The online edition of British Guardian sings the praises for Athens as a top tourist destination, pointing out the ancient European capital is on the rise with young Athenian entrepreneurs reviving previously abandoned and dilapidated areas in the centre, such as Pangrati, Kypseli, Keramikos and Koukaki as food and arts hubs. In the piece, the author goes on his adventure through the old city starting from the Acropolis Museum and visiting the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for Culture, before he lauds the region of Koukaki in Athens.
The piece says that the neighborhood in the center of Athens has drawn the interest of both Athenians and foreign tourists with its distinct identity in recent years. This is evidenced by the explosion in Airbnb rentals in the area.
The revival of Europe’s classical capital has attracted plenty of artists, curators and digital nomads. But it’s entrepreneurial young Athenians who are opening pop-up restaurants, design collectives and guesthouses, regenerating derelict buildings in rough-around-the-edges areas such as Pangrati, Kypseli and Keramikos. Messy and unpredictable, Athens fizzes with an intense energy that burns bright into the night.
Designers, curators and savvy Airbnb users have discovered this working-class neighbourhood near the Acropolis. Visitors can brunch on pork and kimchi quesadillas and detox juices at Bel Ray). Writers bring their laptops to Little Tree, a cosy bookshop-cafe.
At Underflow, a beautifully moody gallery and record shop, you can browse the vinyl with a beer. Splash out on Kyma sandals and embroidered kaftans at True Story Athens or T-shirts hand-printed with ancient Greek proverbs at Athena Design Workshop (Parthenonos 30). Pick up provisions at Pantopwlion and head into the pine forests of Philopappou Hill for a sunset picnic. The summit has the best views of the Parthenon.
read more at theguardian.com
