in Athens This Week

Greece's tourism industry isn't just beaches and ancient ruins—it's a sophisticated ecosystem of design, hospitality, architecture, and experience that generates billions in revenue and shapes how the world perceives the country. For two days in October, Technopolis in Gazi becomes the nerve center of this industry at Hotel Experience 2025, where high-end hotels, boutique resorts, architects, and designers gather to shape the future of Greek hospitality.

The transformation of Greek tourism over the past two decades has been remarkable. Where once dominated by all-inclusive resort complexes, the industry now celebrates design-forward boutique hotels, renovated neoclassical mansions, and contemporary properties that balance luxury with sustainability. Athens itself exemplifies this evolution—from a city visitors rushed through en route to the islands to a destination in its own right, with design hotels, rooftop bars, and cultural experiences that rival any European capital.

Hotel Experience brings together the professionals driving this transformation. Speakers from acclaimed Greek properties and international resorts share insights on everything from biophilic design principles to guest experience innovation to sustainable hospitality practices. Architects present projects that integrate contemporary design with historical preservation, showing how modern hotels can respect architectural heritage while meeting contemporary expectations. Interior designers reveal how they create spaces that feel distinctly Greek without resorting to cliché.

For professionals in the field, these two days offer essential networking and knowledge exchange. For those curious about the hospitality industry—whether aspiring hoteliers, design students, or simply design enthusiasts—the conference provides rare behind-the-scenes access to an industry that typically operates out of public view. You'll understand what goes into creating the kind of hotel room that makes guests never want to leave, how lobbies become social spaces rather than mere throughways, and why that perfect Aegean light in your hotel room might result from carefully calculated window placement and architectural orientation.

Technopolis Gazi provides atmospheric industrial-chic surroundings for these discussions. The former gasworks, with its exposed brick and soaring ceilings, offers the kind of adaptive reuse that many hotel projects emulate—respecting industrial heritage while creating functional contemporary space.

The conference runs October 18-19, starting at 10:00 AM daily. Tickets range from €20-€50 depending on access level, making professional development accessible for those entering the industry while offering premium options for established professionals. Whether you're working in hospitality, studying design, or simply fascinated by the spaces we inhabit, Hotel Experience 2025 reveals the artistry and strategy behind exceptional hospitality.

When a British band turns archival footage, vintage broadcasts, and historical speeches into stadium-worthy anthems, something genuinely unique is happening. Public Service Broadcasting have spent over a decade perfecting their signature blend of electronic rock, cinematic visuals, and documentary storytelling, transforming forgotten moments from history into immersive live experiences that feel like watching a film and attending a concert simultaneously.

The London-based duo of J. Willgoose, Esq. and Wrigglesworth create music that educates as much as it entertains. Their breakthrough album "The Race for Space" turned NASA mission recordings and Soviet space program archives into an electrifying tribute to the space age. Follow-up records explored Everest expeditions, Welsh mining disasters, and European history, always with the same meticulous attention to historical detail and sonic craftsmanship. They're not just making music about history; they're making history feel vital and immediate.

Live, Public Service Broadcasting are a completely different beast. What works brilliantly on record becomes transcendent on stage, where massive screens project vintage footage in sync with driving basslines, soaring guitars, and samples that make you feel like you're experiencing these historical moments firsthand. It's prog rock meets documentary cinema meets electronic music, and somehow it all makes perfect sense when you're in the room watching it unfold.

Athens gets to experience this rare phenomenon at Gazarte, one of the city's most versatile venues in the industrial-chic Keramikos neighborhood. The multi-level cultural space has become synonymous with quality international bookings, and Public Service Broadcasting represent exactly the kind of act Gazarte excels at hosting: ambitious, visually stunning, and utterly unique. The venue's main stage provides the perfect setting for PSB's audio-visual spectacle, with excellent sound and sightlines that ensure every moment lands with maximum impact.

This is Public Service Broadcasting's first Greek appearance, making it an essential night for anyone who values innovation in live music. Whether you're a fan of electronic music, rock, or simply compelling storytelling, this show offers something you won't find anywhere else. Doors open at 20:30, giving you time to grab a drink at Gazarte's excellent bar and settle in before the history lesson begins.

Don't miss this chance to see one of Britain's most inventive live acts in one of Athens' best venues. Public Service Broadcasting deliver experiences, not just concerts, and this is your opportunity to witness something genuinely special.

Live-looping has revolutionized solo performance, but few artists wield it as masterfully as Dub FX. The Australian beatboxer, producer, and vocalist transforms his voice and effects pedals into a full band experience, creating dense, danceable tracks layer by layer before astonished audiences. On Friday, October 18, 2025, at 9:30 PM, Dub FX brings his electrifying solo show to Fuzz Club in Exarcheia, joined by British reggae artist Mr. Woodnote for what promises to be an evening of deep bass, intricate rhythms, and pure musical wizardry.

Benjamin Stanford, performing as Dub FX, rose to international attention through street performances and YouTube videos that showcased his extraordinary technical abilities. Using only his voice, a microphone, effects pedals, and loop stations, he constructs complete songs in real-time, beatboxing complex drum patterns while singing melodies and adding bass lines, all synchronized with split-second precision. His music blends reggae, dub, hip-hop, drum and bass, and dubstep into something uniquely his own, energetic yet conscious, technically impressive yet deeply groovy. Tracks like "Flow," "Love Someone," and "Step on My Trip" have accumulated millions of streams, but they're most powerful experienced live, where the construction process becomes part of the performance art.

Mr. Woodnote, meanwhile, represents a new generation of British reggae artists honoring roots traditions while incorporating contemporary production techniques. His warm vocals and commitment to socially conscious lyrics complement Dub FX's genre-blending approach perfectly. Together, they create an evening that satisfies both heads who appreciate technical skill and dancers who simply want to move.

Fuzz Club, nestled in the anarchist-spirited Exarcheia neighborhood, provides the ideal intimate venue for this performance. This small club, known for hosting underground and alternative acts, emphasizes community and musical authenticity over commercial gloss. The €20-€25 ticket price reflects this grassroots ethos, keeping concerts accessible to students and working-class music lovers who form the neighborhood's cultural backbone.

Exarcheia itself adds dimension to the evening. Before the show, explore its cafes, bookshops, and street art; after, decompress at one of its late-night bars where conversations about music, politics, and art flow as freely as the drinks. This concert isn't just entertainment; it's an immersion in Athens' alternative cultural scene and a celebration of innovative, independent music.

Don't miss Dub FX and Mr. Woodnote at Fuzz Club. Arrive early, stay late, and witness musical alchemy in one of Athens' most culturally vibrant neighborhoods.

For twenty-nine years, the Athens Cycling Tour has reclaimed the city's streets for two-wheeled exploration, transforming car-dominated avenues into peaceful cycling routes and reminding Athenians that their city belongs to people, not just automobiles. On October 19th, the tradition continues as thousands of cyclists take to the streets for the annual celebration of pedal-powered mobility.

Athens's relationship with cycling remains complicated. Despite Mediterranean weather perfect for year-round riding, cycling infrastructure has lagged behind other European capitals. Bike lanes remain inconsistent, drivers often view cyclists as obstacles rather than fellow road users, and car culture dominates transportation planning. Yet the Athens Cycling Tour persists, growing year after year, proving that demand for cycling-friendly Athens continues to build.

The annual tour does more than provide recreation—it demonstrates possibility. When thousands of cyclists roll through central Athens on traffic-free streets, it shows residents what car-free urban space feels like. Children ride alongside parents, experiencing their city from a new perspective. Recreational cyclists and serious riders share the same route, united by two wheels and forward motion. For a few hours, Athens feels like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, showing what could be rather than what is.

The route typically showcases Athens's diverse neighborhoods, offering views you'd never appreciate from a car window. You'll pedal past ancient sites and modern developments, through residential areas and commercial districts, experiencing the city's topography in your legs and lungs. Athens's hills provide challenge, but the tour accommodates various fitness levels, prioritizing participation over competition.

Beyond individual experience, the Athens Cycling Tour serves as collective advocacy. Each participant becomes a rolling demonstration that Athens can embrace cycling culture. Politicians notice when thousands of voters demand better infrastructure. Businesses notice when cycling events attract customers. Each year's tour builds momentum for permanent change—more bike lanes, better connectivity, safer streets for everyone.

The event begins at 4:00 PM on October 19th, with free participation open to all ages and abilities. You'll need your own bicycle (rentals are available throughout Athens), basic safety equipment including a helmet, and enthusiasm for experiencing your city differently. Registration details and route information are available through This is Athens website.

Whether you're a daily cyclist advocating for better infrastructure, a recreational rider seeking community, or someone curious about experiencing Athens by bike, the 29th Athens Cycling Tour welcomes you. Join thousands of fellow cyclists, reclaim the streets, and help pedal Athens toward a more sustainable, livable future.

Juergen Teller doesn't take photos the way other fashion photographers do. Where the industry demands polish and perfection, the German-born artist delivers rawness, humor, and uncomfortable intimacy. His images have graced the pages of i-D, W Magazine, and countless Vivienne Westwood campaigns, yet they often look nothing like traditional fashion photography. Models appear unglamorous, celebrities look awkward, and luxury goods are presented with deliberate anti-glamour. It's fashion photography that questions fashion itself.

"you are invited" marks Teller's first major exhibition at Onassis Ready, the contemporary art space in Ag. Ioannis Rentis that has quickly established itself as one of Athens' most important cultural venues. The exhibition arrives at a perfect moment, as Teller's influence on contemporary photography has never been more apparent. His aesthetic, once considered shocking, now defines an entire generation's understanding of what fashion imagery can be: personal, political, playful, and profoundly human.

The show brings together works spanning Teller's career, from his early breakthrough campaigns to recent projects that continue pushing boundaries. You'll encounter his famous portraits of Kate Moss looking decidedly unglamorous, celebrities photographed in mundane settings, and images that blur the line between high art and snapshot photography. Teller's genius lies in making the viewer question what they're looking at: is this fashion? Art? Documentary? The answer is always yes, all three, and something more.

Onassis Ready provides an ideal setting for this encounter with one of photography's most provocative voices. The industrial space in Rentis has become Athens' go-to venue for challenging contemporary art, offering exhibitions that don't play it safe. The neighborhood itself, once purely industrial, is quietly transforming into a cultural destination, and Onassis Ready sits at the heart of this change.

Teller's work rewards close looking and repeated viewing. These aren't images designed to be scrolled past on Instagram; they demand you slow down, look carefully, and consider what fashion photography can be when it refuses to follow the rules. The exhibition includes vintage prints, recent work, and potentially unpublished images that offer fresh perspectives on Teller's singular vision.

For anyone interested in photography, fashion, or contemporary art, this exhibition is essential viewing. Teller has fundamentally changed how we think about fashion imagery, and seeing his work in person reveals details and nuances impossible to appreciate on screen. The opening is October 19th at 18:00, and the show will run for several weeks. Make the journey to Rentis; it's absolutely worth it.

Red Snapper emerged from London's mid-1990s experimental music scene as something genuinely unusual: a trio that could satisfy jazz heads, club kids, and post-rock enthusiasts simultaneously. David Ayers on guitars, Ali Friend on double bass, and Richard Thair on drums/programming created a sound that defied easy categorization, blending acid jazz, trip-hop, dub, and what they cheekily termed "psychedelic surf music." On Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 9:00 PM, this influential British group performs at Gazarte Roof Stage, offering Athenians a rare opportunity to experience their genre-defying live show against the backdrop of Gazi's industrial-chic architecture.

What made Red Snapper distinctive wasn't just their instrumental virtuosity, though all three members are formidable musicians. It was their ability to bridge seemingly incompatible worlds: acoustic bass meets electronic programming, jazz improvisation meets club rhythms, organic instruments meet studio manipulation. Their 1996 debut album "Prince Blimey" became an underground classic, influencing countless producers and bands while earning comparisons to everyone from Portishead to Tortoise to dub pioneers like King Tubby. Tracks like "Hot Flush" and "The Sleepless" demonstrated how electronic and acoustic elements could intertwine seamlessly, creating music that felt both timeless and futuristic.

The trip-hop era that birthed Red Snapper has long passed, but their music hasn't dated. Instead, it sounds prescient, anticipating contemporary electronic music's embrace of live instrumentation and jazz's ongoing dialogue with beats and technology. Seeing them live reveals dimensions that recordings can only hint at, especially Friend's hypnotic double bass work, which provides both melodic foundation and percussive drive, and Ayers' textured guitar work, which ranges from ambient swells to funky scratches.

Gazarte Roof Stage, perched atop one of Gazi's converted industrial buildings, offers spectacular views across Athens while providing excellent sound quality. The €20-€30 ticket price is reasonable for international touring acts of Red Snapper's caliber and reputation. The venue's location in Gazi, Athens' nightlife and cultural district, means the evening can extend well beyond the concert, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants within walking distance.

This concert appeals to multiple generations: those who discovered Red Snapper in the '90s and new listeners curious about the roots of contemporary electronic-jazz fusion. It's a Sunday night show, making it perfect for those who want cultural stimulation without sacrificing Monday morning functionality.

Experience Red Snapper's liquid bass lines and psychedelic grooves at Gazarte Roof Stage. This is music for heads, hearts, and hips simultaneously. Get your tickets now and witness British experimental music royalty in Athens' coolest converted industrial venue.

Describing a Sunn O))) performance to someone who hasn't experienced it firsthand feels impossible. This isn't a concert in any conventional sense. It's a physical phenomenon, a sonic ritual, an encounter with sound so overwhelming that it transcends music and becomes something closer to a natural force. The American drone metal duo of Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson create music that you don't just hear; you feel it in your chest, your bones, your entire body.

Formed in Seattle in 1998, Sunn O))) (pronounced "sun") took inspiration from Earth's pioneering drone metal and amplified everything: the volume, the distortion, the glacial pacing, the sheer crushing weight of sound. Over nine studio albums, they've collaborated with avant-garde composers, metal legends, and noise artists, always pushing toward more extreme sonic territories. Their music exists at the intersection of metal, minimalist composition, noise art, and something indefinable that exists beyond genre entirely.

Live performances are where Sunn O))) truly come alive. The stage fills with fog machines creating an impenetrable wall of smoke. The musicians, dressed in robes like some doom-metal monastic order, stand nearly motionless as they coax earth-shaking frequencies from amplifiers turned to volumes that defy belief. Each note sustains for minutes, creating harmonic overtones that seem to vibrate in impossible spaces. It's meditative and punishing simultaneously, a test of endurance that becomes transcendent for those willing to surrender to it.

Athens gets this rare experience at Gagarin 205, the capital's premier venue for heavy music and alternative rock. Located on Liosion Street, Gagarin has built its reputation on bringing the world's most uncompromising artists to Greek audiences, and Sunn O))) represent perhaps the most extreme booking on that continuum. The venue's powerful sound system and devoted audience make it the perfect setting for this sonic assault.

Come prepared: earplugs are not optional, they're essential. Sunn O))) concerts routinely exceed 120 decibels, reaching levels that can cause hearing damage without protection. But don't let that scare you off. Experiencing this music at these volumes, feeling the air move with each bass note, watching the fog swirl in patterns created by pure sound—it's unlike anything else in contemporary music.

Tickets are €30-35, and this show will sell out. Sunn O))) tour infrequently, especially in Southern Europe, making this Athens appearance a genuine event for anyone interested in experimental music, heavy sound, or simply experiencing the absolute extremes of what live performance can be. Doors at 21:00, October 19th. Prepare yourself for something extraordinary.

Classical music in Athens exists in fascinating tension between ancient and contemporary. The city that gave birth to theater and musical theory thousands of years ago now hosts a thriving classical music scene, where international performers and Greek musicians present everything from baroque chamber works to contemporary compositions. The Athens International Music Festival, running October 21-25, showcases this living tradition at the Parnassos Literary Society near Syntagma Square.

Parnassos itself carries cultural weight. Founded in 1865, it stands as one of Greece's oldest cultural institutions, dedicated to literature, arts, and sciences. Its neoclassical building in Karytsi Square has hosted countless concerts, lectures, and literary events over 150 years, accumulating a patina of cultural memory that enriches every performance held within its walls. The acoustics, refined over decades of musical presentations, make this intimate hall particularly suited to chamber music and solo performances.

The Athens International Music Festival brings together Greek and international talent for a concentrated burst of classical performances. Five days of concerts means multiple opportunities to experience different repertoires, from solo piano recitals to string quartets to small ensemble performances. The programming typically balances canonical works that anchor the classical tradition with contemporary compositions that push it forward, giving audiences both comfort and challenge.

For visitors to Athens, classical music performances offer unexpected cultural depth beyond ancient sites and taverna dinners. Attending a concert at Parnassos places you within living Greek culture rather than touring its historical remnants. The audience will include serious music lovers, students from Athens's conservatories, and curious visitors—a cross-section of the city's cultural life gathered for shared artistic experience.

The location near Syntagma makes attending remarkably convenient. You can spend the afternoon exploring the Plaka or the National Gardens, enjoy an early dinner in Monastiraki, then walk to Karytsi Square for evening performance. After the concert, Syntagma's cafes and bars remain open late, perfect for discussing what you've just heard.

Tickets range from €15-€40, making world-class performances accessible without stratospheric ticket prices. Multiple concerts across five days allow you to attend one particularly appealing program or immerse yourself in the entire festival. Individual performance schedules and ticket information are available through This is Athens and the festival's own website.

Whether you're a devoted classical music listener or simply curious about Athens's contemporary cultural life, the Athens International Music Festival offers exceptional performances in an intimate historic setting. Book tickets, dress comfortably, and discover that Athens's musical tradition didn't end with ancient lyres—it continues every night.

In a city where ancient tragedy was born, jazz offers its own form of dramatic storytelling. On October 22nd, the Half Note Jazz Club welcomes Thanos Stavridis, a Greek jazz musician whose work embodies the sophisticated evolution of the country's jazz scene. This intimate venue in the Mets neighborhood has earned its reputation as Athens' premier jazz destination, and for good reason: its acoustics, atmosphere, and commitment to authentic jazz experiences create the perfect environment for musical excellence.

Thanos Stavridis represents the mature voice of contemporary Greek jazz, an artist who has spent years honing his craft both at home and abroad. His musical language reflects a deep understanding of the jazz tradition while remaining rooted in the specific emotional landscape of Mediterranean culture. Whether leading his own ensemble or collaborating with other musicians, Stavridis brings a level of musicianship and interpretive intelligence that elevates every performance. His approach to improvisation reveals years of study and experience, combining harmonic sophistication with melodic accessibility.

The Half Note Jazz Club itself is part of the story. Located on Trivonianou Street in Mets, this venue has become synonymous with quality jazz in Athens. Its intimate dimensions create a direct connection between performers and audience, eliminating the distance that larger venues impose. You're not watching a jazz concert here; you're participating in a musical conversation. The club's unpretentious atmosphere reflects jazz's democratic spirit, where the music speaks louder than any superficial trappings.

The Mets neighborhood adds another layer to the experience. This residential area near the ancient Panathenaic Stadium retains a neighborhood character increasingly rare in central Athens. Before or after the show, you can explore its quiet streets, discover local eateries, and experience a side of Athens that feels authentically lived-in rather than curated for tourists.

The concert begins at 9:30 PM on Wednesday evening. Tickets range from 15 to 20 euros and can be purchased through Songkick. For anyone serious about jazz or simply curious about Greece's contribution to this global art form, this is an evening not to be missed.

When the marble corridors of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation transform into an intimate jazz venue, something magical happens. The sixth season of Athens' beloved Jazz at the Museum series opens on October 24th with an evening of sophisticated improvisation that bridges the gap between visual and sonic artistry. This unique concert series has become a cultural institution in its own right, proving that Pangrati's premier art museum is as comfortable hosting world-class musicians as it is displaying masterworks.

Myrto Papatanasiu represents a generation of Greek jazz artists who have absorbed the language of the greats while developing a distinctly personal voice. Her approach to the piano combines technical precision with emotional depth, drawing from the Mediterranean melodic sensibility that has always set Greek jazz apart. Whether interpreting standards or presenting original compositions, Papatanasiu creates musical narratives that feel both timeless and urgently contemporary. Her performances are known for their dynamic range, moving from delicate, introspective moments to powerful, driving passages that showcase her command of the keyboard.

The setting itself enhances the experience. The Goulandris Foundation, one of Athens' most significant contemporary art spaces, provides an acoustically refined environment where every note resonates with clarity. The juxtaposition of visual art and live music creates a multisensory experience that enriches both mediums. Attending Jazz at the Museum isn't just about hearing great music; it's about experiencing culture in a holistic way that reflects Athens' growing sophistication as an international cultural capital.

This concert takes place on Friday evening at 8:30 PM, making it an ideal way to launch your weekend in the vibrant Pangrati neighborhood. The area surrounding the museum offers numerous options for pre-concert dining, from traditional tavernas to modern bistros, and the post-concert vibe in Pangrati's cafes and bars extends the cultural experience well into the night.

Tickets are available through the This is Athens platform. Don't miss this opportunity to experience jazz in one of Athens' most distinctive cultural spaces.