Sunday, August 14, 2016

Cosmote Building by Night - Drone Footage

Drone Footage of the Beautiful Cosmote Building on Kifissias Avenue by Night. Video courtesy of Terrabis - Explore the World. The Cosmote (former OTE / Hellenic Telephone Company) building is one of the most well known (modern) structures in Athens. The beautifully lit (all year round) three-sided building is located in Marousi, in the Northern Suburbs of Athens.


Watch Video on YouTube

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Nikis Street

Just a five minute walk from Syntagma square and just off Ermou Street one runs into Nikis street. Nikis (Greek for victory) is very well known for its numerous ethnic restaurants and tavernas. For a taste of Greek cuisine try "Greco's Project" on the corner of Nikis and Mitropoleos, for sushi check out "Koi", and for Indian try "The Indian Kitchen" on Apollonos street (perpendicular to Nikis). There is also "Avocado", a popular vegeterian restaurant.




















Minnie the Moocher

Not to be confused with Cab Callaways' historic Jazz song, but still something worth experiencing. Minnie the Moocher is a must visit bar in the very posh Kolonaki area of Athens. Found on the popular Tsakalof pedestrian street Minnie The Moocher has brought new life and energy to the area. Vintage leather trim, an impressive all wooden bar, a fully stocked cellar and great cocktails are among the keys draws. Sit outside in the warmer months and enjoy the cool breeze together with your cold beer.

Courtesy of Apopse.com














The Doorway of the Medrese

Outside the Roman Agora, just across the street form the Tower of the Winds is the Dorrway of the Medrese. Originally a theological school founded in 1721, it was used as a prison during the War of Independence between the Turks and the Greeks. A poet named Achilleas Paraschos predicted that one day the tree (outside the door) would be chopped down and used for firewood. In 1919, the tree was hit by lightning and the rest was indeed chopped down (and subsequently used for firewood). Eventually the building was demolished and today only the door remains. Stop by for a look when strolling through Plaka.




















Sunday, June 12, 2016

City Link - Voukourestiou Street

Perhaps one of the best getaways within the crowded city center. City Link on Voukourestiou street in the center of Athens is just a few meters away from Syntagma square and is a great place to relax, enjoy a coffee, drink or food with friends. Great for a rest stop as you explore the city, especially on a hot day. Once you've had your coffee or snack head over to "Attica" department store (City link is located on the same block as Attica) for a stroll and perhaps some shopping therapy.



Monday, May 23, 2016

Incredible Timelapse Video of Athens

Timelapse Video of Athens (Drone / DSLR) - Watch this incredible video of Athens!


Published by Beyond Vision Aerial Filmaking - Bvaerial
Visit their site: http://bvaerial.com
Or Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvaerial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfAHWU6OhTM

Friday, May 20, 2016

The Tower of The Winds

Located in Plaka, in the historic center of Athens, the Tower of the Winds is an octagonal tower made from white Pentelic marble. The tower is located just a short walk from Adrianou and Aeolou street and was part of the ancient Roman agora. The large tower-like structure houses a sundial and is said to have housed a wind vane and was most probably used as a timepiece and weather station in antiquity. The tower stands 12 meters tall and has a diameter of 8 meters. Throughout the history of Athens the tower’s purpose has changed several times (it was the bell tower of a byzantine church during the early Christian times, while under the Ottoman rule it became a shrine). An impressive fact is that this tower has influenced the design of several buildings all over the world.



Zillions Ice Cream Bar

Zillions Ice Cream Bar is the first in a series of posts that we will be focusing on, since summer is upon us and Ice Cream is back on the menu! Zillions is located in Kifissia, in the northern suburbs of Athens and is home to some of the best ice-cream in town. The shop is well known for its minimal design and its quite unique Zen flower garden. There is a constant warm and laid-back atmosphere that has made it a favorite for northern suburbanites. The great home-made Gelato and Sorbet are exceptional, while its waffles and chocolate cake are also heavenly. For a shot of energy try the genuine Italian coffee
. 





Monday, May 16, 2016

Visit our Gallery Page

Have you visited our Gallery Page? We strive to add at least one new picture from around Athens on a daily basis. Take a quick stroll through Athens and more are one the way!






Sunday, May 15, 2016

Best Rooftops in Athens

Summer is rapidly approaching and the time to enjoy a cool cocktail on a balcony high above the city is upon us. Since enjoying the view from a blacony is one of Athenian's favorite passtimes, there exist several great choices. If you want to know where to sit, eat, drink and gaze at the entire city from above, then this is the place to be. Below you'll find 5 of our top picks....more will follow!

Art Lounge - New Hotel Athens (yeshotel.gr)

Modern Rooftop Dining - Athenswas Hotel (athenswas.gr)

Cityzen All Day Bar and Restaurant (tripadvisor.com)

Gazarte Roof Garden (greekguide.com)

Galaxy Bar and Restaurant - Athens Hilton (hiltonathens.gr)




Escoba Bar

This is by far one of my favorite places in Athens, especially in the Northern suburbs. Escoba is a Burger place, a Tex-Mex Restaurant, a Bar, a Cafe and an overall great place to hangout and meet with friends. Escoba has been around for more than 20 years and is located right in the center of Kefalari sqaure (in the suburb of Kifissia). I highy recommend Escoba both for Food and for a great night out.



Visit Escoba's site

Piu Verde All Day Cafe

Perhaps on of the closest things to having a coffee within a forrest, at least in Athens. Piu Verde (or just Verde) is located in the suburb of Papagou, only a few kilometers outside of the city center. Papagou is a very green suburb as it sits at the base of the Ymittos mountain. Verde (Spanish for Green), is located in the Papagou Alsos or green park. It is basically an all day cafe bar and laid back restaurant. The exterior is beautifully green and covered in pine groves, while the beautifully decorated interior is illuminated by natural light.





Visit the Verde Site

Scooter Motorcycle Festival 2016 (20-23 May)

The 2016 Scooter and Motorcycle Festival is here! For those of you who love your two-wheeled rides this is the place to be. If you are in Athens between the 20th and the 23rd of May head to the Technopolis in Gazi, just a few meters away from the Kerameikos metro station (see metro map in the Useful Info Page) in order to witness it all! Events, Exhibitions, Bike Shows, Customized bikes, Historic bikes and much more. This is the 5th year that the event has taken place and it seems to attract more visitors every time. Having been to the festival every year since it started, I can promise only one thing.....every time there is even more to see!

The Event's Banner




SMF Events Home Page

The Northern Suburb of Kifissia

Approximately 12km Northeast of the Athens city center the very green suburb of Kifissia is located. Kifissia is a very expensive suburb of Athens which is accessible via Kifissias Avenue which runs almost all the way from the city center. Kifissia is traditionally been the home of wealthy families and politicians. Kifissia is known for its tree lined streets, horse-drawn carriages, numerous cafes, high-end boutiques and designer shops and green parks. It is a must see when visitng Athens.


Friday, May 6, 2016

Acropolis Museum

One cannot believe they have seen Athens unless they visit the New Acropolis Museum. Located on the famous Dionisiou Areopagitou pedestrian street, the museum was founded in 2003 and opened its doors to the public in June of 2009. The museum houses over 4,000 objects all of which have been recovered from or around the Acropolis. The artifacts are from the Greek Bronze Age, as well as from the Roman and Byzantine eras. Below we see the Caryatids of the Erechtheum. Visit our "Landmarks" page for more pictures and information.





Museum website: http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Faliro Marina - Drone Video

The Marina of Faliro (Southern Suburb) taken with a DJI Phantom 3 Advance drone
HD Video Footage courtesy of Nikolaos - See the video on Youtube as well
Incredible video showing the beauty of Athens' Southern suburbs. Enjoy!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCzPFh2gzi0

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Chalandri

One of Athens' greenest suburbs, Chalandri is known and loved for its many parks, cafe's, restaurants and great shops. This ancient borough of Athens (known in those days as Phlya) is nowadays a must-see for visitors. Enjoy a stroll through the pedestrian roads which are full of shops, cafe's and eateries. Try avoiding going by car as traffic is rife in this area. Read more in our "Popular Areas" page.


Psyrri (Ψυρρή)

If you want to experience true Athenian nightlife there is one place that is a “must-see”. The neighborhood of Psyrri is that place. Although it has a dark feel that reverberates its underworld past, it is still offers one of the best and most authentic experiences in Athens.


Sunday, April 24, 2016

The Acropolis - Drone Video

The Acropolis From Above - 2015 Video taken with a DJI Phantom 3 Drone
Video courtesy of click photography video greece
Excellent footage! Probably the best aerial video of the Acropolis. Enjoy!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t__6SpDVtWg

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Metamatic: Taf

Step into a frozen image from a time many decades ago. A neighborhood of the historic center of Athens untouched by time offers a real treat to visitors. Enjoy Jazz, Funk and Soul music while having your drink in the central "square", or head up to the terrace, where the surrounding rooms usually house galleries with works of local artisits. It's open during the day so you could also enjoy your coffee while exploring the area


Sunday, April 17, 2016

Athens Flea Market

Open every day, Athens' Flea Market is a close as you can get to Portobello Market without having to cross the English Channel. Here you'll find almost anything you can think of, both new and second hand. Dont forget to haggle over antiques and other collectibles, sellers expect it.
 
 

St. Eirene Square

First post in my "Popular Areas" page. A short walk from the center St. Eirene Square is a great spot for coffee or drinks. Check out the local watering holes and admire the view of the church. Athenians use it as a popular meeting spot, so it has a constant "bustle" and is ideal for "people watching". Definitely a must see! 



Thursday, April 14, 2016

New Camera!!

Even better pictures are now on the way! Having just bought a brand new DSLR Nikon D3200 Full HD Camera with a 105mm Lense, a 64GB memory card and a CaseLogic SLRC-202 Medium Camera Bag....there will be even better pictures of Athens to come. Hope you all enjoy!






Monday, April 11, 2016

The Attica Zoo

 Extending over 20 hectares the Attica Zoo is a self-funded park which hosts over 2000 animals and over 350 different species. It opened for the first time in 2000 and has had millions of visitors since then. The Zoo boasts the third largest bird collection in the World! Future plans to extend the park exist and will likely see the creation of a Dinosaur exhibit (not live dinosaurs!) and an Aquarium.

Adults: €16
Children 3-12 years old: €12 
Under 3 years old: Free entry
Groups of over 25 persons:  €12  
Nurseries – Day-care centres: €9  
Primary schools – Junior high schools – High schools:  €10
Students: €12 (student id is required)
 Unemployed: €12 adults, €10 children (appropriate id is required)
Οver 65 years old:  €12 
Over 65 years old (group): €10
Large Family: €12 adults, €10 children (3-12 years old) - proper id is required


The Mall Athens

The Mall Athens is one of the largest shopping malls in the Balkans and has attracted millions of visitors since it opened its doors in November of 2005. It is over 58,000 square meters and has parking for 2,100 cars. It consists of hunderds of shops and has a vast food court as well as a 12 movie theater cineplex featuring state of the art technology like 3D and Dolby Atmos.


Sunday, April 10, 2016

Psomi & Alati (Bread & Salt)

Well known chef Giannis Loukakos serves up modern Greek and International dishes with his well known (to Greeks at least) flare. Great location with a very minimal design. Try the pasta and meat dishes. Good wine list and Greek beers. Starter bread is a real treat (served with virgin olive oil, oregano and sea salt), don't say no to it!




Monday, April 4, 2016

Gazi College

Great place to have coffee, snacks, food and drinks at all times of the day. One of the best points is are extremely clever design elements which bring back memories of school or college. Try the hot dog and burgers for lunch, the pancakes for breakfast or the poached eggs for brunch! Then visit the sea (about 100 meters away) for a nice digestive stroll.


Living

Imaging that your living room was extremely spacious, modern, sunny, and had a partial view of the sea. Now imagine that it could seat hundreds of people and everyone was having a good time....this is close to what sitting in "Living" in Glyfada (in the southern suburbs of Athens) is like. Enjoy a cold coffee, have a drinks at the bar or on a comfy sofa, eat some tasty food, and just let your worries fall away.


Monday, March 28, 2016

Welcome

Having lived in Athens for 32 years now I have always felt a special connection with this beautiful and ancient city. Despite the economic crisis that has plagued Greece for the better part of a decade Athens has remained among Europe's most sought after tourist destinations. In an attempt to contribute in my own way to the rebirth of my country and city I have decided to create this blog. I would like to invite all visitors to see Athens through my eyes, in the hope that some of you will come to love this city like I do, and if not, at least it will intrigue you enough to visit.