The city of Athens was once an ancient megapolis. It was the nucleus of a prosperous and flourishing civilization. Its massive classical buildings, temples, and galleries still dominate the cityscape, attract millions of tourists, and leave them amazed and awestruck. But amid these marvels, in the narrow roads and alleyways, there is another spectacle to behold- a lively and magical café culture bursting with fabulously good vibes, lots of coffee, and delectable local cuisine.
Read on to discover the top 20 cafes and coffee shops in Athens:
1. Taf Coffee
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An award-winning café located in the groovy Exarchia, Taf Coffee is known for offering what is perhaps, the most exceptional coffee in Athens. They have a wide selection of the finest beans, and their skilled baristas serve handcrafted delicious coffee brews with such sophistication that you will be left yearning for more. The café is very friendly and modern, making it an excellent place for you to hang out. Do try out the seasonal V60 brews and their delicious banana bread!
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The Kimolia Art Café is a cozy little café hidden in Athens's vibrant and historical Plaka neighbourhood. It is known for its funky and colourful décor, charming classical music, and super friendly service staff. The café has a large menu that includes several refreshing cocktails, yummy cakes, delicious sandwiches, gourmet chocolates, and coffee.
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Named in honour of the legendary Greek actress, activist, and politician, the Melina Mercouri Café is a beautiful and welcoming café located in Plaka, Athens. The café is known for its museum-like interiors, where the walls adorn Melina's memorabilia, exhibiting her life's works. The cakes and desserts served here are extremely popular, and the Baklava is a highlight.
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This coffee shop in Athens is the perfect place if you ever feel like relaxing and eating good food on a lazy weekend morning with a nice view. A classy café in the stylish Syntagma neighbourhood, Clemente VIII is known for its fine food and sleek décor. The Lemon Pie served here is an absolute must-try.
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Telaro is a wonderful food spot on the busy Romvis street in downtown Athens. This café is one of the best places in the city to have a pleasant and satisfying brunch with coffee. The friendly staff offers you an extensive menu of delicious Mediterranean food (try the Telaro Omelet) and drinks in a charming pedestrian street setting.
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Do you ever feel like going somewhere where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee as you read a book in a soothing green climate? If yes, then Banca is the perfect place for you. A quiet and casual garden cafe, Banca is like an oasis of calm in the bustling streets of Exarchia. They serve good coffee and offer a wide selection of delicious pies and cakes. The Nut-cake with ice cream is something you should definitely try here.
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BiteBox is a delightful cafe and gastropub in Athens known for its delicious and unique food and cocktails. They are particularly famous for their distinctive 'Poffies,' a kind of tasty puff pastries that come in several varieties, both sweet and savoury. The great food and the pleasant ambience and music make BiteBox a great place to chill.
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This cute little cafe has won many peoples' hearts with its lip-smacking food and excellent coffee. It is perhaps one of the best places to have a hearty breakfast for a reasonable price in Athens. This place has everything from omelettes to sandwiches, from croissants to pastries.
Location: Vourvachi 5-9 Iosif ton Rogon, Athens 117 43 Greece Timings: 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM. Monday - Saturday Approximate Price for Two: EUR 9
9. Cosmos Caffe
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A small cafe in Athens serving strong coffee, Cosmos is a great place to enjoy a drink. Grab a cappuccino and some buttery croissants with your friends to enjoy a memorable experience in the city.
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Arguably the best place to eat on Onomia Square, Beneth is a fantastic cafe and bakery where you can enjoy a quick bite from a large variety of good food and drinks in a great atmosphere. The bakery items, including pastries, cakes, and pies, are particularly recommended. Do try the Bougatsa!
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An artistic little pub, Transzistor is a bar and cafe in Psirri, Athens. It has a very vintage vibe with colourful assorted posters on the walls and antique decor. It is a great place to unwind with a couple of beers or cocktails.
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The Crescendo Cafe is a great place to grab a quick and satisfying lunch after visiting the nearby Acropolis. This incredible cafe has a very accommodating climate and serves some fabulous Greek food. The Phyllo Pies and their massive Cinnamon glazed Donut is something you should definitely try!
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Historic center of Athens, cosy and elegant decor, chill vibes and relaxing music, nice crowd, friendly staff, great coffee, fabulous drinks, delicious food, and reasonable prices..... The list goes on, and there are just too many reasons you should check out this place.
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The Dope Roasting Co. is a delightfully modern French coffee shop in Athens offering fine coffee and freshly baked goodies, promising everyone a good time. It has a pleasing atmosphere, and the food comes in reasonable portions and at affordable prices. Order the Babkas to go with your coffee. They'll be totally worth it!
Mokka Speciality Coffee is the ultimate destination for coffee enthusiasts, a premier establishment with a long history of coffee making. Roasting onsite, Mokka is known for preparing diverse varieties of coffee with excellence and finesse, guaranteeing customers an unforgettable and satisfying experience. The Semolina Cakes and Baklava go fabulously with their coffee.
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A small yet comfortable Bistro and cafe, Kalimeres, located in Psyrri, promises happy vibes and a fulfilling gastronomic experience. The Mediterranean menu features several delicious dishes, cocktails, traditional Greek sweets, and coffee. It also has fantastic decor and seating options. This and the music make it a charming and cozy place to hang out.
Location: Taki 14 Psyri, Athens 105 54 Greece Timings: 09:00 AM - 02:00 AM. Sunday - Saturday Approximate Price for Two: EUR 10
17. Victory Cafe
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Victory is a charming little cafe in Athens that promises you that your happiness is their happiness. They have a robust and bustling climate and serve generous portions of some really popular and healthy Greek culinary delights, including Gyros, Moussaka, and Horiatiki Salad. A fine place to go on a date.
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Harvest is a bar and cafe where you can enjoy both- piping hot and freshly roasted speciality coffee and fine wine from renowned vineyards worldwide. The ever-changing menu features several classic Greek and Spanish dishes. It is a great place to have a late breakfast or a brunch.
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Petite Fleur is a cute little vintage cafe in Athens that will win the hearts of any customer with their mind-blowing icecreams and milkshakes. The rich and creamy Hot Chocolate particularly is fabulous and second to none. There isn't a better place if you're looking for a place for a cute date.
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Cafe Bar 67 is a fabulous meeting place in Exarchia, Athens, a vegan-friendly cafe and gastropub specializing in treating you with unique and delicious breakfasts. It has a very ambient atmosphere, and they will feast you with delicacies until long after midnight. Try the Ukrainian breakfast!
The coffee shops and cafes in the Athens scene is wonderfully large and diverse and can accommodate pretty much anyone. Quiet coffee lovers to gastronomes, lovey-dovey couples to party animals, no matter what type, you'll be guaranteed a great time.