Flights to Athens

Pláka

Introduction

With its array of traditional tavernas and antique shops housed in centuries-old buildings, Pláka lies at the foot of the Acropolis and is the city’s historic heart.

Hotels

Known for the modernist art that adorns its walls, the boutique-style Magna Grecia Hotel (54 Mitropoléos Street, tel. 210 324 0314, magnagrecia hotel.com, rooms from €90) is minutes from the Acropolis and an ideal base.

Cultural

Love theatre? Head for the Dora Stratou Theatre (8 Scholíou Street, grdance.org), on Philopappou Hill opposite the Acropolis, which this month hosts performances for the Attiko Woods Festival.

Restaurants

Vegetarian and health-conscious diners will love Eden (12 Lissíou Street, tel. 210 324 8858), with its extensive menu of organic dishes and juices. Nearby, Sholarhio (14 Tripodon Street, tel. 210 324 7605) is known for delicious homemade moussaka and taramosalata.

Pubs

Housed in a period building full of carved wood and stone walls, To Kafeneio (1 Epicharmou Street, tel. 210 324 6916) serves strong Greek coffee made in copper jugs known as a Mpríki.

Kolonáki

Introduction

Upmarket Kolonáki boasts elegant architecture, galleries, museums and haute couture fashion houses.

Hotels

Luxurious St George Lycabettus Boutique Hotel (2 Kleomenous Street, tel. 210 729 0711, sglycabettus.gr, rooms from €150) has a rooftop pool – perfect after a day’s sightseeing.

Cultural

See major works from 17th to 20th-century local and European artists, including Rembrandt and Canaletto, at the National Gallery of Art (50 Vasiléos Konstantínou Street, tel. 210 723 5937).

Restaurants

The cosy and super-chic Kolonáki Restaurant (23 Ploutarxou Street, tel. 210 722 6333) serves oven-baked pizzas and imaginative pasta dishes.

Pubs

Serving colourful cocktails, 45 Strofes (15 Irodotou Street & 9 Kapsali Street) is popular with the creative set.

Shops

Voukouréstiou Street has been a shopaholic’s paradise for over 60 years and hosts the likes of Dior (18-20), Louis Vuitton (19) and Ralph Lauren (11).

Psyrrí

Introduction

Full of artists’ studios, trendy wine bars and restored Neo-classical mansions that house live music restaurants known as rebetadika, Psyrrí has a distinctive vibe.

Hotels

Modern with spacious rooms, the Arion Athens Hotel (18 Agios Dimitríou Street, tel. 210 324 0415, arionhotel.gr, rooms from €90) is handy for the sights.

Restaurants

Traditional Greek dishes can be enjoyed at the Kouzina-Cine Psyrrí (40 Sarri Street, tel. 210 321 5534), or for a different taste sensation try Godzilla Sushi Bar (Riga Palamídou Street, tel. 210 322 1086) for Japanese cuisine.

Pubs

Tango Café-Bar (21 Agios Anárgiron Street) is a contemporary place with comfy sofas, lounge music and a host of local hot and chilled beverages.

Night Clubs

Psyrrí is the spot to head for if you prefer to party away from the tourists. Move to Cuban sounds at the Cubanita Havana Club (28-30 Georgiou Karaiskaki Street).

Piraeus

Introduction

The suburb of Piraeus, 11km from Athens, is the ancient port of the city. From here you can take a day trip along the coast or head for one of the island groups that lie a few kilometres off the mainland.

Hotels

Overlooking the harbour, the Hotel Poseidonio (3-5 Charilaou Trikoupibi Street, tel. 210 428 6651, hotel poseidonio.com, rooms from €150) is ideally placed for an excursion.

Cultural

One of the district’s finest archaeological sites is Syrangion (Kastella Hill), believed to have held a sanctuary dedicated to the ancient hero Syrango. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus (31 Charilaou Trikoupi Street) to see treasures from such archaeological sites on display.

Restaurants

For a taste of traditional Greek cuisine check out Amvrosia (135 Luka Rally Street, tel. 210 410 1211). Be sure to try the delicious skewered pork cooked with herbs known as souvláki.

Pubs

For a range of local beers and the chance to play tavli – Mediterranean backgammon; the rolling of dice is a common sound in the city – head for Piraikon (147 Néorion Street).