Agias Eirinis Square: the hot spot of downtown Athens

If there is place that will introduce you to the most hip aspect of Athens, this is Agias Eirinis square in the historic centre. The square, which stretches around the church with the same name above the central Athinas street, in the vicinity of Monastiraki district – a rather quiet spot until 2 years ago – keeps counting new entries. The old draper shops of the area were turned into trendy all-day spaces that are constantly crammed with people: “Osterman” (210/3243331) serves strong cocktails and international cuisine, “Scholio” (210/3251444) serves pizza in an environment that reminds of a school, “Mama Roux” (213/0048382) serves dishes from around the world and “Rock & Balls” (2103211112) creative meatball recipes in a stylish industrial setting. The latest addition to this multi-culti setting is “Emporikon” (6930161566, http://emporikonathenshotel.com), a boutique hotel housed in a superbly restored art nouveau building, with eye-catching ceiling paintings and views of the square and Acropolis.