If there is one landmark in Athens that no visitor should miss, it is the Acropolis. But what about the area that extends at its foothills, a place whose name is increasingly appearing on the lists of the city’s most popular neighborhoods?
Koukaki is a small neighborhood that combines three distinct areas: the Acropolis, the Fix, and the pedestrianized street of Georgaki Olympiou [01] (or “Pediki Hara”, as the square was known), all aligned in a downhill tourist-friendly route.
Pedestrian street of Georgaki Olympiou
Koukaki has solidified its status in the city thanks to one main factor: it serves as the natural hub for a large portion of tourist activity, owing to its proximity to several of the most popular attractions: the Acropolis, of course, but also the Columns of Olympian Zeus [02] (wikipedia), the Dionysiou Areopagitou [03] (wikipedia) promenade, and the Filopappou Hill [04], all while maintaining close proximity to the heart of the city (Plaka [05] is a few minutes’ walk away, and Syntagma is just a quarter away).
Pedestrian street of Georgaki Olympiou
Moreover, the area is well-connected (metro at Acropolis [07] and Fix [08], tram stops at Kallirrois Street near the Acropolis – Vouliagmenis [09] stop – and Fix [10]), with an extensive bus network passing through the main artery of Syngrou Avenue. This is a notable factor, considering that a few years ago, and even now, this couldn’t be said for many areas of Athens.
The economic crisis of 2008 had a pivotal impact on the neighborhood. It was already quite popular, but the poverty that struck the country also shuttered many businesses in the area. For some years, the shop windows on Veikou Street presented an abandoned scene, but after a while, new businesses began to flourish, led by young entrepreneurs willing to take risks. In most cases, the courage to “venture” paid off, and the area started to thrive, with the dining sector leading the way, catering to tourists’ thirst for new offerings and their need for something different.
Pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou
Koukaki, though not objectively considered a “beautiful” area, has its architectural gems, and that is in its favor: strolling down Dionysiou Areopagitou and seeing the buildings that adorn it gives a sense of tranquility to every visitor. Among these gems, at number 21, is the Spanish Embassy [11], in a neoclassical building by architect Tsiller, whose work is scattered throughout Athens. Most of the surrounding buildings date back to the 1920s or 1930s and are worthy of our admiration.
It is also worth mentioning the Meropio Philanthropic Foundation [12], operating since 1914, the Swedish Institute at Athens [13], or the Lalounis Jewelry Museum [14], but feel free to wander: you will find lovely corners on Parthenonos, Zacharitsa, Philopappou, and Tsami Karatassou streets (do not miss seeing the house of the daughter of the Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, decorated with Mordillo tiles), where you will also find the Museum of Emotions [15], a unique place worth visiting, especially if you come with children.
Acropolis Museum
We have not mentioned the obvious: the Acropolis Museum [16] and the Museum of Contemporary Art [17], each located at a metro station: Acropolis [07] and Syngrou-Fix [08]. We believe that neither needs recommendations and that both are on the list of must-visit places, so we will not elaborate further.
“A healthy mind in a healthy body”: there is nothing better than a visit to one of the two-three bookstores in the area: Librofilo & Co [18], The Book Garden [19], and Little Tree [20], which is also a bookstore-café. All three are full of life and often host book presentations and literary circles.
Little Tree
In Koukaki, you will also find plenty of shops for every taste: jewelry, ceramics, and clothing are three of the most representative sectors, and we are not short of suggestions, but a stroll down Veikou and Dimitrakopoulou streets will give you an idea of the great variety that exists. As for clothing, do not leave without visiting Lovecuts [21], an original store with handmade clothes that also brings in some pieces from other brands, such as Namasté. Also worth a stop are Ku.ku [22] and Area Concept Store [23]. There is also Zacharoucho [24], with second-hand clothes, and The Lab T-shirt [25], with shirts and socks that, with their punk style, will surely make you smile.
PistachioLand
A relatively recent but very valuable arrival is the PistachioLand store [26], located on Lebessi Street, very close to the Acropolis metro, where you will find many products made of tasty Aegina pistachios, but also pure pistachios. A wonderful gift idea (or something to treat yourself).
When it comes to jewelry, One tool three [27] is our top choice, but you’ll also find many others, such as Both Jewellery Studio [28], Darto [29] LaJOYa [30]. Regarding ceramics, Little Pot [31], Mon Coin [32] or Trabala [33] are notable options. If you’re searching for a gift for a child, don’t overlook Vintage Lovers [34], the third store in the chain, situated in Chalandri and Kifissia.
If you are interested in getting a souvenir in the form of a bottle, make sure to visit En Fiali [35], an excellent whisky-wine bar offering a variety of domestic and foreign beverage labels.
Another advantage of Koukaki is that it accommodates three excellent bakeries in a limited area. The first and most famous is Takis [36], located in the Acropolis area. Next is Mama Psomi [37], in the Fix area, and finally, there is Rizos [38] on the pedestrian street of Olympiou [01]. These three bakeries are so good that choosing just one will be challenging. Let’s not forget Fika [39], near Neos Kosmos, renowned for its croissants (especially the cardamom buns, which are finger-licking good).
Fika coffee & croissant
But likely, after all that walking, you will need a little snack. As you can imagine, such a bustling area offers an unlimited variety to suit every taste and budget. Here, we will limit ourselves to just a few stores that we highly recommend.
For instance, Mani Mani [40], situated on the first floor of a neoclassical building on Falirou Street, combines traditional Mani cuisine with a more elegant gastronomy. The result is explosive, but do not forget to make a reservation. While not always necessary in Greece, this place gets crowded. Such was the success of this restaurant that a few years ago, they opened its “sibling”, Dirty Mani [41], dedicated to street food and classic souvlaki in an upgraded version, following the principles of high gastronomy.
Mani Mani
It is also worth mentioning Materia Prima [42], a wine bar that has managed to stand out despite tough competition in the center of Athens,
Materia Prima
and Balcony Restaurant [43], which works with local products to offer a gastronomic experience inspired by tradition.
Balcony
Another very convenient option (due to its privileged location on Makrigianni Street, across from the side exit of the Acropolis Museum) is Elaea Wine&Dine [44], a beautiful place to grab something to eat (meat or fish). The owner, Giannis, is extremely friendly.
Elaea Wine & Dine
A little further, on the border with the Petralona neighborhood, you will also find the combination of a traditional taverna and a modern restaurant, Kouvelos [45]: its cuisine is excellent, as is the quality-price ratio, and you will love its hunkiar begendi.
Kouvelos
But if your preference is street food, then you are in luck: in Koukaki, the shops are small, so some of the best options are places with limited indoor space.
For example, Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food [46], where there are only two or three tables. Nevertheless, the huge queues that form will give you an idea of how tasty the food is. After all, it has the advantage of being the first Thai restaurant not banned to open in Athens.
Tuk Tuk
We also cannot fail to mention Mama Tierra [47], a vegan paradise (as the website itself claims), with another restaurant in the center, and its wonderful dishes that have nothing to envy from burger joints, souvlaki places, etc.
Across the street, you will also find Guarantee [48], a sandwich shop, whose name speaks for it: Mr. Giannis and his family will advise you to enjoy a wonderful sandwich, and it will not be easy for you to choose from the wide variety of cheeses and cold cuts from all over the world they offer, despite its tiny size. You can accompany it with a wonderful fresh juice. And another wonderful suggestion is To Revithi [49] where you can get one of the undisputably best falafels in the city (you will enjoy it on the bench, as there are no tables).
After your brunch or lunch, dessert is a must. You cannot leave without trying the ice cream at Django [50]: for many, the best ice cream in the whole city, made from seasonal fruits and ingredients. A proper indulgence.
Django
And if you want to have a coffee (or a gin tonic, depending on your mood), you will have many options. Surely by then, you will have already passed by some bars that have impressed you, but if not, we can also suggest alternatives: if you want to grab a coffee on the go, you can stop by Dive [51],
Dive
where you can choose from a wide variety of coffee, as well as preparation methods (filter coffee, espresso, and more), or even Terra Carpo [52],
TerraKarpo
where in the morning customers line up to buy the necessary coffee that will open their eyes, and where you can also find fresh nuts, cereal bars, and other treats.
If you want to have a seat and enjoy your coffee, one of our favorite cafes is Salute [53], an all-day bar, like almost all in Greece, Mpampas [54], or the spritzeria Drupes [55], besides Fratti [56],
Fratti Bistro
which operates all day as a bistrot with special cocktails. However, anyway, on any of the two pedestrian streets in the neighborhood (Drakou and Olympiou), you will find cafes, bars, and taverns for every taste… It is no coincidence that Koukaki is in fashion!
