The Insider's Guide to Athens, Greece

How would you describe Athens to someone who's never been?

A city full of stories big and small - universal and likewise very personal - that are constantly renewed by its inhabitants and visitors. However, you need to find the time to really explore the non-touristic places of Athens too. If you have the patience to explore and discover, you will find its true beauty hidden in the backstreets.

Who are the best local musicians/bands/artists?

Ocean Hope, Sillyboy, Fever Kids, A Victim Of Society.

What's the best venue to watch live music?

The theater on the hill of Lycabettus, which unfortunately remains closed in recent years. The Anglican Church in winter is a very good choice for atmospheric live performances.

What's the best club?

Unfortunately, the era of clubs belongs in the past for Athens. Nowadays, the bars are small, where people cram themselves in. The music is not the attraction, but bar owners are happy because their shops seem full from the perspective of passersby. However, a few clubs have survived. Death Disco, for example, is a good choice if you want to hear loud music and to have a good dance.

Where's the best place to buy records?

In the old section of the Flea Market in Monastiraki.

Where's the best place/s to eat?

As Athens is a peninsula and has access to a lot of sea, we’d suggest seaside taverns in the north or south of the city.

Best place/s to drink?

The best drink is all about the location, not the beverage, so we’d recommend a bar or café with a terrace, perhaps overlooking Lycabettus or the Acropolis. There are many bars, such as Bios, (and roof garden hotels) in the center of Athens with such spectacular views.

Who are the local heroes?

Local heroes are all of us who live and survive in this city, because it is extremely difficult to live in a city where you have to struggle every day just to get through the economic crisis.

What are the best sights to see and places to visit?

The National Garden, the School of Agriculture (former botanical garden), the archaeological site of Vravrona, the beach of CRES on the way to Sounion, the sacred Elefsina with its ancient mysteries, the deer mountain in Parnitha and, of course, Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in the world. Best to roam the streets in the morning or late in the afternoon, to avoid the summer heat.

How do you get around Athens?

It’s great travelling on the bus, as you get to see everyday people getting about their day-to-day business, or on the Metro if you need to get somewhere quickly (it’s often faster than travelling by car). If you want to venture out of the city, its best to go by car, as there aren’t too many forms of public transport, but above all, what’s a road trip without a car? Best to experience the magnificence of this city at your own pace and leisure. There are so many breathtaking views to see, and if you’re on a bus or train, those views will pass you by.

Where is the best place to relax? To take a walk?

Fokionos Negri Street. A road with so many remarkable events in modern history. It’s very near the city center, in Kypseli - our favourite neighborhood, which gave us its name.

What's the worst thing about Athens?

The bureaucracy.

What's the best thing about Athens?

The people. Every day is a new day. Every stranger a potential friend.