Sometimes, while you walk in the noisy city centre of Athens, you want to take a break away from car horns and shouting. A shelter where you can pause from reality. Welcome to Black Duck Garden.

This beautiful building was built in 1833 and it’s part of the Athens City Museum. The first kings of Greece, Otto and Amalia, settled here after their marriage. At the garden, the palm tree that was planted by Amalia is still alive. This garden is ideal for a drink or to eat something, even to read your book. The only thing you will hear is birds and great music played at the right volume.

Here I prefer to order Greek coffee because it is served in a tin coffee pot along with a Turkish delight. The perfect traditional combination. In addition, this place also operates as a gallery and event space. Sometimes they host music performances, parties and art events. Several times I have visited it as a bar because it attracts nice people.

It is a special place for those who want something cool and chill. I feel like I have convinced you to visit it, so maybe we’ll meet under the palm tree.