Athens, Greece. One time cultural centre of the universe is now the ultimate place to live and work. It’s historical centre, once choked with cars is now a stunning pedestrianised archaeological zone opening up the ancient monuments at the foot of the Acropolis.
Amazingly, the city has revamped a previously unloved retail district wedged between the main Square Syndagma and the hipsters haunt of Psirri. The newly named ‘commercial triangle’ is now the heart of Athens and boy is it buzzing day and night.
This brash and colourful district is a maze of some 450 small businesses selling habadashery, hardware bridal wholesalers and electrical goods. On a weekday, expect nose to tail traffic and to leap out of the way of erratic motorbikes. Parking? literally everywhere. Now some of the ‘stoas’ or merchants’ arcades house some of most inspiring ‘creators’ from upcycled homeware to whimsical coffee shops.
One of the most stylish property renovations is a new hotel called Urban Suites Klepsydra, close to the pedestrianised Ag Irinis Square and the bustling action. Named after a hidden spring or ‘stolen water’ which came from the famed Acropolis, the former bank is now a beautifully restored neoclassical mansion of 14 apartments.
Guests can step out of the door and join one of the legendary walking tours by local experts, Athens Walks, and get the inside track on the alleyways below the Acropolis, food, wine and art.
It’s not all commerce now however. The downtown zone is also littered with centres to heal the mind and body. Yoga, pilates, massage and gong studios are on the rise, easier to dip into than a large loud gym. Sound healing is also making a big comeback with studio like The Love Gong Art Lab.
What’s more, the area is littered with some of Athens’ most tempting dining and drinking holes. The sidewalks are now pedestrianised, allowing a carpet of outdoor eating. Join a queue outside ‘Loukoumades’ and score a honey dipped doughnut. Look either way and you’ll find new takes on the trad gyro (kebab some some) or Greek salad. Sip a cold freddo in the shade of a plant nursery and just breathe in that energy old and new.
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