athens centre is a vibrant hub of history, archaeology and urban vibes. stroll around its scenic cobbled streets, smart boutique-lined avenues and cosy piazzas to discover a city that moves to a modern beat coloured by unique traditions.
if you really want to get to the heart of athens, scale the ancient citadel of the sacred acropolis and check out the urban landscape sprawling before you like concrete arteries of a throbbing city. discover secret rooftop bars buzzing with unadulterated energy like colour locale in monastiraki or step into one of the world’s leading ‘best bars’ and an athenian favourite for a deftly made cocktail at the clumsies. gastronomy is taken very seriously in athens, with hip places like funky gourmet sporting its shiny michelin status and classy restaurants like spondi setting the standard for fine cuisine. of course, there is the deluxe grande bretagne hotel if you want to stop for afternoon tea in its winter gardens, where the line-up of famous guests has included elizabeth taylor, sophia loren, maria callas and brigitte bardot, not to mention sean connery, francis ford coppola, david bowie and jay-z.
the modern athenian is in love with every part of this city’s past yet embraces the modern vibes of the new with vigour.
shopping is a blissful pursuit with ermou street catering to fashion-conscious shopaholics, whilst a walk up to voukourestiou street is true soul therapy for those who want to add to their collection of louis vuitton bags. then head for up-town kolonaki, the place to see and be seen while sipping on the newest ‘boutique’ coffee blends. check out the spectacular remains of the hellenic past, testimonies to the ottoman occupation and old byzantine churches, all nestled amongst elegant 19th century neo-classical buildings and designer stores.
the modern athenian is in love with every part of this city’s past yet embraces the modern vibes of the new with vigour. colourful street art, gastro eateries, trendy bars and a feeling of living in the moment make this a destination which continues to be an all-time classic.
myriam is a carefully composed one-bedroom apartment in the heart of plaka, where contemporary restraint meets the layered architectural character of historic athens. positioned on the ground floor of a neoclassical streetscape, the apartment balances calm interior living with immediate access to one of the city’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. pale façades, shaded balconies and narrow pedestrian streets define the setting, while cafés, small galleries and archaeological landmarks remain moments away on foot.
the apartment extends across 45 sqm and has been designed with clarity and proportion in mind. white walls, oak flooring and tailored joinery create a soft, cohesive palette throughout the interior, allowing natural light to move easily between the rooms. the layout unfolds with quiet simplicity, connecting the living area, kitchen and bedroom through wide openings that preserve a sense of openness despite the compact footprint.
the kitchen is integrated discreetly into the main living space, with curved counters, understated cabinetry and a breakfast bar that softens the geometry of the room. carefully selected furnishings and artwork introduce warmth without overwhelming the interior. from the sitting area, tall french doors open onto a small private balcony framed by greenery, bringing filtered daylight and a sense of calm into the apartment during the warmer months.
the bedroom continues the same restrained aesthetic, with custom storage, soft neutral fabrics and subtle lighting contributing to the apartment’s quiet atmosphere. the bathroom follows a similarly minimal approach, finished in pale stone and clean lines, with contemporary fittings integrated carefully into the overall design language.
what distinguishes myriam is its balance between intimacy and location. the apartment feels sheltered from the movement of the city while remaining fully immersed in the rhythm of plaka. early morning light enters softly through the shutters, while outside, the neighbourhood unfolds through stone-paved lanes, neoclassical houses and the everyday sounds of central athens.
plaka remains one of the capital’s most enduring residential quarters, valued for its preserved architecture and proximity to the acropolis, syntagma and the historic centre. taverns, small wine bars and independent boutiques are woven naturally into the neighbourhood, giving the area an atmosphere that remains active throughout the year rather than purely seasonal.
