The Top 10 Things To Do In Kolonaki, Athens

This stunning private museum, located in a Neoclassical mansion, takes the visitor on a journey through Greek history and culture, with a focus on influences and inspirations from other cultures, with costumes and everyday life artefacts on display.

Another stunning museum located in Kolonaki, the Museum of Cycladic Art is another must-see in Athens. Focusing on ancient Aegean and Cypriot cultures, the museum has more than 3,000 artefacts of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot art. You should know that the museum is currently hosting an exhibition by China’s enfant terrible Ai Weiwei until the end of October. Make sure to visit the museum’s shop at the end of your visit to score a unique souvenir, after a quick refreshing lunch at the minimalist and bright café. http://instagram.com/p/BJiS1hAB-Ij/?taken-at=94625631&hl=en

The Byzantine and Christian Museum, one of Greece’s national museums, focuses on religious artefacts of different periods, from Early Christian to post-Byzantine and contemporary. With more than 25,000 artefacts on display, it is truly a treat for the eyes and the mind.

Famous for its products made with active ingredients and extracts from local plants, beehive products and organic essential oils, Apivita has opened new doors in wellness with their Experience Store in the heart of Athens. Get the best out of Apivita in this four-storey Neocclassical mansion on Solonos street. Buy the products, seek advice or enjoy an organic juice or smoothie and pamper yourself one the first floor. Want to refresh your hair style? The hair salon experts on the third floor will welcome you with open arms. Need some quiet time to relax and refresh yourself? Head to the fourth floor and treat yourself to deep face detox treatment, a honey body scrub or a relaxing aromatherapy massage.

Will all the sweet tooths out there please stand up! And head to Cake, a pleasant place where indulging is the motto. As the name implies it, Cake serves mouth-watering cakes and sweets, and they mean business. Fall for the scrumptious Red Velvet Cake or go for the old-time classic New York Cheesecake. Why yes, it’s someone’s birthday somewhere, right? For those who prefer savory treats, opt for a tasty savory pie or quiche. Either way, Cake has you covered for that energy kick after a day of exploring. http://instagram.com/p/-beSIRQvzZ/?taken-by=cakekolonaki&hl=en

If cakes are not your thing and you prefer something somewhat lighter, head to Carpo instead. This little shop sells dried fruits, nuts, chocolates and honey in bulk, all sourced from local Greek producers. The charming place is also perfect for a quick coffee on the go and, if you like what you try, you can buy some some coffee grains to take home with you. http://instagram.com/p/BI2T327gkWv/?taken-by=carpoworld&hl=en

In the world of street food joints, Impasto is a force to be reckoned with. Combining top-notch thin-crust pizzas with freshly made tramezzini, salads and panini, and a well-stocked wine list, Impasto is the old-timey pizza bar Athens needed. http://instagram.com/p/mSL8YeSgl8/?taken-at=101034064&hl=en

If you are passionate about books, this is the place to be. The Gennadius Library of the American School of Classical Studies, one of the most important in the country, counts over 110,000 volumes on Greek art, literature and history from ancient times until now, including German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann’s diaries, and the first printed edition of Homer’s epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey (in Greek). The library – though it doesn’t have a lending service – organizes various seminars, conferences and lectures. For example, from September 28 to October 1, the Library and the Schwarz Foundation are organizing the second edition of its festival Nights of Classical Music at the Library. An opportunity not to be missed… http://instagram.com/p/BCDV9kSpiTN/?tagged=gennadiuslibrary&hl=en

The perfect way to end a day of exploration: a stroll (though some may say it’s more of a hike) up Lycabettus Hill. Rising at 227 meters above sea level, Lycabettus allows you to enjoy an all-encompassing view of the city. Perched on top are the chapel of St. George, the Lycabettus open-air theatre and Orizontes restaurant. Take in the view of the Acropolis and the city below and make sure to be there in time to watch the sun set over Piraeus in the distance.