Athens, a city where history and modernity collide, has long been one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan capitals — and today, it is thriving again. With its sun-drenched streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and timeless architecture, Athens is a destination to savor any time of year. The city offers an extraordinary mix of experiences: world-class restaurants serving both traditional and innovative cuisine, luxury hotels that blend elegance with comfort, and cultural landmarks from the Acropolis to hidden neoclassical gems. Beyond the city, the Athenian Riviera offers sparkling waters, chic seaside dining, and stunning coastal escapes. Whether exploring ancient history, indulging in haute cuisine, or strolling along the sunlit marina, the city invites travelers to immerse themselves in a cosmopolitan yet authentically Greek experience. Chic Icon magazine presents the ultimate luxury guide to Athens, capturing its dynamic energy, refined elegance, and timeless charm.
Best Hotels
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
Rising regally over Syntagma Square, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is more than a luxury address—it is a landmark that has witnessed the unfolding of modern Greek history. Since 1874, diplomats, royalty, and discerning travelers have passed through its neoclassical doors, drawn by its unrivaled vantage point over the Acropolis and the Parliament. The hotel’s interiors whisper old-world elegance: marble hallways, glittering chandeliers, and salons that recall a bygone cosmopolitan era.
While its culinary and wellness offerings are refined—a rooftop restaurant with cinematic Acropolis views, atmospheric bars, and a sumptuous spa—these are gracious enhancements rather than the core of its allure. What truly defines the Grande Bretagne is its sense of legacy. Staying here feels like inhabiting the very narrative of Athens itself, where grandeur, culture, and history intersect in the most sophisticated way.
Address: 1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square Str
Phone: +30 21 0333 0000
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One&Only Aesthesis
Set along the sun-kissed coastline of Glyfada, One&Only Aesthesis offers a completely different rhythm from the classical grandeur of central Athens. Here, the city dissolves into a breezy Riviera mood—pine-scented pathways, shimmering bays, and an almost private-island sense of escape. Perched above a pristine stretch of the Athenian Riviera, the resort blends mid-century glamour with contemporary serenity, creating an atmosphere where luxury feels effortless and deeply attuned to nature.
Villas and bungalows are tucked discreetly between olive trees and dunes, each opening onto calming sea views and soft coastal light. The facilities elevate the experience without overpowering it: elegant pools, refined dining rooted in Mediterranean simplicity, and a holistic wellness sanctuary that captures the resort’s tranquil spirit.
Address: Leof. Poseidonos 110, Glifada
Phone: +30 21 6686 1000
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The Foundry Suites
Tucked into the creative, alley-strewn quarter of Psyrri, The Foundry Suites offers a refreshingly intimate stay rooted in creativity and design. Housed in a former 1930s font foundry, the building has been artfully reimagined into just 12 boutique suites — each uniquely appointed with industrial touches, vintage furniture, high ceilings, and custom steel-frame windows.
From the rooftop lush garden with over 30 species of plants, guests gaze out at a glowing Acropolis, sipping cocktails or enjoying artisanal pizza from the wood-fired oven. Breakfast is a delight: a beautifully curated picnic basket, delivered to your suite or the terrace, overflows with Greek yogurt, honey, sourdough, cheeses, and fruit. This is a refuge for design lovers and urban wanderers alike — a quietly luxurious soul in the beating heart of Athens.
Address: Sarri 40
Phone: +30 690 868 8004
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Best Restaurants
Hervé
Hervé is one of Athens’ most compelling culinary destinations—a place where fine dining feels intimate, theatrical, and quietly confident. Awarded one Michelin star, this restaurant stands apart as the only true chef’s table experience in all of Greece, offering guests a front-row seat to the creative universe of chef Hervé Pronzato.
The evening unfolds through a meticulously curated set menu, a sequence of dishes that arrive like miniature works of art. Each plate is crafted with an artist’s precision and a storyteller’s rhythm—French elegance intertwined with Asian nuance, Mediterranean warmth balanced with modern technique. No course repeats a previous idea; every bite feels like an entirely new chapter.
The drinks program is equally captivating. The cocktail list is bold and refined, echoing the restaurant’s inventive spirit, while the wine selection spans thoughtful Greek labels and exceptional international picks. For those who want the full immersion, the wine-pairing option enhances the tasting journey beautifully, matching every dish with a complementary note or contrast. Hervé isn’t simply a dinner—it’s a performance, a dialogue between chef and guest, and one of the most unforgettable gastronomic experiences in Greece.
Address: Trion Ierarchon 170
Phone: +30 21 0347 1332
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Athénée
In the heart of Athens, Athénée is a pinnacle of fine dining, proudly featured in the Michelin Guide. This restaurant and bar exudes luxury at every turn, with a posh, sophisticated interior defined by sleek lines and a refined ambiance that perfectly balances elegance and comfort.
The menu is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, offering fresh seafood, inventive Japanese creations, and expertly prepared meat dishes. Our highlights include tender beef cheeks with orzo, delicate seared tuna with wasabi cream, and a rich yet perfectly balanced tagliatelle al Ragu alla Bolognese, each plated with impeccable artistry. Desserts, such as creamy tiramisu, provide a memorable finale, while a curated wine list—showcasing Greece’s finest vintages alongside international selections—elevates the dining experience.
Every detail, from the luxurious setting to the exceptional cuisine, confirms Athénée as one of Athens’ finest fine dining destinations—a must-visit for travelers seeking elegance, taste, and Michelin-starred excellence.
Address: Voukourestiou 9
Phone: +30 21 0325 1430
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Cerdo Negro 1985
Cerdo Negro 1985 is celebrated in the Michelin Guide for several consecutive years. Led by chef-owner Giorgos Alexopoulos and his brother, the restaurant exudes personality and warmth, set within a restored Athenian home adorned with playful, creative artworks that make every visit feel intimate and inspiring.
Every dish at Cerdo Negro is cooked over the fire in their special vintage oven, imparting a smoky depth and distinctive flavor that defines the restaurant’s signature style. The menu draws inspiration from Spanish and Latin American cuisines, accented with subtle Greek flair, resulting in standout creations like slow-roasted pork, house-cured prosciutto, and vibrant fire-kissed vegetable dishes.
The drinks program is equally remarkable: a cocktail list that mirrors the menu’s inventiveness, along with carefully curated wines that can be paired with the tasting journey. Dining here is a full sensory experience—a warm, adventurous exploration of fire, flavor, and artistry in the heart of Athens.
Address: Vitonos 5
Phone: +30 21 0347 0628
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Pharaoh
Pharaoh is one of Athens’ most distinctive culinary addresses, featured in the Michelin Guide for consecutive years for its commitment to authenticity and exceptional value. What truly sets it apart is its devotion to traditional, fire-driven cooking: the kitchen uses no electricity or gas, relying exclusively on a vintage wood-fired oven and charcoal grills. This approach lends every dish a depth, warmth, and familiarity reminiscent of grandmother-style Greek cooking, elevated with careful technique.
The atmosphere blends understated industrial design with nostalgic charm. Stacks of firewood stand beside an impressive collection of vintage vinyl records, which are played throughout the evening on an original record player. The musical program is curated with unusual precision, and those seeking the most immersive experience should secure a seat at the bar facing both the DJ and the open kitchen, where the interplay of fire, food, and sound becomes part of the ritual.
The menu highlights Greece’s culinary heritage through dishes such as dolmadakia, taramosalata with bottarga, slow-cooked lamb, charcoal-grilled greens, and rustic seasonal stews. Complementing the cuisine is an extensive selection of natural wines — more than 400 labels — alongside a thoughtful cocktail list.
Address: Solomou 54
Phone: +30 21 0380 8412
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Iodio
If you’re hunting for one of Athens’ most exciting seafood tables, Iodio deserves a top spot on your list. Nestled in the stylish neighborhood of Kolonaki, Iodio brings a fresh—yet sophisticated—approach to Greek seafood, effortlessly blending contemporary finesse with Mediterranean tradition.
The space itself feels airy and refined, with mosaic floors, and sea-inspired artwork that evokes gentle waves and coastal breezes. Service is polished, attentive, and warm, and many dishes show off pristine seafood sourced seasonally and cooked with thoughtful technique.
Some standout plates: the pasta with sea urchin or bottarga — delicate, briny, and deeply evocative of the Aegean — raw or marinated red mullet, charcoal-kissed octopus with chimichurri, and a soulful fish soup that pulses with umami and freshness. Dessert and cocktails add a final flourish — with inventive combinations and a wine list curated to match finesse with flavor.
Address: Loukianou 36
Phone: +30 21 3026 3656
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Ovio
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Athens, Ovio stands out as one of the city’s best Italian dining experiences, proudly featured in the Michelin Guide. Celebrated for its rich-flavored cuisine and refined approach, Ovio delivers a true taste of Italy in a stylish, welcoming setting.
The menu is a masterclass in Italian flavors: wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts, house-made pastas bursting with fresh, vibrant ingredients, and a selection of Italian delicacies that transport diners straight to the heart of Rome and Naples. Highlights include truffle-infused risotto, rich cacio e pepe tartufata, and a signature margherita pizza crafted with fresh mozzarella and sun-ripened tomatoes. Desserts, particularly tiramisu and chocolate & pistachio finger, provide a sweet, indulgent finish.
Complemented by a thoughtfully curated Italian and international wine list, every dish is elevated to perfection. With its Michelin recognition, exceptional cuisine, and warm yet elegant ambiance, Ovio ranks among Athens’ best restaurants—a must-visit for lovers of Italian gastronomy.
Address: Apollonos 4
Phone: +30 21 0710 2020
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OX
OX Meat Taverna sets a new standard for Greek meat dining, combining traditional flavors with modern flair in a stylish, inviting atmosphere. The décor is minimalist‑urban: dark tones, warm lighting, and a spacious dining room that balances relaxed conviviality with elegant restraint.
At the heart of the experience lies an open‑fire kitchen where charcoal, wood‑burning oven, and slow-roasting spits turn each cut into a smoky, flavor-rich masterpiece. Expect tender lamb chops, juicy rib‑eye steaks, and pork or chicken kontosouvli — all grilled to perfection and served with rustic sides or warm pita. House specialties like handmade sausage and seasonal vegetable grills accompany hearty meats seamlessly.
For dessert, a syrupy, pistachio‑kissed ekmek offers a sweet finale. A well-curated wine list and genuine hospitality round off the meal. For lovers of meat cooked right — with soul and fire — OX is a must‑visit.
Address: Chatzigianni Mexi 9
Phone: +30 21 0710 7070
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Best Beauty Spots
GB Spa
GB Spa is Athens’s definitive urban retreat — a luxurious oasis where body and soul are pampered with grace and expertise. Treatments range from full‑body massages and Ayurvedic rituals to indulgent body scrubs and wraps, relaxing couples’ massages, and revitalizing facials. Guests can also enjoy scalp and hair therapies, manicure and pedicure, makeup services, and men’s grooming in separate lounges.
The indoor salt‑water pool, herbal steam bath, and serene hydro‑rooms complete the experience. Whether you’re after deep‑tissue release, radiant skin, or a polished new look, GB Spa delivers personalized comfort and refined elegance in the heart of Athens.
Address: 1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square Str
Phone: +30 21 0333 0000
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Elite Plastic Surgery Clinic
In the heart of Athens, Elite Plastic Surgery Clinic offers a full spectrum of aesthetic and cosmetic treatments — from plastic surgeries to subtle rejuvenating procedures — all delivered with medical precision and care. Under the guidance of experienced surgeons and dermatologists, clients can choose lip augmentation, dermal fillers, Botox, vitamin injections, and even mesotherapy to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, or refresh the skin.
More advanced options like fat‑transfer lip enhancement or body sculpting are also available. For those seeking non‑invasive radiance — perfect before a glamorous event — Elite offers treatments such as Diamond Facial, gentle chemical peels, and skin‑renewing Dermapen sessions. Each procedure is tailored, combining modern techniques with a focus on natural, harmonious results. With its polished facilities, professional staff, and wide menu of options, Elite Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as a premier destination for anyone wanting to look their best in Athens.
Address: Ermou 18
Phone: +30 21 1411 5398
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Hando Massage & Spa
Hando Massage & Spa is a serene oasis in the heart of Athens, where body and mind find perfect harmony. Their menu features an impressive range of massages, from relaxing Swedish and deep-tissue to Thai, aromatherapy, and even “four-hands” or hot stone treatments. Lymphatic drainage and targeted muscle therapies are also available for full-body rejuvenation.
The interiors are minimalist and calming, with soft lighting and a tranquil ambiance, ideal for escaping the city’s bustle. For anyone seeking relaxation, muscle relief, or radiant skin, Hando offers a luxurious and restorative spa experience.
Address: 28is Oktovriou 21
Phone: +30 21 1750 6722
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