Kolonaki is not a part of the city I walk through very often: it's super-expensive, super-posh and in my opinion its few redeeming qualities are limited to its summer cinemas, its views over Athens from Lycabettus Hill and the stark, tragicomic contrast it creates with neighbouring anarchist Exarcheia. Blatant, unapologetic big money is just not my style. One fateful day, however, it did so happen that I passed outside Booktique; with the exquisite selection of English books on its front display, it made such an impression on me I promised I would bear returning to Kolonaki just to properly visit it.
The first thing I noticed while browsing Booktique was that everything it was selling was just plain stylish: the shelves, the reading sofa, the tables, the decoration... everything suggested that someone with good taste had taken meticulous care of the place.
Then the selection itself reaffirmed my initial impression of it: beautiful books in English as well as Greek from all sorts of genres (some of them surprising, all things considered) had me wondering for the better part of an hour whether I should indulge in yet another gift for myself I would scarcely have the time to enjoy.
At the end of the day, though, where Booktique really shines is its range of design-oriented Greek-themed souvenirs and gifts. If you're looking for something pretty and unique to bring back home or have some extra money to spend on something special but are out of ideas, look no further.
Patriarchou Ioakim 21
Books from:
€
10
+30
2107235425
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
At Tarantino Burgers, the secret of its success are great raw materials. The burgers are 100% black angus ground beef, and the fluffy buns are made with their own recipe.
by
"Zouridakis" in Athens, in the central market, has all the Cretan specialties you can imagine - but my favorite is the Xigalo cheese. Don't miss it, along with some raki!
by
"Αstor" Athens is my favourite indie cinema hall in town. I would say that if Athens were a cinema, it would be here. Indulge in Greek culture here...
by
"Diomidous Botanical Garden" in Athens, only 30 minutes from the centre of the city, is the largest botanical garden of the eastern Mediterranean...
by
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...
by
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
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.
by
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.
by
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.
by
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).
by
263 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 263 Insider Tips