Kolonaki

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Kolonaki (Greek: Κολωνάκι), literally "Little Column" is a prestigious neighbourhood in central Athens, Greece. It is located on the southwestern slopes of the green Lykavittos hill that provides a beautiful breezy atmosphere not expected to be found at normal downtown areas. It is a wealthy, chic district and a trendy gathering locality for young people, while it remains a firm place of nostalgic Athenian aristocracy especially centered on Kolonaki Square. Being a top shopping destination, there are various upmarket boutiques from casual young adult fashion to famous haute couture by Greek and international designers. One of the main shopping streets, Voukourestiou Street is now known for its jewellery. Residents of the area famously gorged themselves on imported delicacies as the rest of Athens starved during the WWII occupation and civil war years

Museums abound in Kolonaki. The Benaki Museum and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art are two of the finest private collections in all of Greece. Two smaller museums in Kolonaki are the Museum of the History of Greek Costume and the Theater Museum, both highly specialized in their respective areas. Just across the street from Vasilissis Sofias Avenue are the Byzantine Museum and the War Museum of Athens.

There is a plethora of nightlife options since many restaurants of foreign cuisine and café-bars are situated on its busy streets. Moreover, many museums, art galleries and other institutes can be found inside perfectly preserved neoclassical manors.


North: Exarcheia, Neapoli and Omonoia Square
West: Psirri and Plaka Kolonaki East: Mt. Lykavittos
South: National Gardens of Athens, SE
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