The Top 9 Things To Do In Koukaki, Athens
There is nothing striking about Koukaki. It is not as picturesque as Plaka nor as glamorous as Kolonaki. It is not a nightlife hub like Psirri, and it doesn’t have a strong rebellious vibe like Exarcheia. And yet, this residential area flanked with ancient Greek landmarks and a university campus has something special. Koukaki has this indescribable je ne sais quoi which has made it stand out and become a top neighborhood in the capital. Read this small guide to discover why.
1. Play Some Pool
Play Some Pool
Mister 100 is somewhat of a surreal place in Koukaki. Home to Koukaki’s Association of Amateur Billiards Players Olympiada and frequented by the locals, the pool hall has American and French pool tables (for five euros an hour). Master your tricks with the experts or simply enjoy some beer while chatting with owner Dimitra Loubardia.
Mister 100, Dimitrakopoulou 53-55, Athens, Greece, +30 21 0921 5392
2. Forget The Latest Blockbuster And Enjoy An Indie Movie
Bar
Forget The Latest Blockbuster And Enjoy An Indie Movie
A hybrid place located on the edge of Koukaki on the busy Syggrou Avenue, Mikrokosmos serves as a bar and a small movie theater screening independent films. With an eclectic movie program, Mikrokosmos has a devoted group of followers. This inconspicuous venue is definitely worth a second look when exploring Koukaki.
Mikrokosmos, Syggrou 106, Athens, Greece, +30 21 0921 5305
http://instagram.com/p/9Or_h6yA3_/?taken-at=267367056
3. Shop At Psit
Shop
5. Have One Of The Best Croissants And Pastries In Town At Takis Bakery
Bakery, Pastry Shop, Pastries, Greek, French
Explore The Neighborhood
Blessed with pedestrian streets, and thanks to Filopappou Hill next door, Koukaki is a neighborhood where wandering is perfectly adequate. After you’ve visited the busiest streets close to Syggrou, go up towards the hill and admire the environment. Do not miss a chance to walk through Tsami Karatasou Street, taking in the beauty of the neoclassical mansions. One will surely stand out from the rest; it is the home of artist Margarita Theodorakis, daughter of Zorba the Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis.
http://instagram.com/p/BJoHzpYBwwS/?taken-at=911994403&hl=en
6. Get Inked
Get Inked
Visit screen printing studio Fuzz Ink and trust the owners with your design. Whether you want it on a t-shirt, on a poster or a sticker, the team behind the studio will easily respond to your need or desire. Personalize a gift for your little brother or promote your brand; whatever your goal is, Fuzz Ink can make it happen, and it is definitely less permanent than a tattoo.
Fuzz Ink, Falirou 24-26, Athens, Greece, +30 21 3029 4500
http://instagram.com/p/BGha0QZn4pn/?tagged=fuzzink
7. Get Into Some Fishy Business
Restaurant
Get Into Some Fishy Business
Granted, Koukaki is not Piraeus where fish taverns and restaurants are legion, but it still houses a great fish eatery called Skoubri. The restaurant, with its bright and minimalist vibe reminiscent of the islands, caters to the fish lovers of the area. Feast on grilled sardines and octopus and other delicacies, and wash it all down with some ouzo – you will quickly feel as if you were by the sea.
Skoubri, Drakou 12, Athens, Greece, +30 21 0921 0994
http://instagram.com/p/4Ef7mdnCtS/?tagged=skoubri
Visit The Filopappou Hill
Take a relaxing walk in nearby Filopappou Hill. The pine-covered slopes rising at about 150 meters above sea level offer a refreshing break from the heat in the summer and is mainly frequented by dog walkers and joggers. So take advantage of this peaceful place and reconnect with nature. The hill is home to the Filopappos Monument, the Socrates Prison, the ancient Koilis Street, two picturesque churches, as well as the old National Observatory and the Dora Stratou Theater.
http://instagram.com/p/BKEPd8fBpmY/?taken-at=1010674753
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.