Nestled in the shadow of the Acropolis and more famous districts such as Plaka, lies one of the city’s most creative and charming corners. It offers the ideal combination of being very close to all of the monuments in the historical center of Athens, while at the same time retaining a traditional feel, reminiscent of what Athens looked like years ago.
Koukaki is a popular place to stay while visiting Athens, with many cozy and modern accommodation options that are ideal if you want to combine privacy with a quirky ambience and be so close…… to everything.
Travel and hospitality site Airbnb has included Koukaki in its global list of “Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods to Visit”, and named it the 5th must-visit neighborhood in the world! This district extends vertically between G. Olympiou and Drakos pedestrian streets, and horizontally between Veikos, Dimitrakopoulos and Falirou streets, which are the main shopping streets of Athens, buzzling also with cafes, bars and restaurants.
Koukaki was named after one of its first residents, Georgios Koukakis, who in the early 20th century opened a successful factory manufacturing iron beds. Gradually, the area developed into a charming middle-class neighborhood, full of life and a place Athenians charmingly referred to as “Little Paris,” until the 1980s, in large part due to its bohemian vibe & vintage atmosphere.
Designer souvenir shops, cocktail bars and eateries dot this Athenian neighborhood, nestled amongst neoclassical buildings and apartment blocks that date back to the 1960’s and 1970’s. Koukaki also boasts some of the most innovative and creative new arrivals onto the culinary scene in Athens.
Perhaps the most charming area in the neighborhood is the pedestrian zone running from Koukaki Square along Georgaki Olympiou Street, which has a city-meets-jungle feel to it. Overhanging plants and trees, including palms, entirely conceal the concrete facades of the buildings above the cafés and restaurants. Falirou Square is also very popular, and its many alternative bars and cozy eateries are attracting the hip young set from all over the city.
What to expect in Koukaki: Yes, the area has been lately characterized by the increase in tourists, however it is definitely a neighborhood for those travelers seeking authenticity, charm and local secret gems. Its proximity to ancient treasures such as the Parthenon, The Acropolis Museum and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as to the district of Plaka, Thissio and Philopappos Hill, and its vibrant night-life, alternative bars, imposing neoclassical buildings and art spaces, make Koukaki one the most rapidly developing areas of Athens.
Koukaki is a blend of cultural kudos, green oases and interesting architecture that adeptly accommodates both the locals who live here and the tourists who love it, without sacrificing its true self. Perhaps the highlight of Koukaki is its plethora of cafes, bars and restaurants; however, art and culture lovers will not be disappointed. Scroll down for some recommendations including one very interesting option for those who are traveling with children.
Combine your love of art & culture while you are visiting Koukaki.
National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)
Paradise for art lovers is housed in one of Athens’ most iconic buildings – a fully refurbished former brewery from the ‘50s (in its original form, post-war industrial architecture). The large, open-plan space in Koukaki is as interesting architecturally as it is for the works of art exhibited inside.
The Museum’s constantly growing collection is formed around a very important nucleus of works by both Greek and international artists. The permanent collection of 90 selected works from international and modern Greek artists on the 2nd and 3rd floor is the centerpiece attraction, but the frequent temporary exhibits provide a reason to visit again and again.There are over 1400 works in the collection to date. The future acquisition policy will maintain the core socio-political character of the collection, which is to offer multiple perspectives across the genealogies of the country’s political and cultural life.
The constant aim of the museum is the promotion of education via the arts, and raising public awareness regarding contemporary culture, in combination with the development of scientific research and a specialization in the museology, history and theory of contemporary art. One of its founding goals is to promote innovative and experimental artistic movements, and the production of audiovisual works via new media. Programming is political and nuanced, with Greek artists commenting on social issues through a range of media, from photography to sculpture as well as audio visual installations.
One can say that the National Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum of “concepts” rather than paintings.https://www.emst.gr/en/ Kallirrois Ave & Amvr. Frantzi St, Koukaki, Metro: Syggrou Fix
The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
This is the first museum devoted to the art of jewelry in Greece, and one of just three of its kind in the world, founded by a renowned family of jewelers.
It was in the 1950’s when Ilias Lalaounis’ was inspired by ancient Greek artefacts of different historical periods, leading him to create a revival of Greek jewelry that brought him great success and launched his career.
Lalaounis perfected working with gold, preferring to manually hammer the metal. Celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Barbara Streisand wore his pieces, giving the brand a glamourous international profile.
The jewelry museum celebrating his work is housed in a 1930s mansion, which was previously home to the family’s workshops.
The permanent exhibition, consisting of more than 4,000 pieces of jewelry and decorative objects, encapsulates Lalaounis’ remarkable vision and career.
Temporary exhibitions explore the unknown decorative arts in their historic perspective, while new creations allow us to be the beacons of contemporary artistic creation.
The museum features an authentic jewelry workshop on the ground floor, allowing visitors to observe the resident goldsmith at work using ancient techniques and materials ( http://www.lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr/ Kariatidon & 12 Kallisperi Streets, 2m walk from Acropolis metro station)
Emotions Museum – For families with children or teenagers from 5 to 15y.o.
A unique interactive museum about emotions! The Emotions Museum uses interactive exhibitions, play and fairytales to encourage children and teenagers to discover their emotional world, in order to learn more about themselves and others. Moreover, it sensitizes adults, parents and teachers to subjects which impact children’s emotional development and socialization.
The Emotions Museum recommends that it is best for individual visitors to stay and play in the museum for a maximum of 2 hours. Also, note that the goal of the exhibition and the workshops is to give the opportunity to both children and adults to cooperate and play together.
When tourists can visit: Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
On weekdays in June, July and September, there is a special family program in English, starting at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. (Phone reservation required)( https://www.mce.gr/en/the-museum/ 7 Karatza, +30 210 9218329)
Urban Stripes (37 Veikou Street)
An exceptional building of modern architecture, formed with a white façade that stands out in a grey city like Athens, with the important function to help reflect away the intensity of the summer sun. The first floor is used for offices, and hence the façade is differentiated, creating a distinct base for the building. The rear façade offers a modern interpretation of the older rear facades of Athens, using elements such as cylindrical stairways and ‘misplaced’ windows. Using colored laminated glass, Klab Architecture proposed a different view to the totally neglected rear facades of the area, which suddenly become interesting.
Tsami Karatasou street
Do not miss a chance to walk through Tsami Karatasou Street, taking in the beauty of the neoclassical mansions. The one that stands out from the rest is the home of artist Margarita Theodorakis, daughter of Zorba the Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis. Her large, colorful and playful house is filled with hundreds of objects she collected on her travels around the world.
