The reigning historical Capital, Athens, has dominated the rest of the world with its cultural influences on western civilisation. The Greek metropolis is a storybook of mythological gods and prehistoric delights. Its blend of architectural designs includes soaring columns that overlook the city and have endured thousands of years of war and natural decay, highrise apartments and charming neighbourhoods. In the midst of the exciting days, the nightlife is equally inviting. From sunrise sets to candle-lit cocktail bars, a night in Athens is not only one that caters to the taste of each tourist but is one that you will likely never forget.
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Nightlife in Athens
For a slice of history, begin with an essential visit to Brettos Bar. Brettos is known to be the oldest distillery in Athens, having exploded onto the streets in 1909, and has since curated a staggering 36 flavours of its home-brewed liqueurs. It is unmissable to a traveller’s eye, as a walk past and a peek inside will see walls lined with an assortment of rainbow-coloured bottles filled with the home-crafted delights of liqueurs in flavours ranging from peppermint to cherry. A small radio plays soft melodies, tying together the quaint little tavern ambience bringing Plaka and the surrounding areas to life.
You can also head over to the trend-chasing, ever-quirky Koukaki, a district in Athens that sits under the soaring Acropolis and is a hotspot for hippies and hipsters alike. Presenting you with a bohemian atmosphere, Koukaki is bursting with live music and a social buzz, with the multiple outdoor bars nestled comfortably together in a palette of eccentric colours.
Another bar that you will commonly find the locals tucked away in is Hippy3. A jungle of plants and flora that is lined with glowing lights, Hippy3 is an all-day cafe that, as nightfalls, converts into a buzzing hub for tourists and locals. Soulful sounds fill guests’ ears who visit the cafe during the day for their signature pancakes and the bar at night for affordable, refreshing beverages.
You can live like the locals in our 9-Day Athens, Mykonos and Paros Tour.
The Party Scene of Athens Nightlife
Dance the night completely away in Gazi and its host of European-style party affairs, with some of Athens’s most notorious nightclubs. Gazi is a must-visit area for those with a go hard, go home attitude. Booming DJ Sets, smoke machines and confetti cannons create an idyllic neon night. In Gazi, you will find some of the liveliest nightclubs. Amongst them are Afrikana, a soulful, jazzy retreat. Not far is Blast, dusk till dawn house music nightclub, and Bequeer, which is known as one of the most prominent LGBTQ bars in Athens.
Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Alternatively, a visit to Six d.o.g.s will take you to Monastiraki, where the bar is a central hub for artistic activity, no matter the day of the week or month of the year. The bar promotes local independent artists and also international artists and chatting upon their garden terrace. You will meet fellow music lovers who share the buzz of live music that floats through the air. If experiencing the Athens nightclub scene is your top priority, then you will want to avoid visiting during the Spring and Autumn and plan to visit in the Summer months, where the crowds are whirling with avid party-goers! To make the most of the late-night celebrations in Athens, then you need to pick the right time of year to go. The Summer months are when the nightlife is at its most electric, whilst the Winter, Spring and Autumn months are relatively tame in comparison. Immerse yourself in the party scene of Athens as part of our 11-Day Santorini, Athens and Mykonos Tour. All along the Athens coastline Riviera, the clink of cocktail glasses can be heard coming from the scenic and modern lounging bars. They are both the perfect setting for a beachside Mai Tai and an ideal place to end or begin your night. The Balux House Project is a luxurious beach-house-inspired venue that echoes with the sets of renowned DJs that can be heard from the outside lounges and the Mediterranean interior. The parties extend onto the beach, meaning that you can form memories as you watch the sunrise. For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
If you are seeking a more tranquil setting but still want to enjoy the sand at your feet and the sun on your back, you will find the ideal spot next door at Balux Pool Seaside. When lounging at Balux Pool seaside, the sun can be seen setting over the horizon, admired by people reclining on the grass. The beachside patio is decorated with shimmering lanterns that complement the hue of the setting sun, a postcard backdrop for the soft waves that roll in. You can also treat yourself to some moussaka, complemented with an ice-cold beer. Athens is dotted with rooftop bars that create the perfect leisurely environment, along with panoramic views of the ancient city that is ignited by the lights of nightclubs and celebration. With these rooftop bars, you will find Gazaki. A bar opened during the industrial era that commemorates the essence of pop culture. It is laced with retro design and bold colours and is as quirky as the locals and tourists who visit it. It is located in the party neighbourhood of Gazi and blends together ambient and pop sounds. You will discover the perfect place for romance in the calm and romantic settings of A for Athens. Built on the top of a charming hotel in Monastiraki, a backdrop of the mighty Acropolis, lit up by night, accompanies meze meals and famous Greek wine. If you’re searching for a trendy bar combined with dreamy rooftop views, look no further than Buena Vista, also located in Monastiraki. Although its cuisine is Mexican, its rooftop views flaunt some of the most beautiful scenes Athens nightlife has to offer. This trendy but casual bar is the ideal setting to wind down after a day of sightseeing. Also located in Monastiraki is Buena Vista, a trend-setting bar with enchanting rooftop scenes. It offers an array of Mexican-inspired dishes and is a comfortable place to put your feet up after a day of strolling around Athens’ monuments and neighbourhoods. Entertainment comes in many forms. In Athens, you can dance until daylight or come home before the clock strikes twelve. The choice is yours. If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere that is set earlier on in the evening, then there are some excellent alternative venues to choose from. You may choose to laugh the night away at the Premise Comedy Club in Gazi, a venue that brings together a selection of talented comedians that perform every Friday and Sunday. For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
A visit to the open-air cinema in Athens can be as euphoric as it is calming. The Thision Open Air Cinema is located in Plaka, and is bordered by twilight skies and natural scenery. Check out the listings in advance. It typically screens an array of movies from cult classics to some of the latest blockbusters, and be sure to check the outdoor cinema out between the months of May-October. If you’re interested in sampling as much Greek food as possible, Athens’ nightlife is teeming with traditional Greek restaurants that offer wonderful meals till late at night. To Katu Allo is a great place to go if you want to go off the main path. This family-run Greek taverna, tucked behind the Acropolis Museum, has been serving residents and visitors for over three decades. If you’re on a budget, the pricing is ideal, and the menu varies daily, so you’re always in for a welcome surprise. Will Kati Allo is the ideal destination for you if you want to feel like you’ve walked into a typical Greek house, as you will be welcomed with warm smiles and will discover some fascinating facts about the city. Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Varoulko is the place to go if you’re looking for high-end Athens dining with a view of the sea. This restaurant specialises in seafood, which is made by its Michelin-starred chef. Varoulko is a must-visit for everyone visiting Athens who wants to enjoy exquisite seafood while being surrounded by lovely sailboats on calm seas. Ensure that you reserve a seat in advance. Veganaki, which is only a short walk away from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, is a must-try for all vegans. Veganaki is a unique café that stays up into the wee hours of the morning. It boasts five-star ratings, and it’s easy to see why: all of the food is freshly made, and the menu is so varied that you’ll get a taste of authentic Athenian cuisine – vegan style. It is a perfect addition to your time discovering Athens nightlife. Immerse yourself in the food of Athens in our 11-Day Athens, Naxos & Santorini Foodie Delights tour. Travelling at night can be risky anywhere you go. However, it is recommended that travellers avoid the regions of Omonoia and Metaxourgeio after midnight. Stay close to your fellow travellers and ensure your valuables are safe and secure in your pocket. Athens in the daytime is a cultural exhibition, whilst in the nighttime, it is a celebration of the culture itself. There is a range of tastes and possibilities for Athens nightlife. Whether you want to watch the setting sun at a beach bar before heading out to the dancefloor or drink a couple of beers in one of its many hipster destinations, Athens will be a night to remember no matter where you end up. Suppose you can already picture yourself sampling homemade liqueur and marvelling at the Mediterranean interiors of some of the most enticing and relaxing venues you can visit. In that case, you can make your night in Athens a reality with our 7-Day Athens and Beyond Tour. Scroll through our gallery of completely customisable trips or connect with our Local Designers in Greece who would help curate your ideal trip!Planning to Visit Greece?
Athens Riviera
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Amazing Greek Cuisine and Rooftop Bars at Every Corner
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Enjoy a meze dinner with Greek wine and music
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Which Areas To Avoid During Your Athens Nightlife tour
Design a Night in Athens
