Athens is a city that knows how to balance work and pleasure. With its deep historical roots, wonderful food scene, and a pace that blends Mediterranean ease with commercial efficiency, it’s the perfect place for a business traveller who wants to make the most of their time.
Whether you’re catching up on emails over a freshly brewed espresso, sealing a deal over lunch, or carving out a few hours of me time to soak in some ancient history, Athens offers a seamless mix of productivity and indulgence.
Starting the Day Right
Mornings in Athens are best begun with coffee, and not just any coffee—the city has an thriving specialty coffee scene that can rival the best in Europe. If you’re serious about your espresso, Taf Coffee is where you should head. It’s understated, efficient, and pours some of the finest coffee in town, making it a great place to check your emails before the day gets into full swing. If a more relaxed setting suits your mood, The Underdog in Thiseio is a wonderful alternative, offering both excellent brews and a courtyard that feels like an oasis amid the city’s hum. For those who prefer to combine coffee with a light breakfast and a space to work, Anana Coffee & Food near Monastiraki is a smart choice. It’s got the kind of industrial-chic aesthetic that naturally attracts remote workers and business travellers alike.
If your morning involves a business meeting, a more refined setting is in order. The GB Roof Garden at the Hotel Grande Bretagne delivers an impressive start to the day, offering breakfast with a spectacular Acropolis view. Nothing says “let’s talk business” quite like closing a deal over Greek yogurt and honey while the Parthenon glows in the morning light. Alternatively, Ergon House offers a contemporary, bustling vibe with its gourmet marketplace and restaurant—a solid choice if you prefer a setting that feels less formal but still sophisticated.
Balancing Work with the City’s Rhythm
Between meetings, Athens offers plenty of places to work beyond the sterility of a hotel business centre. Spaces Athens provides a sleek, professional co-working environment right in the heart of the city, ideal if you need a quiet, well-equipped spot to focus. But for those who prefer something with a bit more energy, Stone Soup in Exarchia is a co-working hub that fosters a creative, collaborative atmosphere. It’s a great place to get work done and possibly even meet local entrepreneurs with fresh ideas.
Lunch in Athens can be as formal or relaxed as you choose. If it’s a high-stakes business discussion, Vezene is an excellent choice, offering contemporary Greek dishes in an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. If you’re after something with a more local, lively feel, Cookoovaya blends tradition with innovation in its dishes, providing a setting that’s sophisticated but not stiff. For a more laid-back, meze-style business lunch, Dopios in the city centre delivers a mix of small plates and a relaxed Athenian vibe—perfect for a meeting that’s meant to feel more like a conversation than a transaction.
Taking a Cultural Breather
Even the busiest schedule should allow for a pause, and in Athens, those breaks can be spectacular. The Acropolis is, of course, the city’s crown jewel, and if you have the time, a walk up the sacred rock is worth every step. But if your schedule is tight, the Acropolis Museum offers a more curated experience, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s ancient past without the uphill trek.
For a more tranquil escape, the Anafiotika neighbourhood, hidden just beneath the Acropolis, is a hidden gem. Wandering its whitewashed alleyways feels like stepping into a Cycladic island without leaving the city. Plaka, the adjacent old town, is equally charming, with its neoclassical buildings and quaint cafés, making it an ideal place for an afternoon coffee before heading back to work. If contemporary culture is more your style, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) is a modern masterpiece of architecture, blending green space, cultural events, and waterfront views—a refreshing contrast to the city’s ancient stones.
Closing the Day in Style
Athens truly comes alive in the evening, and if you’re entertaining clients or simply treating yourself after a productive day, the city’s dining scene will not disappoint. For an impressive, high-end dinner, Varoulko Seaside in Piraeus offers Michelin-starred seafood with a stunning waterfront backdrop. It’s the kind of place that makes business feel effortless. If fine dining is on the agenda, Spondi, with its two Michelin stars and refined atmosphere, is an exceptional choice for a formal dinner. But if a more relaxed yet stylish dinner is in order, Kuzina in Thiseio delivers creative Greek fusion cuisine with an unbeatable Acropolis view from its rooftop.
After dinner, Athens offers plenty of sophisticated spots for a nightcap or an informal networking session. The Clumsies, ranked among the world’s best bars, is an excellent option for an expertly crafted cocktail in a chic yet comfortable setting. For those with a taste for rum-based drinks and a more experimental cocktail experience, Baba Au Rum is a must-visit. And if you’re staying at the Hilton, the Galaxy Bar provides a classic rooftop experience with dazzling city views—ideal for an elegant but low-key end to the night.
Making the Most of Every Moment
Business travel doesn’t have to be all about meetings and deadlines. In Athens, even the simplest moments—sipping a coffee, walking through a historic neighbourhood, enjoying a seafood dinner by the sea—can feel extraordinary. The city invites you to slow down just enough to take it all in, to appreciate its energy and history without ever having to step too far from your professional agenda.
For any traveller who understands that business and leisure don’t have to be mutually exclusive, Athens is the perfect city. It’s a place where a deal can be closed over a long lunch, where ancient ruins are just a short walk from modern co-working spaces, and where every work trip feels just a little like a holiday.