Stefanie Gordin

I decided to spend two weeks in Athens during the winter, primarily to spend some time alone, reflecting on the unexpected existential questions that come my way. Athens not only presents the beauty of antiquity but also various places for reading, writing, and observation. To slow down time, one must be capable of slowing down oneself, and Athens provided me the opportunity to pause and reflect in serene places. On a mural, it was written that Athens is the new Berlin, maybe this is true.

Adad books & Café

Instagram: adadbooks

Based on my friend's recommendation, who lives in Athens, I visited the publishing house Adad books, where you also can drink a coffee or tea. Specializing in poetry and art books, Adad Books caught my attention. Amidst weeks of grappling with nightmares and waking up in the dead of the night, the first book I picked up from the shelves was “Architectures of Healing: Cure through Sleep, Touch, and Travel,” edited by Dimitra Kondylatou, Milica Ivic, and David Bergé. Sometimes, it feels like books choose you rather than the other way around. The coffee bar, with both indoor and outdoor seating, offers a charming view of a small square that transports you from the bustling city of Athens. Exploring the art books and uncovering artists previously unknown to me was a nice experience.

On this small square, you can also find the local restaurant Πλατεία Οινομαγειρείο (Oenomaki Square), where they serve — in my opinion — the best tzatziki and offer small dishes at a reasonable price. The restaurant is very homey and warm, a perfect place to read a book!

Anteou 1, Athina 118 52
Dinocharous 3, Athina 118 52

Kombraí bookstore

Instagram: kombrai_bookstore

While strolling around, I stumbled upon Kombraí bookstore, where you can work and study while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. There are seating options both downstairs and upstairs, with a narrow staircase leading to a small upper floor. The clientele mainly consists of locals. During my visit, it was quite bustling, but the atmosphere was pleasant. The interior is aesthetically pleasing, and the collection predominantly features Greek literature adorned with incredibly beautiful covers and book designs. It's a unique spot to explore! Additionally, the neighborhood surrounding this bookstore is incredibly inspiring. With various bookstores and publishing houses lined up next to each other, you can truly sense the literary aura of Athens.

Website: kombraibookstore.gr
Didotou 34, Athina 106 80

KICK (and FLAKE)

Instagram: kick.athens

It was a Sunday morning when I visited KICK. This the coffee bar buzzed with locals, creating a trendy ambiance where individuals either savored their Sunday with friends or immersed themselves in their studies. The upbeat music filled the air, complemented by the warm welcome from the smiling baristas. Coffee was elegantly presented in stunning blue ceramic cups, drawing inspiration from International Klein Blue. Right next to KICK, you could find FLAKE, offering sweet treats and lunch. A nice place to sit among the locals, filled with many impressions!

Sporadon 26, Athina 113 61

Raraou Cantina

Instagram: raraou_cantina

I visited this Raraou Cantina, open both in the afternoon and evening, twice. As a writer, dining alone can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but not in this place. The evening atmosphere is incredibly pleasant, drawing in many locals to enjoy drinks and snacks. Seated in a corner by the window, with a view of all the other tables, I found solace in my own company. The portions are perfect, as dishes in Greece tend to be just a bit too much for one person (sharing dishes with others is normal in Greece). It's a lovely place to write down your thoughts in your notebook.

Emmanouil Benaki 69α, Athina 106 81

HBBH Cafe

Instagram: hbbhcafe_exarcheia

I visited the coffee bar HBBD on a Monday morning. Instead of being surrounded by trendy locals, you'll find mostly older local here, writing in their notebooks or quietly reading the newspaper. There are also many students who come here to study. The background music is not too loud, making it a pleasant place to write and read peacefully. There is plenty of natural light, and you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and simple sandwiches — highly recommended!

Stournari 2, Athina 106 83

Tivoli

Sometimes I wonder where writers dine alone, a place where it's not particularly uncomfortable to sit at a table by yourself with a glass of wine and a notebook. In some places in Athens, I've felt like people are staring, wondering why you're dining alone. Fortunately, this wasn't the case at Tivoli, where I was warmly welcomed. The waiter was incredibly friendly and made me feel at ease. He suggested trying the Greek salad with octopus on the side, and it was delicious! After enjoying this wonderful meal, the words flowed onto the pages of my notebook, accompanied by pleasant jazz music in the background. It was especially enjoyable to observe other people dining and talking to each other. The waiter also mentioned that there's live music every Saturday at 10 pm. If you're a writer unsure of where to go in the evening, this might be the place to be!

Emmanouil Benaki 34, Athina 106 78

Little Tree Books and Coffee

Instagram: littletree_athens

Near the Acropolis Museum, you can find Little Tree Book and Coffee — a charming spot to get lost in the narrow streets of Athens. Inside, you'll also find a small selection of English-language books about Athens, but the majority is in Greek. Just gazing at the book covers is a discovery in itself. Athens is known for having many independent and private publishers, allowing you to potentially discover various editions of works by well-known writers and thinkers.

Kavalloti 2, Athina 117 42

Cultivos Kypseli

Instagram: Cultivos Coffee Kypseli

If you're looking for a pleasant place to write, work, or read in a cozy atmosphere with available power outlets, Cultivos Kypseli is the perfect spot to visit! I visited this coffee bar on a Wednesday morning, when it's not too crowded. When the weather is nice, you can stroll into their hidden garden, where you can savor a delicious coffee with a croissant or cinnamon bun. They also offer various sandwiches for lunch.

Zakinthou 4, Athina 113 61

Places for Reading, Writing, and Observing in Athens — Greece