Have a look at the picture above. Can you see the little poster on the bottom right corner? It's of Steven Wilson's 2016 release 4½. While I wouldn't count it as one of his greatest works, the mere fact that poster is there is very important for me: Mr. Wilson is probably the first person that pops to mind when people ask me what kind of music I like or who my favourite musician is. He's said to be the best musician to not have hit the mainstream.
It was therefore an exciting surprise when I entered Record House, my neighbourhood music store, and saw that they were almost as unapologetically in love with the guy as I am, if not more (it was hard typing this out). Yes, I'm so obsessed, I didn't even mention Nick Waterhouse, the artist on the album the lady's holding in the picture (thanks Marilena).
Shops with used music are getting easier to find all around the world, but a place where you can catch up on new releases can be trickier. Record House has been around since 1971. That's 45+ years of cassettes, vinyl records, CDs, concerts DVDs, box-sets, last-minute gifts, collector's items, "if I like XYZ what else will I like?" suggestions from the assistants, incredible atmosphere and a central location in the commercial centre of Nea Smyrni.
Even my mum used to shop records here!
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"Au Revoir" is, simply put, the oldest bar in Athens. It opened in 1958 and has been serving classic drinks since then. Even Frank Sinatra paid a visit.
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"Rema Pikrodafnis" is one of the few relatively untouched streams in Athens. I love this seemingly abandoned part of it, a symbol of what Greece really is.
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"Babouras" Athens is a cafe/bar in Petralona that combines the old with the new. My tip would be to bring your camera with you - the light's very pretty.
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"Homesick" Athens is my go-to cafe/bar in Eksarheia when I want some retro decoration and a nice beer with hearty freebies. Don't miss talking to the owner!
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The "Eugenides Digital Planetarium" (est. 2003) in Athens is a fantastic place to get to enjoy an educational spectacle! I have so many memories from here.
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It's at the perfect location, on a pedestrian zone close to this Athens' neighborhood, Nea Smyrni, central square, playing music and throwing parties.
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"Alsos Neas Smyrnis" in Athens is my neighborhood park where I go to run. It's an ideal place to relax and enjoy a low-key Athenian park setting.
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"Playce" in Athens is a board game café. Its selection is so big, I can't have played more than 5% of their games. With just 1€ you get unlimited playing.
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262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters