An urban myth says that one feels truly independent in oneself when one finds the courage to go out for coffee and food on one’ s own. No company, no cell phone, no laptop to work on something.
The concept of a place where one can spend hours in the company of a book, studying, reading and conversing with complex literary worlds was introduced in Greece about 3 decades ago from abroad and found an audience exclusively of its own and avowedly fanatical.
Whether we’re talking about a “polished” space clearly influenced by bookish behemoths like Foyles in London’s Charing Cross or New York’s Barnes and Noble, or rather alternative hangouts where you can often find hidden gems that will enhance your literary knowledge, the “coffee meets literature” concept seems to gradually apply for more and more people.
While the centre of Athens is home to dozens of multi-purpose literary venues, which host everything from reading clubs to poetry evenings and sophisticated book presentations, book–cafés extend to every suburb and every bustling corner of the city like small, erudite oases of warmth and tranquillity. Coffee and books; these two essential elements can generously provide two of life’s most invigorating pleasures.
Multi-purpose venue Metaixmio (Metaichmio)
Since 2006, one of the country’s most prestigious publishing houses, Metaixmio (pronounced Metehmio) has “expanded” even further its field of activity around the endless and indescribably beautiful universe of books.
Metaixmio multi-purpose venue is a true cultural hangout where you can simply curl up with your newly-purchased reads and a nice cup of coffee. Extraordinary things happen here, at 118 Ippokratous Street, in the very heart of the city, for dedicated bibliophiles and all those who wish to discover or hone their writing skills. The reading club shares knowledge and experiences, while the creative writing seminars are among the most up-to-date and thorough that one can attend in Athens. All in a tasteful venue with an artistic flair.
Info: 118, Ippokratous Street, Athens, +30 211 3003500
Little Tree Books & Coffee
A quaint little bookshop in the shadow of the Acropolis of Athens, nestled in one of the most elegant and much-photographed districts of the capital, where the heart of Athens beats. On weekends, tourists and locals alike flock to the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou and the adjacent alleys, marvelling at the dozens of aristocratic corners and old mansions, and realizing again and again that this city, if you let it, can steal your heart without a hitch.
Right there, about four years ago, a small, cosy bookshop and, at the same time one of the most beautiful and hidden cafés of the city centre, opened its doors, exuding an elegant, European atmosphere. Today, Little Tree Book & Coffee is where avid bibliophiles meet after work to catch up or where families take a break from their Sunday, leisurely stroll through the city’s historic centre.
Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea – your call- and munch on delicious cakes, pastries and carefully prepared sandwiches, or choose something from their vegan options laid out on the coffee counter that will definitely tempt you. As the bookshop operates as a multi-purpose venue, the opening hours are extended, so if you want to lose yourself in an evening chatter over books, this is the place to do so.
From Tuesday to Sunday Little Tree Books & Coffee is open until 01:00 at night, while on Mondays the shop remains closed.
Info: 2, Kavalloti Street, Makrygianni, Athens, +30 210 9243762
Evripidis sti Stoa
Euripides book store in Halandri, Athens is intertwined with the commercial life of the northern suburbs of the city. One of the oldest and most beloved book stores, Euripides carries decades of history along with a big business risk that has been crowned with success.
In 1998, the heirs of the company’s founder, Evripidis Vasilopoulos, made a bold decision to create the first multi-purpose venue in Athens, a huge three-storey store on the model of large book stores abroad. The book store’s café, which managed to attract locals, bookworms from all over the city and passers-by from its very first day of operation, is a jewel in the store’s crown. Nothing has changed ever since.
Now the next time you find yourself in the area, craving for a new book and a hot brew, you know just where to find it.
Info: 11, Andrea Papandreou Street, Halandri, +30 210 6800644
Free Thinking Zone
It is not just a book store, nor just a café; Free Thinking Zone is a hybrid collective in the form of a physical store that is actively involved in many social and environmental activist efforts.
In this cosy bookshop on Skoufa Street you can take part in interesting talks and discussions around recent alternative publications, while enjoying the café’s delicious goods, sourced exclusively from Greek producers with a love for quality produce.
The woman behind Free Thinking Zone, Areti Georgili, is always there to guide you, if you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, or to help you find the next book that will conquer your mind and soul.
Info: 64, Skoufa Street, Athens, +30 210 3617461
Booktails
If you had the chance to own a shop, what kind of shop would you want it to be? Have you ever caught yourself wondering?
Two book bloggers with plenty of courage and a huge passion for literature made their big dream come true by launching a few years ago Booktails in the neighbourhood of Palaio Faliro, a sophisticated meeting place with a bright yellow facade and countless, interesting books that, most likely, you will not find elsewhere.
Since 2013, book presentations, reading nights and literary discussions take place at its tables, in a book-cafe where smoking is strictly prohibited and the atmosphere smells only of coffee and paper.
Info: 47, Artemidos Street, Palaio Faliro, +30 210 9802520
