A Walk Around Koukaki Neighbourhood In Central Athens

The little neighbourhood of Koukaki has been enjoying rave reviews since Airbnb included it in its ‘Hot Districts’ list a couple of years ago, and for good reason. This residential neighbourhood, located at the foot of the Acropolis and the Filopappou Hill, is a combination of authenticity, convenience and entertainment. Join us on a walk through the lovely neighbourhood of Koukaki, in central Athens.

Admire Greek architecture as you walk down the lovely streets

One of Koukaki’s highlights is the blend of architectural styles it contains. With its mismatch of neoclassical houses, low-rise buildings dating from the 1930s and post-1970s apartment blocks, Koukaki includes small shops, traditional restaurants, art galleries, museums and colourful bars and cafes.

Wander the colourful streets

Koukaki has a few architectural gems, including the show-stopper house of artist, Margarita Theodorakis, daughter of composer Mikis Theodorakis (that’s right, the one who composed the soundtrack for Zorba The Greek) on Tsami Karatasou Street, a scenic street at the foot of the Filopappou Hill. Covered with colourful tiles, mosaics and porcelain plates, her house is simply an Instagram gem.

Further down towards Sygrou Fix metro station and the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST), the pedestrian streets of Georgaki Olympiou and Drakou, lined with cafes, bars and restaurants as well as the busy Veikou and Dimitrakopoulou are open for exploration.

You can always opt for climbing your way to the Filopappou Monument, which should give you the perfect vantage point to plan your expedition into the lively district.

Visit local markets and shops

Koukaki is also the perfect blend of cute boutiques and small shops that have been owned by families for generations. You may be lucky enough to catch the farmers’ market on Friday mornings, where you can buy fresh produce, honey and eggs. And even if Koukaki may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to shopping, it has a few jewels worth discovering, such as Psit Jewellery, where you can find small trinkets and enamel jewellery, and herb shop, Daphnis and Chloe, on Erechthiou Street. And for those with a sweet tooth, we highly recommend you drop by Takis Bakery for a delicious and yummy treat.

A labyrinth of cafes

But perhaps the highlight of Koukaki is its plethora of cafes, bars and restaurants. After a leisurely stroll around the streets, you can be sure to always find a cafe with a couple of tables and chairs set up outside where we suspect your coffee break will quickly turn into an impromptu lunch. Whether you are on your own or with friends, looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to hang, Koukaki has it all. From the quaint Lotte, on Misaraliotou, to the creative menu at Fabrika Tou Efrosynou, the hip Bel Ray, Monsieur Barbu, which serves a mean brunch, the refreshing cocktails at Kinono, the adventurous creations at Meerkat Cocktail Safari bar and the delicious souvlaki at Kalamaki Bar, you will certainly see that Koukaki has everything for every taste, style and occasion.