Kolonaki - Downtown Cafe Society

Kolonaki is the place to be and be seen in central Athens. An exclusive residential district nestling on the lower slopes of Lykavittos Hill, it is filled with chic boutiques, classy restaurants, elegant coffee-houses and private galleries. Ambassadors and businessmen, ladies that lunch, bright young things and famous names gather here in their droves sporting flash designer looks along with the obligatory pair of dark shades.

For window shopping or serious purchasing, the roads leading from the northern half of Plateia Filikis Etaireias - more usually referred to as Plateia Kolonakiou, or Kolonaki Square - hold a treasure trove of international and Greek designer wear, shoes and accessories. Tsakalof and Skoufa streets host the most prestigious names from the luxury goods world, whilst the Square itself is the heart of Kolonaki’s café society.

A major landmark and orientation point in the area is Lykavittos Hill. From the craggy summit there are breathtaking views across modern Athens and beyond to the Attic Mountains, the ships in Piraeus and, on a clear day, to the islands of the Saronic Gulf. The 19th century white chapel of Agios Giorgios is another reason to make the dizzy ascent, along with Lykavittos’ open-air theatre which hosts performances in the summer.

Important to visit

• Taking time-out from the many museums on nearby Vassilissis Sofias to enjoy some refreshment and people-watch at one of Kolonaki Square’s many cafés.
• The perilous ascent of the funicular railway from the corner of Aristipou and Ploutarhou streets to the summit of Lykavittos Hill.
• The Museum of Greek Theatre on Akadimias Street, where costumes, props, photographs and other memorabilia recreate Greek theatrical life since the 19th century.

Acropolis - Omonia - Kolonaki - Syntagma - Psychiko - Kifissia - Piraeus - Glyfada