5 Best Bars in Athens, Greece

Despite demanding working hours, significantly tighter budgets, and family obligations, Athenians simply refuse to stay home, and will always find good reasons to sit out with friends at a bar until the middle of the night. Athens's heady nightlife starts late. Most bars and clubs don't get hopping until midnight and they stay open at the very least until 3 am. Drink prices can be rather steep (about €9–€13), but the pours are generous, and in recent years the cocktails have become exciting and sophisticated. Often there is a cover charge on weekends at the most popular clubs, which also have bouncers (aptly called "face-control" by Greeks because they tend to let only the "lookers" in). For a uniquely Greek evening, visit a club featuring rembetika music, a type of blues, or the popular bouzoukia (clubs with live bouzouki, a stringed instrument, music). Few clubs take credit cards for drinks.

Nightclubs in Greece migrate with the seasons. From October through May, they're in vast, throbbing venues in Central Athens and the northern suburbs; from June through September, many relocate to luxurious digs on the south coast for moonlit beach views. The same spaces are used from year to year, but owners and names tend to bounce around. Before heading out, check local listings or talk to your hotel concierge, especially during the summer. One way to avoid both lines and cover charges—since partying doesn't get going until after 1 am—is to make an earlier dinner reservation at one of the many clubs that have restaurants as well.

Kapnikarea

Monastiraki Fodor's Choice

Down-to-earth, local, lively, Kapnikarea is named after the sunken Byzantine church that it flanks. Come here to relax after some sightseeing or shopping on busy Ermou Street where live rembetika (the Greek blues from Asia Minor) music swirls mesmerically around a little alleyway every day at different hours. Locals love sitting here enjoying a cold beer and meze, morphing into impromptu choirs, intoning their favorite songs. This little spot has been around for ages and is not to be missed.

Afrikana

Gazi-Kerameikos

Get here before 9 pm for a drink and a chat, but after that be prepared for a fun night of bopping along to live jazz, funk, or blues performances as you sip your drink and maybe even sing along. There's always a happy atmosphere here, plus fresh talent, good drinks, and friendly service.

Fever

Neos Kosmos

One of Athens's most famous bouzoukia clubs has been a crowd favorite and now stars famous Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis. Opening its doors at 11 pm until 6 am on Friday and Saturday, from December to May, the club has outstanding lighting and sound, and it attracts a young crowd who sing along with the top artists that perform on the Fever stage.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Klimataria

Psirri

On Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening, an excellent rembetika or traditional laiko band plays sing-along favorites much appreciated by the largely Greek crowd, and the price of the old-style Greek entertainment at this century-old taverna is surprisingly reasonable. Meanwhile, the food at this all-day taverna is displayed on big trays, which allows you to choose the dish of your choice with help from owners Mario and Pericles (the latter is also a noted rembetika singer).

Neos Rigas

Plaka

At this traditional, but somewhat dated as a place and concept, music taverna you can get a taste of folk dances and costumes from throughout Greece. At the end of the night the music turns more "Eastern,"and everybody is invited to show off their own dance moves (if you don't want to dance, pick your seat accordingly). The price of this slice of old-style Greek entertainment is fair; there's a reasonably priced prix-fixe menu and wine by the bottle.

Athens

Athens

Recommended Fodor's Video

Follow Us

Thank you for your interest!