Right next door lies Syd, one of Athens’ loudest new wave record stores. Named after Syd Barrett, co-founder of Pink Floyd, Syd houses a boutique selection of new and second-hand vinyl with a focus on the Greek alternative scene. “The vinyl revival is real, so the crowds are checking out what the fuss is all about, tracking down their old favourite albums, rare finds or new releases,” curator George Nikas says. A local musician and member to his share of successful Greek rock bands, you can definitely rely on his savvy recommendations. Ask him about the store’s decoration items, there’s a neat story behind each one. If you see something you like amongst the store’s great selection of merchandise and paraphernalia, make sure to grab it, it probably won’t be there next time. 

If what you’re reading so far makes you want to book a hotel as close to Protogenous as possible, how about right on it? The Fountain Athens boutique hotel opened in April 2022 and offers a more stylish accommodation alternative to the area's youthful crowds. At the reception, you are greeted by an impressive tree sculpture, titled The Fountain, that might look familiar - if you’re into Aronofsky. The hotel is, of course, named after the owner’s favourite film, and its aesthetics follow the movie’s concept; warm neon lighting, futuristic motifs with a splash of industrialism. “We appreciate how the area has kept its authenticity whilst being so contemporary and relevant to the young people,” the founders tell us. The restaurant and bar on the top floor are open all day and offer brunch until late in the afternoon when they switch to a Japanese Fusion menu paired with delicious cocktails. 

And then there’s Tranzistor, the notoriously heartwarming all-day bar. Two friends, Agapi (meaning “love” in Greek) and Christina, worked together for years to turn an abandoned store (previously a tire shop then a taverna) into their dream. “In the end, it was the help of our friends that saved the day”, they say. “At first we were doubting our choice of setting up shop on a dark and dodgy street, but within the first month we were running around the neighbourhood borrowing clean drinking glasses to keep up with the customers,” they reminisce. Their concept of having a cosy, homey and feelgood spot drew the crowds by the hundreds, becoming the yeast for what Protogenous is today. “We hear so many stories about people meeting and falling in love over drinks in our bar; it’s so moving. We are thrilled to feel that we have paved the way for the street’s transformation.” Tranzistor serves breakfast from 10am (they got a whole lotta love for eggs, make sure to indulge) and their kitchen is open until late in the evening. Try the refreshing strawberry salad and definitely order the fried ice cream, dipped in nuts and spices.