Athens can get hot during the summer months. The good news is, that some of the best places to chill out in are museum courtyards, so you can combine moments of relaxation in a shady garden together with your arty visit.
Café at the Keramikos Building Complex (Museum of Islamic Art)
The fresco in this colourful and lively atrium is handcrafted by Navine G. Khan-Dossos, an artist who drew inspiration from Athens’s palm trees. A feel-good environment, perfect for a quick coffee break.
Mon-Wed-Sun 10.30- 17.30, Thu-Sat 12.00-20.00,
Tue: Closed. Map I4 Thissio, Ag.Asomaton 22 & Dipilou, Monastiraki, +302103251311, benaki.gr
Numismatic Museum of Athens
A cozy old-fashioned café in a quiet, shady, green courtyard with replicas of ancient statues. The café offers beverages, salads etc. Every Thursday night there is live jazz. ` Mon-Sat 09:00-23:00, Sun 09.00-20.00. Syntagma, Panepistimiou 12, +302103610067
Benaki Museum Café
A meeting point for the cultural crowds, one of the most popular museum cafés of Athens. Promises of unforgettable romantic afternoons with a view of the Acropolis. Wed & Fri 21:00-17:00, Thu & Sat 09:00-24:00, Sun 09:00-15:00. Closed on Mon-Tue. Evangelismos, Vasilissis Sofias & Koumpari 1, Kolonaki, +302103671000
Byzantine and Christian Museum Café
Located in the glorious villa of the Duchess of Plaisance. Coffee, desserts, hot dishes and noise-free. ` Mon-Frid: 09.00-20.00. Sat & Sun: 09.00-21.00. Evangelismos, Vasilissis Sofias 22, Kolonaki, +302110120441
Café of the National Archaeological Museum
Located inside the Atrium, the café houses 700 plants referred to in Greek Mythology, so it offers a great combination of an Ancient Greece flavour with some exhibits of botanical interest. Mon: 13:00 – 20:00.
Tue– Sun. 08:00 - 20:00. Victoria, Patission 44, +302132144891
Cycladic Café
A modern secret garden right in the heart of Athens ideal for a break with a touch of Mediterranean cuisine. ` Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat 10:00-17:00, Thu 10:00-20:00, Sun 11:00-17:00 Free WiFi.Evangelismos, Neofytou Douka 4, Kolonaki, +302107228321-3
Dexameni
All day restaurant-café, the place to be if you want to chill while watching posh passers-by. This café is one of the oldest hangouts of the Greek intellectual scene. Mon-Sun 10:00-01:00. Evangelismos, Dexamenis Sq, Kolonaki, +302107224609
Parko Eleftherias
A romantic restaurant-café, offering delicious modern Greek cuisine along with cocktails. One of the city’s greenest meeting points. ` Mon-Sun 10:00-01:30. Megaro Moussikis, Vasilissis Sofias, Kolonaki, +302107223784
