For those of us who find ourselves in the city at the start of 2024, there’s a wealth of wonderful things to do to enjoy it in a fresh and peaceful way, with plenty of experiences to choose from. At a unique time of year when the city is less busy, emptier and still not quite back to its bustling rhythm, grab the chance to discover it in a relaxed and meaningful way. Whether you take a leisurely stroll, sit out for a coffee in the sun or sip trendy cocktails with friends, see a play or exhibition, or go for a meal somewhere that’s usually booked out, the Greek capital generously offers the whole “package”.
Here we suggest some wonderful walks to enjoy, whether meditatively – perhaps crystallising your intentions for the new year – or actively engaged in learning, doing or seeing new things.
An ideal start is with a walk through the National Gardens behind the Parliament Building and Zappeion, the city’s great green oasis and among its lushest zones, also wonderful places to visit with your kids or pet. from there, go for a coffee in Plaka, Athens’ old, charming district, and admire scatterings and views of ancient ruins, stores selling a plethora of trinkets, foods and designs and some fine examples of neoclassical architecture. Or, from the Syntagma area, discover the cafes behind Kolokotroni Square, or sit at Dexameni Square in Kolonaki, window shop in Exarcheia, and if you’re going towards the Acropolis follow that up with a walk down to Koukaki for coffee on a pedestrian street. Each area has its singular charm and combines old Athenian history with modern concepts that have taken shape in more recent years.
Your walk could also include a route that touches on historical and cultural points interwoven with the urban fabric, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Roman Agora and the Stoa of Attalos. Or head in a different direction and visit the ‘golden square’ of Panepistimiou-Voukourestiou-Stadiou-Amerikis, with its historical buildings, splendid cafes, upmarket shops, contemporary theatre spaces and cosy arcades hosting tucked away cafes.
Another great idea is to organise a small walking tour that includes the Numismatic Museum, the National Library, the University, the Athens Academy, the Presidential Mansion, the Athens National Technical University complex, the Old Parliament and the National Theatre. these are all landmarks in their own right, and although they keep their doors closed on New Year’s Day, they are emblematic examples of the architecture of public buildings and deserve to be visited during these more opportune days.
Peckish after your eye-opening walk? Rest assured that even though some pl;aces will still be shut after the New Year weekend, there are still plenty of places to eat. Some offer fine dining and a more contemporary approach (such as Zillers, Birdman, Aleria, Pharaoh), while others are more casual (Spit Jack, Dopios, Line). Then there are also many traditional souvlaki joints (Volvi, Kostas, Elvis) and taverna/meze restaurants (Filippou, Machairitsa, Rozalia), as well as eateries with music such as the Thomas Taverna 1971 and Kapnikarea, serving up great foods with live traditional grooves.
After your meal and before an evening drink, you may want to immerse yourself in the city’s theatre scene. There is a plethora of options on the stages either in the historic centre (like Rex, Tschiller, Jenny Karezi, Mavromichali) or in its outskirts (like Sfendoni, Epi Kolono and Altera Pars) and around them (like Ark and Theatro Neos Kosmos). Whatever your mood, it’s worth taking visiting one of the dozens of theatres in Athens that are raising their curtains on New Year’s Day to show the best of themselves in the modern spirit of the dramatic arts.
You could end your evening with a drink in one of the city’s most special bars, like The Clumsies, Low Profile Whisky Bar, Barreldier, Baba au Rum, 7 Jokers and Alexandrino, just a few of the top quality options on offer if you’re looking for either classic and new bars. For wine connoisseurs, there’s Psyche, Gamay and Oinoscent, and places like Duende for classic cocktails and pastas. Read more about Athens’ wine bars here
Of course, you can also end your wanderings with a “farewell” in the heart of festive Athens, in Syntagma Square. The sight of decorated shops, trees and hustle and bustle is a sweet and necessary farewell, signalling the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.
Read more on Athenian walks
Best Monuments and Landmarks in Athens | travel.gr
Hanging Out in Athens’ Central Squares | travel.gr
Hiking Athens’ Hills | travel.gr
