From Turkish-style coffee houses and old-line café-patisseries to modern café-bars, Athenians know only one way to enjoy the world’s most popular beverage: slowly and with lots of talk. Although the end of the Italian espresso craze in the late 1990s gave way to a rash of rather bland and uninviting establishments, the capital’s coffee scene has been making something of a comeback in the past few years, with the old-style coffee houses reclaiming ground and new businesses introducing fresh concepts. One of the best cups of java in town can be had at Taf Café on Benaki Street. It is the first café in Greece to adopt the philosophy of specialty coffee by importing quality beans from around the world and roasting them in Athens so that the brews are always fresh and full of their signature aromas. The coffees are prepared by award-winning baristas, while you can also buy beans to take back home.

The area around the Church of Aghia Irini on Aeolou Street has become one of Athens’ hottest hangouts and it is also home to Tailor Made. Decorated in a contemporary urban style, it serves familiar varieties that are roasted in-house, a variety of coffee-based beverages and great cocktails prepared with expertise. It is especially popular with the young crowd so finding a table on a weekend morning may be something of a challenge. After a walk around Varvakeios Market and Evripidou Street, with all its Oriental spice shops and meat delicatessens, an ideal spot for a rest is Harvest, an espresso bar with something of a Spanish air on the bustling Aeolou Street, serving specialty coffee and tapas from the Iberian Peninsula. You won’t find the same coffee every day, but, rather, will taste different varieties from different countries. There is also a large selection of wines and interesting dishes made with Mediterranean ingredients to go before or after a cup of coffee.

A classic rest stop from a shopping spree in the boutiques of Kolonaki, Da Capo, located on the square, is the place to see and be seen, a hangout for the up-and-coming and for years a status symbol. Don’t expect too many frills on the service front, because here it’s always been DIY. The recently renovated café at the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Atrium, an artificial oasis in the city center, is another ideal spot for a breather. With soft white lighting, an abundance of greenery, a beautiful glass roof and elegant furnishings inspired by Doric simplicity, it is also the perfect spot to hold a casual business meeting. The café often organizes special events, while you must not pass up the chance to tour the museum’s fascinating exhibits. The Acropolis Museum café is another popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Located on the museum’s second floor, it affords an incredible view of the Sacred Rock and the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka both inside and on its vast veranda. A Greek breakfast is served every day until noon, followed by good quality Mediterranean dishes for lunch or dinner. Definitely a don’t miss.