The everyday routine doesn’t leave much room for exploring what to do during the weekend. As a house hermit, rarely will I find something that truly pushes me to go outside. The city is vast, the activities endless, how does one narrow it down? On a week-by-week basis, I will highlight a few places to see, things to do, and good food worth trying.
Something to see: Irene Aperghis’ multidisciplinary archive at National Gallery Of Athens
The National Gallery is consistently hosting different artists and displaying fascinating exhibits showcasing craftsmanship, talent and artistry. Aperghi’s exhibit has all of these qualities, reflecting her research and milestones in her career. Paintings to wall compositions, and for the first time furniture that she created after her studies at the Athens School Of Fine Arts. The painter spent 25 years as a freelance furniture and interior decorator before her return to the canvas, her work in furniture has been preserved by Aperghis’ friend, visual artist Diohanti.
The exhibition works as a visual map of the artists milestones and highlights the transformations of the domestic interior in post-war Greece through urbanization and modernization.
Promotional banner by The National Gallery of Athens.
Alexis Akrithakis: A Line Like A Wave At Benaki Museum
Another rather interesting exhibit at Benaki Museum is the exhibition centered around the life and works of Alexis Akrithakis. Featuring many of his famed works and never-before exhibited pieces from private collectors, it is the first complete retrospective of the artist to be shown. Chloe Akrithakis, daughter of the late artist and curator of “A Line Like A Wave”, has said in interviews that her father would create on anything and everything. Whether it be doodles on napkins, handcrafted wooden structures or canvas. Even though there are many pieces of Akrithakis still considered missing, the retrospective currently exhibited at Benaki Museum showcases the intricate creative mind of the well-known Greek artist.
Something to do: Mind The Step Game Near Panormou Square
The very fun digitized version of “the floor is lava” game we used to play as little kids! Having played it myself with some friends, it’s arguably one of the most whimsical experiences you can plan for a night out. The game is played on an interactive floor which lights up in different colors, your goal is to press the blue and pink tiles while avoiding red at all costs. Fair warning: it’s quite a workout. There are 30 total levels, one more difficult than the next, and you’re almost guaranteed to need to run around in some of them.
Book ahead on the Mind The Step official website. Pricing will vary depending on availability. Whether you’re interested in tackling the “floor is lava” game on your own, or in a group of up to 6 people, it will definitely be the highlight of the night!
Tales In Tiles Workshops In Koukaki
Looking to explore the ancient art of pottery making? Tales In Tiles offers workshops to take you out of your depth and help you get creative. The store sells a variety of Greek artists’ works, as well as jewelry, silk, stationary and souvenirs. The workshops are a wonderful opportunity for any one person or a group of friends for a memorable outing, that you’re guaranteed to walk out with a personalized gift to remember it by.
Somewhere to eat: Yphes Restaurant At Syntagma
For those looking to treat themselves or go on a special outing, there is nothing quite as good as a night of fine dining. Tucked away in a little corner by Ermou Street is a restaurant that is permanently stuck in my brain. Yphes offers a wonderful dining experience in the city center, featuring “refined Mediterranean cuisine”. Instead of traditional Greek dishes you will find at a local taverna, the menu at Yphes is something closer to food the average Athenian may crave but better (or food they don’t know they’ll be craving after trying it). My humble opinion is that certain dishes like the Kritharoto are akin to the ones a Greek mom would make with ‘meraki’, as in joyously, but elevated.
If you do decide to go, I highly recommend the beef tartare and the smashed crushed potatoes. The desserts are also delightful, with the pistachio tiramisu being exceptionally delightful.
Po Boys BBQ In In Thyseio
But perhaps you’re not in the fancy mood, thankfully Athens has a plethora of great fast food places. Po’ Boys has anything from pasta dishes to deliciously sloppy sandwiches like the Brisket Melt. It has been named as the Number One Street Food in the past by Greek publication Athens Voice, and for good reason. The rather American menu has something for everybody, and it is a great destination for a very filling dinner (that may also result in a to-go bag with really good leftovers).
Something extra: Addictiva Athens Bar
There is always a good excuse to go dancing; especially when dancing day is every day at Addictiva Bar near Panormou Square. Lovers of salsa, bachata, tango and any one or more of the Latin dances should definitely make a note to visit this small rooftop bar. Tonight at 23:00 and Sundays at 21:00 they are hosting a live bachata class. Go for the cocktails, stay for the fun!
