Welcome to Nea Smyrni, my neighbourhood in Athens. This alsos (something between 'parkland', 'recreational area' and 'small artificial forest' in Greek) has been around since the founding of Nea Smyrni in the 1920s. We used to go there with school on our days off, watch films in the summer when the open-air cinema was still working... Lots of memories.
It used to be much denser with vegetation, more like a tiny forest than a park, but ever since the general reconstruction it went through as part of the gentrification of the neighbourhood by the municipality in the last decade, it's become more "civilised", with more open spaces etc. There's also an open-air gym I sometimes go to when I'm not feeling completely lazy, and a playground that's totally worse than the one we had back in my day!
You'll mostly see families, joggers (including myself) and yogis here, but you might also spot an odd children's party. Bring your book, your gym clothes and/or some music and you're good to go! Stop at tram stops "Aigaiou" or "Agias Foteinis". Nowadays I often come here to spot tortoises with my 3-year-old son - last time we counted more than 12!
Tip: also check out the Ionikes Giortes cultural festival for September concerts/plays. Keep an eye out for hoepoes!
Oh - also, check out Café Alsos at the center!
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
MOMO is a cafe/bar/restaurant in Athens with an exquisite backyard that will give you back the time that's been stolen from you...
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A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
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Matchpoint's interior is tastefully decorated, and the music is lovely but my favorite is sitting outside enjoying my drink and watching the world go by.
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Ode to socks has made good use of the local greek heroes such as the priest (pappa), the priest's wife, the sailor, and the fisherman, who are characteristic figures in every Greek's childhood.
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There are always dishes of the day in addition to the set menu, so no two visits to Mandragoras are ever the same. And kontosouvli is always available.
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It does not matter what you order when you visit Mouries because everything is made with the same care (however, my favorite dish here is the meatballs).
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Every time I cross Evripidou Street, I am overwhelmed by the aroma of cinnamon, pepper, and oregano, and images of Eastern bazaars come to mind.
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My two favorites are Sfakianopita with honey and the famous Dakos. Every plate is cooked in olive oil with lots of rosemary.
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Mauricio the cat likes to carry the latest publications, bringing attention to quality and design, and often hosts events such as reading time meetings with popular authors for his little friends.
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Discover top-quality Aussie coffee at The Roasting Warehouse in Neos Kosmos — where industrial style meets world-class brews and garden-side brunch.
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"Prigkiponisia" is one of my favorite pastry shops in Palaio Faliro, Athens. They're well known for their tsoureki bread & ice cream
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263 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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