By Antonio Fernández Ríos
Sometimes, the best decisions in life begin with zero planning. That’s exactly how I ended up in Athens, Greece. One night, out of nowhere, a friend called me inviting me to join his new business venture in the city. At that moment, Athens wasn’t even on my list of must-visit destinations. But as someone who never overthinks when it comes to traveling, I agreed to give it a go without hesitation.
Within 24 hours, I was packing for an indefinite stay in the Greek capital. To be honest, I was expecting a place overrun with tourists, some impressive ancient ruins, and a quick list of interesting spots. else. But I was completely wrong.
I can tell you that Athens is vibrant and unpredictable. It offers endless experiences for solo travelers like me. What I discovered here not only exceeded my expectations but also changed my perception entirely. Here begins my story and my recommendations for the coolest spots in Athens.
First Impressions of Athens
The first thing that hit me when I arrived in Athens was that feeling of safety that in all honesty I was not expecting. You can walk around completely relaxed. It just felt like the city was welcoming me in. Of course, like any big city, some areas might not feel as safe, as you’ve got to stay aware of your surroundings. But overall, Athens is incredibly friendly for solo travelers.
The second thing that surprised me was the sheer size of it all. Athens is huge, and it reminded me of Madrid in many ways. Immediately I figured out that there’s so much more to Athens than just Athena, Zeus, and overall mythology and ruins. The city welcomes you with those layers of culture, and history, and it’s just impossible to ignore the energy of the place, which brings me to my next point:
The Cityʼs Vibe
Athens is a chaotic city, just as you’d expect with any other capital. At the same time, though, its chaos is part of the city’s charm. Walk through neighborhoods like Exarchia, where I live, and you’ll see that it’s got its own personality and identity. It also counts on vibrant streets, where you can appreciate street art and graffiti everywhere. It’s one of the leading areas in Europe, if not the entire world, when it comes to street art, by the way.
And the best part is that you can find much more in other neighborhoods, like Kolonaki, and Monastiraki. Each has its own identity, placing Athens as a true mosaic of diversity.
For Solo Travelers
Now, this is a topic I want to get into, as I can tell you: Athens is a top city to discover as a solo traveler. The whole atmosphere and setting just make it so easy to connect with others, so you won’t lack friends here, trust me.
It’s easy to connect with other fellow travelers, especially in central areas. In the past, I’d say it would be tough to link up with others if you’re not open to it. But nowadays, technology has made it easier, and apps like Trippii make the whole process much simpler and less stressful. The app is set to launch soon, and once it’s out there, then all you have to do is download it, sign up, and start connecting with like-minded travelers based on your personal preferences and your vibe for the trip.
So, even though Athens is great for solo travelers, things can get even better once you’ve found your travel tribe.
But bear in mind you can also easily connect with locals, as the Greeks are incredibly welcoming. From my experience, conversations just flow naturally, and you’ll often find yourself talking about daily topics, including even politics (but remember to always show respect and some knowledge of Greek politics before you strike up a conversation about this subject.)
Finally, my ultimate tip is: just stay open to new adventures, and you’ll happen to enjoy every moment in Athens.
My Favorite Surprises
I’ve had a lot of positive surprises in Athens, but three, in particular, made it to my Top 4.
- Exarchia: As an artist and someone with a bohemian soul, I connected deeply with this neighborhood. Exarchia speaks to my creative soul through its unique bars, youthful energy, and vibrant terraces. The music scene is simply unmatched. You can find everything here, from punk rock to electronic music. Here locals are just so open, and conversations are easy and engaging.
- The Acropolis: I’m obsessed with this place. The Erectheion, where Athena and Poseidonʼs rivalry over the city unfolded, is just a masterpiece. The Caryatids, standing gracefully, are a sight I never tire of.
- Lycabettus Hill: My go-to spot for daily exercise and breathtaking views of Athens.
- The Acropolis Museum: It’s a must-visit, as it offers a perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee on the terrace overlooking the illuminated Acropolis on a Sunday night.
What Makes Athens Unique?
- Greek Culture: The Greek way is a celebration of life. Despite the delicate economic situation they’ve been facing since 2008, Greeks show resilience and fight back embracing joy. The food is special, and the overall energy is simply unmatched.
- Ancient Greece: You can already guess, but History is alive in the streets and ancient ruins of Greece. When you stand on the Acropolis, you can feel the weight of the past.
- The Island & Good Weather: If you’re visiting Athens, and have some spare time, then don’t hesitate and go to the nearby Greek islands. Overall, the weather is great year-round, so don’t get discouraged even in the winter!
Top Bars in Athens
- Soyus
- Location: Exarchia
- Address: Asklipiou 41, 10680 Athens
- Music: Synthwave, Hip-Hop, Electro
- Description: Soyus is my go-to spot in Exarchia. You can find a chill atmosphere, great music, and an authentic vibe.
- Argentina Music Bar
- Location: Exarchia
- Address: Koletti 40, 10682 Athens
- Music: DJs every weekend
- Description: Another personal favorite. Once you’re there, look for Llari, the manager, who makes the best cocktails and curates an incredible whiskey selection.
- Jimmis
- Location: Exarchia
- Address: Ippokratous 146, 11472 Athens
- Music: Rock, Alternative
- Description: Jimmis is a must-visit, especially if you appreciate bohemian style and fantastic music.
- Imeros
- Location: Central Athens
- Address: Leof. Alexandras 2, 11473 Athens
- Music: Traditional Greek
- Description: If you want to immerse yourself in Greek music, then Imeros should be on your list.
- Six D.o.g.s
- Location: Monastiraki
- Address: Avramiotou 6-8, 10551 Athens
- Music: Eclectic, Live Music
- Description: Six D.o.g.s is known for its artistic vibes, hidden garden, and creative cocktails!
Top Rooftops in Athens
I simply cannot talk about Athens rooftops without giving you my take on them. Personally, I absolutely love them! Wherever I travel, I always seek them out. In Athens, the rooftop bars and restaurants are particularly spectacular, as they offer breathtaking views of the Acropolis, especially at night when the lights are on. Bear in mind these spots are perfect for a romantic date, so if you’ve got that someone special, rooftops are a great place to go to. Here are my personal recommendations:
- A for Athens Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
- Location: Monastiraki
- Address: Miaouli 24, 10554 Athens
- Description: A for Athens offers you panoramic views of the Acropolis with traditional Mediterranean dishes.
- 360 Cocktail Bar
- Location: Monastiraki
- Address: Ifestou 2, 10555 Athens
- Description: 360 cocktail bar is famous mainly for its 360-degree views of Athens (hence the name.) It gets even more magical at sunset!
- Couleur Locale
- Location: Monastiraki
- Address: Normanou 3, 10555 Athens
- Description: Couleur is a hidden gem that also offers breathtaking views of the Acropolis!
- Thea Terrace Bar
- Location: Plaka
- Address: Apollonos 21, 10557 Athens
- Description: Thea is a romantic spot in Plaka that also has that perfect view of the Acropolis, alongside a cozy ambiance.
- Attic Urban Rooftop
- Location: Psiri
- Address: Sarri 44, 10553 Athens
- Description: The Attic Urban Rooftop is quite an elegant place to go. It can be a great pick if you’re into contemporary dining and stylish views of Athens!
Top Restaurants in Athens
- Seychelles
- Location: Kerameikos
- Address: Keramikou 49, 10436 Athens
- Description: Seychelles is a personal favorite. This cozy spot blends traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist, offering incredible flavors and a warm atmosphere.
- Aleria
- Location: Metaxourgeio
- Address: Meg. Alexandrou 57, 10435 Athens
- Description: A refined dining experience in a restored neoclassical mansion, serving contemporary Greek dishes with high-quality local ingredients.
- Varoulko Seaside
- Location: Mikrolimano
- Address: Akti Koumoundourou 52, 10435 Piraeus
- Description: Known for its fresh seafood and Michelin-starred dishes, this seaside restaurant is perfect for a culinary escape.
- Salero
- Location: Exarchia
- Address: Valtetsiou 51, 10681 Athens
- Description: One of my absolute favorites. Salero offers Mediterranean cuisine with a creative flair in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- To Kati Allo
- Location: Koukaki
- Address: Chatzichristou 12, 11742 Athens
- Description: A family-run spot offering authentic homemade Greek dishes. Itʼs the perfect place for a hearty and traditional meal.
Where to Stay in Athens
- Hotel Grande Bretagne
- Category: Luxury
- Location: Syntagma
- Address: Syntagma Square, 10564 Athens
- Description: Iconic luxury with breathtaking views of the Acropolis, elegant interiors, and world-class amenities, including a rooftop pool.
- Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
- Category: Luxury
- Location: Vouliagmeni
- Address: 40 Apollonos Street, 16671 Vouliagmeni
- Description: A seaside oasis with private beaches, gourmet dining, and impeccable service.
- AthensWas Hotel
- Category: Mid-range
- Location: Plaka
- Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 5, 11742 Athens
- Description: A modern boutique hotel offering stylish rooms and a rooftop restaurant with stunning Acropolis views.
- Coco-Mat Athens
- Category: Mid-range
- Location: Kolonaki
- Address: Patriarchou Ioakim 36, 10675 Athens
- Description: Known for its eco-friendly approach and luxurious beds, this hotel provides a serene retreat in a chic neighborhood.
- City Circus Athens
- Category: Budget/Hostel
- Location: Psiri
- Address: Sarri 16, 10553 Athens
- Description: A charming hostel with vintage decor and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for budget travelers seeking a social experience
Conclusion: Why Athens Should Be on Your Travel List
After going through the most important points linked to the Athens experience, I think you got what I meant. Athens is a complete experience, and it should absolutely be on your travel list, especially if the idea of mixing a bit of ancient history with a few touches of modernity sounds like a good idea to you.
As a solo traveler, my experience is that Athens is a welcoming city that can offer you a perfect balance of culture, adventure, and connection.
So, I’d really recommend you take your time to enjoy the city. Explore the Acropolis, and check out the bohemian energy of Exarchia… Do it as you wish, and you’ll see that Athens is a complete city. Embrace the chaos, and get ready to have a great time exploring this timeless city!
Who I Am
I am Antonio Fernández Ríos, a musician, producer, software enthusiast, and, above all, a travel maximalist. I have explored over 30 countries, and most of my adventures have been solo.
I am driven by the joy of discovering the world in my own way. I just love finding unique places, trying local gastronomy, and immersing myself in transformative
experiences. I live for stories, not just to collect them, but to connect with the people who create them.
I see solo travel as more than just a lifestyle. I also see it as a way for me to understand the world through a unique and authentic lens. I believe every destination teaches us something
new, and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Through this blog, I share my experiences, honest reviews, and tips about destinations, accommodations, restaurants, and more, but always focus on solo experiences. My goal is to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, seek the extraordinary, and create unforgettable memories of your own.
