Kolonaki is the temple of fashionmongers, compulsive shop-goers, trendy types and the upper-middle class in general. It has traditionally been a favourite place of residence for upper bourgeois classes and expats, retaining its status as a prestigious district for more than 60 years.

Kolonaki is primarily known for its shops with brand names and extremely high prices. Here, it is not uncommon to come across some of the most impeccably dressed people in Athens. Actors, journalists and businessmen often frequent the cafes, especially on a sunny Sunday noon. Voukourestiou and Tsakalof str. feature many shops with brand-names in jewellery, bags and accessories.

Gourmet restaurants and patisseries (many of the latter in Herodotou str., commonly known as “chocolate street” for obvious reasons) are also plenty.

Kolonaki is also home to many cafés (along Tsakalof and Patriarchou Ioakim st. al the way up to Kolonaki sq.) and hip bars, mainly in Charitos str. , restaurants and eateries offering souvlaki, as well as galleries and prestigious institutions such as the British Council and the French Institute.  

Lycabettus Hill offers a majestic view of the city and is well worth the visit. To reach the hill’s summit visitors can take the funicular (teleferik), daily 09:00-13:00 at the price of €7. For the brave at heart there is also a footpath leading up to the top.

Vassilisis Sofias Av.  is one of the most visually striking streets in Athens, crammed with neoclassical two-or-three-storey mansions, most of them serving as institutions or embassies.