Athens has long been a city that thrives on coffee culture, but in recent years a new trend has flourished: book cafés. These warm, welcoming spaces invite you to linger with a novel, catch up on work, or simply enjoy a perfectly brewed cup surrounded by shelves of literature.

They are part café, part bookstore, part cultural hub—a refuge in the bustle of the city. In a country where nearly everyone drinks coffee daily, but fewer people pick up a book as often, these hybrid spots bring the two worlds together beautifully.

Here are some of the best book cafés in Athens, each with its own story, atmosphere, and character.

Little Tree Books & Coffee – Koukaki

Tucked near the Acropolis Museum, Little Tree has been an Athens favorite since 2015. Started by a group of parents who wanted to create something meaningful during the financial crisis, the café-bookshop quickly grew into a beloved neighborhood hangout.
The walls are lined with carefully chosen titles, while the kitchen—curated by chef Stelios Farfaras—offers all-day dishes and snacks. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a friend’s home: cozy, welcoming, and always full of life.

📍 Kavalloti 2, Koukaki

Bibliothèque – Exarchia

More bookshop than café, Bibliothèque was founded by Vasos Georgas as a place of quiet reflection in the heart of vibrant Exarchia. The shelves carry literature, philosophy, rare journals, and hard-to-find editions. Low lighting, soft music, quality teas, coffee, and homemade desserts make it an oasis for reading and thought. Events such as author evenings, discussions, and workshops add to its reputation as a local hub of ideas.

📍 Themistokleous 74, Exarchia

Zatopek – Kallithea

Named after legendary Czech runner Emil Zatopek, this industrial-style book café pulses with energy. Alongside literature, philosophy, and new translations, you’ll find specialty coffee, craft beers from microbreweries, Greek wines, and a strong brunch menu. Beyond being a daily café, Zatopek has grown into a cultural venue with book launches, concerts, film screenings, and reading clubs.

📍 Panagi Tsaldari 209, Kallithea

Koukoubook – Kallithea

Playful and family-friendly, Koukoubook is designed for children and their parents. Colorful cushions, shelves filled with illustrated books and fairy tales, and creative workshops (storytelling, art, hands-on activities) make it a paradise for young readers. Adults can still enjoy coffee, homemade sweets, or light savory dishes, making this a lively space where families discover books together.

📍 Agnostou Stratiotou 34, Kallithea

Literature House – Kypseli

This spacious, wood-floored venue is dedicated entirely to books. Its curated library covers fiction, poetry, theater, and non-fiction across philosophy, politics, psychology, and more. Rotating art exhibitions transform the space into a gallery, while the menu shifts from coffee and brunch by day to wine by night. It feels part café, part cultural center—a meeting place for the curious.

📍 Ioannou Drosopoulou 67, Kypseli

Books and Beans – Pangrati

Bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows, Books and Beans fits perfectly into Pangrati’s creative scene. The shelves highlight independent publishers, young writers, and poetry collections. The smell of freshly roasted coffee fills the room, complemented by homemade cakes and savory bites. Many students choose it for study or writing, while the café also hosts intimate events with up-and-coming authors.

📍 Formionos 2, Pangrati

Bookbar by Kaktos – Monastiraki

Steps away from Monastiraki’s bustling streets, Bookbar offers a welcome contrast: tall bookcases, photography collections, art magazines, and an urban design. By day, it’s a café with breakfast and specialty coffees. By night, it transforms into a cocktail bar with small plates—a quieter alternative to the busy nightlife just outside its door.

📍 Aiolou 39, Monastiraki

Vivliostatis – Chalandri

Born from a family’s dream to share their vast personal library, Vivliostatis is unlike anywhere else. Visitors can choose a book, leave their bookmark, and return later to continue reading. There are no price tags or sales counters—it’s about sharing stories, not commerce. Alongside the books, there’s a rich vinyl collection (from jazz to rock), live piano, and a menu with herbal teas, craft beers, wines, and handmade treats. It feels like a living room for book lovers.

📍 Chaimanta 17, 1st floor, Chalandri

Shakespeare – Nea Smyrni

Shakespeare combines a fully stocked bookstore with a relaxed café just steps from Nea Smyrni’s central square. It’s both a retreat for readers and a community hub, with regular book launches, writing seminars, and an active reading club. During the holidays, it also hosts small bazaars featuring handmade creations by locals. Literature dominates the shelves, though children’s books and psychology titles are especially popular.

📍 Megalou Alexandrou 78, Nea Smyrni

Fahrenheit 451 – Ilioupoli

Named after Ray Bradbury’s classic novel, Fahrenheit 451 invites guests to slow down. The interior feels like a living room, with warm tables surrounded by shelves of literature both classic and contemporary. Alongside carefully prepared coffee, the menu includes craft beers, refreshing cocktails, and homemade desserts such as lemon pie and apple cake. Book presentations, reading clubs, and literary events round out its cultural calendar.

📍 102 Marinou Antypa Avenue, Ilioupoli