Kolonaki
Kolonaki — 'little column' — is Athens' most elegant neighbourhood, spilling down the slopes of Lycabettus Hill.
Where to eat & drink
Coffee culture rules: try Philos on Solonos for Mediterranean brunch, Codice Blu on Loukianou for Italian dinner, and Radka (est. 1975) on Charitos, one of Athens' oldest bars. Desiré on Dimokritou is the go-to for sweets.
What to see
Lycabettus Hill (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Lycabettus) crowns the area (ride the funicular for the best sunset); the Benaki, Cycladic Art and Byzantine museums cluster nearby.
Getting around
Syntagma (lines 2 & 3) and Evangelismos (line 3) metros serve Kolonaki.
Safety
Upscale and among the safest central areas, lively by day and well-lit at night.
Questions & answers
- Is Kolonaki walkable to central Athens?
- Yes — Syntagma Square and the National Gardens are a short walk downhill.
- Where do locals eat in Kolonaki?
- Locals brunch at Philos and drink at Radka, the historic bar on Charitos.