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Ultimate Events Guide to Athens in October

Discover the best events taking place in Athens during the month of October.

As autumn sets in, Athens comes alive with a variety of cultural events to relish. From open-air music concerts under the starry sky to marvelous art exhibitions and festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the season and immerse yourself in the cultural richness with our top picks for this month.

Vegan Life Festival Athens 2023

Europe’s most popular vegan festival is back! Since 2016, Vegan Life Festival has been drawing crowds from all over the continent. With two days packed with exciting stuff- you’ll have the opportunity to attend hands-on cooking workshops, insightful panels, a vegan products bazaar, live music, and even a speed dating event for a chance to make some new pals who share your passion for cruelty-free eats. But Vegan Life Festival isn’t just about having a good time – the organisation also has a strong focus on animal rights and initiatives that collect food for those in need.

Entry: Free

Date & Time: 1 October, 11 am- 11pm

Αddress: Peiraios 100, Athens, cultural venue of “Technopolis”

“Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead”

This theatrical play is part crime, part thriller and part comedy. The new production of the iconic Complicité theatre group is based on the multi-translated novel by Nobel Prize for Literature laureate Olga Tokarczuk. Created and directed by Simon McBurney, it questions why is the killing of animals a sport and a hobby and that of humans a murder. A thought-provoking, wry, and otherworldly murder mystery tale about the cosmos, poetry, and the limitations and possibilities of activism has audiences captivated. The performance is in English with Greek surtitles.

Entry: €10-€60

Date 4-7 October, Wednesday-Friday 8.30 pm, Saturday 2.30 pm & 8.30 pm

Tickets: tickets.onassis.org

Αddress: Onassis Stegi 107-109 Syggrou Avenue 1745 Athens, Greece

Website: onassis.org

Seong-Jin Cho at the Athens Concert Hall

For the talented Seong-Jin Cho, winning the XVII International Chopin Piano Competition most important piano competition in the world – was just the springboard to begin his brilliant career, gaining global fame and becoming the first pianist from his country to do so. The South Korean classical pianist begins another new season at the Athens Concert Hall for a highly acclaimed solo recital that is dominated by two benchmark works of the piano repertoire: Ravel’s imposing Miroirs and Liszt’s explosive Dante Fantasia.

Entry: Ticket prices: €11 – €60

Date & Time: 25 October, 8.30 pm

Address: The Athens Concert Hall (Megaron), 115 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens, 115 21

Website: megaron.gr

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk Dmitri Shostakovich

The Greek National Opera is bringing back one of the most outstanding productions to have graced its stage in recent years. Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, an iconic opera of the 20th century and a breathtaking Dmitri Shostakovich masterpiece– is returning to the Stavros Niarchos Hall this month. Conducting is Fabrizio Ventura, while the production’s staging is by Fanny Ardant, working with an all-star international creative team. This timeless masterpiece distinctly sets itself apart as it tackles the place of women within pre-revolutionary rural Russia and captures the audience from start to finish.

Entry: €10-€90

Date 21, 24, 27, 31 October, Performance times: 7.30 pm, Sunday 6.30 pm

Tickets: ticketservice.gr

Αddress: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Syggrou Avenue 364, 17674 Kallithea

Website: nationalopera.gr

Homecoming | Cycladic treasures on their return journey

The highly anticipated exhibition “Homecoming. Cycladic treasures on their return journey” will include a display of 15 antiquities for the first time worldwide. Presented by the Museum of Cycladic Art in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and this is the first step of the historic agreement between the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Museum of Cycladic Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (The Met), that foresees the gradual return to Greece of 161 Early Cycladic antiquities of the unique archaeological value of the American collector Leonard Stern. Following this, the entire collection will be exhibited at The Met, before the final return of the entirety of these antiquities to Greece.

Entry: €6

Date & Time: 1-31 October, daily except Tuesdays

Tickets: cycladic.gr

Αddress: Stathatos Mansion Vasilissis Sofias ave. & 1, Irodotou str., Athens

Website: cycladic.gr

Image by Paris Tavitian © Museum of Cycladic Art

Experience August Full Moon at The Acropolis Museum

As the midsummer August full moon rises over the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum invites locals and visitors to experience this annual event at their wonderful courtyard.

Officials from the Acropolis Museum have announced visitors are being offered the opportunity to enjoy its exhibits as follows:

Insights Greece - Experience August Full Moon at The Acropolis Museum — Acropolis Museum

Saturday 21 August 2021

On Saturday 21 August 2021, the Museum exhibition areas will remain open from 8 am to 8 pm with free entry to all visitors, on the occasion of the Museum’s participation in the “Greece 2021” initiative.

The Museum second-floor restaurant will be open until 12 midnight and visitors will be able to enjoy the moon from the terrace for dinner/drinks (phone reservations: +30 210 9000915).

Sunday 22 August 2021

On Sunday 22 August 2021, the Museum exhibition areas will remain open from 8 am to 10 pm. The second-floor restaurant will be open during the same hours.

Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the gallery talk “Afternoons in the Acropolis Museum”, where they will be introduced to the fascinating stories hidden in the treasures of the Museum’s galleries:

English: 6 pm (2 simultaneous talks)
Greek: 8 pm (2 simultaneous talks)
Duration: 60 minutes
Participation: Limited to 10 visitors per session. For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served.
Health protection measures: It is necessary to wear a mask (not provided by the Museum) and to use the whisper guide system headsets (provided by the Museum).
Cost: The general admission fee to the Museum is required (10 euro).

Saturday and Sunday morning gallery talks, “Marathon – Salamis. In traces of myth and history” and “Walking in the ancient neighbourhood of the Acropolis Museum” will be held as usual.

For more information head to theacropolismuseum

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Athens’ Unique Politiko-Cuisine Charcuterie

In 2014 Evripidou St, the “spice street” of Athens, became even more sensorily exciting with the opening of the restaurant-deli Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani, located in a old lovely stone house with a pretty, naturally-lit courtyard.

Insights Greece - Athens' Unique Politiko-Cuisine Charcuterie — Perfect breakfast

Through this restaurant, a few years ago a second one opened on Ermou 119, as Fanis Theodoropoulos of the Arapian family, who came to Athens after the fall of Asia Minor in 1922, aims to honour the culinary traditions of the Byzantine ‘patromageireio’.

Being amongst the Greek Orthodox community from Turkey with origins in Cappadocia and Cilikia, who were known as Karamanlides, Theodoropoulos lovingly entices and satisfies the appetites with a whole host of meze and main dishes.

Both at the original restaurant on Evripidou and the new one on Ermou, artfully-made, freshly prepared and deeply flavoursome specialty dishes include pastourmas of beef, kavourmas (a terrine cooked with spices and egg), soutzouk, salamis coated with various spices, hams and aged PDO cheeses. The cured products are made by partner/producer Paraskevas Sarimiboyas at the Sary workshop in Drama, where even the Xinomavro vine leaves used for their juicy, tender dolmades are grown.

I had the pleasure to visit the newer restaurant (accompanied by the wonderfully vibrant and Athens-savvy Livin’ Lovin’ tour guide Katerina Tsipiti who introduced me to the new place), try some of the flavours and interview Theodoropoulos, who joked that soon his family will be permanently locking him out of the house as he dedicates so much time and effort on perfecting the two restaurants. He also explained that the main difference at the twin restaurant on Ermou is that it has a wood-fire oven where fluffy, lightweight pies and breads are baked on the spot, which is why it’s called “to ergastiri” (the workshop).

We tried a delicious taramosalata with Greek bottarga, rice-only dolmadakia, kavourmas, beef pastourmas pie and spinach pie, accompanied by icy tsipouro. Apart from many types of raki, tsipouro and wines, the restaurant also serves a satisfying variety of Greek craft beers. Turkish dessert lovers shouldn’t miss out on baklava, Kiounefe and kazan dipi, made with pure butter, as well as phoney and sesame pasteli, baklava, rice milk and homemade jams.

Many thanks to Livin‘ Lovin tours Athens.

A: 41 Evripidou str., 10554, Athens; 119 Ermou str., 10555, Athens

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Top 16 Eateries in Psirri

The culturally rich and cool Athenian neighbourhood of Psirri is packed with precious antiques, talented local artisans, authentic Greek tavernas, boho bars, charming cafes and loads of visitors who come here time and time again to enjoy a spot where the modern world blends in beautifully with old-time charm.

With so many eateries to choose from, we’ve rounded up 16 of the best restaurants and taverns in Psirri, for your next visit to the Greek capital!

Arodou– This mezedopolio also has a live band for guests to enjoy platters of dishes while listening to traditional Greek music.

Insights Greece - Top 16 Eateries in Psirri

Voliotiko– A traditional tsipouradiko, it serves authentic Greek dishes and flavours, which are served indoors or in the charming courtyard.

Oineas Restaurant- Has a mix of traditional and modern dishes that are based on fresh, seasonal produce.

Stou Mamma– By far one of the more modern taverns in the neighbourhood when it comes to both decor and dishes; as the chef takes traditional recipes and adds modern twists.

Krasopoulio Tou Kokkora– Once a historic music tavern, this long time local favourite serves homemade dishes, including the chef’s “plate of the day.”

I Orea Penteli – Known for its grilled meat platters, this authentic taverna also serves great side dishes to add to your mains.

Avli– A lovely spot where you can eat authentic dishes (cooked over a gas stove) in the charming “Avli” (garden).

Lithos– With both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, Lithos is a mezedopolio, where you can enjoy traditional Greek food and live music.

Kafenio Tis Ivis– This tsipouradiko is popular amongst locals, who come here to catch up with friends in a casual setting.

Atlantikos– For the freshest seafood in the heart of Athens, this psarotaverna has a huge range of grilled fish, octopus and lots of other seafood.

Taverna Tou Psirri– Traditional tavern with indoor and outdoor areas, with a range of meat, seafood and vegetarian plates to choose from.

Odos Aisxylou– If you are searching for a traditional grill house, this is it. Any meat you can think of is grilled to perfection and served with a side of your choice.

Nikitas – One of the most popular taverns amongst locals and international visitors, Nikitas’ has a great reputation for both its food and service.

Gostijo– This is the only kosher restaurant in Psirri, serving Sephardic Mediterranean cuisine.

Mavros Gatos– It’s a small, hole-in-the-wall, authentic Greek tavern serving a range of classics from dolmadakia and moussaka through to crispy pites (pies) and homemade sweets.

Oinopoleion Cookhouse– A great choice if you are in search of an old-style tavern (surrounded by greenery) that serves good food and has live music.

Athens Athens eat Athens food Athens holiday Athens restaurants Greece holiday Greek travel Psirri Psirri restaurants travel Athens

7 Best New Boutique Hotels in Athens

Uninterrupted views of the Acropolis, rooftop bars, elegant designs and stylish decor… the city is now full of boutique hotels so lovely that you’ll definitely want to stay for longer than a few days. And with so many new ones to choose from, here we round up 7 of our favourite!

The Marblous Athens

Having recently opened its doors, Marblous is located in the heart of the city, close to Athens’ most vibrant neighbourhoods. Housed in a classic 1938 building, the design and decor are timeless and minimalist with blushing marble tiles and a pastel colour palette. Boasting a rooftop suite with views of the city and a charming breakfast bistro on the ground floor, it’s the ideal place to explore the lively city at your doorstep.

A: Voulis 24, Athens

Insights Greece - 7 Best New Boutique Hotels in Athens

Gem Society

Right in the heart of Athens’ Historic Triangle, The Gem Society opened in June 2020, in an immaculately restored mint-green building. Simple, modern and spacious, this is the ideal base for culture enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone who wants to feel right at home. There’s also a cool bistro serving up all-day brunch, and the decadent spa features a stone-built hammam, a custom-built Cycladic inspired jacuzzi and private treatment rooms where you can unwind.

A: Aristidou 3, Athina

Athens 1890 Boutique Hotel & Spa

Located in the centre of the Greek capital (only 300 m from Monastiraki) Athens 1890 opened its doors in September 2020, in a 19th-century textile store on Athinaidos Street. Spilling over six floors, there are 14 spacious rooms in total, some of which include a hot tub. There’s also a large open food hall on the ground floor; and a fully equipped spa. The mansion combines old-world charm with its elaborate facade, impressive wooden staircase, hand-painted ceilings and unique decor. Only steps away from the Acropolis hill and next to Ermou St– it’s an ideal starting point to explore Athens.

A: Saint Eirini square, Athinaidos 10, Athina

The Dilan

Located 300 metres from Acropolis Museum, The Dilan features 11 suites and apartments set in a renovated 1930s building in the heart of ancient Acropolis. Having opened in October 2020, the spacious private suites and apartments have a distinctive style that features exposed stone walls and concrete columns. From the moment you step inside, you feel right at home and some rooms include a fully equipped kitchen- ideal for visitors seeking longer stays. Close to well-known attractions, it’s set 600 metres from Herodes Atticus, 600 metres from the Temple of Zeus and 600 metres from the Parthenon.

A: Falirou 33, Athina

The Modernist

Located in Kolonaki, and housed in the former Canadian Embassy, The Modernist is just metres from some of the Greek capital’s best boutiques, restaurants, bars; and Lycabettus Hill and the Museum of Cycladic Art are just 600 metres away. The rooms come in S, M, L and XL, and feature customised furniture, mood lighting and seamless comforts, the hotel, which also has a restaurant and concept store on-site, combines casual, contemporary luxury with mid-century detailing and minimalist Danish design.

A: Ioannou Gennadiou 4, Athina

Asomaton

A century-old building in central Athens has been transformed into a boutique hotel, Asomaton opened its doors in August 2020. The building made from wood and stone was a horse carriage wheel repair shop in the early 1900s and its historical essence blends in beautifully with its new contemporary design. Here you will find an indoor swimming pool and spa to relax, plus a rooftop terrace where guests are served breakfast and evening drinks. It’s located very close to the Acropolis with amazing views from the terrace and New York-based Greek artist Philip Tsiaras hosts his pop-artworks onsite.

A: 10 Asomaton St, Athina

Oniro City

This is another boutique hotel that recently opened in Kolonaki. Poised along a leafy, tree-lined street in Athens’ fashionable neighbourhood, Oniro City has been designed and furnished with impeccable style, cool contemporary lines, warm, earthy tones and layered textures, that give it a warm and inviting feel. From a gourmet breakfast to evening dining, the hotel restaurant is a great place to eat and from here you are only footsteps away from other great spots for food and shopping.

A: Omirou 56, Athina

Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery

Opening its doors in mid- 2020, MGallery brings an understated level of finesse to this cosmopolitan and vibrant city. The hotel is located at Syntagma Square and features 177 guest rooms, which include 18 suites and an impressive Presidential Suite with spectacular views of Lycabettus Hill. The design is modern and decor walnut hues and sea-blue accents are highlighted with contemporary furnishings. Galerie Café, the hotel’s lobby bar is a great spot for guests to enjoy a cocktail before heading to MFlavors, the hotel’s in-house restaurant.

A: 4 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue and 2 Kriezotou St, Syntagma Square, Athina

Cover image: The Modernist

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Your Curated Guide to Greece

Ultimate Events Guide to Athens in October

Discover the best events taking place in Athens during the month of October.

Vegan Life Festival Athens 2023

“Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead”

Seong-Jin Cho at the Athens Concert Hall

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk Dmitri Shostakovich

Homecoming | Cycladic treasures on their return journey

Experience August Full Moon at The Acropolis Museum

As the midsummer August full moon rises over the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum invites locals and visitors to experience this annual event at their wonderful courtyard.

Athens’ Unique Politiko-Cuisine Charcuterie

In 2014 Evripidou St, the “spice street” of Athens, became even more sensorily exciting with the opening of the restaurant-deli Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani, located in a old lovely stone house with a pretty, naturally-lit courtyard.

Top 16 Eateries in Psirri

7 Best New Boutique Hotels in Athens

Uninterrupted views of the Acropolis, rooftop bars, elegant designs and stylish decor… the city is now full of boutique hotels so lovely that you’ll definitely want to stay for longer than a few days. And with so many new ones to choose from, here we round up 7 of our favourite!

Your Curated Guide to Greece

Discover the best events taking place in Athens during the month of October.

Vegan Life Festival Athens 2023

“Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead”

Seong-Jin Cho at the Athens Concert Hall

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk Dmitri Shostakovich

Homecoming | Cycladic treasures on their return journey

As the midsummer August full moon rises over the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum invites locals and visitors to experience this annual event at their wonderful courtyard.

In 2014 Evripidou St, the “spice street” of Athens, became even more sensorily exciting with the opening of the restaurant-deli Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani, located in a old lovely stone house with a pretty, naturally-lit courtyard.

Uninterrupted views of the Acropolis, rooftop bars, elegant designs and stylish decor… the city is now full of boutique hotels so lovely that you’ll definitely want to stay for longer than a few days. And with so many new ones to choose from, here we round up 7 of our favourite!

The Athens Guide