The Top 9 Things To Do In Koukaki Athens

There is nothing striking about Koukaki. It is not as picturesque as Plaka nor as glamorous as Kolonaki. It is not a nightlife hub like Psirri, and it doesn’t have a strong rebellious vibe like Exarcheia. And yet, this residential area flanked with ancient Greek landmarks and a university campus has something special. Koukaki has this indescribable je ne sais quoi which has made it stand out and become a top neighborhood in the capital. Read this small guide to discover why.

Play Some Pool

Mister 100 is somewhat of a surreal place in Koukaki. Home to Koukaki’s Association of Amateur Billiards Players Olympiada and frequented by the locals, the pool hall has American and French pool tables (for five euros an hour). Master your tricks with the experts or simply enjoy some beer while chatting with owner Dimitra Loubardia.

Forget The Latest Blockbuster And Enjoy An Indie Movie

Bar

A hybrid place located on the edge of Koukaki on the busy Syggrou Avenue, Mikrokosmos serves as a bar and a small movie theater screening independent films. With an eclectic movie program, Mikrokosmos has a devoted group of followers. This inconspicuous venue is definitely worth a second look when exploring Koukaki. http://instagram.com/p/9Or_h6yA3_/?taken-at=267367056

Shop At Psit

Shop

Psit is Katerina Stamati’s baby – a little shop that is like stepping into another universe. Colorful and vibrant, just like the owner and her creations, Psit is one of those tiny jewelry and craft shops that catches your eye right away. Featuring rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other small accessories, Psit’s collections will surely capture your attention – if not for the style then just for the dynamic and the obvious talent.

Stay At The Acropolis Hill Hotel

Hotel

This upscale hotel is conveniently located at the foot of Filopappou Hill, allowing a picturesque view of the city or the Acropolis. Featuring an extravagant breakfast buffet and an outdoor pool (open to guests only), the Acropolis Hill Hotel is the perfect base while staying in Athens.

Have One Of The Best Croissants And Pastries In Town At Takis Bakery

Bakery, Pastry Shop, Pastries, Greek, French

It should come as no surprise that non-Koukaki residents buy bread at Takis Bakery as this family-run bakery has mastered the art of bread-making. It offers a variety of baked goods, such as baguettes (yes, real French baguettes), croissants, and a plethora of fresh bread, cakes, and traditional sweets. Even better is that next door is Drupes & Drips where you can get some fresh coffee to accompany your breakfast from the bakery.

Explore The Neighborhood

Blessed with pedestrian streets, and thanks to Filopappou Hill next door, Koukaki is a neighborhood where wandering is perfectly adequate. After you’ve visited the busiest streets close to Syggrou, go up towards the hill and admire the environment. Do not miss a chance to walk through Tsami Karatasou Street, taking in the beauty of the neoclassical mansions. One will surely stand out from the rest; it is the home of artist Margarita Theodorakis, daughter of Zorba the Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis.

Tsami Karatasou, Athens, Greece

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Get Inked

Visit screen printing studio Fuzz Ink and trust the owners with your design. Whether you want it on a t-shirt, on a poster or a sticker, the team behind the studio will easily respond to your need or desire. Personalize a gift for your little brother or promote your brand; whatever your goal is, Fuzz Ink can make it happen, and it is definitely less permanent than a tattoo. http://instagram.com/p/BGha0QZn4pn/?tagged=fuzzink

Get Into Some Fishy Business

Restaurant

Granted, Koukaki is not Piraeus where fish taverns and restaurants are legion, but it still houses a great fish eatery called Skoubri. The restaurant, with its bright and minimalist vibe reminiscent of the islands, caters to the fish lovers of the area. Feast on grilled sardines and octopus and other delicacies, and wash it all down with some ouzo – you will quickly feel as if you were by the sea. http://instagram.com/p/4Ef7mdnCtS/?tagged=skoubri

Visit The Filopappou Hill

Take a relaxing walk in nearby Filopappou Hill. The pine-covered slopes rising at about 150 meters above sea level offer a refreshing break from the heat in the summer and is mainly frequented by dog walkers and joggers. So take advantage of this peaceful place and reconnect with nature. The hill is home to the Filopappos Monument, the Socrates Prison, the ancient Koilis Street, two picturesque churches, as well as the old National Observatory and the Dora Stratou Theater.

Filopappou Hill, Athens, Greece

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About the author

Ethel Dilouambaka

Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation), adventure seeker, professional shower singer and food enthusiast, Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved. Brussels-bred and Athens-bound, she loves traveling around the world, uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands. Want to see the world through her eyes? Find her on Instagram at @heyitsetelle