Athens Kolonaki

Information about Kolonaki

Kolonaki, Athens: Kolonaki is an upscale district of Athens, famous for its chic atmosphere, sophisticated restaurants and high fashion stores.
The elegant neighborhood is a hub for fine dining and luxury shopping, with sophisticated boutiques and stylish bars, as well as cute places where you can have your morning coffee.

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Strolling around the neighborhood, you will discover historic buildings, cultural centers, parks and more.
Although Kolonaki is one of the most expensive areas in Athens, a visit there is a must so that you can see a different part of the city, even if you don't plan on indulging in a shopping spree.

The history

The history of the wealthy neighborhood in its current form begins in the 19th century, when many prominent figures started to settle there due to the close proximity to the former Palace of the king of Greece.
Kolonaki is a fairly new part of the city of Athens, considering the fact that up until the late Ottoman Occupation Period, this region was mostly pasture and wilderness.
It is a historic neighborhood that bears great political significance, since various important events took place there.
From the 20th century and onwards, Kolonaki started to gain cultural importance, as it housed many artists and other people with cultural influence. Ever since, the area has been developing without losing its timeless charm.

In this stylish neighborhood, you will discover a blend of neoclassical and modern architecture.
There are several historic mansions that used to belong to important individuals, as well as well-preserved buildings that were constructed sometime between the 1960s and 1980s, expanding the diversity of the local urban landscape.

Things to see

In the area, you will find several art galleries and a few of the city's best museums, such as the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Numismatic Museum, the Children Museum and the Museum for History of Greek Costume.
One of the most visited local landmarks is the Orthodox Church of Saint Dionysius with baroque elements.

Don't forget to visit the lively Dexameni Square, which houses charming coffee shops for a long stroll on a stone-paved street among trees.
From Kolonaki, you will also have the opportunity to get to Lycabettus Hill, which offers one of the most scenic viewpoints in Athens.