Cinema

One of the things I used to do with my dad when I was little was go to the planetarium. Most of the pop science narration flew right over my young head but the feeling of looking at the old-school dome, filled with stars and cute little wandering planets (a Greek word which literally means wanderers, as the ancient Greeks called them because, contrary to the rest of the stars, they slowly moved across the sky) has stayed with me to this day.

In fact, today I can safely say that some of the groundwork for my big love for the sky was laid then, in the Eugenides Planetarium. That and the foundation it belongs to, one of the most important scientific institutions in Greece, matured as well as I did and 2003 saw the opening of its new digital dome, a must for anyone with even a passing interest in astronomy, the sciences or audiovisual stimulation. New films with themes ranging from space junk to the evolution of life on earth to trips around the solar system come out every few months so there’s always something new on show. Unofortunately, most shows are offered only in Greek dubs and narration but I suggest that you do not let that stop you.

In the same building you can find an interactive scientific exhibition the sort of which I just love and the planetarium’s boutique. Bus lines 550 and B2 can get you there from the cenre of the city. Stop ΕΥΓΕΝΙΔΕΙΟ (Evgenidio).

Years ago, I watched The Yellow Submarine here with my father. (it was a reissue, I’m not that old!) That single time sticks out in my mind, even though I’ve been there many times since.

It’s no mistake; Danaos is one of the cinemas you can count on. It’s one of those you go to when you haven’t managed to keep up with all the new films, so you check what it‘s playing first, because you know that it will be playing the good ones. Not the overly underground art house ones, not the unashamed blockbusters either; the good ones, be they Hollywood, animated films, European, even Greek cinema, which is flourishing in recent years.

Danaos is located really central, practically next to Panormou with all its bars and easy access. Watching a film and then going for a beer near-by is a combination that’s quickly becoming a personal favourite of mine, especially on Wednesdays when entrance goes for just €5.

Call it a cinema, call it a bar. I for myself can not really decide what it is, since I use it as both.

It is located in a street that is mostly known for its sex-related business while Mikrokosmos is mostly known for its sexy-business. Film festivals of every kind take place during the year while the normal selection of the films featured in this cinema are of the best kind and from all over the world. But as I said, there is also the bar!

Every cinema has its own little canteen where you can buy a beer to sip during the film. Well, here you can do that and more. If you happen to make the great mistake of drinking one or two or even three drinks before entering the screen-room you might even forget that you actually came to watch a film.

I’ve spent hours laughing dead to the endless jokes of the owner and his wife. While sitting at the bar staring at the Tom Waits wallpaper in the back, I sometimes even forget I want to go home, but then yeah reality strikes back as always, and off you go!

Irida is the cultural association of the Athenian University students.

Here everyone, student or not, can take part in seminars about everything connected to the art of cinematography. But besides all the cultural overload you will find in the building, you will also come across the ultimate (in my opinion) cinema: Irida.

Almost everyday you have the chance to watch cult-movies that otherwise you would probably not have the chance to see in the big screen, for free. Check out the website of the association for information on the program. It is updated weekly.

Tip: The parties they organize from time to time are not bad either!

Bios is the definition of urbanismo. Its aesthetics, its architecture, its sense for arts all lead to… urbanismo!

Bios is a multi-culty place. It’s a concert hall,a theater and it has a great new bar at its first floor. Everything that a city lover likes can be found there! Do not miss visiting this great industrial place.  

At its basement you can enjoy some of alternative gigs of the city and also experimental  theatrical performances. And at its first floor you can enjoy a cafe at the evening or a coctail at night with eclectic tunes. You can check its site to see the programme of the week.

Be there .