Photo: Thomas Gravanis

48 hours of insider sights and bites to help you experience Athens like a local.

Day 1

Morning

The picturesque residential neighbourhood of Mets.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Day 1

Lunch

Old-school meets delicious at this traditional hangout.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Day 1

Afternoon

Yannoulis Chalepas' "Sleeping Maiden" is one of the cemetery's most enchanting sculptures.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Day 1

Evening

Street side tables in Petralona are locals' favourite spots.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

How about a late show after dinner? Cinemas in Athens have screenings at 10.30 or 11pm and foreign language films are subtitled. If you’re here during the summer, Zefyros is an atmospheric open-air cinema in Petralona where stray cats wander among the aisles. In winter, catch a cult flick at Midnight Express, an after-hours cinema club that takes place most weekends at Riviera cinema in Exarchia.

Day 2

Morning

Original artworks and decor in Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika’s home.

Courtesy: The Ghika Gallery

Day 2

Lunch

Have you ever had lunch in an Athenian arcade?

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Day 2

Afternoon

Kypseli’s Municipal Market, a meet-up spot for social entrepreneurs.

Courtesy: Kypseli Municipal Market / Photo: Nikolas Kominis

Day 2

Evening

Tiny Au Revoir bar is a vintage classic.

Photo: Orestis Seferoglou