The Twentyone is in Kifisia, a smart northerly neighbourhood on the edge of Athens’ great urban sprawl.
Planes
Athens’ main international airport is around half an hour away by car, depending on traffic. Hotel transfers cost €50 (€65 between midnight at 6.59am).
Trains
You can travel by train between Athens airport and Kifisia, but you’ll have to switch from rail onto the subway at Neratziotissa — from there, it’s a 15-minute drive to the hotel.
Automobiles
There’s plenty to see and do in Kifisia, and when you want to explore the more central parts of Athens, hop on the subway or hail a cab (drive time to the Parthenon is around an hour). If you have brought your own wheels, there’s free limited parking at the hotel, and the team will need prior warning.
Worth getting out of bed for
The Twentyone is in Athens’ north-west suburb of Kifisia, storied for its shopping scene and art galleries — making it the ideal choice for your temporary Athenian postcode. Within walking distance is the Goulandris Natural History Museum, and you can enjoy some more contemporaneous flora and fauna at Kifisia Park. Stroll the district’s sycamore-lined streets admiring the architecture (which includes lots of historic neoclassical mansions) as you go, or people-watch in Kefalari Square after wandering up Kolokotroni Street. If you’re in luck on a Saturday evening, you might even spot a big fat Greek wedding taking place at the church on the square.
Alonia is the oldest part of Kifisia, with overgrown cottages and mansions, typical tavernas and bakeries, and old-fashioned storefronts to explore. There’s a farmers’ market at the top of Agiou Tryfonos Street every Wednesday morning. And as if this neighbourhood couldn’t get any better, it’s also home to two open-air cinemas, ready to enjoy on those balmy Grecian nights — the Boboniera has been open since 1918, and there’s also Chloe, in a gorgeous garden.
Local restaurants
In Politia, a neighbourhood within the suburb of Kifissia, Chalet has an offering for every mealtime, whether you’re in search of a garden for summertime sundowners, a spot for morning coffee or brunch, or a buzzy hang-out before going out out. If you’ve had your fill of mezze and souvlaki (impossible), Monzu is on hand with pizza, pasta and all things Italian instead — there’s a garden for some authentic alfresco dining, too. Likewise, if you’re seeking a little spice, Cash, in a mansion on Diligianni Street, has Asian-influenced plates, sushi and various raw dishes.
Local cafés
Varsos is a classic Greek bakery that’s been a Kifisia institution since 1892 and a popular meeting place for all ages, who convene for coffee, baklava and every sweet treat imaginable. For a more modern approach to brunch try Different Beast, where, naturally, avocado toast and a matcha chai latte is the order of the day.
Local bars
Go inside an old neoclassical building rather than admiring it from the outside and head to Artisanal at the edge of Kifissia, which has a big outdoor space to enjoy your drinks in. If you’re peckish, try the chef’s famous feta bouyourdi, served wrapped in edible foil, or some fresh takes on dolmadakia.
