Find the Best Things to Do in Thission
About Thission
Thission is a neighborhood with interesting contrasts: a wide pedestrian street, Apostolou Pavlou, leading from the metro station to the Acropolis, flanked by the temple of Hephaestus on one hand and a series of cafes on the other. This pedestrian area also features an impromptu open air market, selling balloons, incense sticks and handmade trinkets, with performances by itinerant musicians . The open air cinema Cine Thission has been ranked by CNN amongst the top of the world’s best movie theatres and the Herakleidon Museum is a major attraction in this neighborhood. Herakleidon street and Akamantos are full of lively cafes and bars and the Athens Observatory above the imposing church of Agia Marina crowns the whole area. As soon as you leave these busy streets, the atmosphere changes to a quiet, residential area, with many renovated neoclassical houses and arty shops.
See & Do
The temple of Hephaestus, built just before the 5th century B.C. in Doric style, dedicated to Hephaestus, god of metallurgy and Athena Ergani, goddess of handicrafts is the main attraction in the district. A visit to the Museum of the Ancient Agora provides interesting insight to life in ancient Greece, with exhibits of inscriptions, coins and other objects of archeological interest. The Herakleidon Museum, in a 19th century building, focuses on contemporary art with permanent collections and exhibitions and organizes guided tours and educational programs. Melina Merkouri Cultural Centre on Herakleidon 66 features two interesting permanent exhibitions: one about the city of Athens at the end of the 19th century and the other about the famous Charidimos shadow theatre.
Eat
Lively or romantic, casual or gourmet, Thission offers an interesting choice of restaurants and cafes. Kuzina on Adrianou street has a wonderful view of the temple of Hephaestus, Filistron on Apostolou Pavlou is one of the coolest roof gardens in town and cozy Gevomai kai Magevomai on Nileos street is famous for the homemade tastes. Fashionable Kouti on Adrianou street is a lively venue with creative cuisine and definitely top for chocolate is Chocolat Royal on Apostolou Pavlou. Tea lovers who prefer something quieter will appreciate Paionia on Poulopoulou Street, with infinite varieties of tea and soft music in the evenings. Dimou bakery on Poulopoulou is worth visiting for the exquisite orange cake and Ilias on Eptachalkou street is renowned for veritable lamb chops in a traditional taverna atmosphere.
Party
Nightlife in Thission is very lively and concentrated on Herakleidon and Akamantos street, where bars side by side compete with each other. Stavlos, Apsenti and Bandoneon are top choices with dance music, trendy atmosphere and Argentinian tango. Walking down Herakleidon the choice widens to include more hip or bohemian locales, traditional ouzo bars and student hangouts.
Shop
Shopping highlights in Thission are the gift shop at Herakleidon museum with items inspired by contemporary art and Lemoni bookshop on the same street with art books, cds and designer notebooks. Serendipity, right opposite, is a quaint little shop selling gifts like scarves, fairies and silk pouches. Inky on Akamantos specializes in t-shirts with original prints at very good prices and Chili Art Gallery on Dimofontos 13 is a great place for exhibitions and art shopping.