The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Athens: A Fusion of Energy and Elegance
Nightlife in Athens is fascinating, attracting crowds of tourists and locals alike. When the sun goes down, Athens comes to life, thanks to a plethora of vibrant nightlife spots, scattered all around the bustling city center and the upscale suburbs! So, no matter what your style is, you are going to find a wide variety of options to drink, dance and socialize.
In this article, we are going to take you out and introduce you to the best areas and spots for nightlife in Athens, from elegant speakeasies, to hidden cocktail bars. Are you ready to experience the electrifying energy of Athens nightlife scene?
The chic Kolonaki
Ultra-chic, upscale and sophisticated, Kolonaki is arguably one of the best neighborhoods for nightlife in Athens, so, if you are looking for a refined nightlife experience, Kolonaki is the place to go! This neighborhood is known for its neoclassical buildings, art galleries, and high-end designer boutiques that attract the city’s most elegant crowds and socialites. When the night comes, Kolonaki turns into a luxurious nightlife heaven, brimming with cocktail bars and several glitzy spots, where you can showcase your glamorous attire!
One of the best nightlife spots in Kolonaki is the stylish Zurbaran, an all-day bar restaurant, where you can enjoy a classy night of sophisticated cocktails and tasty bites! Another hot spot in Kolonaki is Athénée, a historic cafe-bar located where Panepistimiou and Voukourestiou streets meet in the heart of the commercial center of Athens. There, you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks and delectable dishes in an environment that oozes a unique vintage charm!
The central Syntagma
Athens city center is where the heart of the city’s nightlife beats, as it offers a plethora of options for all tastes, from chic wine bars, to sophisticated pubs. Every evening, as dusk falls, the city center turns into a vibrant nightlife hub, with crowds flocking to the streets to enjoy the variety of nightlife options. So, whether you want to go dancing or enjoy a glass of wine in an intimate setting, Athens city center got you covered.
One of the most unique spots in Athens city center is Birdman, a Japanese pub located in Syntagma. Encapsulating a deep respect for Japanese culture, this pub serves a wide variety of single grain whiskeys from Japan, Taiwan, India and America, as well as aperitifs, house cocktails, sake, craft beers and natural wines. Another top nightlife spot in Athens city center is Art Lounge, which is perched on the 7th floor of New Hotel, offering panoramic views of the city, which you can savor while drinking creative cocktails!
The vibrant Monastiraki
Monastiraki is another trendy area for nightlife in Athens. Just a stone’s throw from Syntagma Square, this vibrant neighborhood attracts hordes of people -mainly youngsters- that fill its bars, clubs, cocktail bars and traditional Greek music venues, which come to life when the sun goes down. From sophisticated speakeasies to stylish rooftop bars with panoramic views of the city, Monastiraki offers a wide variety of nightlife options that cater to every taste!
Among the labyrinthine streets of Monastiraki, you will find many hidden gems. One of them is Clumsies, which is rightfully considered one of the best bars in the city, as it has been voted one of the best bars in the world! There, you will have the chance to try a wide variety of creative cocktails that combine unexpected flavors with prime liquors. Another hotspot in Monastiraki is Baba Au Rum, a multi-awarded bar, which is famous for its signature cocktails. True to its name, Baba Au Rum serves a fascinating variety of rum-based cocktails that will satisfy even the more demanding drinkers!
The cosmopolitan Athens Riviera
The idyllic Athens Riviera is lined with a plethora of upscale seaside bars and clubs that seamlessly blend the cosmopolitan flair of the Southern suburbs with a lively atmosphere, attracting the chicest crowds. When the sun sets, the Athens Riviera comes alive with a wide variety of entertainment options that range from elegant cocktail bars to vibrant nightclubs, offering a luxurious seaside escape!
One of the top nightlife spots in Athens Riviera is the world-famous sushi restaurant Nobu Matsuhisa, which boasts a stunning location right on the sea in Vouliagmeni. There, besides savoring scrumptious sushi dishes, you can also enjoy a wide selection of cocktails, wines and sake drinks, watching the sun setting, spraying the sky and the Saronic Gulf with hues of purple and orange! However, if you are in a party mode and want to dance in the rhythm of world-class DJ sets, Island Club in Varkiza is a one way destination. One of the most iconic clubs in the Athenian Riviera, the Island attracts partygoers from all over the world that come here either by road or by sea, as many boats moor at Island bay.
From sophisticated cocktail bars to vibrant nightclubs, Athens’ nightlife has something for everyone! Whether you want to enjoy a laid-back evening with a sunset view or dance the night away under the stars, Athens will not disappoint you. So, are you ready to explore the city’s best nightlife sports and immerse yourself in the captivating energy of Athens nightlife?
