Bars

The only reason travellers – even the residents of Athens – visit Piraeus is to take a boat and travel to the islands. But as I grew up at Piraeus I really love its special neighborhoods and mostly its open air flea market! Located really close to the central station it is worth a visit.

Multi culti meets exotism! Everything can be found there, from snails to exotic fish that are imported from Iceland. You can find all cds – or even tapes! – at its record shops. You can also enjoy a lunch at its restaurants – that mostly serve great meals with meat and then take a look at exotic fruits and vegetables. Ideal time: a Saturday morning.

The best way to end your walk at this flea market is to visit the port of Piraeus that stands opposite the market. There are some nice “kafeneia”(the greek style of a cafe) inside that you can enjoy a glass of ouzo while gazing the huge boats that are ready to sail.

And you never know! Maybe you will decide to book a last minute trip a beautiful island around. Why don’t you check an on day excursion to Argosaronic islands – Aegina, Poro, Hydra or Spetses? It takes from 30 minutes to 3 hours. You can just take a boat in the morning and come back at night. My favorite one is Hydra! Really scenic, really beautiful, really aristocratic.

A small classy bistro located in the most controversial neighborhood of Athens. You should definitely give it a try and enjoy excellent coffee, wine or liqueur from a wide variety accompanied with delicious snacks. First of all, as a coffee addict, I love it for the quality of coffee they serve and then for the great atmosphere that is created from the retro style and the jazz sounds. Aleksadrino combines excellent quality with reasonable prices, inside that scenery inspired by French movies of the 30′s.

However you should be prepared! Most of the time is crowded and is difficult to find a place to sit. Even if that happened to you there are many other nice bars and restaurants just next to it.

I highly recommend this place for any occasion and at any time of the day or night. All that cozy, Paris, jazz feeling that this place provides will make you feel like belonging in another era!

Take the tram and get off at “Parko Flisvou” station. Or even better, stroll the promenade from as far as you can (Alimos, Edem, Batis are all within walking distance from the park) till you reach the Marina.

The way this Marina has been transformed over the last few years is something else! Let’s not even begin to mention what it used to be like… But nowadays? Oh now it’s like a playground for grown-up kids (and the real ones as well!).

- Yes; it is a bit Disney-like- Can also seem a bit corny to the Greek standards- You might as well encounter yacht-owner faces that won’t necessarily make your day . But if I must be honest, I reeeeally do enjoy visiting as often as I can!

Kids riding their bikes, teenagers roller-skating, adults wandering around with an ice-cream cone or a corn stick at hand…

The place has had a full facelift, having being converted into a picturesque, pedestrian, island-like haven. I don’t feel like I actually am within a noisy city! Attentively decorated gardens, low-rise buildings with red tiled roofs, cheerful colours… Where am I? To hell with the commercialization! I love this place!

And at night… the view is truly majestic when everything is lit up as far as the eye can see! Take your friends and a couple of beers and pop to the breakwater located right behind the Ciné Flisvos! Not Disney-like anymore, huh?

There are often various happenings taking place; even outdoor ice-skating every now and then.

This cosy all day café-restaurant is situated in one of the greener suburbs of Athens; the “Gardens of Papagou”.

It is to be found in the middle of a forest-looking park, full of incredibly tall pine trees; a few of which are situated right in the middle of the restaurant, passing through the roof! Their trunks move as the wind blows, creating a rather funny feeling as the movement itself is quite visible to the customers sitting right next to it; yet absolutely safe. Tried and tested!

The varied cuisine includes Mediterranean gourmet specialties.

Located amidst luxuriant vegetation, a lake and plenty of running waters; it creates an idyllic environment regardless of what time of day it might be.

Open all day; both indoors & outdoors.

Fancy a cup of coffee gazing at a majestic view over the Saronic Gulf? Even a lavish meal while enjoying the all-famous Greek sea breeze?

If so, then head towards Piraeus port, and opt for the so called “Microlimano” (translated as “small port”). Istioploikos is located right on a deck above the sea, simulating the appearance of a ship and offering a unique panoramic view. It hosts a cafeteria on the deck, serving coffee and snacks during the day and drinks accompanied by loud dance music during night time, and a posh restaurant on the ground floor mainly specializing in seafood.

You can’t get any closer to the sea shore than that!

Parking can be an issue, though, if you choose to drive.