Kolonaki rises from the former royal quarter of Athens like a well-tailored jacket shrugged effortlessly over Lycabettus Hill. Its name – a nod to the lone, waist-high column still anchoring the neighborhood’s main square – is almost comically understated for a district that has long defined Athenian polish. In the late 19th century, when the capital began inching uphill from the palace gardens, diplomats and doyennes claimed these terraces of sunlight and marble for themselves, commissioning neoclassical townhouses whose iron balconies still catch the afternoon breeze.
The topography dictated an elegant choreography: slender streets curl around the hillside, stitched together by stone staircases and pavements veined with gray Pentelic marble. Early-20th-century façades, all stucco swags and Ionic pilasters, rub shoulders with sober post-war apartments – a visual dialogue that feels less like a compromise than a perfectly judged mix. In the cafés you can still overhear the low thrum of academics parsing philosophy or politicians rehearsing sound bites, a reminder that Kolonaki’s cachet has always been intellectual as much as material.
Yet the mood is anything but hushed. Perfume counters glow beneath vaulted ceilings, gallerists prop open glass doors, and dinner reservations are a competitive sport. Kolonaki today balances residential composure with a cosmopolitan energy that starts with sunrise espresso and ends, many glasses of Assyrtiko later, on a rooftop terrace facing the Acropolis lights. What follows is a curated circuit of the quarter’s essential addresses, mapped from dawn to the small hours.
Morning: The Coffee Ritual
Mornings in Kolonaki start with coffee—always. Kolonaki Square and the nearby streets of Tsakalof, Milioni, and Skoufa streets are dotted with busy cafés where people meet before work or linger with the morning paper. Queen Bee is a favorite for its pastries and international-style brunch, Da Capo is a classic Athenian coffee spot known for its strong espresso and prime people-watching, and Kora offers specialty coffee alongside high-quality baked goods, all in a sleek and minimalist setting. Philos Athens, though better known for brunch than coffee alone, serves both in a stylishly restored townhouse on Solonos Street.
Tip: Weekends get crowded. Go early or book ahead if you want a good table at popular brunch spots.
Streets of Style
Kolonaki is known for its high-end boutiques, local designers, and elegant shopping streets. Patriarchou Ioakeim, Voukourestiou, and Anagnostopoulou are the main thoroughfares. Look out for Zeus+Dione for sophisticated Greek fashion, Ancient Kallos for contemporary clothing with traditional references, Callista Crafts for handcrafted leather accessories, and Liana Vourakis for fine jewelry. You’ll also find international brands, small concept stores, and specialty food shops. Discover more about Greece’s leading fashion brands.
Fact: Voukourestiou Street is named after the Treaty of Bucharest (1913), which helped redefine Greece’s borders.
Culture: A Feast for Art Lovers
Kolonaki is home to some of Athens’ best museums and private galleries. The Benaki Museum, in a neoclassical mansion, covers Greek art and culture from antiquity to the 20th century. The Museum of Cycladic Art is known for its striking marble figurines and temporary exhibitions. Smaller galleries such as Zoumboulakis and Gagosian focus on contemporary Greek artists, while several international galleries have opened satellite spaces in the area. Read more about Kolonaki’s art spaces.
Fact: The statue of Nobel laureate Odysseas Elytis stands in nearby Dexameni Square, a quiet spot with a historic open-air café above the old Roman aqueduct.
Ladies Who Lunch
Kolonaki’s lunch options reflect its mix of old and new. Filipou has been serving traditional Greek home cooking for generations. Malconi’s offers pasta and Italian plates in a polished setting. Mayor is modern and Mediterranean, with a versatile menu and sleek design. Athénée combines international dishes with brasserie flair. Capanna serves rustic Italian food with a friendly vibe. Discover more Kolonaki restaurants.
Tip: Prices at Kolonaki restaurants are on the higher side. If you’d rather save money there are several fast food options too.
Hike to Athens’ Natural Balcony
For a change of pace, walk or take the funicular from Aristippou street up to Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in central Athens. At the top, the small whitewashed Chapel of Saint George overlooks the city. You’ll also find Orizontes restaurant and Prasini Tenda café, both with panoramic views.
Fact: Lycabettus Hill was once thought to be haunted by wolves—its name comes from the ancient Greek word for wolf, “lykos.”
Aperitif: Elegance at Twilight
As the light softens, locals head out for a glass of wine or a drink before dinner. Ratka, on Charitos Street, has been a quiet favorite since the 1980s, known for its wine list and understated atmosphere. Brunello offers Italian wines and aperitivo plates. Lykovrissi, just off the square, attracts a mix of regulars and passersby for early evening drinks.
Tip: Moni Petraki on Ypsilantou Street is a still-functioning 10th-century monastery. Hidden behind high walls, it’s a tranquil and little-known spot open to visitors daily.
Dinner: Refined Tastes to Try
Evenings in Kolonaki often involve dinner out. Iodio focuses on seasonal seafood and modern Greek dishes in a relaxed setting. Nice N Easy is a go-to for organic ingredients and Mediterranean recipes with a Californian twist. Simul is a modern bistro with creative small plates and a curated wine list—ideal for those looking for something more experimental. Discover more Kolonaki restaurants.
A Cinematic Night
Kolonaki has two outdoor summer cinemas, Cine Dexameni and Cine Athinaia, that are a great alternative to sitting down to eat or drink. Grab some popcorn and a cold one and sit out under the stars to watch a movie – from French comedies to Greek art films and American blockbusters to everything in between.
Nightlife: After-Dark Adventures
While Kolonaki isn’t famous for wild nights, it does have several sleek bars for those who want to sit out for an after-dinner cocktail or even keep going till the early hours. Zurbaran combines dining with a late-night crowd and music. Rock N Roll starts from the early evening and goes on till very late, with DJs playing Greek and international hits. Baccanal has, as its name suggests, a Dyionissian ambiance centred on food, drinks and plenty of dancing, especially to Greek music. Zelus is trendy among locals and visitors alike and attracts a fashion-forward clientele who like their music beaty and with an edge.
Getting There: Kolonaki is a short walk uphill from Syntagma Square. You can also take Metro Line 3 to Evangelismos station—just one stop from the city center—and walk up.
Read more:
Kolonaki’s Best Restaurants
