Athens’ museums have always been an essential part of a visit to the Greek capital, and lately, their cafes have become serious draws of their own. After hours spent wandering amazing galleries and exhibitions, these cafes are the perfect spot to sit back and relax. Here, we’ve rounded up 8 of Athens’ best museum cafes to pair a rich cultural experience with a cool cafe vibe!
Acropolis Museum Cafe
When visiting Athens, the Acropolis Museum is an unmissable spot as it’s been named one of the best museums in the world. It also has a restaurant/café with magnificent views of the city. Serving delicious traditional recipes using locally sourced produce- where you can taste great dishes and homemade sweets while catching exquisite views of the Parthenon.
A: 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou St, Athens
Benaki Museum Cafe
Located across from the National Gardens, next to the chic Kolonaki neighbourhood- you will come across one of the most beautiful buildings. As soon as you enter the gates to the courtyard of the Benakis family mansion, you will understand why this is such a treasured cultural landmark. Here you can relax on the charming terrace overlooking the city. Perfect spot for a coffee, or a long lunch.
A: 1 Koumpari St, Athens
Numismatic Museum Cafe
Even if you have no interest in coins, the Numismatic Museum is worth visiting for the beautiful architecture of the neoclassical mansion where the museum is housed. Once the home of renowned archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, it was designed by famous German architect Ernst Ziller. Boasting a lush garden filled with ancient Greek statues, the cafe is open daily from 9 am until midnight- where you can enjoy a coffee, catch up with friends, and live music.
A: 12 Panepistimiou St, Syntagma
Byzantine and Christian Museum, Illisia Cafe
This classical mansion was built in the 1840s and was made into the Byzantine and Christian Museum in 1926. After you explore the wonderful collection- sit in the charming gardens and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the Ilissia Cafe. Along with beautiful grounds, you will also be impressed with the menu which includes a range of starters, salads, and a few traditional Greek dishes.
A: 22 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, Kolonaki
Museum of Cycladic Art Cafe
The ultra-modern café-restaurant of the Museum of Cycladic Art features striking marble benches and clean lines. The interiors are minimal, sophisticated, and light- giving it a very sleek yet inviting feel. The menu features Greek cuisine, using the finest quality ingredients and a philosophy of simplicity in terms of flavors and presentation. Perfect spot for brunch or a light lunch- and make sure you try one of the freshly baked sweets.
A: 4 Neofitou Douka St, Athens
Athens City Museum, Black Duck Garden Cafe
This charming garden boasts lush greenery that is paired with marble tables and black chairs, giving it a cool and sophisticated vibe. Black Duck Garden is not only a cafe, it’s also a bar, gallery, museum, and event centre where many local artists come to feature their work. From a light brunch menu and coffee to dinner and drinks, this place is a must-visit if you are looking for a spot to stay cool during the summer heat.
A: 5, loannou Paparrigopoulou 7, Athens
Museum of Islamic Art Cafe
Located footsteps away from Thissio station, the charming café at the Museum of Islamic Art is a quiet spot to enjoy, with lovely views (including the Kerameikos cemetery and the Parthenon) and a good shot of coffee. You can also choose from a simple but tasty menu that includes light snacks, salads, and a great variety of loose tea.
A: 22 Ag. Asomaton & 12 Dipilou St., Thissio
B&E Goulandris Café-Restaurant
One of the best new museum cafes to hit the Greek capital- this beautiful gallery cafe in Pangrati opened in October 2019 and has been a hit with locals ever since. The menu has a great range of vegan and vegetarian options, and if you are looking for a healthy breakfast/brunch spot when visiting Athens- this is your place.
A: 13 Eratosthenous St, Athens
