Athens greeted us with soft winter light and the smell of warm pastry. There were some minor (inevitable when you're travelling with three small kids, doing 10,00 steps a day and forgot your pram) but we laughed, we explored and we were together from morning to night in a way that only travel forces you to be. And it was wonderful.

This guide is everything we loved, everything we’d repeat and everything we wish someone had told us before going.

Where To Stay

The Dolli (City Break)

The Dolli sits right in the heart of Athens, a short walk from almost everything you’ll want to do. We didn’t take a single taxi the entire trip. The rooms feel like a calm exhale—elegant, sunlit, beautifully furnished.

What sealed it for us:

• The service that made us feel like long-lost friends rather than guests.

• The complimentary dessert bar from 10 am to 7 pm. 

• A rooftop with a postcard view of the Acropolis.

We were genuinely sad to leave. That says everything.

Four Seasons Astir Palace (Coastal Escape)

If your heart wants a city-by-the-sea moment, this is it. Completely different energy from The Dolli: laid-back, sun-kissed, beachy and pristine in that Four Seasons way. 

WHERE TO EAT (EVERYTHING WE LOVED)

Manari

Recommended by all my friends who know Greece well, it’s a simple menu done exceptionally well - comforting, soulful, unforgettable. Definitely pre-book as it's a very popular place. Order and don’t negotiate:

• Meat broth pasta

• Lamb kebabs

• Tomato salad
  
  

Ekiben

Located at the back of a record shop, we were told to go for their famous smash burger but ended up loving the chicken sando and the kaarage even more. Requires pre-booking.

Iodio

Refined Greek with fresh flavours, beautiful plating, warm atmosphere.

Ex Machina

Modern, cool, effortlessly good. Think date-night-with-kids-in-tow energy.

72hr Artisanal Bakery

This is the bakery with the line outside the door—the croissants are worth every minute of waiting. If you stay at The Dolli, it’s walking distance.

Granello

A relaxed, family-friendly spot with honestly incredible food. The kind of place where everyone finds something they love. 

Tan Popo

A Japanese pick - comforting, reliable, great for a break from Greek food. Requires pre-booking, as there's usually a long line.

Isandsia

One of our favourite meals in Athens. Vibrant, unexpected flavours and a menu that changes almost daily depending on available produce. For those that know Straker's in London, think Strakers came to Greece - it's a total must for any foodie.

Odori

Laid-back pizza, cocktails, easy ambience.

Malconis

Good for a casual dinner where no one has to try too hard.

For Summer Visits: Beach Restaurants

• Ithaki – classic seaside dining with a view.

• Krabo – a buzzy beach restaurant definitely worth visiting.

• Island Private House – unforgettable in warm weather.

What to do with Kids (and still feel like Adults)

Acropolis & Parthenon (with a Tour Guide)

Give yourself 2–3 hours. Get a guide - Athens comes alive when someone tells you why these stones matter. (There’s always one child who just looks like they don’t want to be there!)

Acropolis Museum

A beautifully curated extension of the Acropolis itself. Air-conditioning also helps.

Main Shopping Street (Ermou Street)

Hermès, Prada, Zara, Sephora, everything in one long, walkable stretch. Perfect for teens, tweens, and mums at any stage of life.

Kids’ Stores We Loved

• Energies – playful, great quality, very Athens-cool.

• Lapin House – classic, charming, dependable.

Booklet (Glyfada)

Workshops for kids, plus a lovely store. Worth the detour if you’re spending time near the coast.

Parks & Zoos

• Attica Zoological Park – the best option if your kids love animals; huge, clean, easily a half-day trip.

• National Garden of Athens – in the city centre, beautiful walking paths, little lakes, a small playground.

Golden Hall Mall

Air-con, shops, child-friendly cafés. Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones no one complains about.

My Favourite Boutique: Karavan

Quirky womenswear, playful prints, homeware touches. A great “souvenir but make it fashion” stop.

Where To Shop

• Ermou Street – the main artery.

• Voukourestiou Street – luxury boutiques including Hermès, Prada, and more.

• Kolonaki – tree-lined, chic, filled with independent boutiques and cafés.

• Glyfada – seaside suburb with relaxed shopping, great restaurants, and the Booklet store for the kids.

Pro-TIP

Bring a pram if your youngest is under six. We didn’t, and 10k steps a day nearly ended us. Overall, I wouldn’t have changed a thing about this trip - the closeness that happens when you’re moving as one little unit through a city, it’s a different kind of family glue.

Athens surprised me. It stretched us, fed us, grounded us, and made me absurdly grateful for these three little humans who are somehow becoming people I genuinely love talking to.