Athens Evolution: What to Do This Summer

Athens, Greece, has transformed into a vibrant destination with new luxury hotels, innovative restaurants, and top-tier shopping, making it more than just a stopover to the Greek islands.

Not long ago, Athens was in dire straits. The 2008 sovereign debt crisis left its public services and infrastructure in disarray, nearly collapsing the eurozone. However, a remarkable recovery has taken place. While Greece still contends with issues like unemployment, its economy is growing at twice the rate of other EU nations, according to the IMF. This economic resurgence is tangible for travelers, who are returning to the city in unprecedented numbers since the pandemic. This growth has fueled a burgeoning high-end hospitality sector that rivals other European destinations.

Athens, once merely a gateway to the Greek isles, is now a premier destination. New luxury accommodations, such as the seafront One&Only Aesthesis, which opened last November, are attracting visitors to experience Athenian culture anew.

Where to Stay

For those who usually head straight to the islands, the One&Only Aesthesis on the Athens Riviera is a must. Located just a half-hour drive from the Acropolis, it offers 95 bungalows, 18 residences, and two villas, all with terraces, private pools, and botanical gardens. July rates start at $1,650 per night. Nearby, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, opened in 2019, features private beaches and sleek accommodations with Aegean Sea views. Rates start at $725 per night.

In the heart of Athens, the Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square offers a historic experience with 320 palatial rooms. The Winter Garden is perfect for post-dinner jazz. Rates start at $628 per night. For a more intimate stay, the Dolli in Monastiraki Square offers 46 rooms with views of the Acropolis. The rooftop restaurant and pool provide stunning classical views. Rates start at $560 per night.

Where to Eat

Athens' culinary scene is booming. At the Michelin-starred Tudor Hall Restaurant in the King George Hotel, Parthenon vistas accompany inventive dishes. For a taste of local flavor, Pharaoh near the National Archaeological Museum offers wood-fired cooking and upbeat DJ sets. In Pangrati, Ex Machina serves creative dishes with Greek ingredients, while Akra combines a restaurant, bakery, and wine bar with an industrial chic vibe.

Where to Shop

Athens also offers unique shopping experiences. In Kolonaki, visit Irene Krimizi's atelier for sculptural clay vases or Ileana Makri Fine Jewelry for exquisite gold pieces. Mouki Mou in Plaka showcases a mix of Greek and international artisan products. For contemporary Greek ceramics, Mon Coin Studio in Monastiraki is a must-visit. Finally, the Anthologist in Vathis Square offers a curated selection of eclectic designs.