BROWN MAG

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MAG 14 Sexy Athens 82 Corinth & Evia:

Island Vibes 1h drive from Athens 92 Chania & Corfu, Venetian charms

101 Sunny, sassy

Tel Aviv 142 Timeless Jerusalem 154 Eilat. Coastal haven

PLUS BARS, RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING AND ART GUIDE

Published by: Insider Publications Graphic Design Roula Koronaiou Client Relations and Sales Eirini Leontiou, Stephanie Xynogala, Corina Papachristou Lina Vergou, Makis Kyriakopoulos Photos Sivan Askayo, Thomas Gravanis, Nikos Karanikolas, Angelos Giotopoulos, Yiorgos Tegos, Tyler Boersen Christos Drazos, Aline Langlive, Avishay Musty, Jessica Lokker, Gala Tolchinski, Adi Shaham, Yarden Misrahi, Ira Simonov, Shay Shaz, Assaf Pinchuk, Max Kovalsky, The Mamo BROWN MAG is published by Athens Insider and all editorial content is held worldwide by: Insider Publications Ltd. and BHE GR S.M.P.C Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, is forbidden except with the express written permission of the publisher. Archelaou 8, 11635 Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 210.729.8634 VAT: 099747145 ISSN 1790-3114 Code: 216548

brownhotels.com

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eresparis.com

ERES Boutiques Athens Voukourestiou 6 Mykonos Nammos Village Psarou Beach

SCAN ME !

End of Makrigianni str., Mandra Attica, 19600 Athens - Greece | Τ. +30 210 55 52 000 | Ε. info@grecostrom.gr | W. grecostrom.gr

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD Dear guests/friends, The day we launched our first hotel, the Brown TLV, back in 2010, was a day to remember. Tel Aviv’s boutique hotel scene was not yet existent and we hedged our bets on doing things differently. We craved for sexier ambiance, bolder designs and more soulful experiences… fortunately, it paid off. 13 years later, our brand has expanded to new cities and countries and to sunny beach resorts as well, from Jerusalem and Eilat in Israel to Croatia, Greece and Cyprus – and with more amazing destinations in the pipeline. Wherever we go, we strive to weave the ethos of each destination into the identity of our hotels while enriching the local nightlife and culture ecosystem. For us, Brown is not just a color, just as the Browns are not just hotels…

Celebrating the vibrant characteristics of the communities that make up our brand’s global footprint and inspire meaningful travel, we are excited to launch Brown Mag, a platform to share our stories and experiences alongside the stories of the communities within which we operate. We see this magazine as an exciting step in our brand’s evolution and we invite you to be a part of it too.

Our first edition is dedicated to the city of Athens, in which the first Brown opened over three years ago. Athens is a fascinating city that evokes different images - from an ancient crucible of civilization to a contemporary capital of cool and creativity. We feel honored to take part in the city’s development and rejuvenation, especially the ever-so-central area of Omonia square in which we chose to open many of our hotels. As a brand we believe in urban revival, alongside local communities, and are lucky to be able to make a positive change here as well as in other amazing locations and communities across Greece. We genuinely feel that Athens is the next Berlin, and Omonia – the next Soho!

Hopefully, you will find this magazine a worthwhile read. We would like to thank the fabulous Ms. Sudha Nair Iliades, the Athens Insider team and all the Brownies out there, for sharing our dream and for making all this possible.

Sincerely,

Founder , d a ig v A n o e L family Hotels & the Brown

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96 61 ATHENS CITY LIFE 14

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Athens, Seductively Different Delve deep into the heart and soul of this captivatingly complex city.

Passionate about Omonia A neighbourhood that wears its layers of glory, neglect and revival with effortless grace, imbuing it with urban texture and depth.

Brown goes Greece Brown walks the talk by engaging with local communities and imbuing its hotels with a sense of place.

Athinas and its Hidden Charms The vibrant, colourful central market is Athens as it used to be. This is where time stands still, despite the bustle; where fragrant Greek hillsides infused with sage and thyme come alive in the narrow alleys of its spice shops.

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Monastiraki, bargain hunt by day, bar-hop by night Commerce and culture have colluded here seamlessly for centuries in this picturesque square.

MUSEUM AND GALLERY GUIDE 40

Must-See Museums in Athens A brief description of Athens' world-class museums and their collections.

SHOPPING GUIDE 47

RESTAURANT AND BAR GUIDE

of the most beautiful, unsung beaches.

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Fine Dining in the City These are the most memorable meals you’ll want to indulge in.

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Toasts of The Town Where to have stylish sips at Athens’ wine bars.

CHANIA: THE VENICE OF THE EAST

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The Best Beer Bars In The City Discover Athens’ craft beer scene.

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Out And About: LGBTQ+ Bars In Athens Athens’ LGBTQ scene is finally out of the closet and more bars are proudly waving the rainbow flag.

Shopportunities in Athens Where to buy what at Athens’ best fashionforward, wallet-friendly addresses.

ISLAND VIBES NEAR ATHENS 82

Discover Corinth, Island Vibes 1h drive from Athens Just 45 minutes away from the city, Corinth is steeped in history and boasts some

Taking It To The Extremes In Greece Adrenaline junkies unite!

We’ve got your risky thrills covered.

Dive into Chania’s rugged beauty and rich history at Brown’s super stylish Isla Brown Chania.

EXPERIENCE CROATIA 98

Explore Trogir, a world heritage site from the luxury of Brown Beach House Croatia

NEW RESORT IN LARNACA 100

Experience slow living at its best with our wellness treatments and luxury stays on Kiti beach, in the tranquil coastal village of Pervolia in Larnaca.

THINK TANK

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102 TLV CITY VIBES 101

Tel Aviv: Sea With A Side Of Attitude Tel Aviv is easily the Med’s buzziest capital.

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Rothschild Boulevard: Where Life Happens Rothschild holds the same magic and enchantment across generations as it did 100 years ago.

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Jaffa, Ancient port, timeless charm Jaffa packs old world charm and character in its narrow alleys.

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5 Must-See Museums Our pick of the coolest Israeli museums to visit.

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Meet Israel's emerging artists Meet the wave of young, talented artists adding colour-drenched splashes of creativity in Israel today.

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Exploring Tel Aviv's Markets To really plunge into Israeli culture, a visit to its food markets are an absolute rite of passage.

JLM, CITY OF FAITH 142

How To Make The Most Of Your Stay In Jerusalem Steeped in history and a destination for the fervent, Jerusalem‘s mosaic of cultures is mirrored in its monuments, markets and eclectic food scene.

EILAT, SUN & SEA 154

Eilat: Escape to The Sun With tantalising attractions on land as well as underwater, Eilat should be on every serious funseeker’s bucket list.

Montblanc Boutique Kriezotou Street 11, 10671 Athens.

T 210 3253610 Golden Hall 3rd Floor Leof. Kifisias 37A, 15123 Marousi eshop.tzannes.gr

ATHENS, SEDUCTIVELY DIFFERENT!

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From Cradle of Civilization to Capital of Cool, Athens retains its seductive appeal by reinventing itself over and over again. Delve deep into the heart and soul of this captivatingly complex city to decipher its allure beneath its gritty facades and venerated landmarks.

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f Brand Athens could be distilled and traded on the stock market right now, it would be in a bull market. From international fashion labels like Louis Vuitton and Dior who chose Athens to present their collections, shining a spotlight on the city and traditional Greek crafts, (with the world’s press in tow), to the Rolex Art Festival who flew in some of the biggest names in contemporary film and the arts, Athens is making headlines for all the right reasons.

Until as recently as five years ago, central Athens looked spent. Now it is on steroids - moving rapidly through the gears of dereliction, artistic renewal, entrepreneurial action, rising prices and gentrification.

The psychological shift is palpable. People are starting to dream again, they’re starting to consume again. It has been attracting investors (especially in the hospitality, real estate and tech sectors) and film production companies have been tapping into Athens’ glorious mashup of the ancient and the contemporary.

But as importantly, it has been attracting a new breed of sophisticated nomads - the global creative class. First-time visitors lured by the promise of treading the same trails as ancient philosophers and the awe of temples that have weathered the ravages of time, quickly fall in love with 'unclassical' Athens. Cringe gives way to understanding almost like your child's first tat - of seeing the beauty of street murals, in Athens' messy architecture, its anarchic traffic.

Part of Athens’ appeal lies in the exact opposite of a shiny, functional city. It is the way the city has responded to its years of economic battering with resourcefulness and imagination. Behind every graffitisplattered, abandoned warehouse is a repurposed art space or a ceramic studio.

From glocal boutiques to zero-waste restaurants and design-forward hotels, Athens is embracing its new self-confidence with a vengeance.

It’s a cause for celebration that a great old city should find new momentum, but the really smart thing for Athens would be to do better than cities that have trod this path before: to achieve vitality while also nurturing the things that make the city so appealing in the first place - its untamed soul, its restless nights, its paradoxes, its possibilities.

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PASSIONATE ABOUT OMONIA

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Omonia. A neighborhood that wears its layers of glory, neglect and revival with such effortless ease, that it defies definition. For Athenians, it will always be the heart of the city, brimming with boundless energy, a beacon for the entrepreneurial spirit, imbuing it with depth and urban texture. Here, hole-in-the-wall eateries share real estate with stately theatres and swanky new hotels. Rooftop bars vie for bragging rights alongside old-time classics. This is Omonia. A happy meeting point of the old and the new. A concord.

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he heart of Athens can be found in Omonia Square, the buzzy neighborhood that never sleeps.

It’s also the city’s most exciting neighborhood revival. The combination of edgy style, reclaimed historic buildings, and community investment has put the spotlight on this contemporary classic neighborhood.

Athenians love to play with a nostalgic atmosphere. The retro vibes of Omonia are like walking in a world their grandparents might have known. Wherever they find those memories they feel at home, from markets and cafes to neoclassical churches.

But the neighborhood darlings of today are definitely the rebellious types who are splitting time between work and play. From breakfast at dawn to late-night parties, Omonia puts sugar in the coffee and Red Bull in the vodka.

Look carefully and you’ll notice preserved details everywhere from the metro station to the rooflines. There are old school neon signs with vintage typography hanging from sleek international style buildings.

The mid-century vibe is part of the city’s DNA, and that’s why Brown fell in love with the neighborhood at first sight.

The Brown Acropol is housed in a building designed in 1976 by the famed architect Emmanuel Vourekas, paying homage to a legacy that was nearly gone but not forgotten.

Omonia earned a prominent role in urban folklore after the acclaimed painter Yannis Tsarouchis immortalized the famed Neon Café in 1965 when the square was a hangout for intellectuals, sailors and street hustlers. The café was long-ago replaced by a bakery, but the interior is preserved. For the taste and feel of old-world Athens, nearby Themistokleous Street is home to picturesque restaurants like the cozy Greek taverna Athinaikon.

A bird's eye view of Krinos Loukoumdes on the bustling Aiolou street, that has been serving Athenians since 1923 ©Thomas Gravanis

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Omonia has long been the city’s contemporary “agora” connecting its far-flung neighborhoods through commerce, transport and history.

The city’s most coveted department stores were only a few blocks away and helped to maintain the idea of Omonia as a destination for the Christmas season. The stores were burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances in the early 1980s, intensifying the neighborhood neglect and its downward spiral.

But Omonia couldn’t be beat. One might quip that Omonia has good bones. Perhaps that’s because the neighborhood has been filling up on the luscious yogurt at Stani, the classic and old-school dairy that you’d think hasn’t changed since it opened in 1931. Try the yogurt along with small fried donuts called “loukoumades”, topped with honey and walnuts.

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After your fortifying breakfast, head toward Varvakeios, the city’s monumental public fish and meat market that is brilliantly efficient and fresh. From there, follow the wafts of cinnamon and cumin from shops along Evripidou Street, that initially catered to the cuisine of Asia-Minor Refugees who arrived in Athens in 1922, and now stock condiments for cuisines from all over the world.

At the end of the street is Telis, famous for its grilled pork chops that are enjoyed by celebrities and politicians of every stripe. They are also famous for their warm sauce with feta, tomato and hot pepper that comes on a big platter and should be used as a condiment on everything.

Walking for a few minutes down Agiou Konstantinou Street, you’ll find one of the grand visions of Athens, the National Theatre of Greece designed by the celebrated architect Ernst Ziller. The leading theater company of Greece is in residency every fall and winter in the imposing neo-classical auditorium with rich red sets and ceiling murals.

Across the street is the 19th century Cathedral of Agiou Konstantinou that is richly adorned with marble and mosaics in a unique blend of Orthodox and Catholic styles.

When you return to Omonia you’ll quickly find the square’s latest, bold turn. On a broad pink wall above Panepistimiou Street on the opposite side of the square, you’ll see the latest street mural by Aristeidis Lappas. You’ll see the goddess Athena with her shield preparing for battle. The sharp and bright colors create a dreamscape of cheery optimism in a place that not long ago could feel anxious and remote.

Athena has returned to Omonia as it moves toward the unity of past and present. That sense of concord is precisely what the word Omonia means.

1. Praying Hands Mural by Manolis Anastasakos and Pavlos Tsakonas in Omonia 2. Diporto at the Varvakeios Agora is a subterranean institution. Unpretentious and hearty.

3. H Stani, an emblematic dairy house whose intergenerational appeal persists.

4. The 100-year old Miran on Evripidou continues to entice shoppers with its delectable display of cured meats.

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2 4 Brown Hotels has demonstrated its passion for Omonia by reviving this historic neighbourhood through its investments and engagement with the community

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Retro Chic, Cool Design

BROWN ACROPOL The 70’s are back in fashion at the heart of cosmopolitan Athens

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The flagship hotel of Brown Hotels in Greece, the Brown Acropol sits pretty on the newly refurbished Omonia square, lending a much-needed air of retro sophistication and hipster cool to Athens’ commercial district.

The ‘60s bohemian vibe comes through in the earthy, colour palettes and overriding sense of ‘accessible hospitality.’ The building itself, designed by the legendary architect Emmanuel Vourekas is testimony to an oft-overlooked period in Athens’ urban history. Channeling that post-war era narrative into a contemporary aesthetic is what K-Studio was aspiring to, and they do so effortlessly, marrying vintage furniture and bespoke pieces to Greek marble and oak with wit and flair. A large mural by Pikionis- Koutsogiannis architects, inspired by the Minoan Palace in Crete dominates the lobby.

Brown Hotels have an obsession for rooftop hot tubs and cocktails in endless supply and at Brown Acropol, with inviting hammocks, yellowand-white striped bars, hot tubs with massage jets and stellar views of the Acropolis and the city below, they do it in super-sized style. The cuisine here is distinctly Mediterranean with bold new flavours. Head to the charming library bar to nurse a drink with friends or business colleagues.

This 164-bed hotel promises to preserve that bustling, edgy, cosmopolitan character that Omonia has always stood for and elevate it further.

1, Panagi Tsaldari (Pireos) St. 105 52, Athens, Greece Tel: +302144441300 www.instagram.com/brownacropol brownhotels.com

Rooftop bar restaurant Just head to the 9th floor and dive into a new culinary experience!

The Rooftop Bar Restaurant promises a mouth-watering a la carte restaurant with elevated Mediterranean classics but also sinfully dirty burgers and street food, just as we like it! Drench in the stunning 360 degree views of the urban beauty of Athens and the iconic Acropolis!

Opening hours Bar: 15:00 – 24:00 Restaurant: 18:00 – 23:00 21 | BROWN

BROWN LIGHTHOUSE ATHENS

Work Hard, Play Harder If you want an immersive Athens experience, look no further than Brown Lighthouse Athens.

Bang in the heart of Omonia square, with a rooftop pool perched over the city's most vibrant district, this is where you head to for daytime comfort and night-time fun. The rooftop is the go-to party zone, so come equipped with your swimsuits and dancing shoes.

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Brown's love affair with Omonia is an enduring one. And it manifests itself in the pride and care in the hotels it has invested in while enriching the social life of the neighbourhood

A city hotel made to dazzle!

With a location that takes you into soul of the city in minutes, stylishly appointed, and with design elements that are clever and cheeky, this is the best starting point for you to set off and explore the city. Like all Brown properties, Brown Lighthouse is big on personality! Bold and audacious, flaunting an extraordinary sense of design, the hotel stretches across 9 floors and across 199 uniquely designed rooms. The entrance is stunning, but nothing quite prepares you for the rooftop bar with staggering views of the city, inviting wellness facilities and a sprawling events space. This is, without a doubt, the best place to start your day and an even better one to finish it. Crafted to redefine bleisure, this is where visitors and locals come to play.

Club - coming soon!

Traditionally, the night ends when the sun rises in Greece. And Brown will by no means break this rule. The Lighthouse in-house club will be the absolute spot to finish the day with a bang! The huge party haven can host up to 200 people and features crazy vibes, hip sounds and only the best of crowds! Till the music is gone, let’s party on!

Brown Parties If Brown is known for something, it is that they do love a good party!

Tune in and check upcoming events because staying in Brown Hotels means, above all, that you’ll never have a dull moment!

3, Marikas Kotopouli Str., 104 31, Athens Greece Tel: + 30 214 40 56 400 www.instagram.com/lighthouseathens brownhotels.com 23 | BROWN

The Young Face of Athens DAVE RED Off with stiff, studied formality, in with connecting and forging real relationships. The style here is unapologetically honest. It is everything you wouldn’t expect in a regular hotel - just with outstanding service.

So, the minute you step in, you’re handed some popcorn and beer. In some ways, its history and geography have a lot to do with its playful character - DAVE Red is housed in the Greek Communist Party’s former HQ - the common areas and hallways provide for some side entertainment in the form of Commie-era browsing. And get this, it is directly across the Omonia police station!

With that kind of history, can you blame Dave’s anarchic genes? And then, there’s the geography. Omonia didn’t need to look postcard perfect - it had character! This is where the real Athens beats. Tumble-down shops stacked with collectibles share space with hipster hangouts dishing vegan meals and nutrient-laden spinach smoothies. Vintage stores and thrift shops stand cheek-by-jowl with award-winning bars. The cries of vendors at the Central Market, the murals splattered on the city’s walls, they all tell a tale of a city that is a paradox, a borderline personality that is so hyper active, it knows no rules or bedtime hours.

The decor here reflects that edgy urban aesthetic: Funky props, retro music systems (that you will so covet!) and super-cool lighting. Sold?

There’s more! A bar that serves grab-and-go breakfast to Brown’s signature plus-sized burger and some of the cheekiest cocktails in town!

And a rooftop with a hot tub, massage room and gym to stay in shape for Athens' demanding nightlife!

DAVE Red, Veranzerou 25, Tel: +30.214.444.1300 www.instagram.com/daveredathens brownhotels.com BROWN | 24

Bottoms up at DAVE's Bar Easygoing, and ready to serve. Grab your specialty coffee and head off to explore the city. This is the place you come back to for the perfect drink to end the night!

Dive into DAVE Underground A private club offering the best clubbing experience in Greece for lovers of alternative happenings with some of the biggest names on the decks.

Creme de la creme!

VILLA BROWN ERMOU Classy design and chic vibes between Plaka and Ermou

From its beautiful period entrance to its thoughtful interiors, Villa Brown Ermou feels like you’ve walked into an elegant, intimate space, reserved for the discreet few. Each of its 51 rooms and suites is carefully curated, with artworks and designer light fixtures, lending it an aura of understated opulence.

Its geometric marble floor in graphic black and white evokes a roaring twenties sensibility and leads on to a palm-fringed, sun-drenched atrium at the far-end. This is where you can elevate your brunching game by just showing up! Stay on for leisurely lunches and after-work dinners, or just for a sip of their sexy cocktails and curated wine list.

Villa Brown Ermou’s unhurried elegance translates into its rooftop pampering sessions at the spa as well - and the view of the Acropolis doesn’t hurt either.

In a side street just off the Metropolitan Cathedral, this is old Athens at its most gracious. A few metres away, the Plaka district is home to landmarks and legends that have come to define human existence. Every alley leads to an amazing discovery of this city’s layered past, but it also offers an insight into its contemporary narrative too. This isn’t a cocooned tourist area. It’s a bustling commercial district: there are fabric merchants, vinyl stores, pastry boutiques, flea markets - and a stream of restless Athenians and visitors looking for the next drink to hang out with friends.

26 Petraki St. Athens 10563, Greece Tel: +30 210 331 4782 www.instagram.com/villabrownermou brownhotels.com 25 | BROWN

CHERCHEZ LA FEMME Retro setting, refined cuisine, just off the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral, Cherchez La Femme conjures images of Belle Epoque Athens where one could enjoy ouzo with platefuls of mezzes.

Incredibly, this restaurant still manages to slow down your pace. Chefs Stavriani Zervakakou and Tassos Yiannopoulos have devised a nostalgic yet modern menu of shared dishes. Expect mainly plant-based dishes with a strong Greek identity that will introduce you to the briny flavours of kritamo and aged Greek goat cheese.

The flowers are freshly cut, the fries, crunchy but liberally covered with kasseri; coffee is still served the old-fashioned way – on a silver tray with a sugar dusted cube of Turkish delight.

Mitropoleos 46, Tel. 210.322.2020, Facebook

ATHINAIKON This legendary institution was where Athens’ cultural greats hung out.bRegulars included artists such as Giannis Tsarouchis, actress Melina Mercouri, poet Yiannis Ritsos and the journalist/songwriter Lefteris Papadopoulos.

An extension of the flagship Santaroza taverna, Athinaikon has borne witness to the changing tides in Greek politics for close to a century. Its cuisine promises as much food for conversation as its rich history as a meeting point for thought leaders.

Mitropoleos 34, Tel. 210.325.2688

TAZZA

ALL ABOUT PETRAKI Small in size, big on personality

This narrow, pedestrianized street wedged between Ermou and Mitropoleos, is at best 200 metres long, but it packs in king-size attitude. Making it such a sought-after destination are the eclectic restaurants and bars that line it. Elegant buildings from the 1920’s share space with post-war textile shops and antiques stores. Young restaurateurs have transformed this narrow strip with cheeky bars, French-inspired bistros, authentic Asian restaurants, and insta-obsessed florid eateries. Contemporary art spaces and jewellery workshops add to its intriguing commercial-creative character.

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amed for Anargyros Petrakis, a doctor and the first mayor of Athens after the declaration of Athens as the capital of the Greek state, Petrakis is edgy and restless, defying the laidback elegance of its handsome facades. If you’re a guest at Villa Brown Ermou, and you’ve had your fill of the pampering at the hotel, we’d suggest a stop at Radio Athènes gallery and at Mary Gaitani’s jewelery store (see shopping guide). And then settle at any one of these restaurants, depending on your mood.

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With vibrant bouquets in lavender and fuchsia dangling off the ceiling, this is floral maximalism on steroids, a mecca for instagrammers looking for a colour-drenched memory of Athens.

Tazza’s fairy-tale like décor with tasselled lamps, vintage marble tables, baroque chairs might appear as sensory overload, but it infuses the street with rose-tinted optimism too. The focus is primarily on Mediterranean fare but expect juicy burgers, cheese and cured meat platters with an exhaustive wine list, filling mains like risotti and pizzas along with signature cocktails.

Petraki 5 & Pentelis 9. Tel: 210.3311.999 Facebook

HANOI For the best value-for-money authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the city, Hanoi run by the charming Nikoletta Nguyen, is the place to head to. Seasoned to perfection, with a light, refined touch, Hanoi has lots of vegan options too. Try their papaya salad, Pho soups and their signature egg noodles with crispy duck. The seating here is limited, so book early – and the tables spill onto the pavement at dinnertime. As refreshing as the food is the extremely professional service. Hanoi’s portions are very generous, so come ravenous. If you like your chilli fix, the staff happily indulge your requests for freshly chopped red chilies and extra nuac nam.

Petraki 12, Tel: 2130451379, Facebook

Back in Time VILLA BROWN ATHINAS Heritage Stays

For a trip back in time, seeped in history and art deco intimacy, each of Villa Brown Athinas’ 19 rooms evoke that golden mean between your grandmother’s tastefully done up home and a stylish luxury hotel.

In a beautifully restored building, one of the neoclassical landmarks declared as ‘tangible heritage’ by the Greek state, it bears extraordinary significance as a unique point of reference in Athenian architecture.

On the bustling Athinas street where all of your senses are awakened all at once, Villa Brown Athinas promises a glimpse into Belle Epoque Athens.

Evocative of its rich pedigree, each part of the building’s design underlines the historic personality of the building, and some of that elegance rubs off onto anyone staying in its stately rooms!

Stubbornly unaltered for several decades, Athinas Street is dearly beloved by locals and travelers alike. Buzzing with life, it is a chaotically delightful district with spice shops, second-hand stores and centuryold taverns that resolutely cling on to a bygone way of life.

60, Athinas Str., 105 51, Athens, Greece Tel: +306976253699 www.instagram.com/villabrownathinas brownhotels.com

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Urban Jungle BROWN KUBIC Smart Living

How do you transform a city hotel into a green sanctuary? There's only one way and that's the Brown way! Located in Athens’ high-energy theatre district, right next to the iconic National Theatre of Athens, and only a few steps away from the renovated Omonia Square Brown Kubic exudes a ‘cool for school’ vibe. Its 112 rooms ooze discreet urban chic and a smart, tech-focused attitude. Super packed with everything you might wish for, including an in-house gym fully equipped to keep you fit while on holidays and a breakfast menu that is fitness-forward.

Brown Kubic is designed to let you work by day with meeting rooms for presentations and workshops, and get ready to hit town by night.

Athens’ famed nightlife districts of Gazi and Metaxourgeio are just a few blocks away!

26-28, Agiou Konstantinou Str. 104 37, Athens Tel: +30 211 4021695 www.instagram.com/brownkubic brownhotels.com

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Coming soon...

DOMINO BROWN Classy Bauhaus-inspired design near Omonia square Brown Domino is a temple to all things Bauhaus. Its 43 beautifully designed rooms drenched in enticing green, with accented wall textures, clean lines and chic accessories all make for a seamless urban travel experience. The hotel will also feature a restaurant, a wine bar, a roof garden, a spa and a gym.

11, Themistokleous St. 106 77, Athens, greece@brownhotels.com brownhotels.com

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Rich Urban Flavours BROWN SPICES Hip and flavourful in Psyri This fragrant new addition to the Brown family, is as its name suggests, bang in the middle of Athens' spice district where the confluence of cultures and commerce for centuries has lent it its unique patina and character. Mirroring the cosmopolitan spirit of its neighbourhood, the 63 rooms at Brown Spice are dressed in postcards and travel accounts by travellers smitten by Athens’ paradoxically beguiling personality. Inspired by Psyri, an area known for its artisans, antique shops, bohemian cafes, bars and more, this former family-run print house will feature a restaurant, rooftop terrace with a pool and bar and an indoor spa!

82 Evripidou St. 105 53 Athens reservations.greece@brownhotels.com brownhotels.com

Culturesoaked atmosphere BROWN MUSEUM Greek Heritage-inspired Right next to the stunning National Archaeological Museum, set to be renovated by Pritzker Award winner Sir David Chipperfield, Brown Museum ia a refined and elegant hotel, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Athens. Artistic to the core, the interior will present a highend environment with a focus on what classic Greek elegance is all about.

16, Bouboulinas St. 106 82, Athens, +30 210 380 5611 greece@brownhotels.com brownhotels.com 31 | BROWN

Glossy Glam BROWN GLOW Futuristic elegance right in the heart of Athens

With its intriguing, futuristic design, Glow is a whimsical celebration of illusions and mystery with 219 rooms.

Located on the historic Socratous street, where the Athens Stock Exchange stood proudly, this is the soul of downtown Athens, a block away from the bustling Central Market, right next to Plateia Kotzia, populated by atmospheric subterranean tavernas and award-winning cocktail bars.

34, Socratous & Lycourgou St. 105 52, Athens greece@brownhotels.com brownhotels.com

History Revived

VILLA BROWN SANS RIVAL Bringing back eclecticism Sans Rival, the iconic Athenian hotel from the Belle Epoque days of the roaring 1920s, comes back to life as House Sans Rival, tastefully repurposed as part of Brown’s proud heritage collection with 42 emblematic rooms spread across 4 floors. The building’s architecture is unique in that it has a triangular façade that is built around a circular staircase with its characteristic railing. The ground floor boasts a cafe-bistro, with an atmosphere reminiscent of the ’30s and an extroverted street view. Featuring a lusciously romantic décor, its special elements are a triangular marble bar and a suspended metal wine cellar.

11, & Konstantinou Palaiologou Str, 10438, Athens greece@brownhotels.com www.instagram.com/hotelsansrival, brownhotels.com BROWN | 32

An urban experience with an old Athens ambience The moment you find yourself in Cherchez la Femme, the capital’s favorite kafeneio, the first thing you feel is the juxtaposition of the old and the new. The traditional atmosphere of a Greek coffee house is alive and well, but it is abundantly clear that this is not your grandpa’s kafeneio! The core is the same: Cherchez la Femme is a place for community, conversation and connection.

The clinking of glasses, the murmur of leisurely discussions, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee create an ambiance that is both familiar and welcoming. And as the day progresses and moves well into the night, Cherchez la Femme keeps shining with traditional meze and drinks, incredible recipes with fresh ingredients sourced from all over Greece.

Address Mitropoleos 46 Athens 105 63 Contact Us +30 21 0322 2020 reservations@cherchezlafemme.gr www.cherchezlafemme.gr FB: /kafeneioncherchezlafemme IG: /kafeneioncherchezlafemme

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EXPLORING THE ATHENS CENTRAL MARKET The vibrant, colourful Athens’ central market, with its tangle of smells, sounds and faces is Athens as it used to be – before the advent of supermarkets, fast food and cafeterias. This is where the city’s heart really beats, where times stands still despite the chaos and bustle, where the fragrant Greek hillsides infused with sage and thyme come alive in the narrow alleys of its spice shops.

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© Angelos Giotopoulos

One of the oldest streets of post-Independence Athens, Athinas with its “hole-in-the-ground” shops and its endless possibilities is where you can find anything from icons and incense to fresh fruit and vegetables, from jam jars through to herbs, garden tools, kitchen ware – and the fastdying trades of cobblers and knife-sharpeners.

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amed after the ancient city’s patron goddess, Athinas joins what in the young Greek capital of the 19th century were its two vital hubs: the squares of Monastiraki (“little monastery”), representing the centre of the hamlet that Athens was reduced to under Byzantium and then Ottoman rule, and Omonia (“concord”), conceived as the new seat of power (though, in the end, the royal palace was built just above Syntagma and is today’s House of Parliament). The Varvakeios Agora, built between 1877 and 1886 by architect Ioannis Koumelis and an example of the work of first generation of Greek architects, who followed in the footsteps of the Bavarian Ernst Ziller and the Danish Hansen brothers responsible for introducing the neoclassical style to Athens. Named after caviar merchant Ioannis Varvakis, it was excavation work on the Central Market that revealed the Roman Agora. The meat and fish markets, with raucous vendors, competing for the attention of the daily throng of shoppers, are the busiest section of the market.

At the Monastiraki metro station end of Athinas, lies a summary of Greek history in three monuments: the ancient temple to Athena, the renovated mosque and the church of Panagia Pantanassa (Queen of the Universe). Their alignment never ceases to amaze and, no photograph has ever captured all three the way the naked eye does, as if history refuses to be reduced to something as simple as three buildings. Yet it is there, a gentle reminder that there is always more than meets the eye to any walk in this part of town and that past and present can blend harmoniously and form a whole.

The shops follow a pattern handed down through time, coming in groupings selling similar wares: the modern-day version of preIndependence esnafia or sinafia, the guilds of blacksmiths, tanners and leather-workers, clothiers or grocers that made up the social fabric of merchant Athens.

The clothiers have transformed into shops selling clothes and workmen’s garb, the blacksmiths have turned into ironmongers, the tanners and leather-workers have joined ranks and become outlets for sandals, shoes or other leather goods, the grocers continue being grocers – and the meat, fish vegetable and fruit markets have also joined the dance, though further along the street towards Omonia Square.

An insider’s guide to negotiating Athinas At number 17, you’ll find a shop specialising in working overalls and galoshes. The yellow ones for job-sites is great for gardening as are the rubberised gardening gloves. At numbers 33-37, on the ground floor of a restored neoclassical mansion, the Lesvos Shop is an outlet of cooperatives from the islands of Lemnos and Lesvos offers no less than twelve different sorts of ladotyri, alongside olive oil, ouzo and natural soaps. Across the street is Lentzos, specialist in light bulbs of every shape and size. Right around the corner is the small church of Agia Kyriaki, once the chapel of the Sklepas family, one of the big .

At Elixir, the smells of a Greek hillside comes alive. Sea sponges vie for room with spice jars, pastourma strings dangle from the ceiling, oregano bouquets overwhelm with their pungent aroma, wicker baskets hark back to a time long gone.

Inside track Pirlibos, Filopimenos 14, Tel: 210 3216879 Elixir, Evripidou 41, Tel: 21 0321 5141 Arapian: Evripidou 41, tel 210 321 7238 Bahar: Evripidou 31, tel 210 321 7225 Lentzos: Athinas 26, tel 210 321 7136 Miran: Evripidou 45, tel 210 321 7187 35 | BROWN

© Thomas Gravanis

BARGAIN-HUNT & BAR-HOP IN MONASTIRAKI

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It’s where old-world glory tumbles into modern-day chaos, above the din of the flea markets and the music streaming out of the many bars that dot its narrow alleys. The first impression is of the incongruity of it all. Ramshackled buildings in various states of disrepair, minarets piercing the night sky, red-tiled Byzantine domes, and the majestic Acropolis looming high above. This is Monastiraki.

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onastiraki is where Athens’ cosmopolitan character and its historical layers collude to create a vibe that is singular to this part of the city. Masses seem to converge here – all seemingly moving purposefully, navigating past jugglers, bracelet-sellers, antique hawkers, pick-pockets too! Named for the ‘little Monastery’, the only surviving miniscule 10th-century Pantanassa basilica left from the once-sprawling monastic compound that occupied the site, Monastiraki is the buzzy epicentre of Athens where old craftspeople share space with the hipster set.

Old shops and warehouses plying copper fixtures and wicker chairs have made room for bars and cafes – some of whom channel Disneyland on acid – but make for great Instagrammable shots. For those who’d like to delve a bit further into the charms of this newly revitalized derelict neighbourhood, you’ll be rewarded for your curiosity. Expect bargain deals at vintage kilo shops, contemporary ceramics thoughtfully curated in one of the bylanes, spices, fabrics, antiques, some of the city’s most under-rated museums, hammams, synagogues, even stores that specialize in jewellery for donkeys!

Mercifully, young, creative social entrepreneurs have reclaimed their heritage and invested in traditional crafts that appeal to locals as well as to the hordes of visitors who snake their way through this district every day: hand-crafted sandals, macrame chair makers and jewellers share space with bespoke bars and zero-waste eateries. This is a hood that doesn’t understand the point of an early night, so come sundown, you’ll find yourself bar-hopping. Here’s our guide to discovering Monastiraki.

Bargain-hunt at Avissinia Square There are several theories to how this square came to be named for Ethiopia’s ancient name Abyssinia, and it is still fondly referred to as Yusurum – after the Sephardic Jewish antique merchants Noah and Elias Yusurum, who owned several shops in the flea market. Framed by the ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Roman library, a mosque, Byzantine churches and two synagogues, this was where commerce and cultures mingled in seamless fashion. The market really comes alive on Saturdays and Sundays, with shoppers scouring for vintage finds.

restaurant (Fridays and Saturday evenings at 9pm-1am; and Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 3pm-7pm).

Some Horsey business at Mompso Another Monastiraki institution that has weathered the test of time is Mompso. On Athinas street, at number 33, is a sprawling shop that stocks beads, buckles, tassles, - every accoutrement you might need to dress up a horse or a mule for special occasions – as well as saddles, hand-sewn riding boots, bridles and leather accessories.

Celebrate Monastiraki’s Jewish heritage Monastiraki-Psirri was a neighbourhood with a strong Jewish presence, right until a few decades ago. The two synagogues near Ag. Assomaton, one catering to Romaniote Jews at number 8 Melidoni street and the other to the Sephardic community at number 5 on the same street, are proof of the influence that the Jewish community wielded in Athens.

Visit three of the city’s most underrated museums Right across the synagogue is Modern Pottery Museum that hosts educational workshops and hosts pottery exhibitions. Housed in a stunning powder blue building, at Ag. Assomaton 5 is the MoMus Alex Mylonas Museum that provides a rare journey into the sculptress Alex Mylona's world through her anthropocentric compositions. It also boasts one of the best curated museum shops.

Not far from the 11th-century church of Ag. Asomaton, is the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art. With a stunning collection of Islamic Art, the museum also has an art shop on the ground floor and a rooftop café with beautiful murals of palm trees and geometric Islamic art by Aegina based British artist Navine G Khan Dossos.

Join in the merriment at Café Avissinia In some ways, Avissinia square seems to offer a voyeuristic glimpse into a bygone era and nowhere is it more in evidence than at Café Avissinia.

With more than a hint of faded bohemian elegance, its walls covered with art left behind by patrons who couldn’t afford to pay and deliberately mis-matched china, this is where locals head to relive the rollicking old days. What started out as a humble tea-room has become an Athenian institution, with everyone joining in the singing and dancing alongside Manos and Pavlina over the weekends. Its formidable matriarch Ketty, whose recipes remain the star of the show has since passed on the mantle to her son Nikolas. On weekends, Avissinia square fills with the sounds of musical merriment emanating from this landmark 37 | BROWN

MUSEUM & GALLERY GUIDE

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM Head for the Parthenon by noon before the blinding white light reflecting off millennia-old marble and the throngs of tourists get the better of you.

Rising like a glass sphinx mirroring the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum has received more visitors than the ancient temple, a resounding endorsement for the museum that celebrates its tenth anniversary this summer. Take in the meticulously curated ancient artefacts and themed exhibitions, followed by an epicurean lunch with touching-distance views of the Acropolis. The restaurant is open for lunch every day and on Friday evenings with a live jazz band for company.

Dionysiou Areopagitou St, Tel: 210.924.1043, theacropolimuseum.gr

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THE NATIONAL GALLERY A custodian of Greek art and heritage, The National Gallery’s collections comprise more than 20,000 works of paintings, sculptures, engravings, and other forms of art. The gallery exhibitions are mainly focused on post-Byzantine Greek Art but it also owns and exhibits also an extensive collection of European artists. Particularly valuable is the collection of paintings from the Renaissance. Expect to see original artworks by El Greco, Eugene Delacroix, Piet Mondrian, Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, and Greek artists such as Theodoros Vryzakis, Spyros Vassiliou and Dimitris Mytaras. The National Gallery houses an extensive library with invaluable archival material and specialized conservation studios, equipped with up-to-date scanning, examination, and restoration systems. There is a wing funded and named after the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

The building with its translucent façade makes it a modern, functional museum, at the intersection of the city’s other architectural landmark, the iconic Hilton Athens and Costas Varotsos’ ‘The Runner,’ just below Mt. Lycabettus.

After an extended renovation, the National Gallery doubled its space to 20,000 sqm with an auditorium seating 450, an educational venue, a 1000sqm museum shop and a restaurant with panoramic views of the Acropolis set to open shortly. Another cafe will operate on the ground floor and garden.

Panayiotis Tetsis’ monumental ‘Farmer’s Market’ (1983) welcomes visitors into the museum foyer, chosen to symbolize that the National Gallery is accessible to all. The sculpture garden is adorned with works of art by Auguste Rodin, a sculpture by the late Takis dominates the main entrance; just below the bridge that connects the reception area with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Wing, Costas Varotsos’ Spiral, a fluid sculpture in glass that radiates hope stands tall in a canal of water, symbolically representing the river Ilissos which used to flow in the area.

The National Gallery-Alexandros Soutsos Museum, Vas. Konstantinou 50. Open daily from 9am to 8pm, on the weekend from 9am to 4pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Tel: 214 408 6212 41 | BROWN

THE BENAKI Arguably one of the finest eclectic museums in Europe, the Benaki Museum offers a quick Greek history 101, covering everything from folk costumes to 20th-century paintings. Its three floors showcase impeccable treasures from the Bronze Age up to WWII. Especially impressive are the Byzantine icons and the extensive collection of Greek regional costumes, as well as intricately carved salons and boudoirs from Macedonian mansions. The museum has two annexes: one in Kerameikos housing the Museum of Islamic Art and the Pireos Avenue branch for contemporary art. The museum shop is a treasure-trove of creative, contemporary Greek design, inspired by traditional jewellery and motifs. Long a favoured haunt for the well-heeled, the Benaki restaurant on the roof offers wholesome Greek meals with illustrator Antonis Kyriakoulis’ quirky caricatures gracing the walls and tableware.

Koumbari 1 & Vas. Sofias Avenue, Tel: +30210.367.1000, benaki.gr 138 Pireos & Andronikou St., Tel: +30 210 345 3111

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This exceptional museum is dedicated to the iconic minimalist marble Cycladic figurines, dating back almost 5,000 years, a precursor to modern sculpture with their simplicity and purity of form inspiring 20th-century artists including Picasso and Modigliani. Other than its stunning Bronze Age figurines, the museum also features Greek and Cypriot art dating from 2000 BC to the 4th century AD, sharing space with works in temporary exhibitions by contemporary heavyweights like George Condo, Ai Weiwei and Paul Chan. The airy, light-filled café makes for a great pit stop for a light lunch or coffee.

Neofytou Douka 4, Tel: 2107228321, cycladic.gr

THE MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART

GOULANDRIS MUSEUM OF MODERN ART A museum that houses a sublime collection of over 800 masterpieces of contemporary and modern art - the result of the unrelenting passion for the arts and the personal and close relationships Basil and Elise Goulandris had built with many of the rising artists and art collectors of their time. Stretched across 7,250 square meters, the 11-floor venue is a liberal and inclusive space that hosts regular, free workshops for kids and adults, readings in a stunning light-filled library with over 6000 of Basil and Elise’s personal art books, events in the slick museum restaurant, jazz concerts in its beautiful cafe-restaurant, a stateof-the-art amphitheatre and even, a small recording studio.

13 Eratosthenous, Athens. Tel: +30 210 72 52 895, goulandris.gr 43 | BROWN

THE NATIONAL ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM Set in a stunning neo-classical building, the National Archaeological Museum ranks among the world’s most important museums. It houses the finest collection of Greek antiquities dating from the Neolithic era to Classical periods, including the Ptolemaic era in Egypt. Make time to take in its impressive collection of exquisite sculptures, pottery, jewellery, frescoes and artefacts from all over Greece. The museum’s beautifully presented exhibits are displayed by theme, while the temporary exhibitions make a terrific introduction to the rich legacy of early Greek art. The café provides shady respite, with its palm-fringed gardens evoking a different Greece. The museum is slated for a renovation with Pritzker Award winner Sir David Chipperfield helming the project.

Patission 44, Tel: 210.821.7724, namuseum.gr

THE BYZANTINE AND CHRISTIAN MUSEUM A stunningly beautiful setting, in a sprawling garden with the heady scent of orange blossoms and jasmine permeating the air, the Byzantine and Christian Museum houses a treasure trove of sacred icons, mosaics and textiles. A must-stop for Byzantium fans, the museum stocks an impressive collection dating back to the 3rd century, a powerful reminder of the legacy and richness of the Byzantine era.

Vas. Sofias 22, Tel: 213 213. 9517, byzantinemuseum.gr BROWN | 44

STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION The new home of Greece’s National Opera and National Library, the Stavros Niarchos complex, surrounded by a 52-acre park dotted with olive orchards, running tracks and picnic spots, is where all the creative action is. Renzo Piano’s glass and steel landmark, which towers over the Athenian Riviera skyline with enviable views to the Saronic Gulf and to the Acropolis, delivers on its soaring promise of being the cultural epicentre of this vibrant city. An estimated 5 million Athenians visited it in its first year of operation, enthusiastically embracing its rich cultural repertoire and activities that range from yoga on its lawns, tango lessons and kayaking on the canal.

Syngrou Ave. 364, Tel: 216.809.1000, snfcc.org

THE ONASSIS CULTURAL CENTRE With intelligent programming and top-notch acts, the Onassis Cultural Centre has managed to provoke artistic debate among Athenians and tourists alike, starting with Tim Etchell’s bold neon sign that graces its exterior: ‘All we have is words, all we have is worlds’. Its opening in 2009 coincided with the lowest point in Greek morale, and its role as a catalyst has been transformative and uplifting, elevating Greeks to aspire for the sublime when everything else seemed to be crashing around them. The gourmet restaurant on the top floor matches the innovativeness and high aspirations of the centre’s cultural repertoire.

Syngrou Ave. 107-109, Tel: 213.017.8000, onassis.org 45 | BROWN

ADDRESSES GALLERIES Allouche Benias Kanari 1, Tel: 210.338.9111 Artion Voukourestiou 21, Tel: 211.210.6455 Tel: 212.104.4166 Four Seasons Lobby Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni, Tel: 694.447.7383 A. Antonopoulou Art Aristofanous 20, Psyrri, Tel: 210.321.4994 Artzone 42 42 Vas. Konstantinou, Athens, Tel: 210.725.9549

Intermission Polidefkous 37A, Piraeus Tel: 210.413.1504 Rodeo Polidefkous 41, Piraeus Tel: 210.412.3977 Xippas Gallery Sofokleous 53D, Athens, Tel: 210.331.9333 Zoumboulakis Gallery Kolonaki Square 20, Kolonaki Tel: 210.360.8278, Kriezotou 6, Syntagma, Tel: 210.363.4454

CULTURAL VENUES

Astrolavos ArtLife Irodotou 11, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.722.1200 Athens Art Gallery Glykonos 4, Dexameni Sq., Athens, Tel: 210.721.3938

B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music Vas. Sofias 9 & Merlin 1, Athens, Tel: 210.361.1206

Bernier - Eliades Gallery Eptachalkou 11, Thissio, Tel: 210.341.3935

Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre Armatolon-Klephton 48, Athens, Tel: 210.643.9466

(The) Breeder Gallery Iasonas 45, Metaxourgeio, Tel: 210.331.7527 Carwan Gallery Polidefkous 39, Piraeus Tel: 210.411.4536 Citronne Gallery Athens Patriarchou Ioakim 19, Tel: 219.723.5226 Eleni Marneri Galerie Lebessi 5-7 & Porinou 16, Acropolis, Tel: 210.8619.488 Kalfayan Gallery Haritos 11, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.7679 Kapopoulos Fine Arts Varis - Koropiou Av. 94, Koropi, Tel: 210.642.6573 Skoufa Gallery Skoufa 4, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.360.3541 Stavros Mihaliaras Art 260 Kifissias & Diligianni, Kifissia, Tel: 210.623.0928 The Blender Gallery Zisimopoulou 4, Glyfada, Tel: 213.028.0597 The George Economou Collection Grammou 77, Kifissias Av. 80 Marousi, Tel: 210.809.0519 BROWN | 46

Megaron Mousikis (The Athens Concert Hall) Vas. Sofias Ave. & Kokkali, Tel: 210.728.2333 Michael Cacoyannis Foundation Piraeus 206, Tavros, Tel: 210.341.8550 Onassis Cultural Centre Syngrou 107-109, Athens, Tel: 213.017.8000 Stavros Niarchos Foundation Syngrou 364, Kallithea Tel: 216.809.1000

CULTURAL INSTITUTES French Institute Sina 31, 10680 Athens Tel: 210.339.8600 Hellenic American Union Massalias 22, 10680 Athens, Tel: 210.368.0900 British Council Kolonaki Square 17, 106 73 Athens, Tel: 210.369.2333 Instituto Cervantes Mitropoleos 23, 105 57 Athens, Tel: 210.363.4117 Goethe Institut Omirou 14-16, 100 33

Athens, Tel: 210.366.1000 Onassis Cultural Centre Syngrou Ave. 107-109, 117 45 Athens, Tel: 213.017.8000 Instituto Italiano di Cultura Patission (28 Oktovriou) 47, Tel: 210.369.2333, 210.524.2646

THEATRES Olympia Municipal Maria Callas Theatre Akadimias 59, Athens, Tel: 210.364.2540 Pallas Theatre Voukourestiou 5, Athens, Tel: 210.321.3100

MUSEUMS Agora Museum Located in the Stoa of Attalos, Athens.

Tel: 210.321.0185 Athens Olympic Museum Located in the Stoa of Attalos, Athens.

Tel: 210.321.0185 Athens City Museum I.Paparigopoulou 5-7 Athens, Tel: 210.3231. 387 Atelier Spyros Vassiliou Webster 5A, Athens, Tel: 210.923.1502 spyrosvassiliou.org Athens University History Museum Tholou 5, Plaka, Tel: 210.368.9502 history-museum.uoa.gr B&E Goulandris Museum of Modern Art Eratosthenous 13, Athens, Tel: 210.725.2895, goulandris.gr (The)Benaki Museum Koumbari 1 & Vas. Sofias Avenue, Athens, Tel: 210.367.1000, benaki.gr (The)Benaki Museum of Islamic Arts Dipylou 12, Kerameikos, Tel: 210.325.1311, benaki.gr Benaki Museum, Pireos Annexe Pireos 138 & Andronikou, Gazi Tel: 210.345.3111, benaki.gr Byzantine & Christian Museum Vas. Sofias 22, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.1027, byzantinemuseum.gr

EMST Museum of Contemporary Art Kallirrois Av. & Amvr. Frantzi, Athens, Tel: 210.924.2111- 3, emst.gr Hellenic Cosmos Foundation of the Hellenic world Pireos 254, Tavros, Tel: 212.254.0000 hellenic-cosmos.gr Museum of Cycladic Art Neofytou Douka 4, Athens, Tel: 210.722.8321, cycladic.gr Herakleidon Herakleidon 16, Thissio, Tel: 210.346.1981 Apostolou Pavlou 37, Thissio Tel: 211.012.6486, herakleidon-art.gr Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum Karyatidon & Kallisperi 12, Makrygianni, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.922.7260, lalaounis.com Jewish Museum Nikis 39, Plaka,Tel: 210.322.5582 jewishmuseum.gr Kerameikos Museum Ermou 148, Monastiraki, Tel: 210.346.3552 Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Pindarou 6, Athens Tel: 211.411.0044, kotsanas.com National Archaeological Museum Patission 44, Athens, Tel: 210.821.7724, namuseum.gr Numismatic Museum Panepistimiou 12, Athens, Tel: 210.363.5953, nma.gr The Acropolis Museum Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Acropolis, Tel: 210.924.1043 theacropolismuseum.gr The National Art Gallery and Alexander Soutzos Museum Michalakopoulou 1 & Vas. Constantinou 1, Athens, Tel: 210.723.5857 Ziller-Loverdos Museum Mavromichali 6 Athens, Tel: 210.339.2147

SHOPPING GUIDE

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Our go-to shopping guide Our list of shopping Brown tips as creative and quirky as the city itself, stocking fashion-forward, wallet-friendly, covetable objets d'art and locally designed fashion. A crossover between art galleries, stylish gift shops, the one common thread that connects these charming but seemingly unconnected destinations is their unmistakeably Athenian character.

This temple to all things beauty has been serving Greek fashionistas for over half a century. With an impressive retail spread across key locations in Greece, Hondos Center is among Europe’s largest known cosmetics distribution networks. 74 stores that populate prime locations in Athens center, Glyfada, Kifisia and Piraeus and every main street in every major city, town, and the islands in Greece - Hondos Center is where you pop by to pick up the latest designer perfumes, fashion labels, last-minute gifts and emergency supplies. Be warned: it’s a maddeningly tempting destination. You come in for one little thing, walk out with your arms laden with more bags than you can carry. You’ll be amazed at just how many products and brands are housed under one roof: from hair care to home ware, swimsuits to leather accessories, books and even a café to recover from your frenzied shopping therapy.

Twi nset

Fashion & Beauty

HONDOS CENTER

hondoscenter.com Valentino bag

Chloe Eau de Parfum

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Sisley lipstick

Jewellery & Accessories

CALLISTA Greek craftsmanship is only now being celebrated and cherished on the world stage and playing its own little part in that Greek revolution have been brands like Callista. From covetable fashion accessories inspired by the real Greek Revolution, mimicking the 400-pleat fustanella to leather tote bags for women on the move, Callista’s creative team cleverly draw on the colours and traditions of Greek leather craftsmanship to develop timeless designs that are proudly fad-proof. callistacrafts.com Tote by Callista Crafts with an embroidered strap by NEMA Passementerie

SKARAS JEWELS Located on the bustling Spirou Merkouri street, right behind the National Gallery and the Hilton, Skaras Jewel stocks horlogerie brands, baptism and wedding favours, bespoke handcrafted jewellery and a wide range of Italian and Greek designer jewellery brands. A family-run business that has earned a loyal clientele across generations (the first store opened in 1952), this is where you head to for a special, custom-made ring or bracelet, monogrammed and designed to meet your specifications. Now run by the thirdgeneration brother-sister duo of Linos and Eugenia, Skaras Jewels range of precious and semi-precious jewellery is extremely wallet-friendly, starting at a low of 150 euros to a max of 3000 euros.

74 Spirou Merkouri, Athens, Greece, Τel.: +30 210.721.00 74 www.skarasjewels.com

MONTBLANC Pack smartly for your summer holidays or weekend city break with practical travel accessories from Montblanc. Montblanc has always been associated with elegant travel when writing instruments and notebooks were the accoutrements of choice for the intrepid traveller. In keeping with the demands and needs of the contemporary globetrotter, Montblanc stocks a range of affordable, timeless accessories, watches, smartwatches, wallets, passport holders, stationery, headphones, fragrances and gifts for every conceivable occasion. Seamlessly marrying the classic with the contemporary, Montblanc is your go-to place for travelling in style.

Kriezotou Street 11, 10671 Athens, T 210 3253610, Golden Hall 3rd Floor, Leof. Kifisias 37A, 15123 Marousi eshop.tzannes.gr

ADRIANOU 72 & KAPNIKAREAS, 10556, PLAKA ATHENS | T. +30 210 3250 475 PAPADIAMANTI STR. SKIATHOS, 37002 | T. +30 24270 23231

GAITANI Mary Gaitani’s stunning window display on Petraki with coloured strands criss-crossing each other creates a sense of mystique, and the jewellery here lives up to that initial promise. Gaitani’s beautiful hand-crafted pieces in gold and silver, combined with precious, life enhancing semiprecious stones and coloured cords for everyday wear have earned her a loyal following with fashionistas queuing up outside her flagship Plaka store. The workshop is housed just above the boutique – that’s how hyper-local it gets!

Reasonably priced, Mary Gaitani’s pieces make for a great impulse buy or impromptu gift without breaking the bank.

12 Apollonos str., Athens, +30 211.411.4978 www.marygaitani.com

ZEUS + DIONE Zeus & Dione, helmed by the talented Marios Schwab as artistic director, celebrate Greek heritage with breathtakingly stunning collections that eschew the familiar traps of being cloyingly folklorish and sentimental. Crafting thoughtfully sourced fabrics, with an eye on sustainability and on preserving forgotten skills, into wearable design is a philosophy that anchors the brand. Pick from stylish silk jumpsuits, resortwear and swimsuits to a new line of home furnishings and tableware. zeusndione.com

SERGAKI With exquisite craftsmanship, Yannis Sergakis’ ultra-delicate chains and inventive diamond settings, handcrafted by masters, transform your summer outfit into an extraordinary ensemble.

Yannis’ jewellery designs are chic, modern and timeless in their appeal, crafted to be worn daily, as an extension of one’s personal style. His versatile jewellery can be mixed and matched with different cords, chains of varying lengths, to be worn with long earrings or studs - for a seamless coffee-to-cocktail look. The brand’s iconic ‘Pétale’ collection uses the charnière, a century-long master technique, as a motif, emblazoned in diamonds that dazzle against a rhodium backdrop.

The Sigma collection is Yannis' love letter to eternal Greek summers. A unique collection of bracelets with gold and diamond elements.

5 Valaoritou Street in Athens and at Le Bon Marché, 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris. yannissergakis.com BROWN | 52

© Yonas Unger

Zeus n Dione Resort Collection

SHOWROOM Adamon 42A Nea Kifisia

T +302108003374 E info@cmanolo.com

www.cmanolo.com E Q cmanolo.fashion

C. MANOLO Here is a Greek success story that has exported to several retail destinations abroad with their locally home-spun brands: Manolo for chic, modern, evening and cocktail wear and ManoloPlay, for a more casual aesthetic, that combines colorful prints and comfy lines. Designed by the talented Katerina Manolopoulou who earned her fashion pedigree alongside Valentino, the fabrics range from taffetta to chiffons and linen, and the collection highlights femininity through elegant lines. Bold, unique and daring, like the women wearing them, and the creative spirit designing it, all C.Manolo designs are custom-printed or hand-embroidered in vibrant hues that scream Greece. Get your summer essentials here: their bold palette and fluid designs will have you stocking up on caftans, mini sets, long knit dresses and flattering swimwear.

All at enticing prices too! Sweetening the deal is C. Manolo’s generous offer for all Brown guests: 10 percent off on all purchases at their outlet store at Apollonos 23 & Thucydidou 1, as well on the eshop at cmanolo.com.

Use the discount code BROWN, Tel: +30 211.001.2501.

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Stumped for an anniversary gift? The Benaki Museum is your go-to place. A culture-filled contemporary concept store, it stocks carefully curated items that reflect Greece’s ancient heritage and modern design sensibilities: take your pick of beautiful designer bowls in titanium, marble homeware, intricately hand-crafted jewellery, high-quality leather accessories and Greek-inspired gifts suited for all budgets and tastes. The store itself is an architectural marvel, worth ogling at!

Christina Skouloudi’s light and summery plateware that add a pop of colour to a summer table, jewellery designer Elena Votsi’s conversation pieces, Acrotect’s clever designs rooted in Greek elements, Aluminati’s feather-weight, colour-soaked wall fixtures to liven up a holiday home.

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Christina Skouloudi.

Black perforated metal plates, Benaki Shop

Koumpari 1, Athens. Tel: +30. 210.367.1034 benakishop.gr

THALASSA Classy, whimsical and revolutionary is how we’d describe Greek design store Thalassa’s Greece-inspired scarves, swimming trunks and neck-wear. thalassacollection.com

BROWN | 54

ATHINAIKON RESTAURANT since Athinaikon - a point of reference in Athens’ culinary history with two emblematic restaurants in the city centre

Athinaikon began its historic course on Santaroza Street in 1932 and moved to Themistokleous street in 1985, where it remains until today. The menu may be long, but it’s full of classic dishes that characterize its cuisine. Specialties include fish soup (with grouper), crispy seafood croquettes, grilled sardines, fried meatballs, and dishes with Oriental influences such as souzoukakia, tadir kebap and saganaki with pastourma and sujuk. A classic and timeless choice in the center of Athens that does not disappoint.

The historical Athinaikon restaurant opened its doors on Mitropoleos Street in 2013 in an impressive neoclassical building, serving delectable appetizers as well a carefully curated list of traditional Greek dishes. Combining elegant and chic style, Athinaikon is Greek at heart with a contemporary touch. The menu includes an impressive variety of cheeses and salads, as well as delicious seafood, grilled squid, fresh fish, alongside homemade meatballs and boneless roasted baby lamb with potatoes.

Panepistimiou & 2 Themistokleous str Τ 210.3838485 • 210.3835905

34 Mitropoleos str & 9 Petraki str. Syntagma Τ 210.3252688 • 210.3251598

www.athinaikon.gr info@athinaikon.gr

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ELENI MARNIERI GALERIE Just off the pedestrianized Dionysiou Areopagitou street and within walking distance of the Acropolis Museum, El. Marneri Galerie is an immaculately beautiful space with exquisite pieces of jewellery crafted by artists. For over two decades, the gallery has been showcasing and promoting contemporary and art jewelry, and in fact is the only one of its kind in the country.

Intricate hand laced jewellery made with up cycled 70’s silk threads and semiprecious stones crafted by Clara Poulantza of Contessina Atelier, Sculptural Earrings by Christina Kellidi, Geodis candles and diffusers, Maria Santa Nobella grooming products Lebessi & Ponirou St. 5-7 Makriyanni.

Tel: +30.210.861.9488, elenimarneri.com

ARKOS Arkos started off as a Skiathos based boutique dedicated to the world of women’s and men’s fashion since 1999. Named after the small, idyllic uninhabited island next to Skiathos – known to locals and insiders who have discovered the raw beauty of the Sporades, Arkos “accompanies women and men on their own personal journey in the world of fashion and to help them enjoy the Greek summer in the most stylish way possible.”

Now the Skiathos store has also moved to the heart of Plaka, on Adrianou 72 with a range of clothes, sunglasses, resortwear, sandals and jewels designed by young Greek talent. Each of the accessories on display embody the essence of Greek summer that heady mix of sensations that intoxicate the mind and soul.

Ceramics & homeware

Adrianou 72 & kapnikareas | 10556 plaka athens, Tel: +30 210 3250 475 Papadiamanti str. Skiathos 37002, Tel: +30 24270 23231

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MINU CONCEPT STORE The over-riding colour here is green. With its sculptural cacti and evergreens bursting from every ceiling and corner, this ‘urban jungle’ is an adventure you want to embark on. There’s Scandi-furniture that you can perch on (but also buy), stunning lighting, bathroom fixtures that will make you want to re-design your home, plants you’ll want to take back to recreate your own little oasis. George Syrmas, whose brain-child Minu is, describes it as ‘miniature cosmos of curiosities.’ Come September, he plans to make room for an art gallery on the first floor and an open kitchen serving light meals. The setting is so inviting – even if you’re not in the mood for shopping (highly unlikely you’ll walk out of here empty-handed), there’s coffee all day, nutrient-laden pastries (ok, we’re lying, but they’re worth the calories!) and wine round the clock in their secret garden. Our fave picks include: Pikaplant terraria, Pebble sofa from Bolia, transparent Moebe frames, Normann tea pots and of course, every single plant in there (starting from 10 euros upto 2,200 euros!). Open daily from Mondays to Wednesdays until 9pm and from Thursdays to Sundays until 11pm, Minu promises to be a fashion-furniture-food experience you can’t get enough of.

Sarri 50, Psyrri. Tel: +30 210.323.2022

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herve-restaurant.com Trion ierarchon 170 | 118 52, Athens, greece T. 210 347 1332 | M. 693 663 7873

ADDRESSES FASHION

DEPT. STORES

Ancient Greek Sandals Kolokotroni 1, Athina Tel : 210.323.0938 Arkos Adrianou 72, Tel: 210.661.5182 Callista Crafts Voukourestiou 11 Tel : 210.364.7989 C. Manolo Apollonos 23 & Thucydidou 1 Tel: 211.001.2501 Occhio Papavassiliou - Glyfada Leof. Dimarchou Aggelou Metaxa 34, Glyfada, Tel: 210.894.8510 Occhio Papavassiliou – Athens Stadiou 5, Athina 105 62 Tel: 210.321.0042 Kokkoris Optics Pl. Esperidon 3, Glyfada Tel: 210.898.0850 Linea Piu Sekeri 6, Tel: 210.360.6125 Luisa World Skoufa 15, Tel: 210.363.5600 Louis Vuitton Voukourestiou St., Tel: 210.361.3938 Panaidis Eyewear Boutique Artemidos 2, Glyfada Tel : 210.892.0934 Milioni 12 & Iraklitou 2, Kolonaki Tel: 210 3616683 Zadig & Voltaire Voukourestiou 13 Tel: 210.364.0222 Zeus + Dione Voukourestiou 6, Tel: 210.323.0132 Liana Camba Boutique: Anagnostopoulou 26, Kolonaki Atelier: Laodikis 33, Glyfada Tel: 210.364.1027 Mahjong Boutique Kanari 14, Kolonki Tel: 210.362.2860

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Greece's high-street export stocks watches and everyday bijoux

Original designer jewellery pieces and watches

Attica Panepistimiou 9, Tel: 211.180.2600 Home to an array of luxury brands, designer shoes and cosmetics

Georgios P. Voulis 35, Athina Tel: 210.331.2220

Zerteo Jewellery Kiprou 78, Glyfada Tel: 210.894.6682

Golden Hall Kifissias 37A, Tel: 210.680.3450

Ilias Lalaounis Panepistimiou 6, Tel: 210.361.1371 Fabulous gold designs by famous Greek jeweller

Zolotas Panepistimiou 10, Tel: 210.360.1272 Designs inspired by the ancient Greece as well as contemporary collections by designers like Paloma Picasso

High-end (and high-street) stores for anyone with a passion for fashion McArthurGlen Building Block E71, Yalou, 19004, Spata, Tel: 210.663.0830, 210.663.0840 Designer Outlet Shopping Centre with value-for-money promotions The Mall Athens Andrea Papandreou 35, Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food

JEWELLERY Apriati Pindarou 29, Tel: 210.360.7878 Smartly designed jewellery for the young Bulgari Voukourestiou 8, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.324.7118, Opulent designs in jewellery, watches & accessories Cartier Voukourestiou 7, Tel: 210.331.3600 Two floors of designs & timepieces by the prestigious Cartier maison

Kessaris Panepistimiou 7, Tel: 210.323.2919 Wide range of luxury brand timepieces Mary Gaitani 12 Apollonos str., Athens, +30 211.411.4978 www.marygaitani.com Marathianakis Karagiorgi Servias 4 (Stoa Kalliga), Tel: 210.362.7118 & 210.322.2424 Old-world shop known for its original & elegant designs Marco Bicego Boutique Voukourestiou 20, Athina Tel: 210.363.6900 Nikos koulis Filikis Eterias 15, Kolonaki Square, Athens Tel: +30.210.723.3783 Contemporary designer jewellery Omega Voukourestiou 2, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.322.7682 Elegant boutique showcasing the brand's timeless timepieces

SOUVENIRS Anamnesia Athens International Airport Departure Terminal, Tel: 210.353.3104 anamnesia.gr Acropolis Museum Shop Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Tel: 210.900.0911 theacropolismuseum.gr Benaki Museum Shop Koumbari & Vas. Sofias Tel: 210.367.1045, Four Seasons Lobby, Apollonos 40 Tel: 210.890.2000 benakishop.gr Museum of Cycladic Art Shop Neophytou Douka 4, Kolonaki Tel: 210.722.8321, cycladic.gr

Hondos Center Department Stores

Chopard Stadiou 2 & Vas. Georgiou, Tel: 210.325.0555 Legendary time pieces and jewellery

Pentheroudakis Voukourestiou 19, Tel: 210.361.3187 Timeless pieces inspired by classical Greek design

Elena Votsi Xanthou 7, Tel: 210.360.0936 Conversation pieces in gold and stone

In Central Athens Ermou 39 Omonia Square 4 Merlin 6 Omirou 4 Agiou Konstantinou 2,

Skaras Jewels Spirou Merkouri 74, Tel: 210 72 100 74 www.skarasjewels.com

In Glyfada El. Venizelou 33,

Van Cleef & Arpels Voukourestiou 1, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.331.0319 The jeweller of the international jetset

In Nea Smyrni El. Venizelou Ave.108- 110,

Fanourakis Patriarchou Ioakim 23, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.1762, Unique collection of animal and insect pins & earrings Folli Follie Tsakalof 6 & Solonos 25 Kolonaki, Tel: 210.323.0739

Venetia Vildiridis Voukourestiou 11 and El. Venizelou 8, Tel: 210.363.5145, 210.321.9408

In Kifissia Kolokotroni 3

In Kallithea Bouboulinas 18, Piraeus Tsamadou 17-19, Piraeus For more store addresses and online shopping, visit: hondoscenter.com

RESTAURANT GUIDE

BROWN IN-HOUSE RESTAURANTS

Where to have the best meals in Athens A group of talented chefs, risk-taking restaurateurs and sommeliers are cementing Athens’ status as a foodie capital. Along with fine dining options at Brown's in-house restaurants, here’s our definitive guide to Athens’ gourmet hot spots.

BROWN LIGHTHOUSE ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

VILLA BROWN ERMOU BISTRO

BROWN ACROPOL ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

Endless views of Athens and the Acropolis, a stunning plunge pool, strong vibes, and, of course, an exquisite menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. What’s not to like? The snack menu is a long list of sinful pleasures tweaked to trick your guilty conscience - dig into the locally inspired More the Greek salad, or Pinsa à la grecque or plant-based veg burgers. Expect a play on textures and tastes with the Grilled kalamari risotto (on a bed of stuffed vine leaves), Moussaka croquettes with potato cream, tomato chutney and mint and Beef tagliatelle with assorted mushrooms and pepper sauce.

Extremely elegant with a 1920s vibe, the Villa Brown Ermou Bistro is tucked away at the end of a long corridor, making it a very intimate space for nibbles and drinks. Open all-day from 7.30 am to 11 pm, drop by for breakfast or stay on for a full-fledged brunch with a bakery basket, pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and candied hazelnut, and of course, eggs every which way - from scrambled eggs to Eggs Benedict and kayiana. Plant-forward suggestions include open-faced avocado sandwiches and detox smoothies. The retro bar done up in dusty pink promises mellow moments over wines and cocktails with cheese and cold cut platters to nosh on.

Like all things Brown, expect the unexpected.

Retro vibes, staggering views of Athens and an exciting menu of the finest dishes of Mediterranean culinary culture, revisited the Brown way. The menu makes for a tantalizing read, and it more than delivers on its promise. Playful yet refined, dine on tuna sashimi with shallots, capers, and a hint of mint, beef carpaccio with wild garlic pesto, beef short ribs with pita bread, mustard and greens. Sip on cocktails as the sun goes down, while feasting on the colours inking the evening sky in shades of pink and mauve.

3, Marikas Kotopouli Str., Athens.

Tel: + 30 214 40 56 400 www.instagram.com/lighthouseathens brownhotels.com

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26 Petraki St. Athens.

Tel: +30 210 331 4782 www.instagram.com/villabrownermou brownhotels.com

1, Panagi Tsaldari (Pireos), Athens.

Tel: +302144441300 www.instagram.com/brownacropol brownhotels.com

FINE DINING IN ATHENS

DELTA Delta’s Scandinavian-influenced chefs Thanos Feskos and George Papazacharias, who worked at the 3-star Geranium and Maaemo respectively, chose Athens as the base for their creative laboratory and have been expectedly rewarded for their audacious approach to cuisine. Their artful presentation makes dining more than a meal but an amplified experience that plays on all your senses simultaneously. What we love: This 2star Michelin restaurant at the SNFCC is anchored in the principles of zero-waste and sustainability.

Syggrou Avenue 364, 17674 Kalithea, Athens.

Tel: +30 211.234.7395

LINOU SOUMPASSIS & SIA

VAROULKO SEASIDE Varoulko Seaside remains a bastion for intuitive gourmets where Chef Lefteris Lazarou continues to create meals that unlock a complex spectrum of tastes by inventively crafting visually stunning, technically astute dishes. Almost anyone who has made it in Greece’s culinary renaissance over the past ten years has trained under Lazarou. Just the setting at Mikrolimano that marries Greece’s rich maritime history with its vibrant fishing community, reflects in the restaurant’s sensual menu. It is one that restores, challenges and enriches.

Linou Soumpasis kai sia, just off Athinas street, delivers on its promise of fresh produce tweaked to subtle perfection. The wine pairing is spot-on, goading customers to venture into unchartered territory. If you're confused by the sight of beeswax candles, it is a homage to the restaurant's previous incarnation as a candle factory.

Candles can be bought, along with covetable homeware. Despite its unpronounceable name, this is one restaurant we are willing to hedge our bets on. Their corn ribs and chickpeas with mushrooms is finger-lickingly good vegan heaven!

2 Melanthiou Street, Athens.

Tel: +30 210.322.0300

Akti Koumoundourou 52.

Tel: +30 210.522.8400

SOIL Soil, housed in a beautiful neoclassical two-storey building with a stunning garden and charming terrace in Pangrati, harbors the cuisine of Chefs Tasos Mantis and Alexandros Mouridis. It follows through on the farmto-fork principle, not just as a millennial mantra but as a deep-rooted philosophy. As part of a new generation of conscious chefs driving change both on the taste front and in terms of sustainable cooking, Mantis sources all his ingredients from his farm in his native Aleppochori village to offer a mainly plant-centric menu, and that explains their Michelin Green Star accreditation.

5, Ferekidou Str. Athens.

Tel: +30 210.751.3505 63 | BROWN

FINE DINING IN ATHENS

THE ZILLER'S The Zillers' Chef Pavlakis has been pushing the taste frontiers with his playful, creative cuisine. With a stunning view of the Acropolis, just across the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral, the rooftop restaurant atop the Zillers Boutique Hotel offers a bird's eye view of the city's landmarks and playful, creative tasting menus. Chef Pavlos Kiriakis' singular take on local culinary traditions is evident in the meticulous plating and bold taste combinations.

Mitropoleos 54, Athens.

Tel: 210.322.2277

PELAGOS Chef Luca Piscazzi's Pelagos at the Four Seasons is a fitting name for this hotel restaurant considering its spectacular sea views, its 1930's ocean liner styling and its seafood focus. The cuisine here is as dramatic as the plating and the stellar views. Luca sources his herbs at the Four Seasons Athens' gardens and adds his own bold signature, blending refined French techniques with prime Mediterranean ingredients.

40 Apollonos Str, Vouliagmeni.

Tel: +30 210.890.1192

MiLOS Milos has had a loyal fan base across the globe since it opened in Montreal four decades ago, for its value-for-money Greek-inspired cuisine. ‘An authentic Greek experience’, is how owner-chef Costas Spiliadis describes his restaurants, and we couldn’t agree more. The Milos philosophy of simple sophistication comes through from the attentive service to the plating.

Kolokotroni 3-5, Athens.

Tel: +30 216.600.3320

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ADVERTORIAL

Hervé’s eponymous restaurant in Petralona is worth all the hype!

In Athens’ vibrant culinary scene, where it's easy to get swept up in the new — in Instagram-friendly dishes and on-trend vegetables — Hervé is all about harnessing old-school techniques, sourcing organically grown produce and foraging Athens’ hillsides for herbs and wild greens. Armed with a richly deserved MICHELIN Guide, Hervé mercifully doesn’t fall into a narrow culinary category, and that is what makes a meal there worth all the anticipation!

herve-restaurant.com Trion Ierarchon 170 Petralona, Athens, Greece T. +30.210.347.1332

Flavour-packed with whiffs from Pronzato’s itinerant forays into India, the Middle East and Malaysia, Hervé wraps a fine dining experience into Athens’ layered character. Jungle-style vertical gardens share space with colour-drenched street art; sublimely-plated dishes served without the fussiness of a fine dining establishment; and an inviting 18-seat bar that morphs into an informal chef’s table - what’s not to love?

Chef Hervé Pronzato might be French-Italian by heritage, but his heart has always been Greek. So, when he revisited his old stomping grounds to launch his eponymous restaurant Hervé in Petralona, his legions of fans promptly lined up to pay homage to his masterful cookery.

The restaurant, in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Petralona, plays on Athens’ gritty urban character and celebrates its street art by #misterachilles with wall-to-wall murals with themes that range from economic resilience to romance in the time of Corona.

This neighbourhood has become an alternative scene to eat, unwind, and shop at eclectic thrift shops and bookstores. Historic buildings stand as a backdrop for edgy restaurants, offbeat art, record stores and live music venues, making this neighbourhood popular for young crowds looking for an alternative foodie scene. Hervé ticks all the boxes serving up haute cuisine with a side of attitude.

Even before you step in, you know you're stepping into hallowed territory: you need to punch in a code to enter, all part of the elaborate anticipation-seduction game to follow. A beautiful, greenveined marble top bar dominates the space. Pronzato wants the bar to be a meeting point, where ideas get discussed and opinions are voiced over crispy whites and sublime mouthfuls.

Ambitious new restaurants are an affirmation of the faith entrepreneurs place in Athens as a resilient destination. Pronzato concurs, “Athens is having a renaissance and there’s a rejuvenation of creative energy in the culinary and artistic fields.”

A piece of advice to fellow diners. Make room. Make time. A meal here is to be savoured. Leisurely.

The meticulous plating in exquisite stoneware are such priceless works of art that you need to make The menu here changes seasonally - so expect to be pleasantly surprised, again end again!

FINE DINING IN ATHENS

HERVÉ Hervé, mercifully doesn’t fall into a narrow culinary category, and that is what makes a meal there worth all the anticipation! Flavour-packed with whiffs from Pronzato’s itinerant forays into India, the Middle East and Malaysia, Hervé wraps a fine dining experience into Athens’ layered character. Jungle-style vertical gardens share space with colour-drenched street art; sublimely-plated dishes served without the fussiness of a fine dining establishment; and an inviting 18-seat bar that morphs into an informal chef’s table - what’s not to love?

Trion Ierarchon 170, Athens.

Tel: +30 210.347.1332

MERCERI Merceri: Two female chefs join forces, giving up the island life on Santorini for Athens' competitive food scene. Maria Dioudi and Melina Chomata opened Merceri, a classic, authentic bistro that pays homage to traditional Greek recipes with a contemporary flair. Thoughtfully crafted casual lunches are followed by more ambitious dinner menus.

21 Herakleidon Thisio, Athens.

Tel: +30210 341 7511

HYTRA In the spectacular Onassis Cultural Centre, the Michelin-starred Hytra has consistently delivered on its promise of a memorable meal. In the summer, dine al fresco on the 7th floor, for show-stopping views of an illuminated Athens. Executive Chef Giorgos Selemegkas, who has helmed the kitchen here since 2014, has created a fine dining and bistro menu that ingeniously serves up haute cuisine infused with Greek flavours. All-time Mediterannean classics are deconstructed with artistic flair. If you’re feeling bold (and have taken a taxi!) opt for the wine pairing degustation menu.

NOLAN The young chef of this contemporary bistro was born to a Greek father and a Japanese mother, and his cooking fuses influences from both countries with classical French elements. The interesting, colourful dishes are not only great value but also great for sharing – it is a dilemma choosing what to have!

Voulis 31, Athens.

Tel: +30 210.324.3545

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Leof. Syngrou 107-109, Athens.

Tel: +30 210.331.6767

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Our solution is more organic since we care about the environment, health, and people. The main goal is also to minimize the negative environmental impact by offering various carbon footprint-reducing solutions (related to storage, transportation, cooling, and waste management costs reduction). Packaging in Bag-in-Box reduces roughly 80% of extra waste material (calculated to 500 ml of plastic bottles).

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Toasts of the Town We uncork some of our favourite Athenian wine bars in which to indulge in hearty explorations of the grape

IN ATHENS

HETEROCLITO A small but perfectly formed Syntagma favourite that champions Greek wines while rocking a retro French bistro vibe. Its match-making credentials: locally-sourced cheeses and meze are expertly set up with their perfect wine “taste mate”.

Cellar Status: 200 mostly Greek wines with around 20 on offer by the glass.

Top Note: Taste your way around the vineyards of Greece. Know your Assyrtiko from your Moscofilero and Roditis.

OINOSCENT

BRETTOS

BY THE GLASS

Founded in 2008 as a cellar by two young wine-mad brothers, Danis and Agis Agapitos, Oinoscent revamped itself as one of the city’s first wine bars, on a crusade to promote small producers of quality wines from Greek vineyards.

Oinoscent now functions both as a cellar and a fashionable (and relatively smoke-free!) hang-out with frequent wine degustations.

A Plaka institution as much for its rainbow “wall of booze”, as its history, Brettos morphed from a liquor store established in 1909 into a wine bar in 2007. It has kept its original flamboyant décor and traditional variety of spirits (incl. 40 different flavors of liquor). Wine lovers also know they can always lay their hands on a good glass of vino at decent prices.

Cellar Status: Vrettos’ selection of 46 whites, 52 reds, 9 roses and sparkling wines are available at prices ranging from 3.50 to 12 euros a glass. Bottle prices are also very affordable.

Top Note: As the evening sets in, the wooden bar is packed with a heady mix of regulars enjoying a post-work drink, next to high-spirited tourists, drawn by the bright backdrop like moths to a flame.

There’s so much to love about this classy wine bar. The sheltered arcade and courtyard; the high-ceilinged interior with shelves of resting wines; the superlative risotto with truffle; and, of course, the wines themselves. Owner Fotini works a dispensary system, so the list is not exhaustive, but meticulously selected from Greek and international producers.

Cellar Status: The wine list boasts more than 200 labels including rare Greek and international vintages and over 50 by-the-glass options.

Top Note: With wines offered in measures from 25ml, 75ml and 15ml, you can try several!

Ipitou 4, Syntagma.

Tel: 210.321.1279, heteroclito.gr

Souri 3, Syntagma.

Tel:. 210 323 2560, bytheglass.gr By the Glass

Oinoscent

Heteroclito

Cellar Status: More than 700 labels from the world over. Wines usually include 5 whites, 5-6 reds and 2 roses, all priced at between 4 and 6 euros.

Top Note: Strike up a conversation with Michael, one of Oinoscent’s owners, and he will spontaneously guide you through the cellar’s little known gems.

Oinoscent Voulis 44A Syntagma.

Tel: 210.322.9374, oinoscent.gr

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Brettos Kidathineon 41 Plaka.

Tel: 210.323.2110, brettosplaka.com

Brettos

Real Deal THE

AT H E N S’ P R E F E R R E D V I E T N A M E S E R E S TA U R A N T

Petraki 12 T 21 3045 1379 E nguyenthutrangnikoleta@gmail.com

71 | BROWN

Wine bars are the perfect prop for our epicurean Athens’ lifestyle too. Think of them as an enhanced version of Greek café society: a place to chat, chill, reflect, connect – and worship the splendid grape, while you forget about the world outside.

Winepoint

WINEPOINT Well ahead of the trend, this was one of Athens’ first wine bars, opening in 2011. The emphasis here is on Greek wines, with a respectable list of the country’s finest, and owner Xenofon organises frequent events promoting local producers. When you need something more substantial than the delicious tasting platters here, stroll down the street to Aglio Olio & Peperoncino, serving arguably the best pasta in Athens.

Cellar Status: The wine list boasts more than 200 labels that are changed regularly. Ask for the winemaker of the month - the sommelier will be happy to oblige with his tasting notes!

Top Note: Its exhaustive list boasts some very obscure Greek grapes: from Karnachalas to Melissaki.

The music here is more bluesy/ jazz and mercifully low enough to encourage conversation.

Porinou 2 & Athanassiou Diakou, Koukaki.

Tel: 10 922 7050; facebook.com/winepoint.athens

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JUNIOR DOES WINE

VINTAGE

Just behind the Hilton, this newish bar in Ilisia is fast becoming a meeting point for wine nerds.

With outdoor seating for balmy evenings and a high bar for solo drinkers, the vibe here is very inviting.

Cellar Status: Their modest wine list is a well-chosen one of around 50 Greek and international wines.

Try the Nikolaou Kidonitsa 2020, a fine example of an overlooked Peloponnese white: fat, almost oily but clean and well balanced.

Top Note: This is one of the few wine bars where you don’t start fretting about the tab even before you’ve downed your first glass.

The light but inventive snack menu doesn’t disappoint either!

If decision-making is not your strong suit, the awe-inspiring 20 pages of wines offered by the glass (including such gems as Chateau d’Yquem and Cheval Blanc) could induce dizziness even before your first sip. But help is at hand in the friendly form of owner Panos, talking you through the list, arranging ‘flight’ tastings at a moment’s notice, and responding to your incredulous queries about storing such a vast number of opened wines. The answer is an ingenious device called Coravin, which syringes through the cork, draws out a glassful, and fills the space with argon gas, after which the cork reseals. Voilà, a sneaky way to taste that Margaux you’d squirreled away for posterity!

Cellar Status: Vintage holds over 1.200 labels and a total inventory of over 40.000 bottles. Every now and then, some of the old & rare vintages are made available on their online store.

Top Note: Vintage offers different pairing experiences but if you want to make a wine nerd happy, book a Luxury tasting experience

Meandrou 5; facebook.com/juniordoeswine

Junior Does Wine

from a list of almost 200 most unique labels – all without buying the whole bottle.

How about a Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2013, Olivier Leflaive at 190 euros/ 150ml glass or a Petrus 2002 at 1200 euros/ 150ml glass or a Chateau D’Yquem 2001 at 136 euros/ 50ml glass.

Mitropoleos 66-68, Plaka.

Tel: 21 3029 6570 Vintage

experience ALL-DAY BISTRO & WINE BAR

5 Petraki & 9 Pentelis, Athens, Greece | T 211 418 5517

Slowly but surely wine bars have been stealth-bombing this city of ours.

Century-old classics have been joined by atmospheric new drinking dens, run by well-travelled oenophiles banging the drum about charismatic new Greek varieties. There’s never been a better time to embark on a wine safari in the capital.

TANINI AGAPI MOU

WAREHOUSE

Adding some serious body to the Athenian wine scene is newcomer Tanini Agapi Mou. Clearly an ode to the grape, its name translates as ‘tannin my love’ and this Exarcheia hangout does not disappoint. With hanging planters and a profusion of tropicana, you’re transported away from graffiti and grit into an urban rainforest, with great wine!

Go armed with loupes and magnifying glasses – their wine list matrix beats any Panamanian money-laundering spreadsheet. They even hand out a ruler to guide you through the list, line by line.

Cellar Status: With almost 100 selections by the glass, and a focus on natural, organic and biodynamic labels, some of our favourites include Sotiris Koutroulis’s skin-contact Malagousia 2020 from Attica and Patistis’s beautiful, fragrant, earthy Xinomavro 2018, from the obscure Peleon area of Argalasti.

Top Note: Tanini will soon be serving their own wine, and we can’t wait to review it!

Warehouse started off in Exarcheia with an all-day wine bar and and has since expanded to one in Syntagma, Warehouse CO2 as a temple to sparkling wines and a third in Kallithea, Warehouse Edge. Our favourite is the one in Syntagma.

The setting, as its name suggests, is industrial, with a buzzy vibe.

91 Ippokratous; taniniagapimou.gr

Tanini Agapi Mou

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Warehouse

Materia Prima

MATERIA PRIMA This is where you take your friends to impress them with a blind tasting session. With two outposts in Koukaki and Pangrati, the team at Materia Prima organise daily tastings but will happily indulge you in an impromptu degustation too. You could taste three utterly different dry 2019 Muscats from the same Samos producer with varying amounts of skin contact.

Our favourite though is Ktima Ligas’s fragrant Roditis Barrique 2019 from Pella, arguably one of the most impressive orange wines we’ve tasted!

Cellar Status: With only a dozen selections by the glass, you can be sure that it is a very thoughtfully curated list with a focus on offbeat wines. Materia Prima also has an e-shop with wines and deli items that you can enjoy at home.

Top Note: This is a place you could hang out all day. They serve beers and spirits too and have a mean brunch menu – which means you’ll be fuelling up to continue the revelry all day long!

Plateia Mesologgiou 3, Pangrati & Falirou 68, Koukaki 41, materiaprima.gr

England and Tasmania! If bubbles aren’t your thing, you can indulge in an impressive choice of some fabulous vintage, magnum and acclaimed ‘still’ wines. And if wines aren’t your thing either, Warehouse CO2 is democratic enough to also offer a rather exhaustive list of indigeneous Greek beers, distillates, aperitivo cocktails and premium Greek spirits and non-alcoholic refreshments.

Top Note: If all that talk of wine makes you peckish, the creative menu here doesn’t disappoint. Warehouse has a small but well-designed and perfectly executed menu with an eclectic range of light, gourmet sandwiches, cold cuts, salads and even, oysters to choose from. Warehouse also doubles up as a deli so you can take home what you fancy.

Valtetsiou 21, Athens.

Tel: +30 21 5540 8002, warehouse.gr

Cellar Status: Expect 300 different labels and 100 wines by the glass, divided into sections based on varieties and wine styles and with a great balance between Greek and foreign wines. Warehouse CO2 offers sparkling and semi-sparkling wines from Greece by the glass and bottle as well as Prosecco, Moscato d’Asti and Franciacorta from Italy, Cava from Spain, champagne from France, but also bubblies from

r e d i s n I Our s n e h t A Guide to Bars ne i W t s e B

Palate-tickling experience

22 Apollonos, 10556 Athens, Greece Τ +30 211 4184898 Ε symposio.rest@gmail.com

Located on the bustling Apollonos street, right behind the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, Symposio Resto Bar is an innovative restaurant that specializes in Greek Creative Cuisine.

Like the ancient Greek term that it is named after, Symposio is a venue to celebrate special moments around a table over thoughtfully-crafted dishes, in a stunningly beautiful setting.

From mid-morning coffees to sundowners and cocktails and exquisite meals, Symposio is

symposiorestobar.com

an all-day bar restaurant that will have you coming back, whatever your mood or occasion.

IN PIRAEUS PALEO

This is true wine-worshipper country. Go for the ab fab fitout as much as the clear dedication to all things oenocentric.

A high-ceilinged warehouse has been ingeniously re-furbished with a striking wooden sunroof and chairs branded with famous wine territories. Paleo is even more of a joy for being so unexpected, situated on a tatty side street in the port of Piraeus opposite an abandoned garage. Wine shop as well as a wine bar, its cavernous interior shelters hundreds of Greek wines, such as Moraitis’s beautifully balanced Mandilari/ Monemvasia Reserve 2018 from Paros. Very good modern food, too: Greek risotto – why not?

Polidefkous 39, Piraeus; facebook. com/paleowinestore Cellar Status: 360 wines with a Mediterranean-lean. You’ll find about a dozen alternating by the glass selections (starting at €5 or so).

Top Note: Paleo’s cut-above sommelier, Yiannis Kaimenakis, owes his wine kudos to extensive explorations of Europe’s finest vineyards.

Polydefkous 39, Pireaus, Tel: 210.412.5204, find them on Facebook.

Paleo

Corks and Forks

CORKS AND FORKS A growing army of devoted fans packs out this charming and homey Piraeus favourite, opposite Marina Zeas harbour, nightly. Share a satisfying meat and cheese platter and a few bottles of great plonk with friends as you perch on stools, or around old wine barrels.

Cellar Status: A smart wine list (90-odd options) specialising in lesser-known Greek wineries, with more than 20 available by the glass.

Top Note: “Honest food and fine wines” is the name of the game here. The menu is internationally-tilted, reasonably-priced and constantly evolving.

and forged friendships with over the years.

Cellar Status: With a focus on unusual vintages from small and unknown experimental winemakers you’re unlikely to find anywhere else, expect around 40 wines by the glass, and also some beers, cocktails and distillates. Since Cava Vegera is also a wine store, upstairs, you can find almost 1,000 different wine labels that you can drink in-store for a small corkage fee. Take time to peruse their exhaustive list – there are some rare gems lurking there! At very affordable prices too.

Top Note: Tuck into seasonal small plates with a heavy focus on cheese and fish, both of which work well to balance the acidity.

Their menu is so popular that they deliver too! Check their fb page for wine tastings.

Posidonos 11, Voula Platea, Tel: 211.012.5700, www.facebook.com/cavavegera Cava Vegera

Akti Themistokleous & Pargas, Piraeus, 215.515.9792, www.corksandforks.gr

IN THE BURBS CAVA VEGERA

Check-in for: the lively pavement setting in the heart of “Voula Village” and their pet-friendly policy. Set up as a wine retail store in 2001, Cava Vegera later on evolved into a hybrid wine bar/retail store and has a laid-back drinking environment. The owners here champion young, independent producers, many of whom they’ve met BROWN | 76

FAIDON’S This Voula wine bar has changed the game for this once stagnant coastal enclave. You can imbibe on mid-range or special edition wine varieties (where you’ll pay just a few euros more than cava-price for corkage) in a relaxed, hospitable

setting. The atmosphere is inviting; the staff infinitely knowledgeable (we love sommelier Stellina!), and then there’s the wine. Oh, so much great wine. The expansive wine list covers everything from full-bodied red wines, to crisp, refreshing whites, at prices that won’t break the bank.

Faidon’s

Cellar Status: Faidon’s wine list offers 40 wines by the glass, and the list changes every two months or so. Half of the list is Greek wine, with indigenous grape varieties from all over Greece, and the other half international bottles with a total of around 1,000 different wine labels to choose from.

Top Note: the two brothers Chris and Marios Tsiknakos decided to open up a combined wine store and wine bar. This was not a random choice since their father had run a wine shop in Kallithea for many years. Faidon’s a small and cosy wine bar with a few seats outside and a good selection of wine that can be paired with high-quality cold cuts and cheeses Agiou Ioannou 28, Voula, Tel: 21 5510 9975, www.facebook.com/Faidons

Η Ziaras Snacks, είναι μια αμιγώς ελληνική εταιρεία η οποία δραστηριοποιείται από το 1998 στο χονδρικό εμπόριο, συσκευασία και διανομή μια ευρείας γκάμας προϊόντων HORECA και BΑRECA που απευθύνονται σε cafe , bar, εστιατόρια, ξενοδοχειακές μονάδες και συναφείς επιχειρήσεις. Στις εγκαταστάσεις μας συσκεύαζουμε καθημερινά, δεκάδες διαφορετικές μίξεις ξηρών καρπών, μπισκότα, ζάχαρη κ. ά. επιλεγμένα από εσάς σε επαγγελματικές και ατομικές συσκευασίες.

ZIARAS SNACKS

Accompanying ...your drink and coffee

19o χλμ. Λεωφ. Σπατών - Σπάτα Τ 210 6823089, 210 6812434, 211 4010484 ziarast@yahoo.com

ziarassnacks.gr

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7 bars for beer lovers BEERTIME It is virtually impossible to compile a list of the top beer bars in Athens without mentioning the aptly named BeerTime. Because at BeerTime, it is always time for a beer.

Located in the heart of Psyrri, on Iroon square, this beer temple features a vast menu of local and foreign beers, mostly Greek, Bavarian and European beers. And just like in a German beergarten, BeerTime includes a small food menu with homemade cuisine & snacks, including bbq meat varieties, German sausages, salads, and even vegetarian dishes. And do we need to add that BeerTime, unlike many bars in Athens, actually has a happy hour between 4 and 5, so why not drop by then and decide for yourself?

Address: Pl. Iroon 1, Athens.

Tel: +30 21 0322 8443

BIBERE – HOUSE OF BEER Located in Pasalimani, in Piraeus, Bibere made its entrance int the magical world of beer back in 2011.

As such, it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

Here, you will find all types of beers for all tastes on tap and in bottles, while the staff won’t hesitate to make suggestions if you can’t decide what to try. At Bibere, local microbrewery IPA mingle with global beers to create a brilliantly interesting menu, with about 80 permanent labels and over 40 in constant rotation.

Add to this an ample food menu with classic choices, such as burgers, as well as lighter options, all made to pair perfectly with the draught or bottled beer of your choice. Basically, all the ingredients BROWN | 78

are present for a perfect night in Piraeus.

Address: Aggelou Metaxa 5, Pireas. Tel: +30 21 0411 0004

STRANGE BREW TAPROOM & BOTTLESHOP In the up-and-coming neighborhood of Koukaki, one will find Strange Brew taproom on Falirou street. Here, you get to enjoy the delicious concoction of the eponymous brewery, as well as a few guest IPAs and ales. The star here is definitely the awesome Jasmine IPA, which can be found on the menus of several bars around town.

While the bar is quite small, it has a cool, casual vibe which makes it a favorite among locals, ever since its recent opening. The staff, Orestis, Antonis and George, are the brains behind the brewery, which was established in 2015, and are always happy to chat about beer and their own products. And since Strange Brew is a tap room but also a shop, you can always leave the premises with a few bottles for you to enjoy home.

Address: Falirou 86, Athens Tel: +30 21 0923 2146

PULP A stone’s throw from the Acropolis museum, the inquisitive beer lover will find Pulp, a friendly place where the beer is cheap and the vibe is relaxed. The menu includes a wide selection of beers, including several from local brewing companies, such as Noctua, one of the first Athenian microbreweries. We need to warn you though; chances are, what you thought was a quick pitstop to refresh yourself with a beer

will turn into a long evening enjoying yourself chatting with fellow customers, while doing some people watching. Even more so in the summer, when tables are set on the street, just like a small street party.

And this is exactly why we love it, a friendly bar where you feel more like a friend than a stranger.

Address: Veikou 5, Athens.

Tel: +30 21 1406 9835

THE LOCAL PUB A veteran in the beer bars in Athens, the Local Pub, in the northern suburb of Chalandri, hardly needs an introduction for locals. This pub is definitely a favorite for several reasons. First, it is a smoke-free establishment. Second, the wide variety of draught beer available, including some of the freshest new products from Greek microbreweries, is simply impressive. Here, you can taste ales & IPAs, from Greek brands such as Anastasiou brewery, Alea Brewing Company and Mani Brewery, among others, as well as foreign labels such as Abnormal Beer Company or the Gypsy Hill Brew. Third, beside the beers on tap, the Local Pub also includes a vast selection of bottled beers from Greece and beyond. Fourth, the casual atmosphere and the knowledgeable staff contribute to making it a place where customers quickly turn into regulars.

Chaimanta 25, Chalandri.

Tel: +30 694 086 4443

BREWKLYN The world of craft beer has also reached the southern borders of Athens too, of course! Located in Glyfada, Brewklyn is a small gas-

tropub known for its extensive beer menu but also its delicious pizzas. And we cannot help to think that this winning combination is a strong contributor to the bar’s success. With over 80 names, including many new Greek craft beers and international brands as well, Brewklyn has made a name for itself in the southern suburbs. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have question, as owner Alex and its staff will be happy to direct you to the beer you would fancy. A true gem ideal for grabbing a pint with friends at the end of the day. Can you tell we are hooked?

Address: Giannitsopoulou 3, Glyfada. Tel: +30 21 0894 3400

BEANS & HOPS Located in the residential suburb of Ano Patisia, Beans & Hops is a fresh entry in the beer bar scene. As the name suggests, this establishment specializes in quality coffee and craft beers. As such, the minimalistic spot includes a bar dedicated exclusively to coffee and a second dedicated to serving delicious and refreshing beer, while we recommend you take advantage of the inviting outdoor seating area during the summer days. Beans and Hops has around 25 beer labels from Greek and foreign breweries and five taps; three of which serving domestic beers, while the other two host guest labels from abroad. We definitely think Beans & will quickly win the hearts of Athenians and visitors alike so make sure to drop by before it becomes so popular you can’t find a spot to sit at!

Address: Avenue Irakliou 43, Athens. Tel: +30 21 0202 2026

Discover Athens’ monuments and attractions on recreational outdoor experiences with a local guide

Athens First-Rate e Bike Tours Daily Departures In Small Groups With English And French Guides

11th Lempesi st. | 11742 Athens, Attica, Greece

(+30) 210.9215.620 HELLO@SOLEBIKE.EU

solebike.eu

Scan the QR-code to book online.

Use BROWNHOTELS promocode to get 15% discount 79 | BROWN

Out and About in Athens Until recently, Athens was merely a pit stop on the queer map for LGBTQ travellers on their way to the freedom and openmindedness of always cosmopolitan, gay-friendly Mykonos.

Thanks to some pioneering bars, clubs, restaurants and Gen Z’s refusal to be categorised by gender or sexual preference labels, the Athenian LGBTQ scene is finally OUT of the closet and in the open. While Gazi is still the gay village of the capital, we showcase the entrepreneurial spirits unfurling the rainbow flag in downtown Athens.

SHAMONE Popular weekend nightclub with drag shows, live performances and regular themed parties. Shamone attracts a very diverse party crowd full of energy and good cheer. A great option to start the night.

Konstantinoupoleos 46, Tel: +30.210.345.0144, Shamone Club

NOIZ LGBTQ nightclub in Gazi, with more of a lesbian tilt in a loud, stylish, and buzzing space. Open every night of the week, with female DJs spinning Greek and international dance hits.

Konstantinoupoleos 78, Tel: +30.210.346.7850, Noiz Club ATH BROWN | 80

SODADE2 The legendary 15 year-old Athens’ gay nightclub Sodade2 has two dance floors (second area only open on the weekends), with DJ’s spinning mainstream hits, house, progressive and Greek songs. The club gets really packed on the weekends and it’s definitely still the place to be.

Triptolemou 10, Athens, Tel: +30 21 0346 8657, Fb: Sodade2

ROOSTER All-day gay café bar located in the heart of Agias Eirinis square, with a chilled-out atmosphere, good food and DJs. Great hangout for drinking, dining and people-watching, or an early evening drink before heading to Gazi.

Plateia Agias Eirinis 4, Tel: +30.210.322.4410, roostercafe.gr

S-CAPE The classic nightclub returns. S-Cape is back with pride and as popular as ever. Regular themed nights, special events, DJ’s, drag shows and go-go dancers galore.

Iakchou 32, Gazi, Tel: +30.697.819.5598, S-Cape

KOUKLES The premier cabaret and drag bar in Athens with nightly shows. Koukles Club has enough kitsch to bring a massive smile to your face – a must-see for fans of vibrant stage performance and comedy.

Zan Moreas 32, Tel: +30.694.755.7443, Koukles Club Athens

CORINTH, one hour drive from Athens

O

ne of the most advanced Greek city-states, Corinth was one of the greatest naval and commercial centres in antiquity. There are countless things to do in modern-day Corinth. The breathtaking seaside landscapes, the imposing Mount Geraneia, the scattered archaeological ruins, and the city’s world-famous canal, are only a few things to see while visiting.

SEE: The Corinth Canal The Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel, that spans a six-kilometre waterway connecting the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea, and every year over 10,000 boats and cruise ships sail down the canal. Cut through solid rock, the canal is just 21.3 metres wide, its vertical sides rising 90m above the water, and makes for an impressive sight when a ship passes through. The best vantage point is on the banks of the submersible bridge in Isthmia. Wait for a ship to pass by, and you’ll hear a collective gasp all around!

Temple of Apollo, Corinth Built around 560 BC with local limestone, the Temple of Apollo temple was the absolute symbol of glory for the city of Corinth. Visit the recently renovated archaeological museum of ancient Corinth, home to BROWN | 82

important artefacts and statues. Also worth visiting is the Bema of Saint Paul, the large elevated rostrum in the Roman Forum where St.Paul’s trial for illegal teachings is believed to have taken place.

Acrocorinth Climb up to the Acropolis of Corinth, or the Acrocorinth, for stunning views of the temple and of the city below. A monolithic rock that historians have described as “the most impressive of the Acropolis of mainland Greece,” it was further heavily fortified during the Byzantine Empire to defend against the Crusaders, and was later the fortress of the Franks, the Venetians, and the Ottoman Turks. It is one of the most important medieval castle sites in Greece.

Heraion of Perachora A sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera, dating back to 8 BC, the Heraion of Perachora to the north of the Corinthian Gulf, on the Geraneia mountain range, it is a worth a visit along with a visit to the Lighthouse of Heraion, that has been in operation since operated in 1897.

Lake Doxa The gorgeous green Feneos valley, surrounded by dense pine forests, surrounding the artificially created Lake Doxa are definitely worth a detour for a landscape that is more reminiscent of Germany or Switzerland rather than the Mediterranean.

DO: Go Bungee Jumping at the Isthmus If you’re brave enough to tick off bungee-jumping off your bucket list, few places offer the beauty and instagrammable backdrop as the Corinth Canal does. The idea of jumping into the void of the Corinth Canal, the Isthmus, is hard for many to stomach, but those who have dared it admit that it is a life-altering experience, with a guaranteed adrenaline rush. The platform is located below the Corinth footbridge 80 metres above sea level, and many say that this is one of the best spots for bungee jumping in the world. Contact zulubungy.com

Hike up Mount Geraneia Geraneia’s peak is at over 1300 meters, making it a haven for extreme sports lovers offering a wide variety of activities including hiking, trekking, mountain biking, canyoning, motorcycling, parachuting, and paragliding. Also, the fact that Geraneia is embraced by three gulfs— the Saronic Gulf, the Corinthian Gulf, and the Gulf of Alkyonides—a trek up the mountains offers panoramic views of the whole of Corinthia.

Swim in Lychnari Corinthia is dotted with endless beaches, but hidden in a green forest near Loutra of Elenis, is Lychnari Beach, known only to insiders and locals who want to have a quiet dip in nature.

EAT: From traditional seafood tavernas to more sophisticated meals, Corinth has it all. For traditional Greek cuisine paired with exquisite wines from nearby Nemea, go to Marinos Restaurant.Arhontiko is an excellent choice for traditional Greek plates with a touch of sophistication. Maïstr li in Loutraki offers great quality food and a terrific view.

Lunch with your feet in the water at Kalada in Loutra of Elenis. Try their shrimp saganaki and BBQ octopus. Avli housed in a beautifully appointed old house has good food, and great service. Mezedopoleion Gigantes specializes in hearty home-made cooking. K5 in Synoikismos has the most generous portions of gyros. Come duly starved!

A destination steeped in history with ancient temples and fortresses, and a coastline dotted with unsung beaches and old-school fish tavernas. And a whole slew of possibilities for endless adventures – from bungee jumping off the Corinth Canal to kite-surfing, and hiking up the AcroCorinth.

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THINK TANK

Design Resort

ISLA BROWN CORINTHIA A 5* family design resort with endless leisure options

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An ethereal building with suspended wave-like floors that emulate the sea and reference the nearby Sousaki volcano, this design-awarded resort (IDA Design 2023) with 166 rooms and suites, just an hour away from Athens, is a paradise for design and sport lovers. The curved façade surfaces create a visual brand language and draw inspiration from white sea pebbles. The hotel boasts a sea view lobby, indoor bar, allday restaurant, gym and spa, children’s park, and an infinity rooftop pool, among other amenities. Every sea activity you might think of is available, from water sports to games and activities for the whole family! In need of some pampering? Isla Brown Corinthia’s indulgent spa treatments and amenities are designed to nurture your body and mind. A destination unto itself, the hotel’s restaurants and bars reflect the same bold approach to hospitality, with an eclectic mix of refined flavours from the Mediterranean. The breakfast buffet – a cornucopia of choices – is open from 7.00 am to 12 noon, catering to late-night stragglers after a wild evening out to late-morning risers!

Isla Brown Corinthia is within a very short drive from some of the area’s stunning attractions and a short drive from Greece’s former capital town Nafplio, the ancient theatre at Epidaurus and the islands of Poros and Hydra.

Agioi Theodoroi 200 03, Corinth, Greece Tel: +30 27414 40140 www.instagram.com/islabrowncorinthia brownhotels.com

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LIVE LIFE TO THE EXTREMES WITH BLUE STORIES Powered by Brown Hotels Explore Athens' landmarks with bespoke tours, go on an adventure-filled holiday through Greece's hiking trails and get your adrenaline high on the high seas with Blue's water sports activities.

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E

xperience the Acropolis differently. Enjoy our all day trips exploring the secrets that only Athens insiders know. Go on an adventure-filled excursion! Listen to what the Oracle has to say in Delphi, enjoy island vibes in Corinth, or Evia and discover Nafplio’s rich history!

Embark on unforgettable tours straight from the Athens International Airport to Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon. Join walking tours in Athens’ historic centre with a local guide. Admire Athens’ famed street art scene, and take part in bespoke experiences of local cuisine and wineries. Discover the emerald waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, where you can swim in its serene waters throughout the year.

Blue Terra Blue offers a variety of on-land activities that will make your trip to Athens unforgettable!

The land activities include city tours, EZRAIDER Tours and rally cars for road action in the Greek countryside.

Blue Terra also offers the opportunity to discover the Attica Zoo Park, home to over 2.000 animals from 290 different species and 5 continents! Next to the Attica Zoo Park, is Aquapolis, the biggest waterpark in Athens, where you can slide into fun with a variety of water activities, or relax by the pool.

Blue also offers family fun experiences in its amusement parks! The Ninja Park at OAKA and the Blue Water Parks at Evia and Corinth are the ultimate destinations for fun activities, both for children and adults! At the Ninja Park, test your adventure gene with the monkey challenge, jumping from one rope to another, the climbing wall and the parkour track.

At Blue Water Parks, enjoy a host of water attractions and facilities.

The Aqua Park is an especially designed park with a wide variety of water sports and fun activities for every age. At the Ninja Park, you will find the ultimate ninja challenges, and a sports water track with kids adventures. Finally, the Blue Water Park at Evia, the biggest waterpark in the area, is equipped with 10 slides, 4 body slides, pools and a wide variety of other challenges suitable for kids, as well as adults.

Blue Mare Experience the sea with some of the most exciting water activities in Athens!

Water sports are a popular activity in Greece! Blue offers experiences that include extreme water sports in popular Greek seaside destinations.

Hover above the water or fly as high as 14 meters with the flyboard!

Ride at high speed over the waves with the jet ski, the jet surf and enjoy water skiing. Water activities also include a variety of towable inflatables, such as the banana, the big couch and the phantom, offering moments full of fun and action in the crystal waters. Enjoy the sun and the turquoise waters of Greece on a SUP board, or enjoy the natural landscape by paddling with a canoe. For the ultimate underwater adventure, scuba diving and sea bob will give you the opportunity to discover the beauty of the Greek sea bottom. If you wish to enjoy a sailing trip and dive into the amazing Greek waters, you can cruise with one of the Blue yachts. Ideal for groups and families.

Whether you want to take in the archaeological sites in and around Athens or indulge in some water fun and adventure sports while at our resorts in Corinth and Evia, contact us at bluestories.com Facebook: The Blue Stories | Instagram: @theblue_stories_gr booking@ thebluestories.com

All inclusive paradise

BROWN BEACH EVIA ISLAND

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Brown encourages you to explore pristine coastlines just an hour or so away from Athens. Discover Eretria, a coastal town in Evia, Greece’s second largest island, that boasts a rich maritime history and an even richer ecosystem. Connected to the mainland by two bridges, Eretria is often referred to as the "gateway” to the island, and is just a 90 minute drive from Athens, or a short ferry hop from Oropos.

Brown Beach Evia Island is an all-inclusive resort, with 175 rooms, bungalows and suites hosting up to 6 guests in utter comfort. Located bang on the water, with a thrilling 360 view of the Evian Gulf, the hotel is done up in Greece's signature white and blue palette. With a slew of activities designed to make your holiday a fun-filled wet adventure, watch your children learn new skills and cherish some precious moments of pure family bonding. After a hectic day of water sports, soak up the sun by the pool, or splash around in the beachfront!

Indulge in a full Brown-style culinary experience nd make the most of the whole array of indoor and outdoor activities! Just remember to pack your sunscreen!

Agias Paraskevis Str., Magoula, Eretria, 340 08, Greece Tel: +30 2229 44 0000 www.instagram.com/brownbeacheviaisland brownhotels.com

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Breezy Delight

BROWN BEACH CHALKIDA Summer vibes that never stop

An easy drive of only an hour away from Athens, Brown Beach Chalkida perfectly encapsulates what the renowned Greek lifestyle is all about. With 119 rooms and bungalows that can host upto 4 in absolute comfort, the resort’s island aesthetics that set the tone for a sunny escape, the sea just a few steps away. Naturally, you'll have your very own swimming pool too!

Very likely you'll be spending more time on the water than in your room, given the sheer range of fun water sports activities on offer for the whole family! Spare some moments for some me-time too at the wellness centre.

As at all Brown hotels, food is indeed the way to love, and the bars and restaurants at Brown Beach Chalkida are geared to pamper your palate and spike your endorphin levels. Gather around a table laden with Mediterranean specialties, rooted in Greek culinary tradition.

Agios Minas, Chalkida 341 00, Greece, Tel: +30 22214 40300 www.instagram.com/brownbeachchalkida, brownhotels.com BROWN | 90

Life is a Beach

DAVE BY THE BEACH LOUTRAKI Easy, peasy, summer breezy!

DAVE by the Beach Loutraki is an affordable exploration point, just an hour’s drive from Athens featuring 39 summery rooms, whispering distance from the sea. In a super fun location, this cheery getaway is designed to elevate ‘farniente’ – the art of doing nothing – to a whole different level.

Lounge by the lobby/beer-corner at the reception or catch some sun and stellar views on the rooftop.

9, Ethnikis Antistasis St. Loutraki, 20300, Greece, Tel: +30 6983400980, www.instagram.com/daveloutraki, brownhotels.com 91 | BROWN

A jazz concert under the stars. A Venetian lighthouse piercing the azure sky. Raki on the harbour and Cretan delicacies in obscure alleyways. Layers of history revealing Chania’s rich past.

TIMELESS CHANIA F

ew cities have the cosmopolitan charm and sophistication that the Cretan city of Chania exudes. Here, history steps out of every alley to reveal the fascinating story of this vibrant city. From the Venetian harbour, to the Küçük Hasan mosque, the narrow alleys of the Jewish community, the elegant Halepa quarter that hosted the consulates of the Great Powers, the renovated Grand Arsenal, the Splanzia ruins and the Kum Kapi at Miaouli Beach, Chania is a true crossroads of civilizations. From its fascinating Old Town to exotic Balos beach and the famous Samaria Gorge, Chania promises beauty, adventure, and fiery raki. How can you resist?

KNOW YOUR HISTORY The Venetian influence of course is everywhere. This era began in 1204, at the end of the Fourth Crusade when the Venetians gained the city, and put all their energy into fortifications around the Old Town.

Walls and moats enclose both east and west sides; the eastern moat is used for a theatre in the summer, where you can watch plays or listen to music under the stars and clear dry sky. The Venetians, however, were not the only ones to fortify the city. Before them, the Byzantines had also done the same, but concentrated on the hilly Kasteli area, behind the harbour. Taking a walk along Kanavaro Street, the main thoroughfare of Kasteli, you see Byzantine wall ruins as well as even remains of Minoan houses from as far back as the 15th century B.C., back when Chania was known as Kydonia, after Kydon, grandson of mythical King Minos of Crete.

Besides fortifying the city, the Venetians, as we know, were active seafarers and shipbuilders. They built twenty-two arsenals, or neoria as they’re called, along the eastern section of the harbour. Today, seven neoria survive that you can see from your walk along the ramparts. One has even been restored as a cafe. The grand Arsenal on the harbour, BROWN | 92

which houses the Centre of Mediterranean Studies, is used for temporary exhibits on photography and painting.

Not only walls, but also fountains, arched doorways, stone steps on the outside of houses, all show Venetian influence. Many of these buildings have been lovingly restored, such as the Casa Delfino hotel, a palazzo from the 17th century. And finally, not to forget Venetian-era churches, such as San Salvatore on Theotocopoulou, and San Rocco and Agios Nikolaos in the Splantzia area of town, the Muslim neighborhood. Agios Nikolaos indeed shows the blending of cultures, on one side with a church bell tower and on the other, a minaret. As in many places, churches were converted to mosques in the Ottoman era, or put to other uses, such as the Archaeological Museum, originally

Left: 1. Chania's iconic Venetian harbour 2. The old Venetian Shipyards or Neoria Photo by Shutterstock | Right: 3. The famed Samaria Gorge and 4. Sougia Beach.

Photo by Y. Skoulas, GNTO | 5. Etz Hayyim Synagogue, Chania

the Monastery of St. Francis. In the Ovraiki area of the Old Town, two synagogues at one time served the local Jewish population and one of them had originally been a 14th century church. In 1999, this synagogue, the Etz Hayyim or the Tree of Life Synagogue off Kondylakis Street, was restored and serves today as a religious and cultural centre that is well worth a visit.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE LANDMARKS Take a break from café squatting to take a a walk to the dimotiki agora, which was completed in 1913, the year that Crete was united with Greece. The Archaeological Museum, the municipal art gallery, the gallery inside the 17th century Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque on the harbour and the public gardens are some other sights. A wonderful walk, but definitely not in the summer midday, is along the ramparts, starting from the neoria, the Venetian shipbuilding houses, at the eastern end, to the faros, the Venetian lighthouse. Built in 1570 but completed three centuries later, the faros is Chania’s landmark of beauty, which is captured on everyone’s cameras more than any other sight, especially at sunset, with its vivid play of colours.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE MEETS NEO CRETAN FUSION Old favorites worth returning to, like Calderimi on Theotokopoulou Street, where Giorgos creates works of art of Cretan cuisine in his kitchen, like sfakiani pita with mizithra and honey, always adding and experimenting, and to Semiramis on Skoufon with its lovely garden and Greek music. And then there is the discovery of new places, like Colombo with its fusion cuisine, on Isodion Street, one of the narrow alleys everywhere in the Old Town with boutiques and bars. Other restaurant recommendations, all in the old town include: Tamam, Chrysostomos and (vegan option) Pulse. All excellent value, great food

and friendly service. Also try Slow Food at Drakona, up in the White Mountains and a great stop for a long lunch on a scenic trek. Basically, eat whatever he is cooking, much of it comes from his own small holding. Also try Salis, run by Swedish-Iranian sommelier Afshin Molavi.

FOR SUNDOWNERS AND JAZZ For a raki in the late afternoon as the sun turns a little gentler, Al Canea near the Naval Museum can’t be beaten, as it’s on a slight uphill and the view of the harbour sloping down is just magic. Agelou is one of the most picturesque streets in Topanas, the name of the Christian area of the Old Town under the Turkish occupation. Listen to some great classic jazz at the historic jazz bar Fagotto.

WHERE TO LAY YOUR BEACH TOWEL Nea Chora beach is a 10 minute walk from the westernmost part of town, blessed with a huge almeriki or tamarisk tree offering shade.

Further along are the beaches of Aghia Marina and Platanias (all easily reached with the KTEL bus). On days when the meltemi hits the northern beaches, a wonderful idea is to go to one of the beaches along the south coast. Loutro is a favourite with its crystalline water and its white and blue architecture, resembling a small Cycladic village. Another nearby beach to Chania is Stavros on Akrotiri, where much of Zorba the Greek was filmed.

Any stroll along the harbour can yield unexpected treasures and events. Expect impromptu concerts with lauto and lyra as young girls twirl demurely, apron and kerchief in hand, and boys in their vrakes and boots, learn to do the kicks in the syrtos and pentozalis. And just like that one is lost in the magic, beauty and special rhythms of the Old Town of Chania.

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Summer Bliss

ISLA BROWN CHANIA Crete at its very finest Few cities have the cosmopolitan charm and sophistication that the Cretan city of Chania exudes. Here, history steps out of every alley to reveal the fascinating story of this vibrant city. Chania promises beauty, adventure, and fiery raki. How can you resist?

Just a 15-minute drive from the airport (with free transfers to and from the resort), Brown’s brand-new resort Isla Brown Chania boasts 148 rooms done up in marble and rattan that lend it an air of breezy sophistication. All three pools offer endless views to the Aegean, ideal for sipping on your summer cocktail as the sun goes down! Let your little ones splash around in their special children's pool. Want to flaunt your beach bod? The fully equipped gym features top-notch equipment. Indulge in the resort's extraordinary in-house spa with superlative pampering that reaches a whole new level. With an array of exclusive massage treatments, you are placing your relaxation in the best of hands. Enjoy Cretan hospitality at its finest at three fabulous restaurants that introduce you to the region's legendary cuisine.

Stavros, Crete 73100, Greece, www.instagram.com/islabrownchania brownhotels.com BROWN | 94

Summer Romance

AKRON SEASCAPE RESORT You'll simply fall in love

From Gerald and Lawrence Durrell’s evocative books to the place where the shipwrecked Odysseus was soothed and sent on his way home, Corfu has been portrayed as an idyll for centuries. With a stunningly well-preserved colonnaded city centre, untamed beaches, rugged interiors, cypress-studded hills, vertiginous villages, and sandy coves lapped by cobaltblue waters, Corfu is understandably a very sought-after destination.

Brown Akron Seascape Resort in Canal d’Amour, the Canal of Love, one of the most romantic spots on the island, features 70 comfortable rooms and suites and a full set of in-house amenities, maisonettes, and rooms with private pools, making it ideal for holidays with the little ones or for a romantic getaway.

Kahlua, the clifftop restaurant at the hotel serves not only the freshest seafood you can find, but also the most glorious sunset view of Canal d’Amour. Be prepared to be spoilt with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and an impressive wine collection.

Melitsa – Peroulades, Corfu, Greece Tel: +30 26630 95086, www.instagram.com/akronseascaperesort brownhotels.com BROWN | 96

BROWN RESORT

All Year Rejuvenation

BROWN BEACH HOUSE CROATIA The first resort hotel in the Brown Group, this waterfront boutique design hotel, set in a walled garden with a bar-restaurant and a pool, exudes a sophisticated yet unpretentious feel, offering a stylish and laid-back retreat for exploring the Dalmatian coast. Within a short walking distance from the UNESCO-listed old town Trogir, and less than 5 kms away from Split airport, Brown Beach House Croatia boasts 44 stunningly appointed rooms and suites, a small spa and a stunning beachfront.

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IN CROATIA

Trogir

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NEW RESORT IN CYPRUS Brown to be

BROWN SEASIDE LARNACA

Brown makes its debut in Cyprus with Brown Seaside Larnaca, a luxury boutique hotel right across Kiti beach in Larnaca. With most of the produce and herbs grown in the hotel’s vegetable gardens and with conscious energy - efficient practices, Brown Seaside Larnaca is anchored in the values of sustainability and mindful living. The Caretta Caretta turtles choose Kiti beach to nest their eggs each year, making this spa retreat an even more special destination.

Just a three minute drive from the tranquil beach village of Pervolia and less than 10 minutes from Larnaca Airport, the latest addition to the Brown family is right on the water overlooking a pristine stretch of Cypriot shoreline. The rooms at Brown Seaside Larnaca come equipped with indulgent creature comforts - all the dealbreakers are covered here - luxurious high-thread-count linens, strong rain showerheads with the right pressure and of course a 32-inch Plasma HD TV to binge watch your fave series. Added perks include stunning sea views and private pools!

Just when you think it cannot possibly get any better, this resort hotel also boasts a heavenly spa with an aptly celestial name, Eden. Inspired by traditional treatments and the latest trends in the spa world, the spa offers a host of rejuvenating treatments for you to lie back and enjoy.

Franke, the in-house restaurant serves traditional classics with an inventive twist. It’s all about staying local, and the menu changes seasonally, following nature’s cycle.

Gather at the Sky Lounge for sundowners and nightcaps and dance away the night. The rooftop bar is also a coveted destination as a venue for weddings and other celebratory events. brownhotels.com

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THINK TANK

TEL AVIV, SUN WITH A SIDE OF ATTITUDE

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THINK TANK

SEXY, SASSY TEL AVIV!!

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Tel Aviv is easily the Med’s buzziest capital with a food scene that is inventive, nightlife that will put Ibiza and Mykonos to shame and a 14km long Instagram-storied beachfront to seduce you to the water! Throw in stunning examples of Bauhaus architecture, a vibrant cultural landscape and bustling street markets, and you’ll be hooked.

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efinitely sun-drenched and bohemian. TelAvivians, it appears, are in non-stop workout mode. Effortlessly cool, party-loving residents - and visitors - seem to spend their days on the beach and evenings at all-night raves. But they’re extremely sporty too!

GET MOVING! The first impression one has of Tel Aviv is of how efficiently designed it is for a wellness lifestyle (and to make any visitor here feel grossly unfit). An extremely walkable city with bicycle lanes (that stretch to almost 120 kms!!) its beachfront promenades are dotted with honeylimbed bodies on yoga mats or at gym stations. Access to healthy living is omnipresent and, oftentimes, free. Expect cafes to serve turmeric lattes and add to that Tel Aviv’s world-famous vegan scene and more than 300 days of sunshine, you’ll leave healthier than when you arrived.

BAUHAUS CAPITAL Tel Aviv is home to over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings constructed between 1920 and 1940 by German-Jewish architects who immigrated to the region. Jump on the White City Tours, offered free by the Municipality. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the majority of Bauhaus buildings can be seen on Rothschild Boulevard (it’s worth picking up a map from the Bauhaus Centre at 99 Dizengoff Street). Brown’s Poli House (the Polishuk House as it was then known) is a prime example of Bauhaus architecture and was home to the clandestine Etzel printing press during the British Mandate. To book a tour, email: tourism@ tel-aviv.gov.il.

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EXPLORE TLV packed city is split into distinct neighbourhoods with their own feel. To make the most of your stay, explore the city on foot or by cycle.

• Head to the hipster haunt of Florentin where artists have transformed this destination from a seedy industrial area into a district with a laidback vibe and ever-changing street art. Florentin is a work in progress, retaining its edge of scruffiness in the close-knit streets around edgy Levinsky Market shared by artisan workshops and garment wholesalers alongside the hipster ventures.

• Wedged between Jaffa and Florentin, is the American Colony, a tiny, quaint neighborhood of old wooden houses surrounding a beautiful church that resembles New England.

• Then for a stint of shopping and window-browsing, head to Shabazi Street in neighbouring Neve Tzedek for a top range of independent boutiques to browse.

• Definitely spend an afternoon at the southern tip of the city where Tel Aviv blends into the ancient port city of Jaffa (Yafo). Goods have been traded here for thousands of years - including Jaffa oranges, the inspiration for the Jaffa Cake (see our detailed article on Jaffa).

Walk through the narrow alleys of the still-inhabited city and enjoy panoramic ocean sunset views from its walls built from iconic golden Jerusalem stone.

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DO • Allow enough time to spend a long morning on the beach. Jerusalem Beach, Frishman Beach, Banana Beach are ideal for watching matkot matches (beach tennis played by young and old) and surfing the waves, and make sure not to miss Hilton Beach - an LGBTQ+ focal point of the huge annual Tel Aviv pride celebrations.

• Tel Aviv’s art scene is vibrant, so make time to visit a few contemporary art galleries and at least a couple of museums.

• The city’s markets are also a must-see (see detailed article on Tel Aviv markets). Tel Aviv’s largest Middle Eastern-style “shouk”, Carmel Market, has been running since 1920. Buy everything from souvenirs to craft beer and small bags of fresh rogelach - the traditional small, intensely sweet and dense mini croissant pastries.

5 1. Cafe Culture is alive and well in this city that refuses to sleep 2. Jaffa Harbour is, in some ways, a time capsule 3. Eating is a national obsession TelAvivians discussing their next meal while eating!

4. Street Murals lend character and character.

5. Tel Aviv's enviably long, sandy waterfront.

EAT The country that created the Ottolenghi revolution of Middle Eastern flavours, means that pretty much everywhere is good to eat in Tel Aviv.

Eating is a big thing in Israel, and the biggest debate in Israeli food is where to find the best hummus and pita. There are cafés on every corner, plant-based restaurants that rewrite established vegan rules, and star chefs like Eyal Shani and Raz Rahav who’ve revolutionized Israeli cuisine. Must-trys: Shakshuka for breakfast, sabich and falafel for a mid-day snack. (See our detailed restaurant and bar guide).

DRINK & DANCE In Tel Aviv, the party never stops. Buckle up for an adrenaline high and a nightlife scene featuring parties crammed with character. The sheer abundance of options is mind-boggling! Follow our nocturnal guide to bespoke cocktails and great music.

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ROTHSCHILD BOULEVARD: WHERE LIFE HAPPENS This iconic boulevard is at once historic as it is contemporary. Lined with the city’s famed Bauhaus facades, Rothschild could have become ‘a grande dame past her prime’. But Rothschild’s timeless appeal lies in the fact that it holds the same magic and enchantment across generations as it did 100 years ago.

Stretching from the Habima Thetre on the one end upto leafy Neve Tzedek, Rothschild is where you head to for coffee dates, bike rides, romantic strolls, and of course, for dinner and dancing. This is where commerce and culture collide, with banks and businesses sharing real estate with galleries and museums.

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t’s fair to say that Rothschild Boulevard is where the beating heart of Tel Aviv lies. One of the most important and iconic streets in Tel Aviv, this century-old boulevard still retains its magic. Bang in the middle of the White City of Tel Aviv, the cluster of Bauhaus buildings that lend Tel Aviv its architectural cred, Rothschild Boulevard, at the risk of being alliterative, is a commercial, cultural and culinary centre. And that is what makes it perfect for people-watching. Watch as Tel Avivians run, walk, dog-walk, romance, caffeinate, picnic, bar-hop, art-crawl and wander aimlessly on this expansive stretch.

Walking along this storied street is a beautiful experience.

Rothschild Boulevard was one of the first streets to rise in Tel Aviv over 100 years ago. The original name, Rehov HaAm, means “the street of the people”. Its new name reflects the generosity of Baron Edmond James de Rothschild of the French Rothschild banking dynasty. We recommend you stop along the way to observe the architecture. Each side of the street towers with beautiful Bauhaus Buildings. It’s the iconic architecture of Tel Aviv which led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While ageless, many of these have undergone extensive restoration. Alongside these buildings sit some of the tallest skyscrapers in Tel Aviv, built more recently, mostly to house bank headquarters. They beautifully contrast with the traditional buildings of the street. At the northern end of Rothschild Boulevard is the Habima Theater, Israel’s national theater, and the Fredric Mann Auditorium, the home of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Rothschild Boulevard runs, in the south, from the neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, northwards through the White City of Tel Aviv. Along the center of the boulevard are gardens, under the shade of beautiful trees, walking and bike paths, and a number of kiosks.

Hop into one of the numerous galleries and museums that flank it or refresh yourself with a coffee or meal at one of the many restaurants the street houses. Nowhere is the TelAvivian pastime of eating, drinking and then eating some more, as evident as it is on this leafy boulevard. Farm-to-table was adopted by Israelis long before it became a millennial mantra in the rest of the world, and the eateries on this street bear testimony to that culinary revolution. Or take a turn into one of the quieter streets or more animated ones like Nahalat Benyamin.

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Whiffs of crispy falafel mingling with wafts of jasmine. Chic designer boutiques like Asufa and SAGA sharing retail space with ceramics studios White House and Studio Now. Jaffa fisherman coming back with the day’s catch. A shabby chic mosaic of simple cafes to French bistros, sabich stalls, vegan eateries and Arabic grill houses doing brisk business with kebabs. Tubs of creamy hummus that have people queuing up for hours.

An enchanting maze of narrow alleyways that lead to hidden art galleries and souvenir shops. Passageways that snake back to Jaffa’s central square, next to the Hapisga Gardens. Picnicking families breaking bread next to the mystical Wishing Bridge, which, legend has it, grants the wishes of anyone who crosses it, while touching their zodiac sign. Jaffa’s mystical allure explained away with all its streets named for astrological signs. Its suspended Orange Tree symbolizing the citrus orchards that once thrived around Jaffa, lending its name to the zesty Jaffa cake.

It is in Jaffa’s flea markets and souks that traders have exchanged goods, stories, flavours and wisdom over glasses of cloudy arak and games of backgammon for centuries. In some ways, that hasn’t changed.

©Tyler Boersen

JAFFA, ANCIENT PORT, TIMELESS CHARM

affa is best described with a series of visuals. Narrow cobblestoned streets festooned with streamers. Tumbling cascades of fuchsia bougainvillaea vying for attention with colour-drenched street murals. Vintage shops crammed to the rafters with bohemian porcelain, mid-century lamps, trinkets, ceramics. Generations-old hummus parlours and bakeries alongside hardware stores and inexplicably, row after row of shops specializing in catering equipment.

Minarets and clock-towers piercing the sky while Roman aqueducts hold secrets below. Vendors selling second-hand books and dusty trinkets. A play at the fabulous Nalagat Theater, the inclusive theatre group entirely peopled by actors with sight and hearing impairments.

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5 Must-See Museums Tel Aviv Museum of Art The Tel Aviv Museum houses the best of Israeli art as well as new and old masters.

Gracing the walls of this museum are Israel’s most comprehensive collections of modern, contemporary, and Israeli art. The museum boasts an impressive collection of the old masters, diverse temporary exhibitions, displays of photography, design & architecture, a performance hall, and a beautiful, calming sculpture garden to wander around or relax in. When visiting, don’t miss the newest addition to the museum, the Herta and Paul Amir Building, which was designed by professor Preston Scott Cohen. Built around a spiraling, 90-foot high atrium, the Herta and Paul Amir Building is an architectural wonder. The interior space provides a unique setting for the display of contemporary art, a center for architecture, and a gallery.

Address: 27 Shaul HaMelech Blvd, Tel Aviv Contact: www.tamuseum.org.il/en info@tamuseum.com +972 3-607-7020 Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Sat 10:00-18:00; Tue, Thu 10:00-21:00; Fri 10:00-14:00

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Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art A multi-disciplinary museum with a focus on installations and multimedia, the Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art addresses a multitude of genres, including painting, photography and architecture with a special emphasis on installation and digital media. Four exhibitions are held each year, comprising 50 solos showcasing the work of veteran and up-and-coming artists and their relation to current events.

Address: 4 Ha’banim St, Herzliya Contact: www.herzliyamuseum.co.il/en info-museum@herzliya.muni.il Tel: 09-9500762 Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00-14:00; Tue, Thu 16:00-20:00

MoBY: Museums of Bat Yam A three-museum complex in the heart of Bat Yam

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The greater Tel Aviv-Jaffa metropolitan area is scattered with galleries and museums. Among these are the Museums of Bat Yam. The MoBY is separated into three spaces operating in the heart of Bat Yam: the David Ben-Ari Museum for Contemporary Art (main building displaying temporary exhibits, community programs and academic conferences), the Rybak House and the Sholem Asch Museum (home to the MoBY’s permanent collection). From addressing globalism in “The Kids Want Communism” to an exhibition featuring the works of local Bat Yam artists, the three-museum complex will surely captivate the most curious art enthusiasts.

Address: 6 Struma St, Bat Yam Contact: moby.org.il info@moby.org.il Tel: +03-6591140 Opening hours: Tue, Thu 16:00-20:00, Fri, Sat 10:00-14:00

Henry Moor's reclining figure graces the entrance to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art

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Design Museum Holon Consistently ranked as one of Israel’s best museums, this is a must-visit for lovers of design.

Meticulously curated exhibits display the utmost of thoughtful and esteemed contemporary works. Famed architect Ron Arad’s winding spiral of modernity encompasses one of Israel’s most stand-out venues for progressive art and design. A short drive from downtown Tel Aviv, it’s definitely worth the visit.

Address: 8 Pinhas Eilon St, Holon Contact: www.dmh.org.il/en Press inquiries ranrahav@ran-rahav.co.il Holon Design Museum Secretariat info@dmh.org.il Tel: +972 73-215-1515 +972 3-659-1140 Opening hours: Mon, Wed 10:00-16:00, Tue 10:00-20:00, Thu & Sat 10:00-18:00, Fri 10:00-14:00

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Petach Tikva Museum of Art

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This old museum has a young, fiery spirit and is constantly innovating.

The Petach Tikva Museum of Art mentors young artists while giving veterans who haven’t had their works exhibited in a museum the chance to shine. Even though it was opened back in 1964, the museum has a young spirit and aims to question traditional conventions and break down boundaries between different artistic mediums. As well as housing exhibitions, the museum fosters dialogues through artist meetings, lectures, and interdisciplinary conferences.

Address: Museum Complex, 30 Arlozorov St, Petach Tikva Contact: www.petachtikvamuseum.com ptmuseum@ptikva.org.il Tel: +972 3-928-6300 Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00-14:00; Tue, Thu 16:00-20:00

Tel Aviv Gallery Guide Are you an art buff?

Visit these 5 must see galleries & museums

Sommer Contemporary Art The gallery displays special projects and exhibitions, alongside holding lectures, study evenings, film screenings and other cultural events with the aim of promoting artistic discourse.

Address: 16 Herzl St.

Eden Fine Art Gallery This gallery presents a wide range of internationally acclaimed art works featuring paintings, objects expressing artistic sentiments, designed items, and more Address: 29 Rothschild Blvd.

Nahum Gutman Museum The museum exhibitions create a meeting space between Gutman and young Israeli contemporary artists, creating a cultural dialogue

between old and new works of art.

Address: 21 Shimon Rokach Street

The Bauhaus Tel Aviv Bauhaus Tel Aviv is based on four main values: architecture, design, art, and education. Bauhaus Tel Aviv displays a series of alternating exhibitions and holds guest lectures Address: 21 Bialik Street

Old Jaffa Museum of Antiquities The museum building dates back to the days of the Ottoman Empire and today you can admire two forms of art, ancient archaeology from the Ottoman era and contemporary works of art.

Address: 10 Mifrats Shlomo Street

Also here, we’ll add one more awesome place to the list of five - “ Joseph Bau House “.

Unlike any other museum in the world, it combines humor with animation, cinema, graphics, advertising, photography, espionage, love of the land of Israel, the Hebrew language, the Holocaust, songs, and poetry. Located on 9 Berdichevsky St., Tel Aviv gives you the perfect opportunity to take a stroll along Rothschild Blvd.

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Meet Israel's emerging artists Sarah Peguine of Oh So Arty, a community of international art guides offering an insider’s view into the contemporary art world, introduces us to the wave of young, talented artists adding colour-drenched splashes of creativity in Israel today. ohsoarty.com

Aviv Grinberg Aviv Grinberg is an interdisciplinary artist, whose practice utilizes various materials and mediums to push the boundaries of painting and sculpting, transforming their definitions, and exploring the realms which lie in between the two. While reflecting upon his personal background, Grinberg corresponds to matters of global social structures, changing ecosystems and consumerist human behavior, thus trying to interrupt these identities’ status-quo power play. Driven mostly by the social-psychological aspects of cleanliness, Grinberg samples, isolates and re-examines cleaning products, thus exposing their dual nature - toxic and nonbiodegradable, though necessary and aesthetic. By using plastic objects, which he sources from his nearby surroundings as well as industrial sites, he balances localism with mass-produced consumerism. Through large scale paintings and complex installations Grinberg reacts to his own behavior patterns, as well as to humanity’s, in the present times.

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Dede & Nitzan Mintz Dede and Nitzan Mintz are Tel Aviv based artists working both individually and as a duo.

Nitzan Mintz is a visual artist and poet based in Tel Aviv. Her work is created both in the public sphere, outdoors and in her south Tel Aviv studio, which she shares with Dede. In her process she integrates her textual work with the material that contains it and its physical, actual location in the street. Her poems combine the personal with the political; they are written out of an internal urge to verbalize mental processes which respond to the outside world. The locations she selects for her pieces in the urban sphere charges them with social and political meanings. Dede is an Israeli artist who has been working in the public sphere since 2006. His work can be viewed at galleries, exhibition spaces and on the streets of art capitals around the world, such as London, New York, Berlin and more. The urban landscape and the social and the personal questions it evokes are the main drives behind Dede’s work. Dede examines and questions the man-made urban lifestyle, as he reflects on absurd, paradoxical human existence. His body of work deals with issues shared by all individuals in urban society. He touches on the subject of loneliness, the inability to align in the assembly line or to integrate in a group, and with the constant need to move forward to new territories, to run away to new places both physical and mental. For Dede inspiration arises anywhere and everywhere, in the architecture, rhythms, sounds, and passersby who create the city’s pulse.

Vera Vladimirsky A graduate of Bezalel Academy of Art & Design, this up and coming photographer develops innovative ways to explore and expand the definitions of the medium. Vladimirsky is the winner of the prestigious Lauren and Mitchell Presser Photography Award for a Young Israeli Artist, 2021. In her multilayered photographs she uses manual and digital tools as she aspires to challenge photography as we know it, question its capacity to mediate reality, and intervene with its representation.

She is best known for her layered hybrid images, derived from her personal biography and her experience of immigrating from Ukraine to Israel at a young age. She approaches the relationship between architecture and nature from a metaphorical point of view. Her work represents a personal examination of space as an analogy for merging cultures and the tensions between them. In one of her most iconic series, Vladimirsky returned to every apartment she has ever lived in (27 in total), photographed them and then digitally formed hybrids from these different parts of her personal history.

Art Source: Your guide to Israeli Art www.artsource.online is the only platform in English that givesexclusive access to discover and collect the best of what contemporary Israeli art has to offer, anywhere in the world. Being deeply immersed in the local art scene for the past 15 years, Sarah Peguine and Michal Freedman founded Art Source in 2018, with the mission to create an online home for anyone who wants to take part in the contemporary Israeli art community. The founders are former directors of two of Israel’s leading galleries, art advisors and art world innovators. Art Source is an art advisory platform, featuring original content in the form of an online magazine and podcast and offering a wide variety of carefully curated artworks from leading and emerging contemporary Israeli artists. Make sure to follow @artsource.online to learn about the best Israeli artists!

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THINK TANK

WHERE TO STAY Urban Warmth

BROWN TLV URBAN HOTEL Vintage style, warm surroundings and a popular rooftop terrace It all started with this hotel. The dream! As the epicenter of the design hotel movement in Tel Aviv, this remarkable hotel has been ground zero for redefining hospitality. From the get-go, it was clear that aesthetic and a sense of place were intrinsic to the Brown DNA. Stay at Brown’s flagship hotel for an authentic, inclusive, contemporary hospitality experience. The decor here is unapologetically retro, the vibe stylish, and that comes through in the extremely personalized service from the minute you are greeted at the reception - very likely with a chilled glass of sparkly! Right in the middle of Tel Aviv's vibrant urban scene, Brown TLV has 30 stylish guest rooms and suites, an inviting rooftop bar to unwind with a drink, a dreamy spa and a rooftop sundeck with an open air hot-tub to soak in Tel Aviv’s year-long sunshine and stunning views. Step into a world where the past seamlessly merges with the present to create an extraordinary experience, and discover the true essence of contemporary hospitality.

25 Kalisher St. Tel Aviv 65165105 Tel: +972 (0)3 717 0200 brownhotels.com BROWN | 112

IN TEL AVIV Beachside Glam

BROWN BEACH HOUSE Spacious suites overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

Squeezing in intimacy and tropical vibes into its sun-drenched rooms right along Tel Aviv’s coast, is Brown Beach House. Done up in a warm combination of golden colours, and accented by curated collectibles and rich tropical greenery, Brown Beach House exudes a cosmopolitan, Latin vibe. The first personalized, boutique hotel on the coastal strip dominated by big-name hotel chains, Brown Beach House with 52 luxurious rooms and suites (including a suite with a private pool), most of which feature spacious sun terraces, is just a short, breezy walk from the beach. Tuck into a sumptuous breakfast and succumb to some expert pampering at the spa. Ideally located at the corner of Trumpeldor and Nes Tziona streets, this is a terrific starting point to make the most of your Tel Avivian stay.

64 Hayarkon St. Tel Aviv 6343220 Tel: + 972 3 760 5000 brownhotels.com

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Bohemian Bourgeois

BROWN BOBO Rich eclectic design and a viby scene off Rothschild Boulevard

Inspired by the French term Bohemian Bourgeois, Brown Bobo is creative, aspirational and unpredictable. Encapsulating the essence of hipster chic, Brown Bobo is a contemporary boutique experience right off Tel Aviv's most prestigious boulevard. Its 200 rooms and suites offer spectacular views and bold eclectic design with raw urban touches. Hugely popular among Tel Avivians (and justifiably so) is Meli-Melo, the hotel's rooftop restaurant by star chef Meir Adoni. Hôtel Bobo has a spacious conference centre, a rooftop plunge pool and a lavish spa to complete a perfect Tel Aviv hospitality experience.

42 Yavne st. Tel Aviv 6579213 Tel: +972-3-717 0300 brownhotels.com

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Work hard, play harder

BROWN LIGHTHOUSE

Combining audacious architectural design with fresh innovative design, The Lighthouse Hotel occupies several floors of the renowned Migdalor (or Lighthouse) office tower. A stylish and vibrant urban stay in the city that never sleeps, all it’s 227 rooms and suites boast spectacular views of the Tel Aviv sky-line and the Mediterranean sea. Brunch away your weekends at the Haiku skybar – an urban oasis with lush décor that is as uplifting as the cuisine. Introduce yourself to Tel Aviv-style clubbing at the Matta Club.

And of course, indulge in all other Brown features: a fabulous spa and gym complex, a breakfast restaurant with a spacious sundeck and a stylish lobby.

1 Ben Yehuda, Tel Aviv 65165105 Tel: +972 3 766 0500 brownhotels.com 115 | BROWN

Uptown Elegance DEBRAH BROWN Timeless luxury and a chef restaurant near Gordon Beach

Step into a world that exudes old world glamour and contemporary vibes in one of the most sought-after tourist locations near Gordon Beach. Formerly known as the Deborah hotel, Debrah Brown was remodelled as a full-service luxury design hotel making it a crown member of the Brown Hotels family. The breakfast restaurant morphs into Dvora by evening, helmed by one of Israel’s best-known chefs Eyal Shani. Book well ahead for a table here, and trust us, it’s well wait the worth. You know that any chef who can glamorize cauliflower should be taken seriously!

With 90 stunningly appointed rooms and suites, a breakfast café, a terrace with hot tubs, and a luxury spa and fitness center, Debrah Brown promises a glam Tel Aviv hospitality expérience. Step outside the hotel, along Ben Yehuda to browse through antique shops, boutiques selling jewelry and judaica. If the sea is your thing, the waterfront is just a few metres away!

87 Ben Yehuda, Tel Aviv, Tel: +972-3-7173300, brownhotels.com BROWN | 116

Bauhaus Delight

POLI HOUSE Karim Rashid design and Tel Aviv's best rooftop terrace Long a poster child as an iconic Bauhaus landmark, The Poli House furthers its architectural cred with its makeover by starchitect Karim Rashid. Bang in the middle of urban Tel Aviv’s most trafficked intersections, on the crossroads of Tel Aviv's bustling Magen David Square, the colorful Carmel Market, artsy Nahalat Binyamin pedestrian street, trendy Shenkin, Allenby & King George streets, a stay here feels like a front row seat on all the action. Channeling that raw artistic energy of Tel Aviv's streets and wild creativity of designer Karim Rashid, The Poli House is a futuristic fun house. Ride up via translucent elevators past a neon rooftop lobby, dotted with egg-like pod chairs in fluorescent yellow and pink, past corridors ringed by cheeky phrases of scrolling LED text to its spectacular rooftop terrace with infinity pool and bar.

As a guest in one of its 40-rooms, you’ll witness that constant play of history and whimsical design tugging at each other. And if that gets too much, pamper yourself in Poli’s super cool spa that in a former life was the address of a clandestine printing press!

1 Nahalat Binyamin St. Tel Aviv 6516101 Tel: + 972 3 710 5000 brownhotels.com

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Romance by the Sea

VILLA BROWN TLV Classic Italian style luxury villa by Frishman Beach Part of Brown's portfolio of urban luxury villas, Villa Brown Tel Aviv is designed for a romantic getaway, not just for the weekend, but to spice things up mid-week too. From the rooftop for pampering sunbathing sessions under parasols to some intimate fun in the hot tub, the Villa Brown Tel Aviv offers the ultimate escape for romantic downtime. Ideally located on the Tel Aviv coastline right above the popular Frishman beach, it adds a touch of finesse to the area with lavish yet intimate surroundings. 30 bedrooms, some with private terraces and gardens, living room & bar, a luxurious spa treatment suite, and an intimate rooftop sundeck make it the perfect urban getaway to amp up the romance. Clear your day and make time for Brown’s long repertoire of spa treatments. Or if you’re inclined to explore Tel Aviv’s famed coastline, free bikes are provided by the hotel! Along with insider tips from the concierge on dining and entertainment options to have a wonderful Tel Avivian experience.

114 Ha'Yarkon Street, Tel Aviv, Tel: +972-3-7173800, brownhotels.com

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White City Classic

VILLA BROWN ROTHSCHILD Stylish rooms and suites in the heart of the White City Housed in a stunningly beautiful 1932 eclectic conservatory, at the crossroads of Yavne Street and Rothschild Boulevard, Villa Brown Rothschild has 19 beautifully designed rooms that pay homage to classic architecture and slow-living style. Thoughtfully designed by Israeli designer Daphne Castiel, the high ceilings and elegant wood flooring are accessorized with bespoke Castiel furniture, creating an intimate hospitality experience. Its understated luxury really lies in the details - with the ultimate luxury being that it really feels like home. It’s beautiful little balconies overlook the vibrant Rothschild boulevard. From award-winning restaurants to fair-trade cafes, contemporary art galleries and buzzing nightclubs right outside its doors, Villa Brown Rothschild is bang in the middle of all the action!

32 Yavne st.Tel Aviv 6579207, Israel, Tel: +972-3-9444300, brownhotels.com 119 | BROWN

BROWN TOWNHOUSE Residence

For an urban vacation with a boutique vibe, Brown Townhouse is the ideal choice. Located near the hustle and bustle of Rothschild Boulevard, this residence apartment hotel offers 16 atmospheric and wellequipped rooms. Whether you're staying for a short visit or an extended period, you'll appreciate the spacious and private environment.

With the city's leading restaurants, trendy bars, stylish cafes, and chic galleries just steps away, Brown Townhouse is perfect for exploring Tel Aviv.

32 Yavne st., Tel Aviv 6579207 Tel: +972-3-9747045 brownhotels.com BROWN | 120

Contemporary Bauhaus Chic

THEODOR BROWN Trendy bistro-bar and boutique gem near Rothschild Blvd.

Get ready for a Telavivian experience like no other at Theodor Brown.

This Bauhaus-themed boutique gem, located at the corner of Herzl Street and Rothschild Boulevard, offers a bistro-bar, spa, and upscale accommodations. This modern take on Bauhaus architecture provides an upscale and sophisticated background to one of the most Telavivian experiences out there! The hotel hosts acclaimed restaurant Cena, a trendy eatery in a beautiful courtyard that also serves as the breakfast area. Some of the hotel's 34 bedrooms offer a transparent glass bathroom or an outdoor terrace shower.

10 Herzl st. (corner of Rothschild blvd), Tel Aviv 6688318, Israel Tel: +972-3-7172600 brownhotels.com

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Different Shades of blue BROWN SEASIDE Endless summer and tropical vibes

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It’s a summer-state-of-mind all round the year at Brown Seaside! Escape to tropical vibes and beach life at Brown Seaside. With its prime location by Gordon Beach, this hotel with its 68 designer bedrooms that boast spectacular sea and city views, embodies the insouciance of a Mediterranean summer. Immerse yourself in contemporary style, with just a hint of exotic whimsy. The vibe here is transporting - the lounge bar with its outdoor hangout space, spa suite, and intimate rooftop chillout are everything Tel Aviv is all about.

164 HaYarkon St, Tel Aviv 6345119 Tel: +972-3-944-4200 brownhotels.com

Sun Kissed BROWN GOLDEN HOUSE Tropical intimacy by the beach

Experience the golden hues of Tel Aviv's year-long sunshine at Brown Golden House. Within walking distance of the city's hottest entertainment, culture and shopping areas, including the Carmel Market, Nahalat Binyamin pedestrian mall, Dizengoff Center, Neve Tzedek neighborhood and Gan Meir, and with the beach and the waterfront promenade just one street away, the hotel exudes endless vacation vibes. Reflecting the colors of the beach, this magical Bauhaus building features a mix of bright yellow and ochre in its decor. Its rich tropical greenery imbues it with the tropical vibes of an Amazonian rainforest. With 28 beautifully decorated rooms, enjoy a variety of luxury services at the Brown Beach House Hotel next door. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, pampering at the luxurious spa complex, and sundowners on the flamingo terrace. You’re here on bleisure? The hotel also features a spacious boardroom for 12 guests!

62 Hayarkon St. Tel Aviv 6343220 Tel: + 972-3-5100011 brownhotels.com

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Urban Seafront Vibes

BROWN BRUT

Restaurant and prime location between Neve Tzedek & the beach

Housed in the brutalist style building Beit Gaon, built in the late 70's, Brown Brut turns an aging office tower into a contemporary design hotel with all facilities needed for a perfect urban stay. Located right between the popular Neve Tzedek quarter and Tel Aviv’s beachfront, it boasts 225 stylish bedrooms, many of which offer beautiful sea views.

Breakfast is served at the famous Kilometrage restaurant, located at the hotel's lobby, by Chef Idan Busheri (Pompeii), the winner of Israel's "Next Restaurant" reality show. Tel Aviv's beach is right in front of you, the sun is above you and the breeze is everywhere. Outside, on the hotel balcony, you can work on your tan, dip in the hot tub, chill out and get the most beautiful view of the city. Add to that a business lounge for your remote working needs, a beautiful patio, indulgent spa suite and a kids Gymboree.

6 Kaufmann St. Tel Aviv, Israel Tel: +972-3-7576000 brownhotels.com

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Son of a Brown

DAVE LEVINSKY Fun urban chic between Rothschild Blvd. and Levinsky Market

Dave Levinsky exudes edge and chutzpah, offering innovative vintage design and a friendly atmosphere inspired by the nearby market. This wallet-friendly hotel is a perfect choice for fun loving city explorers. Its winning location tells its story best: the center of it all, between trendy Rothschild Boulevard and buzzy Levinsky Market. Dave Levinsky features 28 well-appointed designer bedrooms and a spacious rooftop terrace with lounging areas, an open air hot tub and great views over Tel Aviv's rooftops.

85 Nachalat Binyamin st. Tel Aviv 6610207 Tel: + 972-3-7173200 brownhotels.com

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Son of a Brown

DAVE GORDON Young, fresh and affordable near Gordon Beach

Dave Gordon is the first of Brown Hotels' young and affordable boutique hotel brand, designed for hipsters and fun-loving urbanites. Located on the bustling corner of Gordon & Ben Yehuda Streets, a block from the famous Gordon beach, the Dave is right in the heart of the city's vibrant food, bar and shopping scene. Dave Gordon offers playful aesthetics with every space housing its own eclectic assortment of vintage finds and funky antiques. Featuring 35 uniquely styled guest rooms, a relaxing living room space with outdoor courtyard and a cozy rooftop terrace and spa treatment room - and even its own in-house tattoo studio - Dave Gordon is the epitome of cool.

17 Gordon St. Tel Aviv 6343801 Tel: + 972 3 757 9000 brownhotels.com

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Son of aBrown

DAVE DOWNTOWN Artsy and industrial in Downtown Tel Aviv

Dave Downtown, the 3rd sibling to the quirky low-budget hotel brand, brings hipster vibes and industrial design elements close to the center of Tel Aviv. Like all other Daves in the Brown Hotel group, this trendy hotel encourages you to get under the skin of your city. Grab a bike from the hotel, and ride along the verdant Rothschild boulevard or to one of Tel Aviv’s many buzzing nightlife establishments. The hotel offers 49 funky bedrooms, a lobby with Brown's signature library and a spacious lounge with sitting areas, ping-pong, table soccer and more.

7 Yad Harutzim St. Tel Aviv 6777899 Tel: +972-3-9747045 brownhotels.com

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THE WOM CONCEPT All you need is less WOM Pods: Revolutionary stays for a new plug-andplay lifestyle With a vision to revolutionize the traditional hotel market and hospitality experience, WOM was founded by architects, designers, and hoteliers to create a smart accommodation solution for a perfect workation.

With a vision to revolutionize the traditional hotel market and hospitality experience, WOM was founded by architects, designers, and hoteliers. As deskless nomads, the WOM traveller values design, a sense of community and the experience of staying in a central, urban location at a wallet-friendly price point.

A new, hybrid accommodation engineered for today's contemporary, urban traveller, the concept is to provide guests, “new generation travelers”, the opportunity to stay in leading, central locations in upscale cities at wallet friendly prices.

The WOM traveller values smart design, a sense of community with like-minded people and the experience of staying in a central, urban location at a wallet-friendly price point.

With inviting common spaces, including an art gallery, a lobby, an equipped work complex and the opportunity to mingle with a kaleidoscope of people, WOM has a cool design aesthetic in bright pops or uplifting yellow and orange, to make your workation as much about pleasure as about productivity.

WOM comes in three stylish options for a smart, budget-friendly stay for one or two guests, with private shared exterior bathrooms.

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WOM ALLENBY is the first pod-style hotel in Tel Aviv offering stylish, private, design-led rooms in the center of the city. Guests are treated to a seamless experience, where they can check in/check out, control their room's facilities (light, sound, WiFi, TV & communication), share group and activity chats with fellow travelers, make meaningful connections and book local tours.

21 Allenby st. Tel Aviv 6332119, Israel, www.staywom.com

WOM BEACH is the second of the pod hotel, located by the beach and the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, ideally placed to explore Tel Aviv as one should - inside and outside the box - at wallet friendly prices while staying at a smart, functional space.

Kaufmann St 2, Tel: Aviv-Yafo, 6800005 www.staywom.com 129 | BROWN

Coming Soon...

The two newest members of our colourful Brown family are Mr. Brown Montefiore and Brown Benner House.

BROWN BRENNER HOUSE Located on 5 Brenner Street, a prime central location in the heart of Tel Aviv, The Brown Brenner House Hotel is an elegant establishment that boasts 143 well-appointed rooms, all meticulously designed by the renowned architect Dana Oberson. The building itself holds rich historical significance, having once served as the Workers Council. Thoughtfully furnished to provide a comfortable and productive stay, catering to both leisure and business travelers, the hotel also has a private terrace with hot tubs, allowing guests to unwind in style, alongside a top-notch restaurant, spa treatment rooms and a well-equipped gym.

Watch this space for news on Mr.Brown Montefiore soon!

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MR. BROWN MONTEFIORE

EXPLORING TEL AVIV'S MARKETS

A foodie haven with cafes and restaurants, a favoutop for locals and tourists.

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3 Carmel Market: 2. Tikva's cure-all juice stall!

3. A cornucopia of Israel's homegrown produce.

4. The Yemenite Vineyard

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To really plunge into Israeli culture, a visit to its food markets are an absolute rite of passage. Get lured by the cries of hawkers and the tantalizing mounds of pastries, spices, olives, vegetables and fruits, piled up to dizzying heights. A sensory experience on steroids, these frenetic, open-air markets are a window into Israel’s incredible confluence of cultures.

Carmel Market You haven’t quite ‘done’ Tel Aviv if you haven’t visited Carmel market.

This is where Tel Avivians head to shop, eat, drink and caffeinate. Israel’s cornucopia of home-grown vegetables and fruits is on proud display here - from cherry tomatoes to mangos and blood-stained pomegranates. Succumb to the temptation here - it’s guilt-free, healthy and flavour-packed. With a mouth-watering array of freshly baked bagels and Yemenite jachnun pastries, and some of the city’s best cafes, juice bars, falafel stands, food trucks, specialty restaurants and bars, you will be leaving this market sated!

How to make the most of your Carmel Market visit?

Juice it up! Do as Tel Avivians do and make the market a part of your daily routine. Start off your day with Tikva’s beaming smile and her panacea for all evils - her healthy mix of turmeric, ginger, celery, fruits and veggies. Even doctors come here for Tikva’s cure.

Eggs-traordinary Breakfasts: Almost as much as a tradition as a trip to Carmel market is shakshuka, the Israeli breakfast staple of delicately poached eggs in a chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. The best place to try it is at the eponymously named Shakshuka, where you can road test any one of the myriad versions of this Tunisian dish: the Sephardic rendition with spinach and salami or the Mediterranean version with olives and basil. Next stop: Bourekas.

Street Food Wars: Tel Avivians can get quite clannish when it comes to street food - you either claim allegiance to the Sabich camp or the Boureka one. We’ll indulge in the merits of both. (See our sepa-

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rate Street Food Guide). For the crispiest bourekas, doused in punchy sauces and joyously stuffed with eggs and potatoes, head to Original Turkish Bourekas.

Hoppy Hours: Wash off your brunch excesses with a chilled draft beer at hipster central Beer Bazaar. With a choice of almost 100 local craft beers and microbrews to quaff your curiosity, this is the place to get a lowdown on Israel’s fascinating brewing landscape.

A touch of nostalgia: For traditional Yemenite cuisine, head to Kerem Hateimanim, literally the Yemenite Vineyard, an old neighborhood just off the busy Carmel Market, with an island-like feel, stuck in a time capsule.

Caffeinate, Caffeinate: The wafts of freshly roasted coffee from Cafe Yom will have you hooked even before you walk in. Start with an espresso, stay on for some music, nosh on snacks and before you know it, its wine o’clock!

If you’re a coffee aficionado, head to Mae Cafe on Shefer street, a Costa Rican specialty coffee shop that prices itself in its freshly roasted, ground coffee. Plus Mae stocks on the healthiest range of cookies in the market. What’s not to like?

Romance For a laid-back vibe, we’d recommend HaBasta, a few metres away from the market. Simple, flavour-packed Mediterranean fare with chilled Israeli whites to wash it down with.

5 5. LevinskyMarket This is where Tel Avivians head to to stock up on spices and nuts 6. Sarona Market Located in the verdant German Templar Colony, this upscale gourmet oupost is houses around 100 stores, restaurants and cafes

Levinsky Market This market on Levinsky street in the gentrified Florentine neighborhood is where locals go to stock up on sumac and cinnamon. Long a stronghold of Mizrahi Iranian and Iraqi Jew spice merchant communities, Levinsky retains its old world charms. Teeming with aromas and oozing with character, Levinsky stretches across a whopping five blocks along its eponymous street. This is where tourists-in-know and locals head to stock up on spices(also available in travel-friendly packaging).

Cafes and food stalls jostle for space with overflowing bags of dates, nuts, spices and dried fruits. Cafe Levinsky is where the action is. Fridays can get packed, so head early!

Sarona Market

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What Sarona lacks in animation and character, it makes up with upscale eateries and a less-frazzled shopping experience. Conveniently located across the Tel Aviv Museum and the landmark Azrelli Towers, Sarona Market is bang in the heart of the restored German Templar Colony.

Designed as a gourmet outpost rather than a local market, Sarona houses almost 100 shops and restaurants with some of the finest dining options, cheese and wine tasting salons in the city 133 | BROWN

7 Old Jaffa Market: 7. Jaffa's Flea Market is a treasure 8. Artists hawk their creations at this busy market twice a week.

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Old Jaffa Market Jaffa is where you head to for vintage buys, ceramics and great stories. Antique sellers set up chairs outside their cavernous shops and give potential buyers a quick top-to-toe once-over between sips of arak.

Others, like Amotz, and his charming Palestina, barely glance up from their anvil, painstakingly soldering trinkets, every square inch of his walls festooned with artefacts from a bygone era.

With shops that stock everything from Armenian pottery to Uzbek rugs, mid-century furniture, light fixtures, old books, cameras, incense and collectibles from all over the world, and strangely, an entire street devoted to kitchen sinks, the one thing you won’t go back with, is an empty hand. (Read our detailed Jaffa guide) Bargaining is expected, and carry cash. Credit cards are almost universally rejected in this quarter.

What started off in the mid-eighties with a handful of artists has now grown into a 200+ strong arts and crafts market. One of the stipulations to sell one’s wares at the market - whether paintings, toys or judaica - is that it should be handcrafted and sold by the artist in person! Nahalat Binyamin is a long pedestrian street, dotted with some of Tel Aviv’s coolest cafes and restaurants. (See our separate article on Nahalat Binyamin). Just a stone’s throw from Brown Bobo, Wom Allenby and Brown Lighthouse, this street morphs into a village fair on Tuesdays and Fridays. Join artists, street performers, musicians and shoppers for a festive interlude.

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PHOTOS BY: TYLER BOERSEN

Nahalat Binyamin Artist Market

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10 11 Old Jaffa Market: 9. Lamps, fans, military paraphernalia dangle from the rafters.

Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market 10. With over 200 stalls, the market encourages local talent to display their wares 11. Street performers and musicians join in making Nahalat Binyamin a festive affair

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Brown's Food and Drink Revolution Brown Hotels not only offer great stays, but its obsession with the good life comes through in the chef restaurants, bars and clubs housed within its hotels. Incredelicious cuisine, zesty wondergrounds …all the places at Brown that have definitely contributed to Tel Aviv's entertainment landscape!

Cena

Kilometrage

Dvora Restaurant

Cena

Dvora Restaurant

Matta Club

This Italian-Mediterranean resto-bar is located in Brown Theodor Hotel between Herzl and the bustling Rothschild Boulevard, which is actually the best point on the map.

Address: 10 Herzl Street

This restaurant is located inside the stylish and luxurious Debrah Brown hotel, within walking distance of Gordon Beach. On the menu: Chef Eyal Shani’s sassy yet sophisticated meals.

Address: 87 Ben Yehuda Street (Debrah Hotel)

Located on the bottom floor of Brown Lighthouse Hotel, Matta underground club takes you on an electronic journey through extraordinary design, stupendous sound and lighting effects.

Address 1 Ben Yehuda Street (Lighthouse Hotel)

Kilometrage Chef Idan Boushari ("Pompeii") brings the paths he has travelled straight to the plate. A personal Israeli journey that draws inspiration from the varied cuisines he grew up with.

Address: 6 Yehezkel Kaufmann Street (Brown Brut Hotel)

Mèli Mèlo Visit the stunning rooftop on the 14th floor of Brown Bobo hotel, to discover " Mèli Mèlo" kitchen bar by Chef Meir Adoni, who cleverly fuses Israeli - Mediterranean cuisine.

Address: 42 Yavne (Hôtel BoBo)

Poli Rooftop Bar Enjoy excellent chillout music, colorful cocktails, chilled wines, an eclectic food menu and an international atmosphere at the Brown Hotel Collection’s Poli House.

Address: 1 Nahalat Binyamin Street (Poli House Hotel Rooftop)

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Brown Lighthouse Hotel Brunch Besides being home to the city’s leading clubs it is also the perfect place to indulge in a Friday brunch. Meet us on the fifth floor, enjoy cocktails and brunch in our chic interior space and lounge on the sun-kissed terrace with spectacular views of the sea. Also available for private events and celebrations.

Address 1 Ben Yehuda Street (Lighthouse Hotel)

The Best Bars to Explore When the Sun Goes Down

Teder

Hive

Nilus

Teder.Fm

HIVE

This hipster bar with friendly vibes, is the trendiest pad on the Allenby bar scene. Pull up a bar and start your evening with a creative cocktail as you enjoy great background music.

Address: 33 Allenby Street

Located underneath Salon Romano, Teder is definitely the perfect hangout with all the worthwhile events, parties, live performances by the best artists and special live performances.

Address: 9 Derech Jaffa

A Tel Aviv rooftop, refreshing cocktails and great food…what more could you ask for?

Enjoy the cool breeze and stunning views, suave cocktails and divine dishes.

Address - 33 Rothschild Blvd

Nilus

Kuli Alma Kuli is where the local creative community meet up and is a great choice for tourists and Tel Aviv first timers seeking to explore and connect to the vibe of the City That Never Sleeps.

Address: 10 Mikve Israel Street

Kab Kem A spicy recommendation, Kab Kem resto-bar boats Thai cuisine at its best! Kab Kem means a celebration, conviviality, a meeting between friends, an evening of food, alcohol and music.

Address: 11 Lincoln Street

The city that never sleeps is too big to settle for just five recommendations, right? Put these next recommendations on your bucket list! Salon Berlin – a killer local institution, located at 15 Najara Street, Lucifer – make a deal with the devil at this a dark, intimate bar located at 97 Allenby Street and Sputnik - a retro bar with an urban terrace at 122 Allenby Street.

Are you a party animal? Haoman and Jimmy Who are both MUST VISITS.

! m i a h L' C

Tel Aviv Restaurant Guide The one thing you can be sure of in food-obsessed Tel Aviv, is that it's highly unlikely that you'll go hungry! More Foodies & Eateries to help you get a taste of the city.

Café Levinsky

Panda Pita

Café Levinsky

Panda Pita

If you are bubbling with the desire for an original and cool place, don’t miss a visit to Café Levinsky and try out their sizzling soda pops infused with spices, fruits, vegetables, and more.

Address: 41 Levinski Street

Pita. 4 letters…one word …a cosmos. The quaint stall serves freshly baked, fluffy pita bread with funky fillings, from fried eggplants to lamb fillet and veal ribs.

Address: 45 Malan, Carmel Market, Tel Aviv

Kalamata

Kalamata If Greece and Jaffa were to têteà-tête…Kalamata would definitely be their choice! Kalamata serves exceptional dishes & refreshing drinks with fantastic sea views.

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Frishman Sabich

Frishman Sabich – The Bona Fide Branch This gem is proof that sometimes simple is BEST. This Iraqi-inspired vegetarian street snack features fried eggplant, hummus, and tahini, and it’s best eaten with two hands Address: 42 Frishman Street

BROWN’s Bonus! Read on to discover more places that ROCK (in our opinion).

Thai House - authentic Thai cuisine at its best (8 Bogarshov Street), Pronto – a combination of contemporary and classic Italian cuisine (4 Herzl Street), Manta Ray – sea front restaurant (4 Nachum Goldman Street), Delicatessen on Rabin Square, established on the ruins of the mythical Brasserie restaurant, bringing a little piece of Paris to the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv. Pop into this flagship branch (you can’t pre-book a place but it’s so worth the wait) that serves meals alongside deli products, take a seat at the bar, and enjoy scrumptious dishes. The bakery, right next door, sells delicious coffee and pastries if you haven’t got time to sit and chill (70 Ibn Gabirol Street), Port Said – resto-bar by chefs Eyal Shani and Shahar Segal in the Great Synagogue complex... an almost constant state of busyness, but in a graceful manner (5 Har Sinai Street), Beit Romano - Eyal Shani's hipster kingdom resto-bar-lounge located one floor above Teder.Fm and, a must-visit for those with an ounce of bohemian blood bubbling inside them (9 Jaffa Street), Santa Katrina – resto-bar renowned for its ethnic dishes conjured up by chef Tomer Agai, chef of the Cena restaurant in the Theodore Hotel (2 Har Sinai Street, the Great Synagogue complex) and last but definitely not least Taizu sophisticated ‘’Asiaterranean’’ cuisine and out-of-thisworld desserts, a fusion of savory, sweet and unique ingredients (23 Menachem Begin Street).

OCD

OCD Join Chef Raz Rahav on a journey full of history and local bravado served straight to your plate. The menu is top-secret and remains unrevealed until all diners are seated.

Address 17 Tirza Street

Hold your horses… here are more ideas! The title mentions just five recommendations, but we couldn’t resist telling you about a few more places worth checking out! OPA restaurant at 8 Halutzim Street, suitable for herbivores and curious lovers of haute cuisine, the Cakery, notorious for its surprising variety of scrumptious cakes crafted by promising confectioner Moran Gil located at 31 Allenby Street, Jasmino – a veteran institution of fine street food located at 97 Allenby St., Timna- Nir Mesika’s restaurant that combines the intimacy of a wine cellar with the amiability of an open kitchen, where you can sit at the bar or at seating areas inside or outside located at a 24 Lilienblum Street, and finally, Bicicletta – the perfect resto-bar to nosh & natter at 29 Nachalat Binyamin St.

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Where to Shop Till U Drop From designer boutiques to vintage buys, here is our curated list of Five First Rank Shoppertunities Asufa

Agas & Tamar

ATA

Saga

Agas & Tamar

ATA

Saga

Asufa

If jewelry could jabber...Agas & Tamar would definitely be talk of the town. This boutique store sells handcrafted jewelry, creatively combining natural materials, metals, gems, and more.

One of the first fashion factories in Israel, established in 1934 and outfitting the whole country with clothing. The brand made a huge comeback in 2011

SAGA local design gallery features approximately 100 designers, some are familiar names in their fields, while others are young and promising talents.

ATA has three stores in Tel Aviv: Allenby 93, Montefiore Corner Rothschild Blvd 141, Habima HaShla St 3, Basel Complex

Rabbi Pinhas 4

An Israeli design house displaying 100% Israeli designed à la mode items, for the home and office. Works that make statements and particularly creative products.

Branches Nahman 2, Flea Market Dizengoff 212

The PhotoHouse If you dig history, you’ll love this.

PhotoHouse shows the historical art of Israel and Tel Aviv since 1936is, with the private collection from the photographer Rudi Weissenstein Allenby 30, Tel Aviv-Yafo

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The PhotoHouse

You don’t have to bury your credit card in your bag just yet… keep it handy for a few other terrific options. Chelsea, second hand vintage store at 22 Mikve Israel Street, Pulp shop, for paper products and office accessories aficionados, located at 147 Dizengoff, Dé Rococo, a boutique created by women for women in true classic and European savoir faire for any age and style at 7 Neve Tsedek and Hannah, a local clothing designer at 19 Lillenblum Street and Kesh Limited, men & women’s fashion located at 40 Nachalat Binyamin.

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STAY IN JERUSALEM

Long an object of veneration and conflict, the holy city of Jerusalem has been governed, both as a provincial town and a national capital, by an extended series of dynasties and states. A surreal and vibrant city, Jerusalem plays a central role in the spiritual and emotional perspective of the three major monotheistic religions. For Jews, it is the focus of age-old yearnings, a living proof of ancient grandeur and a centre of national renaissance; for Christians, it is the scene of Jesus’ agony and triumph; for Muslims, it is the site of one of Islam’s most sacred shrines. For all three faiths it is a holy city, a centre of pilgrimage. Jerusalem still retains its diverse and cosmopolitan character, particularly in the walled Old City with its Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim quarters. Synagogues, churches, mosques, and dwellings in various styles make up the city’s unique architectural mosaic.

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Millennia-old history, a beautifully preserved historical city center, the iconic landmarks that frame the skyline of the city such as the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the opportunity to walk the same maze of streets as rulers and pilgrims have done for thousands of years, makes Jerusalem a very special destination indeed. Add in the fascinating mix of ethnicities and religions, lively markets, flea markets and mouth-wateringly good Middle-Eastern food, and you’ll understand why this city evokes such an intense emotional response.

Tower of David King Herod’s monumental Citadel was used throughout history by the Romans, Byzantines, early Muslims, and Crusaders, and the ancient structure in its current form was refurbished by the Mamluks and later the Ottomans. Today the Citadel is home to the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, which tells the city's extensive and fascinating story, from kingdom to kingdom, empire to empire, in a series of exhibits starting in the 2nd millennium BCE up until 1948.

Wailing Wall Widely regarded as the holiest place in the holy land for the Jewish faith, the Wailing Wall is where throngs of believers line up in silent prayer, swaying in rhythm to their chants. Most leave behind their fervent wishes in scrolls of paper and squeeze them into little crevices on the wall, in the hope that their prayers will be heard – an act of faith that has continued to this day.

Machne Yehuda Market

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unlight falling on the white and pink stone used for all construction gives even quite mundane buildings an aura of distinction. The scent of cooking and spices, the peal of church bells, the calls of muezzins from minarets, and the chanting of Jewish prayers at the Western (Wailing) Wall all add flavour to the life of the city. The absence of vehicular traffic within most of the Old City helps preserve its special character. In recognition of its central place in the traditions and histories of numerous peoples, the Old City was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.

Yet outside the walls Jerusalem is in every sense a modern city, with its network of streets and transportation, high-rise buildings, supermarkets, businesses, schools, restaurants, and coffeehouses. The persistent mingling of Hebrew, Arabic, English, and other languages in the streets brings to mind the multicultural and political complexities of life in this revered city.

Jerusalem stands on hills at an elevation of almost 800 metres. The modern unified city spills outside the city limits into a large urban agglomeration in concentric circles around the Old City, a walled medieval enclosure of less than half a square mile (roughly one square km), from which the entire city has grown.

To the east the city looks down on the Dead Sea and across the Jordan River to the arid mountains of eastern Jordan, the biblical mountains of Moab. To the west it faces the coastal plain and the Mediterranean Sea. The Old City, which is believed to have been continuously inhabited for almost 5,000 years, forms a walled quadrilateral about 3,000 feet (900 metres) long on each side. It is dominated by the raised platform of the Temple Mount.

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As Jerusalem’s biggest and oldest market, Machne Yehuda is where commerce and cultures have continuously collided since Ottoman times. Get enticed by the cries of vendors, some of whom have been in the family business for centuries, hawking everything from incense to spices and mounds of dates, halva, baklavas and an assortment of cured meats. Glistening vegetables and fruits – all grown locally – are piled high in dizzying towers. On Friday morning, shoppers throng to stock up for Sabbath. Whether a first-time tourist or a regular, it’s hard not to be swept by the collective enthusiasm of shoppers and sellers.

Kidane Mehret Right next to Villa Brown Jerusalem is the domed Ethiopian monastery of Kidane Mehret, popularly known simply as the Ethiopian Church.

Emperor of Ethiopia Yohannes IV (r. 1872–1889) used war booty won in his conflict with the Khedivate of Egypt to purchase land to the north of the Old City of Jerusalem in 1888. With its dome soaring to a whopping 30 metres, it is one of two Ethiopian monasteries in Jerusalem, along with Deir Sultan.

Dome of the Rock & Al-Aqsa Mosque Built in 691 CE during the Umayyad period, The Dome of the Rock is one of the oldest and most recognizable works of Islamic architecture.

A UNESCO world heritage site, the dome is considered to be one of Jerusalem’s most recognizable landmarks. A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, the shrine is said to be where Mohammed ascended to heaven. Located at the edge of the Old City in Jerusalem, a walk through the ancient alleyways will lead you to this special monument. Located on the same site is Al-Aqsa, the spiritual site of utmost importance and spiritual significance for Palestinian Muslims.

Via Dolorosa The Via Dolorosa “Sorrowful Pathway” is a route that Jesus infamously took more than two thousand years ago while bearing the crown of thorns and carrying a heavy cross over his shoulder, covered in holy

blood and sweat. His final stop on this journey was the place of his crucifixion, in the Golgotha of what is today the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Walking through this path in the Old City, you can live through all the spectacular events that marked the Holy Land’s history, treading on the very same soil that Jesus of Nazareth had once stepped on.

Yad Vashem Yad Vashem’s colossal campus comprises a plethora of museums, monuments, and memorial sites, in preservation of the eternal memory of those who perished in the Shoah, as well as commemorating the “Righteous among the Nations”. Perhaps one of the most poignant sites in Yad Vashem is the hollowed-out cavern with a single candle reflected by a series of mirrors commemorates the 1.5 million children killed.

be for haggling, you’ll get lost in the abundance of stalls and stands, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, olives, spices, ornate hookahs, textiles, to handmade jewellery and ceramics.

Museum of Islamic Art This museum contains one of the rarest and most comprehensive collections of art and cultural artifacts from around the Muslim world, from Medieval Andalusia to Mughal India. Explore the collection of Persian tiles and miniatures, swords and daggers, antique chess pieces and intricate gold watches, and beautifully ornate textiles and Arabic calligraphy. The museum seeks to inform and educate on the Islamic civilisation and the stunning and influential art it has produced, to bring Israel’s Jewish and Muslim populations closer together.

The Armenian Quarter Tucked away in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, there stands a quaint photo shop that has been operating since 1949. Inside, you will be transported to Jerusalem of years ago, through an extensive archive of photos taken by Elia Kahvedjian, a survivor of the Armenian genocide and one of the greatest photographers in Jerusalem of the early 20th century. Today, the shop functions as a small museum, of life in Jerusalem before we can remember it- photos that pieces together history to better understand our roots.

Arab Souq in the Old City You’ll find the Arab market in the narrow and busy alleyways of the Christian and Muslim Quarters of the Old City is an explosion of sounds and colours, and just the right amount of chaos. The place to 145 | BROWN

Market Vibes

BROWN MAHANE YEHUDA Contemporary atmosphere by Jerusalem's famous market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Machne Yehuda, Jerusalem's iconic market area where the heart of this ancient city beats, with cool bars, restaurants and all that is fresh. This is where commerce and cultures have colluded seamlessly for centuries, lending this neighbourhood its singular cosmopolitan vibe.

For contemporary urban hospitality, Brown Machne Yehuda offers a mix of urban chic with charming local touches inspired by the eclectic colours and flavours of the market. Many of the 115 stylish bedrooms feature balconies and outdoor hot-tubs. With an equipped fitness gym & indulgent spa suites, a meeting room and a rooftop terrace, we suspect you’ll be spending as much quality time in the hotel as outside it. You will réalise that à stay here is so much more. It is an experience.

105 Jaffa st. Jerusalem. T +972 2 546 3000, brownhotels.com

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Contemporary Classic

BROWN JLM MAMILLA A boutique hotel with Jerusalem-design elements

Right in the centre of the historic city of Jerusalem is Brown JLM Mamilla, the perfect fusion of contemporary urban hospitality with traditional Jerusalem-style. With 46 thoughtfully appointed bedrooms featuring authentic Jerusalem stone tiling, you will feel connected to the city's rich heritage.

Overlooking Independence Park and nestled between the popular Nahalat Shiva pedestrian mall and the Old City walls, this boutique hotel offers a rooftop bar with an extensive cocktails and wine menu. Immerse yourself in Jerusalem's history while enjoying hospitality the Brown way. If you’re remote-working, a conference room is available and for play after work, head to the impressive rooftop terrace with spectacular views.

41 Hillel st. Jerusalem 9418106, T +972 2 6251900, brownhotels.com

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Revived Splendor

VILLA BROWN JLM 19th century private villa turned into a plush boutique hotel

To understand Jerusalem in all its complexity, stay at Villa Brown.

Seamlessly contemporary, Villa Brown is housed in a renovated 19th century villa right in the heart of the ancient city, next to the Russian compound and overlooking the Ethiopian church. For an insightful glimpse into Jerusalem’s layered history, this location serves as a perfect guide. From the hotel, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the towering 30-metre dome of the Kidane Mehret piercing Jerusalem’s azure sky.

Just a five minute walk to the Old City walls, the Villa features 24 stylish guest rooms and suites, a garden café serving breakfast and brunch, a rooftop spa & terrace, a meeting room, library and - wait for it - a unique bar located in the old underground water well!

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Authentic Vibes

VILLA BROWN MOSHAVA An aristocratic villa in Jerusalem's popular German Colony quarter If you want to amplify your Jerusalem experience immerse yourself in the charm of the German colony quarter by staying at Villa Brown Moshava. Housed in a historic building - Beit Kharufa, this aristocratic villa boasts 24 designer bedrooms. Relax in the stylish living room with an equipped library or indulge in a spa treatment in the relaxing treatment room. Take in the beauty of the courtyard, complete with an outdoor hot-tub and sunbeds, and let yourself be transported to a bygone era.

13 Yehoshua Ben-Nun st. Jerusalem 9314531 T +972-2-5423000 www.brownhotels.com

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Monastery Of The Cross

Jerusalem Art & Museum Guide Are you an art afficionado?

Visit these 5 must see galleries & museums Museum of Islamic Art Jerusalem cannot be experienced without considering the diverse cultures that make up its population. The Museum of Islamic Art is an inseparable part of the city’s character and houses two distinct collections, one of which tells the story of the Islamic world via artifacts from the 7th century to the 19th century. The other is Sir David Salomons’ rare collection of timepieces, among them a priceless gold pocket watch designed for Queen Marie Antoinette which was stolen from the museum in 1983, along with other exclusive and expensive watches, which were finally recovered after many years of searches and investigations.

About time...wouldn’t you say?!

Address: 2 HaPalmach Street Hour: Monday – Wednesday 10:00-15:00, Thursday 10:00-19:00, Friday & Saturday 10:00-14:00

Hansen House Xenophilia? This is the perfect place to visit in the City of Light! Hansen House is a center for design, media & technology where you can enjoy films, exhibitions, and a variety of events. Hansen House, the first colony for lepers in Jerusalem, was built by the United Protestant Church in 1867. It was one of many hospitals in Jerusalem that started up in BROWN | 150

the 19th century. In later centuries, European powers established medical institutions for the local population. Those with sharp eyes will notice we recommended Beit Hansen’s restaurant - Ofaimme Farm, which combines culture and cuisine under one roof.

Address: 14 Gedalyahu Alon Street.

Hours: Monday to Thursday & Saturday 10:00-18:00, Friday 10:00-16:00

Museum On The Seam The museum, built in a neoclassical building built in 1932, by the Baramki family, is located at the exact spot where the three religions meet, right on the seam, as its name implies.

As a result of its unique approach, the museum presents art as a language that transcends borders, which in turn attempts to bridge societal gaps. These rotating exhibitions cover a variety of topics, including the environment and animals, the capitalist economy, the public conscience, the loneliness of the individual in the technological age, and gender violence.

If you are a museumgoer this is a must visit to add to your list.

Address: 4 Kheil Ha’Handasa Street Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10:00-17:00, Tuesday 14:00-20:00, Friday 10:00-14:00

Are you a historophile? If so the Monastery of the Cross, one of Jerusalem’s lesser-known gems, with its fortress-like appearance of buttressed walls and high windows is definitely worth visiting. A monastery founded

by Byzantine monks in the 6th century AD was rebuilt and reached its peak of prosperity in the 11th century. Among the many fascinating historical elements that you can find inside are ancient and emotive wall murals, an impressive mosaic, Museum of Islamic Art inscriptions in Greek and Georgian, as well as a bell tower and a quaint church.

Address: 3 Shota Rustaveli Street Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00-16:00

HaMiffal Seeing an abandoned building from the 19th century transformed into a hub of art and culture is fascinating. HaMiffal (The Factory) hosts events, exhibitions, a gallery, workshops and even has a veggie-bar and an art shop featuring works by local artists. The Factory is also home to a theater, dance, and concert hall, and also hosts interesting discussions, and film screenings.

Address: 3 Ha-Ma’aravim Street Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00- 00:00, Friday 10:00-16:00

Again, we couldn’t resist adding a few more worthwhile places to visit – Gordon Gallery an offspring of the Tel Aviv gallery located at the Sapir Center Artists House and The Jerusalem Artists’ House, situated in a grand historic building and home to the Israel Painters and Sculptors Association, at 12 Shmuel Ha’Nagid Street that once housed the Bezalel National Museum.

In our opinion, the surreal and vibrant City of Light, the people, alleys, diverse mosaic of cultures, and enchanting atmosphere are the ingredients that make Jerusalem as unique as it is special. Experience the true essence of Jerusalem by visiting the Western Wall, explore the Old City, feast at the famous Machne Yehuda restaurant of Chef Assaf Granit, take a tour of the Machne Yehuda Market and stay until the sun sets to see how the many stalls are transformed into inviting local bars. Visit and explore the picturesque Ein Kerem neighborhood and simply connect to the Jerusalem vibe. Be careful, it’s addictive!

Best Buys in Jerusalem Follow our go-to guide to the best shopping deals in Jerusalem

First Floor

Sofia Designers Gallery

Bezalel Arts Fair

First Floor

Sofia Designers Gallery

Harmony

Ok, honestly this place has a genius concept.

The complex features a stylish café called Nocturno, a cultural space hosting live performance, and a floor with a store full of jewelry and accessories made by local and international designers. If you are on a shopping spree in the City of Light, don’t miss a visit, shop and enjoy excellent coffee at this fun complex which at night transforms into a lively cocktail bar with live music. A tip from us: check out their website for interesting performances and synchronize your schedule.

Address: Nocturno Complex- Top Floor, 7 Bezalel Street Hours: Sunday - Thursday 09:00-20.00, Friday 09.00-14:30

Continuing along Bezalel pedestrian mall, pop into Sofia women’s’ designer clothes boutique, which serves as a respectable stage for promising young designers and graduates of design schools in Israel. Chic and stylish handmade items...and you never know, maybe the designer who created your purchase will become famous and you will be one of the first to own one of his or her creations.

Address: 2 Bezalel Street Hours: Sunday-Thursday 09:30-19:30, Friday 09:30-15:00

This store may make you want to refurnish or purchase items to change the atmosphere even if you are sightseers. ‘Savoir Faire’ high quality solid wood French furniture and exclusive imported décor items from Europe, household accessories, textiles, children’s rooms knick-knacks, toiletries, and perfumery.

While the store is designed with pleasant corners that convey the effect of “how my house might look”, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re not really at home.

Address: 2 Ha’Soreg Street Hours:Sunday to Thursday 09:00-19:00, Friday 09:00-14:00

Bezalel Arts Fair Have you ever witnessed the beauty of city alleys that ‘come to life’? Bezalel Art Fair blends seamlessly into the heart of the city and features approximately 30 artists who colorfully display a wealth of exclusive handmade creations including textiles, wood, glass, drawings, metals, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more, in a marvelous feast of colours, shapes and aromas. The fair is a stage for local musicians who come to perform here, adding their unique sound to the vibrant and diverse ambience. Admission is free.

Address:10 Bezalel Street Hours: Friday & Holiday Eves Only – Summer 09:00-16:00, Winter 09:00-14:00

Adi Kilav Located in Jerusalem, this designer creates handmade leather footwear for both women and men. An Israeli product line, unique designs, and uncompromising quality are all hallmarks of his unique brand. His collection is a combination of restraint and boldness, classic and modern, and a tool for self-expression in a fashionable manner. A new collection of leather items is released every season. Worth following, and yes, they’re super comfortable and of extremely high quality, just in case you were wondering.

Address:3 Yossef Rivlin Street Hours:Sunday to Thursday 10:00-18:30, Friday, 10:00-14:00

You don’t have to bury your credit card in your bag just yet…keep it handy for a few other terrific options. Adraba- for bookworms seeking new and second-hand interesting books as well as much-loved ones unjustly neglected in both Hebrew and English at 5 Sderot Ben Maimon. Pereg Spices – take home vacuum packed flavors of your Holy Land vacation from this famous spice & natural food store

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JLM Restaurant Guide Fringe

Zuni

If you love theatre, this restaurant tucked inside the Jerusalem Theatre is a performance in itself. A local Levantine chef restaurant serving fine kosher ‘Surf & Turf’ dishes, a comprehensive cocktail menu and premium alcohol which together make up a sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine performance not to be missed.

Dishes include fish crudo, vegetable seniya, butterfly cut fillets and traditional Moroccan fish. An encore at this restaurant will be a sure thing if you like freshness and simplicity.

Address: 20 David Marcus Street, Jerusalem Theatre Hours: Sunday to Thursday 17:00-00:00

The saying goes that Zuni bistro & coffee bar is the ‘Answer to the Jerusalem Syndrome‘! Located on the second floor of an historic building, right in the center of Nachalat Shiv’a pedestrian mall, this eatery serves a fantastic range of breakfasts, brunches, lunches & dinners all day long. According to the owners, “Fillet in portobello brandy and cream sauce and Zuni Burger have long been common words in the Jerusalem lingo, and French toast itself has already become known by the locals as one of the major food groups. Check it out for yourself.

Address: 15 Yoel Moshe Salomon Street, Jerusalem, Hours: 09:30-00:00 daily Ofaimme Farm

Ofaimme Farm

Fringe

Pinati Familiar with the phrase “love is just around the corner”? The meaning of Pinati in Hebrew is corner...and there is no doubt that you will fall in love with one of Israel’s most authentic and famous hummus bars. Loved by the locals and a place of pilgrimage for tourists, Pinati serves traditional dishes made with a lot of T.L.C. Among Popular dishes include Kube Hamousta soup, schnitzel, meatballs, beans & rice...and hummus of course! If you are seeking to savor an authentic taste of Jerusalem, it’s worth going ‘just around the corner’.

Address: 13 King George Street, Jerusalem Hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:30-18:00, Friday 08:30+-14:00 BROWN | 152

The location is historic, the concept is heavenly. The building, originally part of Jerusalem’s “Beit Hansen” hospital, which was constructed approximately 130 years ago and was once an historic leper colony is today a farm shop and café, selling premium farm produce including dairy products, sourdough breads, spreads, jams, pastries, tea infusions, granola, coffee and more. The adjacent cafe serves scrumptious breakfasts, pastries, and desserts throughout the day. Hansen House today operates as a center for design, media & technology, hosting film screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of events...the perfect combination of culture and cuisine under one roof.

Address: 14 Gedalyahu Alon Street – Access is also via Marcus Street 2 additional branches are located at 19 Beit Ha’Kerem Street & The Israel Museum Hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:00-18:00 (store is open until 19:00) Friday 08:00-13:00

Zuni

ALTHOUGH the title mentions just five recommendations, we couldn’t resist adding a few more places worth jotting down if you are planning to visit this holy city!

Talbiye - an iconic French brasserie restaurant located under the Jerusalem Theatre at 5 Chopin Street, Pergamon restaurant and cocktail bar with a flavorful, stylish and (ful)filling (!) vegetarian menu at 7 Heleni Ha’Malka Street, Morduch – one of Jerusalem’s veteran restaurants serving super famous and delicious kube at Mahane Yehuda Market , 70 Agripas Street and last but definitely not least, Gelato Variegato – heavenly ice-cream, the sweetest and most refreshing way to end the perfect day in Jerusalem at 29 Gaza Street.

JLM Bar & Nightlife Guide

Cave Bar

Cave Bar When was the last time you drank a cocktail in a cave? A unique feature of the stylish Villa Brown Jerusalem hotel is its underground bar, established in an ancient water cistern that used to supply water to the building in the past. This ancient site plays an important role not only in creating an amazingly warm ambience, but it also contributes to the phenomenal acoustics allowing you to enjoy great vibes, boutique wines & sassy cocktails in a cosmopolitan location in the center of the city. Don’t forget to say we sent you.

Address: 54 Ha’Nevi’im Street Hours: Sunday to Thursday 19:00-23:00.

Fridays the bar is open to hotel guests only.

Call 02-5011555 to reserve a place.

Wine Bar Red? White? Sparkling? There is no doubt that this stylish bar is THE place to ‘Wine N Dine’. Located in the heart of Rehavia, Wine Bar serves an excellent range of fine local wines alongside wines with an international reputation, scrumptious salads, cold cuts, sandwiches, cheeses and pickles. While you’re there, take time to explore the picturesque neighborhood and enjoy Jerusalem’s unique atmosphere with great food and happy people.

Address: 28 Azza Street Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 17:00 until the last customer. Friday & Saturday 12:00 until the last customer.

Wine Bar

The Cassette & The Record (Ha’Taklit) Come and salute vinyl’s tenacity at this English inspired pub where the hi-fi, lo-tech analog age lives on. A favourite with locals and tourists, this is a great place to practice your English which is spoken and heard in every corner of this cozy traditional English style pub. Dudes that hang out here also occasionally like to rub elbows at The Cassette, built on the ruins of The Record’s warehouse, which over the years has developed a personality and trend of its own. Petite, underground and not the run of the mill!

Address: 1 Yochanan Horkanos Street Hours: 20:00-06:00 Daily Ha’Taklit Address: 7 Heleni Ha’Malka Street Hours: 16:30-05:00 Daily

Mazkeka Considered home to the local creative scene, this is the cradle if you dig live music, art, video and sound. Mazkeka (meaning distillery) serves as a lab and creation space, offering a platform for local musicians, and a non-profit run multidisciplinary house for contemporary Jerusalem art. The on-site recording studio is dedicated to distilling new and inspiring sounds. While you hang out, try the yummy, freshly baked pizzas and self-distilled homemade alcohol.

Address: 3 Shoshan Street Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-02:00, Saturday 18:00-02:00

Mazkeka

Gatsby If you stroll down Hillel Street and hear jazz music emanating from some neighborhood bar, you have probably arrived at Gatsby. The retro design that pays tribute to the Roaring 20’s, the happy crowd, signature cocktails, and creative modern concoctions all contribute to an amazing night out on the town in Jerusalem. The bartenders here have the knack for creating bespoke cocktails for each and every customer, and while cocktails are the specialty, you can also enjoy a variety of delicious meals.

Address: 18 Hillel Street Hours: Sunday & Monday 18:00-00:00, Tuesday to Saturday 18:00-01:00

NARROWING it down to 5 wasn’t easy, here are another few gr8 places to hang out in the City of Light – The Video Gay Bar (yes the one and ONLY) known for its wild parties in a safe space for people of all walks of life, at 1 Yohanan Horkanos Street and Yudale Tapas Bar a cozy bar serving creative farm-fresh dishes, straight from the market at 10 Beit Yaakov Street, Machne Yehuda.

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EILAT: ESCAPE TO THE SUN With tantalising attractions on land as well as underwater, Eilat is Israel’s best kept secret. From soothing spas to frenzied nightclubs, endless beaches and every which watersport, plus some of Israel’s best bars and restaurants, Eilat should be on every serious fun-seeker’s bucket list.

How to make the most of your stay in Eilat.

On the Water: Try a new water-sport Feeling adventurous? Why not try something new? Test your skills at wind-surfing, kite-surfing, water-skiing, stand-up paddle-boarding, and parasailing. There are a number of locations in eilat that offer lessons and rentals to satisfy your adrenaline cravings.

Relax on the beach

Swim with the dolphins Dive into the turquoise waters of the red sea and play with the stunning aquatic life.

Observe bottle-nosed dolphins up-close at dolphin reef, home to tropical fish, beautiful corals, and dolphins.

On Land: Visit Timna Park Timna is a beautiful park in the desert, just north of eilat. It’s home to the world’s first copper mine, and with over 15,000 acres of land, there are plenty of trails to hike.

From organized beaches to savage, unsung coves, if you just want to rest and work on your tan, eilat has numerous beaches to choose from.

Go shopping

Explore the underwater marine observatory

Eilat is surrounded by towering mountains making it a terrific trail for hikers. Start your trek at the eilat mountains nature reserve, just outside the city.

With such a beautiful coral reef along the shores of eilat, hundreds of people visit this observatory every year. You can enjoy a view of the sea creatures, observe the turtles and stingrays, and check out the shark pool!

Dive in the Red Sea Coral beach is often ranked as one of the best places to dive in the world. The reefs are protected by the national parks authority and are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Whether you wish to explore the depths or just flutter along the surface and snorkel, eilat is the perfect place to be.

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Eilat has the added advantage of being a taxfree zone, making it a shopper’s paradise.

Hike in the mountains

Discover Jordan Eilat is the perfect starting point for a tour to the rose-hued unesco world heritage site of petra. There are day tours and two-day tours with daily departures to the ancient lost city.

Explore the desert The arava desert around eilat covers some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world. Slightly further lies the negev region – with craters, towns, and historic sites attracting visitors from all over the world.

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Good Times, Tan Lines

BROWN EILAT

'30s RetroVibes, Intimate Boutique Hotel

Prepare to be captivated by this retro-chic getaway. Located on the north coast, this first boutique hotel the collection in Eilat, infused with a 1930’s glitzy Miami Beach style, decorated with vintage items, tropical vegetation and vivid colours, brings to the city of eternal sun a fun holiday vibe, the perfect getaway for couples. Step into Brown Eilat’s colourful world with 84 fully equipped rooms, an iconic pool and immerse yourself in a meticulously curated blend of vintage charm, tropical opulence. For an indulgent gastronomic experience, head to fusion restobar Cena (of Tel Aviv fame) for inventive Mediterranean cuisine and sassy cocktails to great music.

17 Kamen st. Eilat brownhotels.com

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Desert Inspirations

BROWN RED SEA Where Desert Dreams Come Alive in Eilat Enter a world of desert-inspired elegance and plunge yourself in the inviting ambience of Brown Red Sea. Catering to couples as well as families, its 154 rooms reflect Eilat’s desert vibes, amply evident in the colours and attention to fine detail. Dive in for a dip and pop out for drinks and daytime bites at the pool resto-bar, or succulent lunches. Enjoy pampering at the spa with wet & dry saunas, and a wellequipped gym to strut your beach bod! Tuck into a delectable breakfast spread every morning and work it out by getting some action in and around the hotel. Brown Red Sea’s close proximity to Benyamin Park’s manicured lawns, a skateboard complex, musical fountain, the new Seven Stars Mall, and to Eilat’s coveted beaches make it a sunsoaked retreat for the adventurous or the pleasure-seeker.

Israel | brownhotels.com

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Sunlight. Starlight.

BROWN LIGHTHOUSE EILAT Design Hotel in Eilat - Perfect for Families

Eilat conjures up images of idyllic holidays all year round, and Lighthouse Eilat is designed to max your downtime. Geared towards families with 152 rooms, Lighthouse Eilat is a self-contained destination with a commercial centre right next door, a premium PlayZone for children and teens, a Gymboree, movie screenings and a swimming pool for shared family fun.

Start your day with an indulgent breakfast spread that caters to all your hyphenated requests - from low-cal to gluten-free. With a pool bar that will immediately set the tone for your holiday, a sauna and a sun terrace with views of the Edom Mountains and Red Sea to work on your tan, Lighthouse Eilat also offers a host of sporting possibilities and water fun.

Sderot HaTmarim 2, Eilat, Israel www.brownhotels.com BROWN | 158

BROWN 42° The newest addition to the Brown family is this soonto-be-completed stunning 5-star residential and hotel complex with 155 opulently-appointed rooms. With luxury service, a swimming pool that will motivate you to get into shape, and a spa to wash off all stress, Brown 42 indeed has it all!! brownhotels.com

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Club©

BROWN

WELCOME TO CLUB BROWN Earn Brownie points!

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Dive into the world of Brown and join our community of funloving Brownies. Enjoy special deals and benefits at our hotels, chef restaurants and bars, connect with the local nightlife and culinary scene, and be part of a lifestyle lovers' community. Once you register and begin your journey with us, you will become a MEMBER, then INSIDER, and finally a LEADER! The longer you stay with us and enjoy booking Brown Hotels, restaurants and hotel extras/perks, the higher your membership level!

PLUS DETAILED BAR, RESTAURANT, SHOPPING AND MUSEUM GUIDE