What’s in a name? Athena, goddess of wisdom, guides Odysseus through his long journey home — a role brought to the screen by Zendaya in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Athens is one of the few cities in the world with an IMAX theatre, so you can see it exactly as he filmed it. Our Athena, still leading the way.

Summer in Athens means open-air cinema in the Acropolis’s shadow— ask our concierge team for our favourites. Athens has its own moments on film, too: Brad Pitt shot scenes of his brand-new movie just outside ATHENA Pallas at the neoclassical panorama of Kotzia Square and Athens City Hall.

Athens now holds five of Europe’s fifty best bars. Line and The Bar in Front of the Bar lead the list, followed by Barro Negro (#13), Baba au Rum (#14) and The Clumsies (#30). A city-wide constellation of excellence, and reason enough to raise a glass.

Since antiquity, Pandrosou Street has traded in jewellery, sandals and souvenirs. At No. 28, a short walk from ATHENA Pallas, our sister property THE DOLLI opens its own boutique this summer. We won’t say what’s inside — only that a gift for a gift’s sake is reason enough.

Greek roots, a cosmopolitan appetite and plenty of character. Dopios, Pharaoh and Linou Soumpasis & Co bring fresh energy to the taverna, while Iodio puts seafood centre stage. Birdman and Nolan broaden the culinary conversation, with Soil and Spondi among the city’s fine-dining addresses. Athens rewards the curious, one table at a time.

Follow Athinas Street to Varvakios Agora. Colourful market stalls, spice shops and traditional tavernas fill the neighbourhood with flavour, conversation and the daily comings and goings of Athenians. Come hungry.

Ermou, Athens’ principal shopping street, brings together international names and local favourites, with cafés tucked into the surrounding lanes. An invitation to browse and watch the city unfold around you.

Beneath the Acropolis Museum, an ancient neighbourhood tells its story. Join the museum’s archaeologists for a gallery talk revealing everyday life in ancient Athens. Discover the homes, objects and everyday rituals of Athenians across 4,500 years of city life.