Welcome to Kypseli. This neighbourhood, which had its golden age in the middle of the 20th century but is becoming the new Koukaki, is a place where you can almost see as many Africans (and immigrants from other places) as Greeks, and this has created a unique dynamic in the air. It's far from what is typically considered the pretty side of Athens, but the neighbourhood's namesake ('kypseli' means 'hive' in this context) seems more apt than ever.
If Kypseli is the Hive, Fokionos Negri St is the Hive's royal courtyard (just bare with me and my bee hive/palace analogy!) This pedestrian zone built in the '30s has lost much of its former glamour, but, when I went there for the first time (embarrassingly recently), I couldn't help but be completely taken aback by the large, ancient plane trees in the middle of it and the enchantingly relaxed atmosphere.
If Fokionos Negri is the Royal Chamber, SCRY Coffee Bar is the honey throne. I was first invited to this cafe/bar by a common friend (Panagiotis) I have with the owner, Vassilis. SCRY has been around since 2004 but very recently -and consciously- changed its whole philosophy: it is now a cozy third wave coffee bar, which means amazing single-origin brews by Caffe del Doge in a variety of impressive preparations. You've never had filter coffee taste this good.
Kypseli is worth a shot - and not just of the finest espresso.
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
My favourite burger is the Bacon Mushroom Melt, and my favourite sandwich is the Tika, which is slightly spicy and causes a chain of flavour explosions!
by
Shedia is heavily focused on sustainability and inclusivity: pets have their own menu, the menu is also offered in Braille, and the oil used is produced by the Niarchos park trees and then recycled.
by
Teras is full of contradictions: it is unconventionally named (teras means 'monster' in greek) in an ugly way but it is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy your drink.
by
We call these boxes KAFAO (ΚΑΦΑΟ in Greek) and they are basically the Greekized pronunciation of the German acronym KV (Ka-Fau)...
by
The story of Rizopoulos family's involvement with coffee begins in the early 20th century, specifically in 1901, when Andreas Rizopoulos arrived in Athens,
by
It's really close to both Akropoli and Syggrou-Fix metro station, it has a nice vibe, a great selection of Greek international dishes and large portions!
by
I've been here with friends and they've all been amazed at the low prices, cool vibe and '90s memorabilia. Even the cocktails are named after Pokemon!
by
Once you enter, you will be amazed by the Japanese-cool decoration, especially by the huge blue mural with the 3D elements and the pink circle.
by
Although Kalos Aeras is located on a busy road, there is no noise penetrating the leafy veranda, and stepping into the house is like time-traveling back to the 60s.
by
Plateia Proskopon is surely not as hip as Plateia Varnava or other spots in Pagrati but has a unique atmosphere.
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