Summer holidays may be a bit far away but you don't have to wait for the island hopping to come out and enjoy summer. We searched and found the hottest balconies, terraces and gardens of Athens that will make you forget that you are in the urban center of the city. Cocktails, wines, brunch, seafood, gourmet, Michelin stars we have it all!
In one of the most picturesque and oldest neighborhoods of Athens at 22 Mnisikleous Street, there is Luigi sky bar restaurant overlooking the Acropolis and Lycabettus. It is an excellent choice for all hours of the day that offers excellent Mediterranean cuisine, with influences from Greece and Italy.
Luigi Sky Bar Restaurant, 22 Mnisikleous, Athens 105 56
Within 10 minutes, you can be from the center of Athens to Cyclades, eating fresh fish and seafood. The balcony of the restaurant at 13 P. Mela Street in Byron has a breathtaking view from Lycabettus to Saronic Gulf. From this balcony you may start your vacation in the city without having to wait to go on vacation and visit the Greek islands.
Balcony in the Cyclades, P. Mela 13, Byron 162 33
When you want to escape from the busy streets of the historic center, you can hide in the gallery on Normanou Street in Monastiraki. On the 3rd floor you will find a bar overlooking the Acropolis, where since 2014, it offers excellent cocktail options and delicious snacks.
Couleur Locale, Normanou 3, Athens 105 55
A wonderful roof garden with Acropolis within walking distance, in the heart of Monastiraki square, gives you endless options in wine, food and cocktails. A for Athens has a huge and fully updated wine list, made by the experienced sommelier, Alexandros Triantafyllou. On the other hand, gastronomic choices take pleasure to another level. Its location makes it easily accessible as the metro station is next door.
A for Athens, Miaouli 2, Athens 105 54
In the alley of Avramiotou, in the center of Athens, as you walk down the steps of Six Dogs, you see a beautiful garden where for several years now it has been one of Athens’s favorites. Well-made cocktails, fun mood and nice music make it one of the hottest places you can visit all year round.
Six Dogs, Avramiotou 6-8, Athens 105 51
A 1930s house, with a few changes, is transformed into a wonderful bar, with one of our favorite courtyards in Athens. Upupa Epops cannot be missing from our list since the success of the bar speaks for itself, as you find it difficult to find a table every single day of the week. Marfi Bali prepares delicious and inspired cocktails that are combined with its wonderful dishes. It is worth noting that it also serves amazing brunch.
Upupa Epops, Alkminis 7, Athens 118 54
Leaving the center of Athens, in the beautiful grove of Papagou, hidden in the trees and with an imposing large garden, you will find Piu Verde that has been located there for several years. It serves coffee and pancakes from early in the morning but also delicious Mediterranean and international dishes, giving you the feeling that you are in the forest. During the summer months, the shadow of the pines and the cool breeze of the lakes make it an oasis in bustling Athens. In addition, pets are allowed.
Piu Verde, Strat, Al. Papagou, Papagou 156 69
In Klafthmonos Square, 180 years ago, the place where the Black Duck Garden is today, was just a plot of land and belonged to the garden of the old palace. When Otto, the first king, married 18-year-old Amalia, she planted a palm tree, which still stands with pride and adorns the courtyard of Black Duck. Respect for the history of the place extends to respect for the products of small Greek producers. It serves excellent wine selections from boutique wineries from all over Greece that are uniquely combined with its Mediterranean dishes.
Black Duck Garden, 5 - 7, Ioannou Paparrigopoulou, Athens 105 61
A breath away from Kifissia there is a garden with palm trees and cactus, giving you the impression that you are out of town. You can easily hide in its coolness and enjoy the delicious suggestions of the chef but also refreshing cocktails created by the bartenders.
Hide and Seek, 254 Kifissias Ave., Chalandri 152 31
Hytra Restaurant is housed on the 7th floor of Onassis Foundation. Tassos Mantis creates two different menus, a gourmet and a cooler one, inspired by the world's street food. You can enjoy your wine or cocktail accompanied by finger food or a fine dining dinner with a 360 degree view of both the city and the imposing Acropolis.
Hytra, L, Syggrou 107-109, Athens 11754
If you finally decide to sit on the balcony with friends, then the options are many! Choose wine from the endless choices of Botilia or let mySommelier select the wine that match your tastes. And in order to have something in the fridge to accompany it, see the specially selected Delicatessen suggestions.