For those who plan on spending a couple of days in the city of Athens now that the summer has for good knocked on our door… It is time you explored the hidden gardens and courtyards of the city where you can enjoy your cocktail or some delicious Greek delicacy!

As you may have heard or been told, Athens hasn’t been very “generous” when it comes to the greenery it offers. Unlike most European cities, Athens hosts a small amount of green spaces. The whole city looks more like a “concrete jungle” to travelers, but actually it is an interesting one, with many small hidden oases that we are going to reveal in this special post.

• For your coffee and drinks

1. Black Duck Garden

This yard with the leafy trees and the marble tables is a must when in Athens. It is a cafe, bar, gallery, museum and event center. From morning snacks and coffee to dinner and cocktails, this place is a must-visit if you want to enjoy your drinks and most importantly, stay cool during the summer heat!

Location: loannou Paparrigopoulou 5, Athina 105 61
Closest Metro station: Panepistimio (Red line)

Read also: Most Popular And Locals' Favorite Cocktail Bars In Athens

2. Upopa Epops

There is no excuse to miss this courtyard, located at the uprising neighborhood of Petralona, very close to Thissio area. Its yard combined with the vintage interior design makes you feel like you are in a fairy tale. The Upupa Epops bar offers delicious cocktails and amazing brunch. A perfect getaway from the city’s hassle.

Location: Alkminis 7, Athina 118 54

Closest Metro station: Keramikos (Blue line)

3. Six D.o.g.s

This hidden oasis in the heart of the noisy center could not be skipped or missed! Is it a bar, a cafe, a concert hall or a gallery? This place combines it all. It is a cultural center that serves as all of the above. At night, there is a DJ and the place gets crowded. Its garden with its wooden tables and hammocks offers a ‘beachy’ and relaxed atmosphere. The yard is multilevel and even has trees and river sand. To create this garden, four months of hard work were sacrificed. The rocky landscaping already existed, but it was abandoned, a dirty area with a lot of garbage from the surrounding buildings.

Location: Avramiotou 6-8, Athina 105 51

Closest Metro station: Monastiraki (Blue and Green line)

Interested in experiencing the local Greek cuisine?

4. Aloustines

This place is located in Thissio, one of the most beautiful central areas of Athens. This hidden garden is a true blast in the neighborhood, perfect for a coffee or a cool refreshment during the day, like its homemade lemonade, but also for a nice cocktail at night. It is cat friendly and once there you will get to meet some of their frequent cat clients! This bar offers a family and local atmosphere.

Location: Iraklidon 5, Athina 118 51

Closest Metro station: Thissio (Green line)

Read also: How To Spend The Perfect Short Layover In Athens

• For food and meze

1. To Steki tou Ilia

This quiet and peaceful garden is located in Thissio, as well. It is a popular place for lamb chops around locals. The chefs are true masters in the grill. If you are a meat lover, you should definitely get the chance to have your dinner there. The tavern has an inside area but during the summer months, make sure you sit in that amazing garden.

Location: Eptachalkou 5, Athina 118 51

Closest Metro station: Thissio (Green line)

Read also: 7 Best Traditional Greek Dishes And Where To Find Them In Athens

2. Klimataria

As the name implies (klimataria means arbor in Greek), this place is a traditional Greek tavern since 1927 that during the summer months offers a cool garden with grape pergolas. You will forget for a bit that you are in the Greek capital and get the feeling that you are at a village’s garden. It is the perfect place for you to try typical Greek meze plates. My recommendations are fava, yummy moussaka and lamb, dishes you don’t want to say no to. Order them with the all-time classic Greek salad and you’ll have an authentic Greek culinary experience!

Location: Pl. Theatrou 2, Athina 105 52

Closest Metro station: Omonia (Green and Red line)

Read also: Where To Find The Most Traditional Pies In Athens And The City’s Best Bakeries

3. O Kouvelos

One of my favorite places for dinner in the area of Koukaki. Its romantic garden with the white tables and chairs, and the trees is not the only reason to visit this restaurant. The main reason is the delicious traditional Greek food it offers! The food ingredients are taken very seriously and the products are brought from different places in Greece. One of my favorite dishes is the Skopelos pie, which is a deep-fried cheese pie, a special dish from Skopelos island, and also the pasta with fresh tomato sauce and beef, another typical Greek dish. The wine is exceptional and so is the hazelnut liqueur they treat in the end.

Location: Genneou Kolokotroni 66, Athina 117 41

Closest Metro station: St. Kato Petralona (Green line)

4. Cabezon

Located at the emerging area of Metaxourgeio, this place is located at an old neoclassical building and it offers a beautiful garden with trees. It is the perfect spot to have some wine or raki and ouzo accompanied with tasty meze plates. Have a “dakos” or a mixed meat plate with your alcohol of choice and enjoy the live music here.

Location: Keramikou 110, Athina 104 35

Closest Metro station: Kerameikos (Blue line) or Metaxourgeio (Red line)

Interested in experiencing something new?

5. To Voliotiko (tsipouradiko)

I could not skip the full of plants and trees cool garden that Voliotiko at Psyrri offers in the summer. If you want to listen to some live Greek music, while sitting outdoors, enjoying the cool breeze, then that is the place you are looking for. There is live music every evening. I personally love their feta with honey and sesame dish, their sardines and definitely their zucchini balls (kolokithokeftedes).

Location: Lepeniotou 2, Athina 105 54

Closest Metro station: Monastiraki (Green and Blue line)

Read also: Nightlife In Athens: 7 Different Types Of Entertainment

6. Rozalia

Don’t miss Rozalia, a great option for dinner in Exarcheia neighborhood of Athens. It is a family run taverna which serves grills and home style fare. The dishes are brought around on a tray, so you can see, point and pick! It has a cool garden, perfect for the hot summer days.

Location: Valtetsiou 59, Athina 106 81

Closest Metro station: Omonia (Green and Red line)

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Let us know if you liked/have tried the recommendations above and feel free to leave your own ones with a comment below!

Text: Christina Stathopoulou