The 6 Best Hotels for Being in the Heart of Athens' Nightlife Scene
There are some key areas where you'll find the most favorable and varied options for nightlife haunts in Athens. Previously quiet at night, Syntagma has become one of the most “hot” areas for nightlife, where stylish, trendy bars have sprouted up in recent years. Other areas with the highest and best quality concentration of bars and clubs are Monastiraki, Psyrri, Acropolis, Koukaki and Thissio-Gazi, most of which can be walked to if you are in an explorative mood, or reached by a quick metro or taxi ride (last metro on weekdays is at 12pm, on Fridays and Saturdays at 2am). Today bars in Athens are generally stylish, artsy, with designer decor and well-mixed drinks, as bar staff are increasingly trained at top bartending schools abroad, and a handful have several global mixology awards under their belt.
Coco-mat Hotel Athens
Why it made the list
The hotel is just up the road from Kolonaki square, and you’ll find an ample variety of bars in the vicinity. Start with a sunset drink on the hotel’s rooftop bar and then proceed to somewhat snooty but fun Zurbaran right next door. For time-travel back to Studio 54 in the 70s, glam up and go to Cinderella (5-minute walk) and for a prohibition-era decor with modern sounds to Minnie The Moocher (5-minute walk). For a smoky, jazzy ambiance visit Jazz In Jazz (10-minute walk) and for a packed to the brim experience enter tiny Skoufaki (12-minute walk). At Ippopotamos (15-minute walk) make the most of cozy, island house-style ambiance.
Phidias Hotel
Why it made the list
Thissio is more laid back than other nightlife zones, although its neighbor, Gazi, remains a key bar-hopper’s haven, especially for the LGBT community. Near the hotel your best options are the scenic Kuzina rooftop bar restaurant (5-minute walk), dreamy but also lovely at night, and Chocolat Royal (3-minute walk), also serving up a side of fabulous Acropolis views. You’ll find a row of cafes/bars on Herakleidon pedestrianized street (for wine and mezedes try Abibagio), where locals flock for beer, backgammon and raki every night (5-minute walk). In Gazi (15-minute walk) try Intrepid Fox to meet the alternative crowd, Afrikana for jazz, Hipster bar for a home-like rooftop, and for gay-friendly establishments visit Sodade, Big and Shamone. Pre or post drinks in the area, it’s always a great idea to relax under the stars at Cine Thisio, which has two screenings every night.
AthensWas Hotel
Why it made the list
A passport to the nightlife of the elegant and fun Makriyianni area, AthensWas offers sumptuous views of the lit-up Parthenon from its rooftop bar restaurant. For a change of scene, head to Hitchcocktales for a jovial atmosphere and great drinks, or Wine Point next door for a sophisticated yet down to earth ambiance and a prime selection of quality Greek regional labels and finger food (5-minute walk). For a chill-out beer and sport on TV visit the Athens Backpackers bar (5-minute walk) and for a grand variety of martinis or champagne cocktails go to Tiki Bar (10-minute walk). On Makriyianni street across the Acropolis metro you’ll find a row of adequate to good cafes/bars/restaurants to drink and eat (3-minute walk).
A for Athens
Why it made the list
Psyrri is not as “in” as it used to be in the early 2000s, but is still kicking at night, mainly because of its charming little eateries, while Monastiraki has seen an overhaul in the last few years with many top rate bars opening up. Fortunately, A for Athens is in between both nightlife zones. Although you can enjoy a drink with a stunning panoramic view of Athens on the hotel’s rooftop, the 360O bar next door will be more swinging, while another youthful rooftop spot is Couleur Locale (10-minute walk). For a mixed social buzz head to Ag. Irinis square (8 minute walk) to Tailor Made or gay-friendly Rooster. For edgy live gigs or drinks in an unusual tiered garden go to Six d.o.g.s. (6 minute-walk). Booze Cooperativa (10-minute walk) is another interesting choice with artsy background screenings (10-minute walk). In Psyrri seek out Thirio, Tranzistor and Cantina Social for an all-night party scene, and for karaoke, Ghost House (all 10 minute walk).
Marble House
Why it made the list
Located in the quiet Makriyianni neighborhood, Marble house gives instant access to homely yet ultra-cool Koukaki. For a hipster vibe head to Bel Rey to try the cocktails and snacks (as well as a delicious hangover breakfast) or To Potami co-op for tsipouro, beer and mezedes (both 5-minute walk). For a more upscale ambiance sip wine at BoBo Wine Bar (5-minute walk). For a la mode unpasteurized Greek beer and mezedes surrounded by studenty types try Syggrouomenο, or for burgers and cocktails visit Monsieur Barbu and for stylish drinks Kinono (all 8-minute walk). Finally, for a huge variety of martinis and champagne cocktails go to Tiki Bar (10-minute walk).
In[n]Athens
Why it made the list
The closest bar to In(n)Athens is By The Glass (1-minute walk), where you can sample a multitude of top quality Greek labels through the Coravin system. Wine lovers will also relish the broad selection of wines at Oinoscent (5-minute walk) nearby, while beer-lovers will be well satisfied at Athens Beer (4-minute walk) where an excellent array of Greek microbrewery beers is served. Venture a little further for zingy, well-mixed cocktails at Bluebird or Ipitou The Bar (8 minute walk) on happening Ipitou Square, or moreish rum creations at award-winning Baba Au Rum (10 minute walk). For a ‘package’ of small cocktails head to The Clumsies (10-minute walk), and for gin in all its forms, The Gin Joint (15-minute walk).
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