It may not be one of the capital’s most remarkable areas, but Ambelokipi has become more of an urban ‘destination’ over the past few years, and for good reasons too. Located between Lycabettus and Alexandras Avenue and neighbouring Panormou and Gyzi, the overall residential area where the massive (semi-rotten, let’s face it) PAO football stadium stands has some interesting features that deserve discovering if you have a handful or more days in Athens.
Social Culture
Coming out at Ambelokipi metro station or bus stop, cross over Alexandras Ave (right across the green football stadium) to explore the rows and rows of crumbling Bauhaus-style houses built in the 1930s for Greek migrants who fled back to the capital after the destruction of Asia Minor. The ‘Prosfygika complex’ as they are known are still resided in by an entire international community - people who are relatives of the original residents, drug addicts and homeless individuals, activists, academics and many others who have developed an organized community there. Although in a dire state, the buildings are considered a part of Athens’ cultural heritage and are thus protected from demolishment, although what their future will hold remains unknown.
Food
Just a little further along you’ll see the white marble Hellenic Police Headquarters and the Athens Courthouse. If you walk up past the Athens Country Court a little further up and turn right, you’ll reach Dimou Tseliou street where Athens’ oldest Czech restaurant, Boemia is.
Cross back to the other side and walk up Koniari, turning right on Armatolon & Klefton St to visit 48 Urban Garden. The gallery-come-gourmet-canteen has an original character worth trying. Heading more northeast and you’ll find another classic restaurant bar, which only opens at night - Balthazar.
Located in a neoclassical villa and with a leafy garden, this high-profile place remains a favourite amongst Athenians in the know. On the same street (Tsocha) is a new arrival, a modern and minimal yet cozy and high-quality fish taverna called Psarochori, with tasty, and affordable seafood dishes. Further yet towards Michalakopoulou St are two great lunchtime spots - Pala Urban Food and Novak Athens Towers, both modern, with healthy, flavoursome options.
Drink
Ambelokipi can be an enjoyable nightlife area if you’re seeking a change of scene.
Apart from Balthazar, another very popular club is Baraonda, where legendary Greek singers like Parios and Glykeria keep customers drinking til dawn. Still going strong after several decades is another nearby club, Follie Club Latino, where you can dance the night away to Latin and ethnic music.
At Steki of Elena you can listen to live traditional and classic Greek music while biting into your juicy kebab.
If you’re looking for more social action, just 15 minutes walk along Alexandras Ave or one metro stop away is Panormou, where the cafe-scene and nightlife are abuzz (for a refreshing view from the top head to Santa Botella rooftop bar on Panormou St).
Here the small streets are lined with bustling cafe bars and there are several Greek and world food stops along the way.
