Syntagma Square Archives - Insights Greece

Complete Guide to Syntagma Square

Where to eat, drink, shop, and spend the day in and around Syntagma Square — the beating heart of Athens.

Whether it’s your first visit to the Greek capital, or you’ve done it all before – chances are at some point you will end up around bustling Syntagma Square, which is filled with locals and visitors both day and night.

And to help you decide where to go and what to do, we’ve rounded up the best spots (a mix of old and new) that are worth seeking out!

Eat + Drink

Brunch Time

Athénée – Start your day in style at this elegant all-day bar-restaurant that’s been serving A-listers since 1939. And if you are lucky enough to be around on a weekend, Athénée teams up with some of the city’s finest pastry chefs each Sunday to serve up a deliciously sweet brunch. (Voukourestiou 9)

Ergon Bakehouse Athens- A few doors down from Ergon House (Athens’ first foodie hotel) you will now find its sister property Ergon Bakehouse. As you step through the doors, you’re greeted by the aroma of artisanal breads and meticulously crafted pastries, rising in the ovens. Take a seat inside and enjoy a satisfying breakfast featuring seasonal, fresh produce and a variety of breads. (Mitropoleos 27 & Patroou 9-11)

New Taste – Locals come to the NEW hotel for its enticing brunch menu that includes a Viennoiserie basket, Tsoureki French toast, and a club sandwich that pairs well with their Bloody Mary. (Filellinon 16)

Insights Greece - Complete Guide to Syntagma Square

Best Coffee

Kaya– This specialty coffee shop is the place to come to for those who know and love their coffee. (Voulis 7)

Third Place – About a 5-minute walk from Syntagma Square you’ll find a minimalist shop with a great range of Greek coffee blends, a curated selection of design objects and laid-back vibes. (Apollonos 23Β)

Dope Roasting – Another 2-minute walk from the city’s famous square, you’ll find yourself at this cool espresso bar that’s set in a stunning 19th-century neoclassical building. (Vissis 25)

Casual Street Food

Pnyka Bakery – In between all the back-to-back sightseeing, come to Pnyka to grab a freshly baked tiropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie). (Petraki 24)

Poke Hawaiian Sushi – A mix of Japanese and Hawaiian flavours, the menu features Tempura Shrimp with a drizzle of spicy mayo and exotic poke bowls- the perfect lunch on the run. (Petraki 7)

O Kostas – Serving some of the best souvlaki in town – just get here before midday, as they tend to sell out by 3 pm. (Pentelis 5)

Thess Bao- Enjoy freshly made bao buns with creative fillings such as pulled beef, BBQ pancetta and fried zucchini fritters. (Perikleous 30-32)

Long, Lazy Lunch

Tzitzikas kai Mermigas – If you are looking for authentic Greek dishes such as keftedakia (meatballs), fava (yellow split pea dip), or a great selection of grilled meat and seafood dishes that are ideal for sharing, this is the place. (Mitropoleos 12)

Birdman – A Japanese grill restaurant and pub, Birdman has become one of the most popular Asian restaurants in Athens thanks to its fresh flavours and creative dishes. (Voulis 35)

Hanoi – Introducing authentic Vietnamese food to Athenians, here the broth for the pho soup simmers for a minimum of 12 hours before being served. (Petraki 12)

Standout Dining

Nolan – Greek-Japanese chef Sotiris Kontizas is the brainchild behind this award-winning restaurant serving unfussy yet sophisticated dishes. (Voulis 31)

GB Roof Garden – If you are searching for a restaurant in the centre of Athens that’s special- this is it. Serving Mediterranean flavours made with fresh, raw ingredients- GB Roof Garden offers fine dining along with prime Parthenon views. Note: it’s closed for renovations until April 12, 2024. (10 Vas. Georgiou St)

Okio – Just a few blocks from Syntagma Square, Okio features a modern sharing-style menu highlighting Mediterranean and Asian cuisines in a simple yet exquisite manner. (Nikis 33)

Feedel Urban Gastronomy- Serving gourmet Greek cuisine that’s modern and sophisticated- here you can enjoy creatively made dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients. (Ktena 1)

Treat Yourself

Bon Bon Maison –This boutique pastry store offers a delectable selection of French pastries including lemon tarts and croissants with handmade raspberry jam. (30 Petraki St)

Le Greche – Delicious handmade artisanal gelato created from pure ingredients. We recommend trying the fig and mascarpone flavour! (Mitropoleos 16)

Estrella – Come here for the waffles and pancakes or to try their signature “bougatsan” – a mixture between croissant and bougatsa. (4A Romvis)

Cocktail Hour

Bar in Front of the Bar – This cool street bar features a creative cocktail list that changes daily based on the mood of the talented bartenders. (1 Petraki)

Drunk Sinatra – An all-day hangout where you’ll catch funky young locals ordering craft cocktails and crowds spilling out onto the street on balmy nights. (Thiseos 16)

The Clumsies – About a 5-minute walk from Syntagma you’ll find yourself at a place firmly lodged in the World’s Best Bars List. Let’s be real, you can’t come to Syntagma and not head over to The Clumsies for the perfect drink. (Praxitelous 30)

Rooftop With Acropolis View

Zillers Roof Garden- A lush terrace with fine views of the Acropolis, Zillers serves light meals and snacks during the day and in the evening, it’s transformed into an award-winning restaurant with amazing dishes that can be enjoyed alongside impressive cocktails. (Mitropoleos 54)

Retiree – Located on the top of Ergon House, here you can enjoy proper cocktails, a relaxed summer vibe and unbeatable views of the Parthenon. (Mitropoleos 23)

Nyx – Set on the top floor of the Academias Hotel and offering majestic views of the city, Nyx features Japanese flavours combined with signature cocktails. (19 Omirou St)

Wine O’Clock

Heteroclito- With over 200 labels from Greece and abroad, you can enjoy a glass or two over a cheese platter. (2 Fokionos & Petraki St)

By the Glass – Choose among 250 Greek and global wine labels, around 50 of which can be served by the glass. (3 G. Souri & Phileillion St)

Oinoscent- With over 1000 labels from all over the world, every week there is a new selection of wines that you can sample. (45-47 Voulis St)

See + Do

As you stroll up Panepistimiou St, heading towards Syntagma Square, you will encounter three of the most elegant and imposing neoclassical buildings in the Greek Capital – collectively known as the Athenian Trilogy. Made up of the University of Athens, the Athens Academy and the National Library, each was designed in the mid-19th century.

Right in the middle of Syntagma Square, every day (on the hour) you can catch the changing of the guards (Evzones) outside the Hellenic Parliament House.

Then head on over to the National Garden – a peaceful spot that was once the official royal garden and former playground of Queen Amalia of Oldenburg.

As you walk towards the famous steps and fountain of Syntagma, you will come across The Hotel Grande Bretagne, which is a local institution and a preferred stay for many international celebrities and politicians. This historic hotel was founded in 1874 and is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. It’s worth stepping inside to admire the classic décor and for a drink at Alexander’s Bar.

Panagia Kapnikarea, a Byzantine church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, is one of the oldest churches in Athens. Built around 1050 AD over the ruins of an ancient temple, you will find it in the heart of Ermou Street.

In between Monastiraki and Syntagma Square, you can visit another important church, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. Known as the “official” church of the capital, it features both neoclassical and Greek-Byzantine elements.

Culture Fix

Benaki Museum – A few minutes walk from Syntagma Square you can discover a curated selection of ceramics, sculpture, and jewellery in the magnificent Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine collections on display at one of Athens’ finest museums. (1 Koumbari & Vasilissis Sofias)

Museum of Cycladic Art – This lovely museum currently holds one of the biggest collections of Cycladic art in the world, with around 3000 objects from all phases of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot art. (Neophytou Douka 4)

National Historical Museum – Set in the Old Parliament House, the museum narrates the history of Greece since the fall of the Byzantine Empire. (13 Stadiou St)

Numismatic Museum of Athens – One of the most important museums of Greece, it houses one of the greatest collections of coins (ancient and modern) in the world. (12 Panepistimiou St)

Where to Shop

From beauty stores such as Sephora and Mac to the largest retailers in fast fashion- Zara, H&M, and Pull & Bear – you’ll find them all as you walk along Ermou Street.

Around Syntagma you will also come across high-end brands including Hermès, (Voukourestiou & Stadiou streets), Dior (Voukourestiou 18), Gucci (El. Venizelou 3) and Tod’s (4 Panapestimiou), as well as Attica– Athens’ upmarket department store that stocks a wide selection of designer wear (9 Panepistimiou St).

Zeus + Dione – Specialising in relaxed, artisanal resort wear and classic pieces, you can find the flagship store of Greece’s leading fashion brand right in the heart of Syntagma. (Voukourestiou 6)

ANAMESA Concept Store – Discover a range of cool creations, including fashion pieces and accessories for men, women, and kids, as well as minimal homewares designed by Greek and international artisans. (Nikis 24)

Naxos Apothecary – Take home a stunning range of luxury natural fragrances, herbal skincare, and lush scented candles from this beautiful store that pays homage to Naxos, the largest Cycladic isle. (Kolokotroni 3-5 & Voulis)

Carpo- Make your way up to the fourth floor of the Attica department store and you’ll find a range of high-quality nuts, chocolates, coffee, dried fruits, and honey, which make for the perfect edible gifts. (Panepistimiou 9)

How to get there?

Metro Line 3 connects the airport to Syntagma Square and the journey time is approximately 40 minutes. Otherwise, you can also catch a cab from the airport (also around 40 minutes depending on traffic) at a flat rate of €40 during the day.

Featured Image Courtesy of Ergon Foods

Renovation Work on Panepistimiou Street Begins

The highly-anticipated renovation works of Panepistimiou Street, in the centre of Athens, have commenced with the section between Amerikis and Sina Streets being the first part of the project to take place.

Work began on Sunday the 28th of November, 2021, with this part of the revamp expected to be completed by March, 2022.

The new 3 million euro eco-friendly project is said to create an additional 19,360 m2 of public space and 2,260 m2 of green areas, which will include 87 new trees, as well as bike routes and recreational areas. The project has been influenced by similar urban plans that can be found in other European cities including Paris and Berlin.

Insights Greece - Renovation Work on Panepistimiou Street Begins

The renovation also includes the creation of new sitting areas, as well as new public fountains with drinking water to cut down on plastic waste in the capital; plus much-needed mobility ramps.

“Panepistimiou is changing, the works on Panepistimiou has begun and in about a year the most important thoroughfare between Omonoia and Syntagma will have changed,” said Deputy Mayor Vasilis Axiotis.

Panepistimiou St, covers a great part of the city’s centre including all the major banks, ministerial seats, universities, and a variety of stores.

Some shopping arcades are found along its length, as well as several museums and historical buildings such as the National Library, the Greek University, and other well-known sites. The long road starts at Amalias Ave and ends at Alexandras Ave.

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Syntagma Square’s Christmas Tree Lights Up for 2021

Tis’ the season for all things jolly and The City of Athens annual tree-lighting event to celebrate the Christmas holidays, took place at Syntagma Square overnight with the centre of the Greek capital beautifully lighting up and bringing joy to Athenians earlier than usual this year.

The 19-metre-tree from Karpenissi, Central Greece, was lit with 60,000 multi-coloured lights measuring 5km from top to bottom, signalling the official start of the end-of-year holiday season.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said that the annual decoration of the city came earlier this year than any in the past, “In order to leave behind the negative atmosphere of the [ongoing] pandemic and bring a spirit of celebration to the city sooner.” He added that it would also help boost the Athens market, which had suffered during the pandemic.

Insights Greece - Syntagma Square’s Christmas Tree Lights Up for 2021 — Image by Eurokinissi

The Mayor also announced that the low-budget infrastructure introduced this year will be reused in the future, and “turn Athens into a brilliant and contemporary European capital this year too.” He also reminded the public to keep health measures.

The city’s main square, the Greek Parliament building and nearby streets and buildings have also been decorated with a total of 350,000 Christmas lights and green garlands. The lighting show was designed by lighting specialist Giorgos Tellos and the original music was provided by composer and sound artist Stavros Gasparatos.

Images Courtesy of INTIME and Eurokinissi

5 Magical Christmas Spots in Greece

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GB Spa Named Greece’s Best Hotel Spa for 2021

Athens’ Grande Bretagne Spa was named Greece’s best hotel spa 2021 at the 7th World Spa Awards 2021, an international event that celebrates and rewards excellence in the spa and wellness industry.

Like entering another dimension, one where the lavish décor and top-notch pampering expertise is truly unparalleled, the GB Spa is by far Athens’ best (and one of the most expensive!).

Insights Greece - GB Spa Named Greece’s Best Hotel Spa for 2021 — GB Spa Indoor pool

Guests are encouraged to relish the essence of the spa (‘salute per aqua’ or health by water) experience by connecting to the water element first – starting with a leisurely dip in the ozone-rich pool with curative thick sea salt and following that with an excellent choice of around five steam rooms, such as the Herbal Suite, where you can meditatively inhale the essences of Greek organic herbs like thyme, oregano, and lavender, or the Amethystos Grotto, where the walls are covered in a mosaic of amethyst stones and the steam is infused with pure eucalyptus oils.

Outside the steam rooms are showers with six different settings, from Tropical Rain to Summer Shower, as well as two marble foot baths with hydromassage. ESPA products are used in all treatments, such as high-tech facials and massages, among which are deeply restorative, two-hour-long Ayurvedic rituals, the hot-stone Balinese massage, salt scrubs, and slimming, detoxifying or soothing body wraps.

For instant beautification, the Spa Manager recommends the Signature GB facial, Prickly Pear Luxury Facial inspired by the 15th-century Japanese Kobido lifting massage.

A: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Vasileos Georgiou A 1, Syntagma Square

Opening Hours: 11 am to 8 pm (Monday to Sunday)

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Strolling around the Stunning Athenian Trilogy

As you stroll up Panepistimiou St, towards famous Syntagma Square, you encounter three of the most elegant and imposing neoclassical buildings in the Greek Capital that are collectively known as the Athenian Trilogy.

Made up of the University of Athens, the Athens Academy and the National Library, each was designed in the mid-19th century by the Danish Hansen brothers and completed years later with the help of benefactors and donors.

University of Athens

The central building in the Athenian Trilogy is the University of Athens, which was built in 1839 from the designs of famous Danish architect Christian Hansen. Completed in 1864, the building benefited from many other fine architects, including Kaftantzoglou and Theophil Hansen (brother of Christian). Many Greeks throughout the diaspora also contributed to the significant undertaking. When you visit you’ll notice a mural on the front, depicting King Otto alongside classical personifications of the arts and sciences; the murals were designed by the Bavarian Rahl and painted by Polish artist Lebientzki after Rahl’s death.

A: 30 Panepistimiou St, Athens

Insights Greece - Strolling around the Stunning Athenian Trilogy

National Library

To the left of the University of Athens is the National Library (also known as Vallianeio Mansion) this is the easternmost of the three-building complex known as the Athenian Trilogy. Construction began in 1888 according to designs by Theophil Hansen and it was finished under the supervision of German architect Ernst Ziller. Built with white Pentelic marble and adorned with Grecian Doric columns, the building also boasts a stunning, Renaissance-style semi-circular twin staircase. The facade is decorated with statues of the Vallianos family, who helped finance the building along with other Greek businessmen. Note: the original books and manuscripts from the library are now housed in the current National Library, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre.

A: 32 Panepistimiou St, Athens

The Academy

To the right of the University of Athens is the Academy of Athens, where you will find Greece’s highest research establishment; designed by Theophil Hansen, who was very much inspired by the Acropolis. It was finished in 1885 by Hansen’s student, Ernst Ziller. The structure is covered in white Pentelic marble and parts of the facade are adorned with ancient stone. Statues (created by Leonidas Drosis, Greek neoclassical sculptor of the 19th century) of Athena, goddess of literature, and Apollo, god of the arts sit on Ionic columns on either side of the entrance, and impressive sculptures of Greek philosophers Plato and Socrates are also found below.

A: 28 Panepistimiou St, Athens

About the architects

Christian Hansen

Christian Hansen was a Historicist Danish architect who worked in Greece for 18 years and was active in the transformation of Athens becoming the country’s capital and an international metropolis.

Theophil Hansen

Brother of Christian, Theophil Hansen was a Danish architect who became particularly well known for his buildings and structures in Athens and Vienna and is considered an outstanding representative of Neoclassicism and Historicism.

Ernst Ziller

A German-born university teacher and architect who later became a Greek national. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ernst Ziller was a major designer of royal and municipal buildings in Athens, Patras, and other Greek cities.

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Redesign of Syntagma Square Set to Begin

Athens’ Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis has announced the commencement date of the highly-anticipated makeover of the lower part of Athens’ popular Syntagma Square- scheduled to begin in early August 2021, following final approval by the Athens City Council.

The revamp is part of a huge urban regeneration project that was launched by the Athens Municipality. The overall aim is remodelling the Greek capital, with an emphasis on the historic city centre. According to authorities, the purpose is to improve everyday life for both residents and visitors of these areas.

Insights Greece - Redesign of Syntagma Square Set to Begin

As part of this project, Syntagma Square will see the widening of pedestrian walkways near Ermou Street; these sidewalks will be extended for pedestrian use, and the area will be made more accessible to locals and international visitors who visit this part of Athens year-round.

There will also be fresh landscaping (including 28 tall trees), the installation of smart road crossings, new shaded areas, and modern lighting. There will also be a new public space that will become an entrance point to Athens’ retail and historical centre.

An emphasis has also been placed on allowing people with disabilities to explore the city more easily- as there will be an increase in new accessibility ramps.

The project also aims to increase road safety, and reduce noise and air pollution levels, thus making Syntagma Square more sustainable for current and future generations.

According to Bakoyannis’ statement, the design will blend in nicely with the area’s rich historic past, “Once completed, we will wonder why this project took 20 years to be approved,” says Bakoyannis.

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16 Coolest Neighbourhoods to Visit in Athens

Planning a trip to Athens soon? We’ve chosen a handful of the top neighbourhoods in the Greek capital that are perfect to visit during your holiday. And with so much rich history and culture, plus great cafes, eateries, and boutiques, these spots are sure to delight all the senses.

Plaka

The oldest part of Athens, Plaka is a picturesque neighbourhood filled with beautiful houses, loads of restaurants and cafes, and some of the city’s best museums and archaeological sights.

Insights Greece - 16 Coolest Neighbourhoods to Visit in Athens

Anafiotika

Reminiscent of a small Cycladic island with its white cubic houses and blue doors and windows, this area is partially covered by beautiful bougainvillea. Anafiotika is an oasis of tranquility in the centre of the Greek capital and a spot to take amazing photos.

Koukaki

An older residential neighbourhood, Koukaki is close to Plaka, but far less touristy and much quieter than the more popular central neighbourhoods. Here you will find some great spots to grab a coffee and bite to eat.

Kifissia

One of Athens’ most upmarket neighbourhoods, Kifissia is about 45 minutes from the centre of Athens via metro. Perfect place to stroll around and enjoy the greenery, and also the place to go if you are looking for some boutique stores and gorgeous cafes.

Psirri

A wonderful place buzzing with colourful taverns, cafes, and bars, Psirri comes alive at night with locals and international visitors who gather to enjoy a casual dinner at one of the many traditional taverns.

Syntagma

This is Athens’ central square and home to the Greek Parliament House and where you will catch the Evzones (changing of the guards.) It’s also the top of famous Ermou Street, the city’s busiest shopping strip.

Kolonaki

Upscale, and filled with designer shops, museums, cafes, restaurants, and bars, Kolonaki is a glamorous neighbourhood at the foot of Lykavittos Hill and a place where you will find locals wining and dining on any given evening.

Chalandri

The Northern suburb of Chalandri is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Athens and a great place to visit. From a great range of eateries, bakeries, and cafes to unique bookstores, jewellery shops, and cinemas, there is something here to suit all tastes.

Pangrati

With an array of amazing places to eat and drink, Pangrati features some trendy shops, art galleries, and some amazing buildings. Pangrati is also home to Athens’ oldest cinema, Pallas, which opened in 1925.

Gazi

This neighbourhood in Athens has received a major makeover over the last few years and has now become one of the most popular spots for Athenians. With some must-see galleries, all-day cafes, and ancient sites, you can spend all day here and it’s still not enough.

Thissio

A great place, especially over summer as it’s a favourite venue for open-air events and festivals. Athenians love coming here for a catch-up with friends at one of the many cafes. Make sure you check out the museums and the open-air Cinema, which opened in 1935.

Glyfada

Another upscale area of Athens, Glyfada features seaside living complete with endless restaurants, bars, and boutique stores. The area is very popular, especially over summer where it gets packed with international visitors making the most of the Athenian Riviera views.

Voula/ Vouliagmeni

Also along Athens Riviera, here you will find some of the city’s best beaches and swimming spots, as both neighbourhoods (located next to each other) are upscale residential areas. The “downtown” of Voula has lots of restaurants and cafés, and Vouliagmeni is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Athens.

Pireaus

From fine dining restaurants to little-known archaeological treasures, there’s a lot more to Piraeus than its port. With great bakeries and cafes to the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, make sure you add this neighbourhood to your list. Zea Harbor is also located here; it’s a promenade of restaurants, cafés, and home to lots of fancy yachts.

Mets

This is actually a small section of the central suburb of Pangrati that has a character of its own. Less than a 10-minute walk to Syntagma Square and to the Acropolis, where you feel as though you are in a small town rather than a big city. It’s away from the crowds and tourists and a place where you will get a real sense of old Athens.

Fix

Only a ten-minute walk from the Acropolis Museum and lots more historical sites, this is another lesser-known neighbourhood in Athens. Full of charming cafés with outdoor tables, it’s a great place to stroll around. Make sure you stop off at the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

Athens Athens neighbourhood Glyfada Kolonaki neighbourhoods of Athens Pireaus Plaka Syntagma Syntagma Square Voula Vouliagmeni

Top 3 Spas in Athens

Nothing can soothe your body, mind, and soul like a good dose of pampering. We visit the best spas in the heart of the city.

Over the last few decades, Greece has developed a notable and highly respectable wellness scene, with spas and holistic centres now able to compete with some of the best of their kind in the world. Offering cutting-edge treatments and using excellent designer product lines, with complex and imaginatively decadent treatments for the body, soul, and face, these bliss centres can offer the most gratifying gift any tired being could wish for during the high-stress- any other time of year. Let’s face it – nothing beats the experience of walking into a place feeling foggy-headed and bedraggled, only to step out one, two, maybe even five hours later feeling and looking completely renewed. The effects may fade after a few days, but the memory of how lovingly and expertly every inch of you was handled, of the pacifying and luxuriant environment, meditative lighting, deep heart-opening fragrances, and tranquil sounds will not ever leave you.

As a pampering freak, I have cunningly made it my life mission to discover the best of what the world has to offer in terms of therapies, treatments, and holistic healing methods. In travels to Mexico, Japan, and Southeast Asia as well as throughout Greece, finding real healing – from backstreet miracle workers and anomalous shamans to highly trained teachers and sophisticated therapists at uber-luxurious wellness paradises – has been a serious and fascinating path of study for me. To guarantee you will enjoy your spa experience during your time in central Athens, here are my top three selections.

Hammam Baths

The only one of its kind in the heart of the Greek capital, the Turkish-inspired baths in historical Thisseio offer a true getaway from contemporary urban reality. Guests usually start with the Hammam, a circular, white marble steam room where, wearing nothing but your ‘pestemal’ traditional hammam towel you can spend as long as you like sweating it out, alleviating yourself every so often from the heat by pouring cool water over yourself from a bronze basin. There are many options for hair, face, and body treatments and therapies to follow, in which the massage therapists use black or olive paste soap, Dead Sea mud, the exfoliating ‘ketseas’ natural bristle brushes, and other traditional Turkish goodies to enhance the pampering. Before returning to reality, you can enjoy sipping herb tea and munching on Turkish delight in the relaxing communal area.

A: 17 Aghion Asomaton & 1 Melidoni, Athens

GB Spa

Like entering another dimension, one where the lavish décor and top-notch pampering expertise is truly unparalleled, the GB Spa is by far the city’s best (and one of the most expensive!). Guests are encouraged to relish the essence of the spa (‘salute per aqua’ or health by water) experience by connecting to the water element first – starting with a leisurely dip in the ozone-rich pool with curative thick sea salt and following that with an excellent choice of around five steam rooms, such as the Herbal Suite, where you can meditatively inhale the essences of Greek organic herbs like thyme, oregano, and lavender, or the Amethystos Grotto, where the walls are covered in a mosaic of amethyst stones and the steam is infused with pure eucalyptus oils. Outside the steam rooms are showers with six different settings, from Tropical Rain to Summer Shower, as well as two marble foot baths with hydromassage. ESPA products are used in all treatments, such as high-tech facials and massages, among which are deeply restorative, two-hour-long Ayurvedic rituals, the hot-stone Balinese massage, salt scrubs, and slimming, detoxifying or soothing body wraps. For instant beautification, Spa Manager Anne Speck recommends the Signature GB facial, Prickly Pear Luxury Facial inspired by the 15th-century Japanese Kobido lifting massage.

A: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Syntagma Square

Aegeo Spa

Based in Crete, Aegeo Spa magnetizes the achy-limbed in all forms at its various spa centres in Athens, located at the Electra Palace and Electra Metropolis Hotels, as well as across the St George Lycabettus Hotel. It welcomes guests for “flash” treatments – from a deep back and neck massage to a glow-inducing facial – as well as determined day guests who have made serious recovery their mantra. The modern and elegant spa inspires in clients a real sense of trust via its warm and friendly staff, expert treatments, and excellent Babor products, as well as products that originate in Crete, such as olive oil and raki (distilled grape alcohol), both of which are used in the super-relaxing signature Cretan Massage. Another special treat at Aegeo is the Ancient Greek Massage, based on ancient healing principles as taught by Hippocrates and including circulation-boosting and exfoliating skin brushing with a horse-bristle brush, cupping, and warm olive oil for intense muscle relaxation. Aegeo’s most unique therapy by far is the Wish Massage, a four-hand massage in which the client makes a wish before the therapy, that the two masseurs focus on throughout the treatment. Aegeo’s menu includes a variety of effective beauty therapies too, from microdermabrasion using precious stones and masks with gold to the instantly brightening Collagen Booster facial.

A: 15 Mitropoleos St, Athens

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Syntagma’s European Gastronomic Bar

A “contemporary European gastronomic bar”, this place serves brunch in the mid-morning and a great selection of sexy cocktails at night. With a recently renovated space and cocktail menu, this elegant bar near Syntagma Square especially draws a chic after-work crowd.

Style / Décor: Like its cocktail menu, the décor leans toward classical elegance. A shiny wooden bar and polished wooden floors, modern versions of classic items like chandeliers and leather stools and gilded gold-framed mirrors create an ambience of old fashioned opulence and contemporary urban charm at once.

What makes it special? This bar prides itself on its cocktails. The ways in which they are mixed, the ingredients they contain, and the way classic recipes are given a unique twist or completely creative drinks are there for hours of tasting, are characteristic elements here. Release the Kraken, with rum, spicy mango chutney and lime or Liza Banana ball with Metaxa 12 stars, roasted coffee, pineapple, banana essence, kaffir lime leaves and peanut butter powder are just two examples of the bar’s original take on drinks. For something almost completely Greek, try Mastiqua with Skinos mastic liqueur, chia seeds, tahini, bergamot, agave syrup with Saffron from Kozani, Greek coffee powder and orange aroma.

Insights Greece - Syntagma's European Gastronomic Bar

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The GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar

Let’s put it this way: you don’t come here for a ‘great meal’, you come for The Experience.

Certainly, you are well rewarded by both, at one of the city’s most prestigious, elegant and imposing hotels, the Grande Bretagne, which is almost synonymous with Syntagma Square. Then there is the view, or better, oh so much better, views. You can’t help but feel on top of the (Athens, at least) world fine dining at this garden restaurant as you are served by friendly, professional staff under the moon and stars. There’s the Acropolis, lit beautifully in shimmering gold, as if she is posing for you; and there’s the Parliament Square and Syntagma, like a theatre set below you. And lush Lycabettus Hill, with St George church twinkling its lights at the top. Greenery all around and elegance at every glance, in one of the city’s most classic hotspots for the glitterati.

Type of cuisine? Pronounced Mediterranean influences presented in haute cuisine compilations. Flavours are fresh, rich and true to their quality ingredients. Don’t expect experimental or highly gourmet gastronomy, although creativity and finesse are definitely not lacking.

Type of eatery? Super-elegant and the ideal place to take someone very special to you for a truly chic dinner.

The low down… This is a classic luxury hotel restaurant and expects you to respect its codes of attire (Evening Dress Code, after 18.00, is elegant and smart-casual. Beachwear of any kind, shorts or flip flops are not allowed). Being a hotel, regardless of its glamorous history and appeal, it does have a slight hotel-feel. But if that’s something you’re not expecting, why go at all?

Décor/ Ambience? Ideally, sit outside to relish the surrounding glories of the Athenian landscape in combination with your beautifully prepared meal. In the evening hours the restaurant becomes a-buzz with a combination of international hotel guests and both local and foreign outside visitors. The ambience is sophisticated, vibrant and chic without feeling heavily so.

Entrees? We tried the Trilogy of carpaccio with sea bass, salmon and tuna with yuzu sorbet and mastiha oil, and Homemade ‘ravioli’ with goat’s cheese, green pea cream and tomato syrup. The carpaccio was as delightfully fresh and zingy as you’d hope, with the flavours from each fish carpaccio remaining distinct, and the mastiha oil was hardly traceable, only adding to the flavour without standing out. The ravioli was soft, creamy and comforting but the flavours were a little blended.

Mains? We tried the Lamb duet, grilled carré and slow-cooked leg, with smoked Florina pepper and potato filled with a cream of basil and ‘volaki’ cheese from Andros. This was an earthy dish, with warming, delicate flavours in the lamb and smoked pepper and a refreshing tang from the basil and goat’s cheese potato side.

Dessert? For over five years, the dessert menu here is curated by French patissiere Arnaud Larher, who stands amongst the top 10 chocolatiers of France. We tried the Pistacchio Choux with pistachio cream and crunchy salted praline and the Chocolate Bomb with a hazelnut filling. Both were divine, but (subjectively, as all reviews are after all) I would return to the GB Roof Garden Restaurant again and again just for that row of choux.

Something to drink? Between 2014 – 2016 the GB Roof Garden Restaurant was awarded the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award, and the restaurant’s wine list continues to be excellent. Cocktails are very well mixed too. Try the Guava Martini.

Price range? With an entrée, main and dessert per person you can estimate the bill will come to a total of around 160 € without wine or cocktails.

Location? Vasileos Georgiou 1 A, Syntagma (8TH Floor).

Opening hours/days? Lunch: 13:00 to 16:00 & Dinner: 18:00 to 00:00. Bar: 13:00 to 00:00

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