Books, coffee, and calm: The charming bookstore cafés in the Southern Suburbs of Athens
A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that inspires you to dive into a book, read, or even work can be found in one of the following bookstore cafés in the southern suburbs of Athens.
- 03/11/2025, 15:13
Are you also looking for the ideal spot for all-day meetups in a pleasant, quiet setting with ambient music and, most importantly, good books that draw you in — the kind that make you come back for something new and even more exciting? Then it’s worth noting down the following addresses, where you’ll find the bookstore cafés of the south: places to pair a warm coffee or homemade lemonade with reading, browsing, and interesting conversation. And mind you, these aren’t hangouts meant only for dedicated bookworms, but for anyone looking for a little “escape” from everyday life.
Fahrenheit 451 Books & Coffee, Ilioupoli
In a quiet, welcoming setting in the heart of Ilioupoli, Fahrenheit 451 is the place to be if you’re looking for a relaxed spot to read, work, or simply enjoy a laid-back outing. The space “transports” you — the surrounding bookshelves invite you to explore and discover hidden treasures, while the overall atmosphere encourages conversations that could go on forever. You’ll find books available both for purchase and borrowing, ranging from classics and favorites to new releases and fresh recommendations.
On the plus side, there’s soft background music playing non-stop, and the coffee is excellent — best paired with one of their desserts (we recommend the apple tart). You should also know that various events are held at the café at regular intervals, including book presentations for both children and adults.
TEO Books & Coffee, Glyfada
Recently opened on Dousmani Street in Glyfada, TEO Books & Coffee promises to become a go-to spot for those who love coffee, reading, and cultural events. Its shelves feature a carefully curated selection of literature in three languages — Greek, English, and Russian — so you can choose the one that will take you on a journey, accompanied by a good cup of coffee. The space is bright and tastefully designed, with tables both indoors and outside on the sidewalk. There’s also a small event area that hosts literary talks, workshops, and other activities for adults and children alike.
The founders’ goal is for TEO Books & Coffee to evolve into a meeting point for all ages — a place where you can spend quality time reading, working, or simply enjoying the calm atmosphere and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Booki Kluki, Glyfada
Glyfada has gained another special bookstore café — this time with a more family-friendly character. Booki Kluki is a warm, colorful space that combines coffee, reading, and play, creating the ideal meeting point for parents and children. Here, adults can enjoy their coffee in a calm atmosphere, while kids explore the in-house library filled with selected titles in Greek, English, Russian, French, and Ukrainian. Young visitors can also play with the toys scattered throughout, making the place feel more like a cozy, creative corner at home than a traditional café.
But Booki Kluki doesn’t stop there. It also hosts a variety of activities such as workshops, storytelling sessions, book presentations, film screenings, and children’s theater performances — all designed to introduce kids to the world of books and culture in a fun, interactive way.
Zatopek, Kallithea
In September 2021, Kallithea — specifically the neighborhood near the Ilisos park — welcomed Zatopek, a café-bookstore that will remind you of the ones you see abroad. It’s a fully functioning bookstore like any other, with one big difference: here, you can enjoy your coffee or even a drink while nestled among shelves filled with books.
At Zatopek, you’ll find the latest releases, new editions, and other carefully chosen titles. It’s the ideal spot to start endless conversations with friends about books (or anything else), to browse, exchange opinions, or even make new acquaintances — all sparked by a shared love of reading.
Shakespeare Book Café, Nea Smyrni
The Shakespeare Book Café in Nea Smyrni is a cozy, welcoming haven for book lovers. But it’s not only for them — this space also offers the perfect setting for a relaxed outing with friends. The atmosphere exudes calmness, making you naturally want to browse through every book on its shelves, while it’s also the perfect quiet spot for writing a paper or getting some work done.
And if you don’t mind a bit of chill, you can sit out on its small balcony overlooking the quiet neighborhood, with a little planter full of colorful flowers, and flip through a book with a warm cup of coffee in hand.
Koukoubook, Kallithea
Koukoubook quickly became a meeting place for book lovers and groups of friends looking for their next relaxing hangout spot in the city. The building that houses it was constructed in the 1950s to serve as a private school and features a spacious courtyard where, when the weather is nice, you can sit outside to read, work, or lounge with friends and dive into endless conversations — framed by its yellow windows and doors that make the perfect backdrop. Inside, the bookshelves are filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and there are a few cozy corners for you to settle into.
Note that the books at Koukoubook are for sale — it operates as a proper bookstore — but there’s also a small collection of books for adults and children that you can read while you’re there, accompanied by coffee, a drink, or a dessert.