Grande Bretagne Hotel – A Regal Landmark for the Sophisticated Traveler
The luxurious Hotel Grande Bretagne, part of Marriott’s prestigious Luxury Collection, has been awarded no less than 11 times as Greece’s best hotel and for offering the country’s finest suite. For over a decade, it has consistently been a nominee for top European hospitality accolades.
Since 1874, it has stood proudly in the heart of Athens. And in 1896, with the revival of the modern Olympic Games, the hotel was chosen as the official residence for diplomatic delegations, heads of state, and royalty who arrived in the city for the historic celebration.
Thanks to its rich heritage and curated collection of antiques and artworks displayed throughout its halls, guided tours are offered exclusively to guests—arranged through the hotel’s impeccable concierge service. Its Royal Suite, the only one of its kind in the city, spans an impressive 400 square meters and lives up to its majestic title in every sense.
For the aficionado seeking to pair a fine cigar with an unforgettable view, the rooftop GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar is a destination in itself. With sweeping vistas of the Acropolis, Syntagma Square and the Parliament building, Mount Lycabettus, and the historic Olympic Stadium—it’s a setting where heritage, elegance, and indulgence meet in perfect harmony.
Alexander’s Bar – Where History, Elegance, and a Perfect Cigar Meet
On the first floor of the Grande Bretagne, you’ll find Alexander’s Bar—crowned by Forbes as the Best Hotel Bar in the World. Step through its doors and the title immediately makes sense. The space exudes the opulence of ancient Greece, with a design language that balances power and serenity.
Dominating the main wall above the bar is an 18th-century tapestry depicting Alexander the Great’s triumphant entry into Gaugamela—following the historic battle in which he vanquished the Persian Empire. It’s a fitting backdrop for a bar that blends grandeur with gravitas.
The bar’s spirits collection is nothing short of spectacular. From rare fortified wines and prestigious cognacs like Rémy Martin Louis XIII and Richard Hennessy, to rare single malts including the Macallan Master of Photography 30 Years (€5,000 per bottle) and the elusive Macallan 1937 (€2,500 per 50ml pour), this is a playground for the true connoisseur. You’ll also find a deep bench of fine rums, gins, and more—each label curated with discernment.
Just adjacent lies the Cigar Lounge, a haven for aficionados. The humidor features an elite selection of Cuban classics—Cohiba, Montecristo, Hoyo de Monterrey, and more—alongside expert guidance for the perfect pairing. Guests are welcome to bring their own cigars, though etiquette encourages ordering a fine drink to accompany the experience.
The lounge is open daily from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM—offering the ideal setting for a contemplative smoke, a refined conversation, or simply a moment of timeless indulgence.
Address: 1 Vasileos Georgiou A’ St., Syntagma Square
Phone: (+30) 210 333 0000
Concierge Email: grandebretagne.concierge@luxurycollection.com
Brettos – A Timeless Distillery Bar in the Heart of Plaka
Plaka, Athens’ most iconic and historic neighborhood, is a must-visit for any traveler. Amid the winding alleys, ancient ruins, and food stalls, one gem stands out—a place where time slows and heritage is poured into every glass: Brettos, the oldest distillery bar in Greece, now celebrating an incredible 110 years of continuous operation.
The story of Brettos began, as it should in Greece, with ouzo—the national spirit. Soon after came house-made brandy and a variety of liqueurs crafted from traditional recipes originating in the ancient Greek city of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey).
Though modest in size, the bar evokes the soul of a local tavern, with its warm wood counters and tightly arranged tables. Yet the real visual feast lies on the towering walls, lined with hundreds of handcrafted bottles in vibrant colors, and the original wooden barrels once used by founder Michael Brettos to distill his signature ouzo.
In addition to the authentic ouzo, Brettos offers over 50 types of artisanal liqueurs, house brandy, and more than 200 labels of Greek wine—making it a true paradise for lovers of spirits.
And because a cigar pairs so naturally with a robust distillate or a well-aged wine, a small selection of Cuban cigars is available from their humidor. Guests are welcome to savor one at one of the tables just outside the bar, soaking in the Plaka ambiance as locals pass by and the Acropolis looms above.
Best enjoyed during the late afternoon, when the crowds are lighter and the mood more relaxed—before the evening rush begins.
Address: 41 Kydathineon St., Plaka
Phone: (+30) 210 3232 110
Email: info@brettosplaka.com
Six d.o.g.s – A Cultural Playground with a Cigar-Friendly Edge
In the heart of Athens’ historic Monastiraki district lies one of the city’s most unconventional and electrifying venues: Six d.o.g.s. Described by its founders as a “cultural entertainment center”, this multi-space concept defies categorization—blending art, music, nightlife, and gastronomy under one eclectic roof.
From 10:00 AM until the early hours of the morning, there’s always something happening here—live performances, DJ sets, art exhibitions, lectures, experimental installations, and more—adding up to over 500 events annually across its five distinct “elements”: the Gig Space, Project Space, Bar, Foyer, and the iconic Garden.
The garden, a lush urban oasis tucked between neoclassical ruins and modern concrete, is where many locals and in-the-know travelers choose to unwind with a finely crafted cocktail or local delicacy—and yes, a premium cigar in hand. The vibe is avant-garde yet welcoming, with an electric, bohemian spirit that invites you to linger long into the night.
It’s not your traditional cigar lounge—but for the aficionado seeking a creative, open-air atmosphere with a twist of modern Athenian edge, Six d.o.g.s delivers a rare and memorable experience.
Address: 6–8 Avramiotou St., Monastiraki
Phone: (+30) 210 3210510
Website: www.sixdogs.gr
