms, benches, picnic tables, along with vegetable gardens, full of fruits, herbs and flowerbeds. The food-truck sitting in the middle of a yard takes you to a cuisine with a variety of street food choices. Regardless of the origin of every taste, each one of the quirky street food options on the menu is cooked inside this refashioned aluminum airstream! The food selection is a blend of flavours, cultures and moods. Taste the salads, the hot-dogs and succulent urban burgers. There, you will find an updated cocktail list too, based on the scents of the yard herbs.
https://48urbangarden.gr fb: 48 Urban Garden 48 Armatolon & Klefton St. - Athens | t: +30 213 02 81 866
580 m / AMPELOKIPOI METRO LINE 3
FREE ATHENS
Athens
Age
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ELENI MICHALAKI
Technopolis City of Athens Marketing Communications Manager
ATHENS IS THE BASIS, THE FIELD OF ACTION, THE POINT OF REFERENCE. ATHENS IS ALL THAT WE LOVE TO HATE IN IT BUT WE HATE TO WORSHIP TOO: THE LOUD MUSIC, THE NOISES, THE MOVEMENT, THE SUBTLE MOVEMENTS, THE DEEP GRAY, THE COLORS, THE SAD BUILDINGS, THE TINY OASES, THE TIRED SOUR ORANGE TREES, PERMANENT CONTRADICTIONS, TENSIONS, DISTORTIONS AND TRANSFORMATIONS, SPRING EVENINGS, UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS, MEETING PLACES, NARROW SIDEWALKS, BLINDING LIGHTS, MORNING LIGHT PLAYING AND HIDING BEHIND HUGE VOLUMES, THE LIFE ITSELF THAT IS HIDDEN INSIDE THE CITY AND IS SEEN ALMOST ΙΝ EVERY CORNER.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Athens means life
FREE ATHENS
pg 52
GREEK TAVERN
pg 53
METAXOU If you wish to visit an all-time classic Athenian tavern, don’t forget to try Metaxou! Metaxou offers a combination of quality taste, homemade food and a beautiful green garden. Traditional Greek recipes meet the comfort of cool summer breeze. Each choice of food in Metaxou is a result of experience and love. The quality of food is based on handmade pure products and has nothing to do with pre-cooked meals. An authentic folk tavern, friendly people, experienced staff willing to make suggestions and treat you. Have a glass of their fine biological wines! Give yourself the opportunity to travel through Athens city of past century. Enjoy the singing of their troubadours, who sing song that belong to famous Greek Musicians, such as Tsitsanis, Theodorakis, Melina etc. Magic music, scents and tastes that will get you back to an era of innocence, romanticism and happiness. Open since 18.00 p.m.
fb: Μetaxou.gr 10 Pithodorou & Pierias St. - Κolonos | t: +30 210 52 29 290
650 m / METAXOURGIO
TAVERNA
METRO LINE 2
KLIMATARIA «Klimataria» (means «Arbor» ) exists since 1927 and has found its place among the most famous Athenian taverns. «Klimataria» tavern icontinues its journey through time in the heart of the historic city centre of Athens. More specifically, it is located above the Temple of Apollo and next to the first covered theatre of Athens. So, «Klimataria» is a place for travellers not for tourists: it keeps the atmosphere of old times, while its cuisine is reknown for greek tastes with modern touches. Entertainment starts from traditional recipes and is successfully combined with tap wine of high quality. The musicians will take you on a cheerful trip to different eras of Greek folk music and mingles with international sounds while people have fun and dance.
www.klimataria.gr fb: Klimataria 2 Theatrou Sq. - Athens | t: +30 210 32 16 629
500 m / OMONIA METRO LINE 1, 2
FREE ATHENS
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ELENI ORNERAKI Actress
THE GEOGRAPHIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF ATHENS IS REALLY UNIQUE AND ADMIRABLE. THE SMALL AND THE BIG STREETS ARE THE INVISIBLE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN DIFFERENT WORLDS WHICH INTERACT, MOVE AND BLOSSOMED OUT. THE BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL NEVER STOPS. DARWIN, AFTER HIS TRAVELS AT THE FARAWAY GALAPAGO ISLANDS, FORMED THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION. HE RISKED HIS LIFE TO THE SEAS TO TRANSMIT TO THE HUMANITY THAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PEOPLE, THE DIVERSITY, IS THE REASON WHY EVOLUTION AND SURVIVAL ARE POSSIBLE FOR THE SPECIES. FOR US, IT WOULD BE ENOUGH TO CROSS THE STREETS OF SKOUFA, PATISION, PIRAIOS TO FIND OUT THE DIFFERENCES OF EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD. SO, I WONDER IF IT IS A BETTER IDEA INSTEAD OF PRESSING THE MULTI-BLENDER BUTTON TO HOMOGENIZE, TO SEE OUR DIFFERENT AS WEAPONS AND SHIELDS-IN THAT WAY, MAYBE THE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL WILL NOT BE SUCH A “BLOODY” ONE.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Athens, Darwin’s City
FREE ATHENS
pg 54
SWEETS
ETHNIC STREET FOOD
pg 55
ETNICO
www.etnico.gr | fb: Etnico / Alternative Street Cuisine | Instagram: etnicostreet
The first multi-ethnic street food with high quality ingredients that somebody would find in a fine restaurant. ETNICO is delighted to announce that it has received the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award for 2019. For the third year in a row, ETNICO is recognized as a Top street-food choice as reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site. Don’t miss the chance to «TASTE the WORLD»! 700 m / SYNTAGMA METRO LINES 2, 3
MEXICAN FOOD
FREE ATHENS
22 Kolokotroni St. (Close to Syntagma Square) t: +30 211 41 13 880
SOROLOP
You will find the modern taste of sweets in the center of the city, in Exarchia neighborhood. A “boutique” of sweets is waiting for you to explore it, as it is full of tsoureki, profiteroles and ice cream. Τhey deliberately decided to confine themselves to these three tasteful temptations in order to achieve the best possible result. The use of natural materials of exceptional quality, carefully selected by the huge variety of Greek and world production, is their first priority. With these delicious ingredients, they make their sweets combining creative authentic flavors and traditional recipes with modern tastes and nutritional preferences. 740 m / OMONIA METRO LINE 1, 2
O MEXICANOS “Mexicanos” (otherwise “The Mexican”) is the original representative of Mexican food in Athens! Always ready to welcome you, “Mexicanos” invites you to a magical trip: travel around the delightful tastes of Mayas and Aztecs, of Tequila and Pepper, of Emiliano Zapata and Diego Rivera! In a warm place, decorated joyfully, inspired by the Mexican architecture, enjoy dishes of the traditional Mexican cuisine! This cuisine has its roots to the ancient LatinAmerican civilizations, influenced by the Spanish conquerors. Explore the choices that “Mexicanos” recommends: botanas and ensaladas, enchiladas and tacos, tostadas and chimichangas, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, as long as other main dishes with a special touch. Accompany your meal with lots of drinks with Mexican aroma. Summer is here so you should enjoy your meal outdoors, on the square where “Mexicanos” is placed.
www.mexicanos.gr fb: O Mexicanos instagram: mexicanos_restaurant 1400 m / AMPELOKIPI OR MEGARO MOUSSIKIS METRO LINE 3 / BUSES 622,230,815,140,14,19,A7
fb: Sorolop
15 Evdilou St. - Zografou - Athens | t: +30 210 77 16 900
17 Metaxa & Βenaki St. - Exarchia t: +30 210 38 01 118
THE “BACK TO NATURE”: THE ONE WHO THINKS CITY LIFE IS UNHEALTHY AND OUTDATED, BUT IF YOU SENT HIM TO THE COUNTRYSIDE, HE IS SCARED OF THE FLIES! THE “LIKE ATHENS, NOWHERE”: THE REAL ATHENIAN, THE CHILD OF THE CITY AND ITS CENTER, HE EVEN WORSHIPS THE TRASH ON THE PAVEMENTS AND SNOBS EVERY OTHER EUROPEAN CITY THE CAR LOVER: HE GOES EVERYWHERE BY CAR, PARKS ILLEGALLY, IGNORES TRAFFIC AND ANTI-POLLUTION SETTINGS OF THE CENTER AND HAS NO IDEA OF THE CITY’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT. THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT GUY: HE RESPECTS THE NATURE; HE PREFERS TO SPEND 3 HOURS PER DAY IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION THAN TAKE HIS CAR. AFRAID OF POLLUTION, AFRAID OF TRAFFIC, HE KNOWS THE ROW OF METRO STATIONS AND BUS LINES BY HEART! THE GPS: HE KNOWS EVERY STREET IN ATHENS BY NAME, ALWAYS READY TO EXPLAIN WHERE TO GO, EVEN IF YOU ARE IN THE CENTER AND YOU WANT TO GO TO THE BEACH. YOU WILL MAKE HIS DAY IF YOU APPROACH HIM WITH A MAP! THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT: ALWAYS HAPPY, WITH MANY BOOKS IN THE BAG, HE GOES TO THE UNIVERSITY, BUT THEN YOU WILL SEE HIM IN CAFES AND BAR STUDYING OR CHATTING. HE CAN DO ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR ONE THING: RETURN HOME. THE COFFEE GUY: HERE IN GREECE, THE COFFEE TIME CAN LAST…FOREVER. DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOU SEE THE SAME PERSON IN A CAFETERIA FROM MORNING TILL NIGHT. HE HAS NOTHING TO DO SO HE STARTS WITH COFFEE, ENDS WITH BEER. USUALLY, HE PLAYS “TAVLI” MEANS (BACKGAMMON) FOR HOURS. THE LAWYER: THE MOST COMMON PROFESSION IN GREECE IS THE LAWYER. ALWAYS STRUGGLING WITH THE GREEK BUREAUCRACY, YOU WILL SEE HIM WITH A PORTFOLIO, CHASING PAPERS DRAWN BY THE WIND, MAKING THE ROUTE OFFICE - COURTS 20 TIMES A DAY. THE “PROTEST” GUY: AS PROTESTS HAVE BECOME A HABIT IN ATHENS, THIS GUY WILL PARTICIPATE TO EVERY ONE OF THEM. NO MATTER THE SUBJECT. WHERE YOU WILL FIND HIM? IN SYNTAGMA SQUARE. THE GREEK LOVER: FAMOUS ALL AROUND THE WORLD, THE GREEK LOVER MAKES HIS APPEARANCE ESPECIALLY IN THISSIO AND MONASTIRAKI. MOST OF THE TIMES HE IS FLIRTING IN (BAD) ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND IS ANNOYING. SOMETIMES, HE IS A GOOD GUY AND MAYBE YOU WILL FIND TRUE LOVE!
10 TYPES OF ATHENIANS
FASTFOOD ΤAKEAWAY HOUSE
INDIAN RESTAURANT
pg 57
HABIBI
fb: @takeawayHABIBI | e: takeawayhabibi@gmail.com
Habibi is the Arabic word for “my love” which explains why our falafel are handmade with love. With an authentic, generations old recipe, we are proud to serve the best falafels to our customers at Habibi Falafel & Biryani Takeaway. Along with Falafels Wraps we also offer fresh and colorful Salad Boxes, Biryani rice and Chicken Tikka Wraps at very affordable price near metro Acropolis. All meat are halal. Time: 11am-11pm TAKEAWAY ONLY. 50 m / ACROPOLIS METRO LINE 2
INDIAN RESTAURANT
FREE ATHENS
9 Ath. Diakou St. - Next to Acropolis Metro Station t: +30 211 41 40 932
NAANSTOP
Got the hots for curry? Try NAANSTOP !!! NaanStop Indian Cuisine is a no frills, traditional Indian flavour house that caters to food lovers living and working in Athens. At NaanStop we serve fresh, tasty and spicy Indian food prepared by CHEF Ramu using fresh herbs, garam masalas which are roasted and made in-house combined with rich flavors from ginger and garlic. "If you try once you’ll visit us again", claims the head chef. Time: 1pm-12am 350 m / AMPELOKIPOI METRO LINE 3
NAMASTE Far Eastern flavors can be found under Acropolis! Namaste, an atmospheric and trendy venue with bright colors, ethnic decoration and comfort, bets on the different and brings to our dishes a healthier version of Indian cuisine: instead of thickening butter and cream, they use excellent quality raw materials with healthy spices and aromatics, while they maintain the gastronomic code of India. Gourmet flavors, exotic aromas and many colors await you in Namaste’s special dishes, prepared in an open kitchen, headed by Chef Rautas Singh. Try the famous Yarsagumba tea which has reputation as Himalayan Viagra and is exclusively available at Namaste. For chicken lovers, select the chef’s specialties, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Butter or Chicken Curry. Whatever you choose, Namaste guarantees an unprecedented dining experience, even for the most demanding palates.
www.namasterestaurant.gr fb: Namaste Indian Restaurant Instagram: @namasterestaurant.gr 12 Lempesi St. - Koukaki - Athens | t: +30 210 92 33 999
120 m / ACROPOLI METRO LINE 2
www.naanstop.gr | fb: @naanstop.gr
223 Av. Alexandras - Near President Hotel t: +30 211 18 29 303
Athens
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Kolona
I LIVE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY. AROUND ME, IN A WALKING DISTANCE, THERE ARE THE THREE OF ITS SEVEN HILLS. I HAVE GIVEN A NAME TO MY VERY OWN NEIGHBORHOOD: UPPER EXARHIA, LOWER KOLONAKI. IN THREE MINUTES FROM HOME, THE VIEW IS DIVINE, ALL THE CITY LOOKS LIKE A CARPET UNDER MY FEET. LYCABETTUS IS BY FAR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL NATURAL HILL OF ATHENS. ON THE TOP OF LYCABETTUS THE CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE AND, IN THE SOUTH SIDE, THE ONE OF SAINT ISIDORE. IN THE OTHER SIDE, WHICH IS LIKE “UNDER CONSTRUCTION”, THERE IS THE METALLIC THEATRE WHICH IS MADE BY TAKIS ZANETOS. THE HEROIC “LITTLE ROCKS” OFFER EVERY NIGHT ACCOMMODATION TO PEOPLE WHO DO NOT WANT TO PAY THEIR BEER OR DRINK IN ANY OF THE BARS AND THEY ENJOY IT STRAIGHT FROM THE CAN. BEHIND THOSE ROCKS, THERE IS THE BIGGEST “DRIVE-IN PARKING AND OPEN AIR LOVE HOTEL” FOR HOMELESS LOVERS IN ATHENS. A LITTLE FARAWAY FROM ALL THOSE PLACES, MY EYES MEET TOURKOVOUNIA (TURKISH MOUNTAINS) AND THEIR SHAPE IS NOW TOTALLY DIFFERENT BECAUSE OF OLD QUARRIES THAT USED TO BE OVER THERE, IN THE MIDDLE OF ATTICA BASIN. IN THEIR EDGE, OTHER REGIONS COEXIST: GIZI, KIPSELI, POLIGONO, GALATSI, PSIHIKO, AMPELOKIPI. AH, HOW MUCH I LOVE THE SEA, AS A CHEERFUL ISLANDER. I CANNOT STAND THE BIG MOUNTAINS, SO I CLIMB UP TO SAINT GEORGE AND, FACING THE SEA OF SARONIKOS, I LOUDLY SAY: HURRAH FOR THE HILLS OF ATHENS!
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
Athens, the city of the seven hills!
FREE ATHENS
pg 58
WINE BAR
BAR | BISTRO
pg 59
LOCAL 337
fb: Λοκάλ337
Not only a bar, but a place with strong signature, the colourful “Local337” is famous among the …locals (as its name implies!). Placed in an old neighbourhood of Athens, the team of “Local” offer quality customer service in a friendly, non-formal way! Coffee and beverages, tasteful pizzas, weekend brunch, special drinks and cocktails made with love are waiting for you. Especially at nights, “Local” … «meets its glory» with Dj sets and special events! Feel the warmth and care of Greeks, inside the “Local 337”! 400 m/ AGIOS ELEFTHERIOS METRO LINE 1
BAR
FREE ATHENS
337 Patission & Skra St. - Ano Patissia t: +30 210 20 11 375
FABRICA DE VINO
“Fabrica de Vino” is an original wine bar, really close to Omonia Square. A unique place in Athens, where you will find a wide variety of wines. Over 500 labels are waiting for you to taste them in the cellar of Fabrica De Vino. Meanwhile, the owners of this place are very careful when it comes to gastronomy too. Various dishes that are suitable to the high quality of wines are included to Fabrica de Vino’s menu. Except for the excellent products, decoration is distinctive too. Fabrica de Vino is the most trusted place for wine in Athens. 250 m / OMONIA
IPPOPOTAMOS Among the 5 oldest bars in Athens is Ippopotamos (means Hippo!). Since 1978, it has been the most classic hangout for a clean drink, having its doors open to everyone, regardless of age or sex. There is no Athenian who does not know this place. Travel to older times, after the decoration and the special architectural style of that time has been preserved. On a famous pedestrian street in Athens, this historic bar here for urban adventurers, with vintage mood, warm and cozy atmosphere, direct and friendly service. Plus, there are two enchanting gardens and tables on the pedestrian street, that consist a corner of coolness during summer! It opens in the morning for snacks and coffee, but for the evenings a special choice is the sangria, since the recipe is unique. Plus, you can choose wines, beers, classic drinks and cocktails for all tastes. Music is particularly important for this place, with a rock preference.
fb: Ippopotamos Bar 3B Delfon St. - Athens | t: +30 210 36 34 583
550 m / PANEPISTIMIO METRO LINE 2
www.fabricadevino.gr | fb: Fabrica de Vino
METRO LINE 1, 2
3 Benaki St. - Athens t: +30 210 32 14 148
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GEORGIA DRAKAKI journalist & writer
SHE HAS RHYTHM / SHE IS FULL OF VIBES / HER SOUL IS NARROW, HER SOUL IS WIDE / LAZY AS SHE LAYS / NERVOUS ALWAYS STAYS / HER CRAZY LOVERS CAN BE LOST AND FOUND IN EVERY CORNER / HER ARTISTS SLEEP IN THE MORNING AND WAKE TO CREATE IN THE NIGHT / AND WHILE THE STARS ARE SECRETELY SHINING / SONGS ARE WRITTEN AND LIPS ARE BITTEN / SWEET IN THE HEART, THROWS EVERY BITTER APART / MY ATHENS IS A SHIRT WHICH STICKS IN MY SKIN AND ABSORBS ALL THE DIRT / HUGS AND KISSES, WINES AND WHISKEYS, FOLK AND ROCK, NAILS AND TAILS / ALL IS HERE, EXCEPT FOR HAPPINESS / POVERTY AND MISERY MAY CUT OUR WINGS / BUT PEOPLE FROM THIS CITY CAN STILL FLY STEP BY STEP AND REALLY HIGH / OUR MYTH IS OUR CURSE, OUR LIGHT IS OUR DARKNESS / COME AND MEET US BUT WITH LOVE / AND RESPECT ALL OF OUR ASPECTS / THE PAST HAS WRITTEN HISTORY, WE NEED IT TO SURVIVE / BUT WE CREATE AS WELL NEW THINGS AND WE ARE STILL ALIVE.
PEOPLE AND THE CITY
My Athens is a poem
FREE ATHENS
pg 60
VEGAN FOOD | GREEK & INTERNATIONAL CUISINE | STREET FOOD
pg 61
I AVLI TOU PETROU The restaurant “I Avli tou Petrou” (means “Peter’s yard”!) in Kerameikos is a picturesque tavern with international cuisine. It has been operating since 1998 and has acquired loyal customers. Warm atmosphere and people who are always smiling are waiting for you to taste the multiethnic choices that this place offers! Everything that’s coming from the cuisine is fresh and handmade! Daily delicious appetizers and international main dishes could be accompanied with good wine, Cretan raki and beers. Plus, in “Avli tou Petrou” you will find a large variety of original vegan dishes from all around the world. One moment you can enjoy sushi rolls of vegetable and the next one, you can taste the most famous Greek dish (Mousaka) that is cooked with soya minced meat! Travel around the world in the heart of Athens!
fb: avlitoupetrou 86 Leonidou St. - Kerameikos - Athens | t: +30 210 34 23 886
548 m / KERAMEIKOS
GREEK CUISINE
METRO LINE 3
ΟΙ ΝOSTIMIES TIS MAIRIS Either for lunch or dinner, this place offers authentic and traditional food at its finest! “Oi nostimies ths Mairis” means “Mary’s relishes” and every dish that comes out of the cuisine justifies this name. Don’t miss the chance to look at their display window and be inspired by the colours and the texture their dishes have before choosing. Here is your chance to discover everything you have heard about the Mediterranean and Greek cuisine freshly cooked with the purest ingredients and served in a traditional Greek environment. Everyday, Mary, the owner of this place, cooks excellent food that can satisfy all tastes. Once you get back to your country, you will have tasted the authenticity of Greek gastronomy! There are excellent choices for vegans too!
fb: OiNostimiesTesMaires 2-4 Idras St. - Kypseli | t: +30 210 82 13 136
900 m / VICTORIA METRO LINE 1
FREE ATHENS
Athens Open Air Festival
(5/6-29/6) Corners of the city, archaeological sites, gorges, squares, beaches and some of the most beautiful museums and sites of Athens - and not only - are transformed into open-air cinemas with free entry to the public.
Caroline Guiela Nguyen «Saigon» Sven Väth World Tour 2019 Techno in Bolivar Beach Bar
(28/6-29/6)
(28/06) You will find the king of
World Press Photo 2019
(7/6-30/6) The most important international photo competition is coming to Athens, bringing the most fascinating photographs of 2018 to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Dream Theater
French Cinema Summer Festival
Urban Athens Festival
Athens Music Week
Fondazione Nazionale della Danza - Aterballetto «Wolf & BLISS»
(11/6-4/9) Projections of French cinema films in the gardens of the French Institute of Athens (I.F.A)
(17/6-23/6) The 1st International Meeting on Music in Athens hosts artists and professionals in the music industry from the domestic and international markets, promoting Athens as an international musical tourist destination.
Giannoula I Koulourou
(18/6-21/6) A performance based on a true story is presented in Peiraios 260, in the framework of Athens and Epidaurus Festival (with English hypertitles)
Compagnie Pernette
(21/6) On the National Day of Music, let’s dance in Pedion Areos, dances that are made for outdoor spaces
Plisskën Festival
(26/6 & 27/06) 3 stages and a lineup of Dj sets and concerts of all music genres in Technopolis
(02/07) The “founders” od progressive metal will be in Athens for a unique concert in Alsos Theatre (Pedion Areos)
(03/07-06/07) A music Festival with urban artists of Athens will give you the sound of the modern city
(10/07) Αchoreographed diptych from the famous dance group in Pireos 260 (Athens Festival)
Boris Charmatz - Terrain «infini»
(11/07-14/07) World premiere for the new work of top French choreographer Boris Sarmac in Pireos 260 (Athens Festival)
Tindersticks
(13/7) A live concert by the top British band in Herodes Atticus Theatre
The Cure
(17/7) The Cure’s music was this unique goth-rockpop alloy that managed to capture perfectly what exactly the 80s and 90s were (Ejekt Festival in Plateia Nerou)
Loreena McKennitt
(27/6) Celtic, folk, world and pop music by the worldwide known Loreena McKennitt in Herodes Atticus’ Theatre.
Summer
culture calendar
Enter www.ipolizei.gr/freeathens for more!