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Get Ready to Discover the Best Bars in Athens Athens is a city that's known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with bars and clubs that cater to every taste and preference. In this article, I'm going to explore some of the best bars in Athens I've experienced – or been referred to on good recommendation from locals. Whether you're looking for historic taverns or modern and trendy bars, Athens has something to offer everyone. I've had many a wonderful night in an Athenian bar or club so it's hard to know where to start – which is why I cover a lot of ground in this blog. From rooftop bars to live music – to wine bars and beachfront havens – I'll share my thoughts on what I've learned about the Greek capital's brilliant nightlife. All set to learn about the best bars in Athens? Let's go! Before you read on, are you looking for a private tour in Athens? Make the most of your time in the city with this Acropolis & Museum Private Tour!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Table of ContentsBest Bars in Athens – Rooftop Bars with Acropolis ViewsBest Bars in Athens – Historic Taverns in AthensAncient AmbianceCultural SignificanceLive Music and CocktailsJazz and Soul MusicDive BarsBest Bars in Athens – Signature CocktailsBest Bars in Athens – Wine Bars Featuring Greek VarietalsSommelier SelectionsWine Tasting EventsBest Bars in Athens – Beachfront and Coastal BarsRelaxing AtmospheresSeafood PairingsSustainable and Eco-Friendly BarsArtisanal Lounge & GardensCookoomela GrillBest Bars in Athens – Final ThoughtsFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Best Bars in Athens – Rooftop Bars with Acropolis Views The Acropolis offers a perfect view from a rooftop bar at night! One of the most popular types of bars in Athens are rooftop bars. And with stunning views of the Acropolis at night, it's no wonder they're considered the perfect place to enjoy a drink while absorbing the city's breathtaking scenery. Let's take a look at some of the best bars in Athens that offer an excellent view of the Acropolis! (Please note: there are other bars on this list that also offer top views of the Acropolis – the ones below are the best according to me...) Thea Terrace Bar: Located atop the Central Hotel, in the vibey district of Plaka, Thea Terrace Bar & Restaurant offers some of the most magnificent views of the Acropolis. The terrace is spacious, and the vibe is relaxed, making it the perfect place to unwind with a drink in hand. A for Athens: Located in the tourist-convenient area of Monasteraki, A for Athens is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Athens, and for good reason. The bar offers incredible views of the Acropolis, and the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. The bar serves classic cocktails and has a great food menu, making it an ideal place to spend an evening. Couleur Locale: The perfect place to enjoy a drink with friends, Couleur Locale is a hidden gem in the heart of Athens. The bar is known for its extensive cocktail list and innovative cocktails, and the rooftop terrace offers awe-inspiring views of the Acropolis. GB Roof Garden: Last but definitely not least, the GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar, located on the eighth floor of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, is a must-visit for anyone in Athens. This magnificent bar is one of my favourites in Athens! You'll get stunning views of the Acropolis, the Parthenon as well as Lycabettus Hill and the Doric Greek Parliament at the famous Syntagma Square. The service is also outstanding – GB Roof Garden is definitely worth a cheeky cocktail at any time of the day! Your author admiring the view from GB Roof Garden at Hotel Grande Bretagne (if you look closely you can see the Acropolis in the background...) Looking to sample some amazing food during your trip to Athens?Check out this Gourmet Food Walking Tour with over 1,000 positive reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Bars in Athens – Historic Taverns in Athens If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience during your Greek stay, Athens' hidden gems and speakeasies are the perfect place to start. These bars are often tucked away in secret locations, behind unmarked doors or down dimly lit alleyways. But once you find them, you'll be rewarded with a great ambience and some of the best cocktails in the city. These taverns have been around for decades, and some even for centuries, serving delicious Greek cuisine and drinks to locals and tourists alike, with some having popular live music nights. Here are some of the best historic taverns in Athens that you should visit... Ancient Ambiance One of the oldest bars in Athens, Brettos, is a must-visit for anyone who loves wine. Established in Plaka in 1909, this bar boasts traditional Greek spirits with an extensive wine list. The bar is full of colourful bottles and barrels. Bottles of wine line the walls creating an authentic vibe and drawing in even the most sceptical of tourists... Cultural Significance A historic tavern that holds particular cultural significance is Oikonomou Restaurant. This tavern has been serving authentic Greek cuisine since 1930 and is located in Ano Petralona, a neighbourhood in the city centre. You should visit Oikonomou if you're looking for traditional, unfussy Greek food and to get a real sense of Greek culture. Live Music and Cocktails If you're up for a place to enjoy live music and classic cocktails, then you can try The Clumsies in the Gazi district. It's one of the most popular bars in Athens and has even been named one of the world's best bars. The Clumsies is located in the heart of the city and has an extensive cocktail list, with specialties that you won't find anywhere else. With a sleek and stylish interior, it's the perfect place to enjoy a good cocktail and soak up the city's bar scene. Jazz and Soul Music If you're a fan of jazz and soul music, then you should try Half Note Jazz Club. This club has been around since 1979 and has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz and soul music. Located in downtown Athens, Half Note Jazz Club is the perfect place to enjoy good music and a delightful drink. Dive Bars For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to a dive bar like Baba Au Rum. This is a tiki bar in Athens that serves inventive cocktails and has a great food menu. Baba Au Rum is located in the heart of Athens and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink. And, for a more laidback experience, head to The 7 Jokers. This dive bar has been an Athenian favourite for as long as anyone can remember. It's unassuming and non-pretentious, with a laidback, welcoming crowd and rock and roll music playing out through the premises. The old wooden bar with its perfectly arranged glass bottles feels like something from a bygone era! Want to make the most of your trip to Athens?Book this outstanding Acropolis & Museum Private Tour with a Local Guide⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Bars in Athens – Signature Cocktails Another type of bar that is worth checking out are the cocktail bars with award-winning mixologists. These bars serve up some of the best cocktails in the city, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. NYX Rooftop: NYX Rooftop is a trendy Japanese fusion gastro bar located in the heart of Athens. The bar offers an extensive cocktail list, with signature cocktails that are sure to impress. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the city, making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink with friends. Retiré Bar at ERGON House: Retiré at ERGON House, Athens is one of the best new bars in Athens. The bar has a great cocktail menu, with specialities that are unique to the bar. The rooftop terrace also offers gorgeous views of the Acropolis, and the atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back. Spiti Bar: If you're looking for a day bar with a diverse cocktail menu, this is the perfect place. This bar is located in the heart of Athens and is a one-stop-shop for some of the most unusual cocktails found in the city. One example is Santanico Pandemonium, a creative twist on the classic Paloma featuring mezcal and sage, or the Miss Piggy, a gin-based concoction infused with homemade sweet-pepper syrup and basil. With daily DJ sets, live music gigs and an inviting ambiance, you'll find it hard to tear yourself away from this place. Tiki Athens: If you're looking for a trendy bar with a great atmosphere and good music, Tiki is the perfect place to be. This rooftop bar has a huge bar with an extensive drinks menu that includes signature cocktails and bottles of wine. Looking to experience Athens in style?Choose from these 14 best private tours of Athens all with 5-star positive reviews! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Bars in Athens – Wine Bars Featuring Greek Varietals If you're a wine lover, Athens has plenty of wine bars to satisfy your cravings. With a focus on Greek varietals, these wine bars offer a unique opportunity to explore the local wine scene. Here are some of the best wine bars in Athens that feature Greek varietals... Sommelier Selections Cinque Wine & Deli Bar is in the buzzy Psiri district of Athens and a great place to start your exploration of Greek wines. The sommelier here is a Greek expert in wine, and the wine list is extensive. You can choose from over 150 bottles of wine, including many Greek varietals. The bar also offers a range of classic cocktails and a food menu to pair with your wine. Located in Central Athens, Oinoscent is another excellent option. Here, you can enjoy a selection of over 600 bottles – yes you heard right 600 – of Greek wine. The sommelier here is passionate about wine and can guide you through the many wines on offer. Oinoscent also hosts regular wine tastings. Wine Tasting Events If you're interested in learning more about Greek wine, head to Materia Prima Cava & Wine Bistro in the quirky Koukaki district next to the Acropolis. This wine bar hosts regular wine tastings, where you can sample a range of varietals. The bar also offers a food menu and a range of specialty cocktails along with live music. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting out, you're sure to find something to suit your taste at one of these innovative bars. Best Bars in Athens – Beachfront and Coastal Bars If you're looking for a bar with a stunning view of the sea, Athens has plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best beachfront and coastal bars in the city: Relaxing Atmospheres Bolivar Beach Bar: Located in the Alimos area, Bolivar Beach Bar is one of the most popular beach bars in Athens. With its exotic island theme, palm trees, and huts made of straw and wood, Bolivar offers a relaxing atmosphere with excellent service. You can rent sun loungers and parasols, or take a dip in the private pool. The bar also hosts live music events and parties, making it the perfect place to spend a day by the sea.Macaw Beach Bar: For those seeking an energetic ambiance coupled with excellent music and beverages, look no further than Macaw Beach Bar. Situated on Akti Tou Iliou Beach in Alimos, Macaw offers an ideal setting to bask in the sun and relish the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Macaw Beach Bar welcomes patrons daily, opening its doors from 10am until late into the night. This makes it a fantastic venue for both daytime relaxation and nighttime entertainment. Here you'll get a diverse menu featuring cocktails, beers, wines, along with a lovely range of snacks. Seafood Pairings Aeginitiko Archontiko: This is for those of you looking to get away from the centre of Athens for the day. Located on the island of Aegina, just off the coast of Athens, Aeginitiko Archontiko is a charming, authentic bar and restaurant with a beautiful sea view. You can also stay overnight, if you wish. You can sample bottles of wine from all over Greece, as well as a range of specialty cocktails and seafood pairings. The bar also hosts regular wine tastings and events. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Bars If you're looking for bars in Athens that are committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness, you'll be pleased to know that there are several options to choose from. These bars have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact while still providing a great place to enjoy a drink. Artisanal Lounge & Gardens Artisanal Lounge & Gardens: Located in Kifisia in the heart of Athens, Artisanal Lounge & Gardens is a day bar that prides itself on its commitment to sustainability. The bar uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients in its food and drink menu, and the cocktail list features many specialty cocktails. The bar also has a wine list that includes many bottles of wine from small, independent producers. Cookoomela Grill Cookoomela Grill: This is Athens' first vegan steakhouse, and it's also one of the city's most innovative bars. Cookoomela has a food menu that includes many vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a wine list that includes many bottles of wine from independent producers. Best Bars in Athens – Final Thoughts Athens is an exciting, fast-paced city with a lot to do and see. There are many bars to choose from depending on your tastes. Whether you're looking for a casual spot to grab a beer, a great rooftop view, live music or a sophisticated cocktail bar, Athens has it all. One thing to keep in mind is that many of these bars have different vibes so be sure to choose the one that suits your mood. For example, if you're in the mood for a laid-back atmosphere with great music, you might want to check out The 7 Jokers. On the other hand, if you're looking for a chic and upscale cocktail bar, you might want to visit The Clumsies, which has been voted among the top 50 bars in the world. Another thing to keep in mind is that many of these bars have unique drink menus, so be sure to try some of their signature cocktails. For example, Tiki Bar Athens is known for their Athenian cocktails made with seasonal fruits. Finally, don't be afraid to explore beyond this list and discover new bars on your own. After all, Athens has a vibrant nightlife scene, and there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What are the most recommended bars in the Plaka district? The Plaka district is one of the most picturesque areas in Athens, and it's home to several bars that are worth checking out. Brettos, a traditional distillery, is a must-visit for those who love their spirits. Another popular spot is The Lazy Bulldog, which is known for its craft beers and laid-back atmosphere. Can you list some popular bars in Athens for solo travellers? If you're travelling solo and looking for a place to unwind, then Athens has several options for you. Six Dogs, a bar and art space, is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. Baba Au Rum and The Gin Joint are also great options for solo travellers, as they offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Which district in Athens is renowned for its vibrant nightlife? Gazi is the go-to neighbourhood for those looking for a vibrant nightlife scene in Athens. It's home to several bars, nightclubs, and music venues, and it's always buzzing with energy. Some of the most popular bars in Gazi include The Clumsies, TAF (The Art Foundation), and Gazarte. Are there any budget-friendly bars in Athens for an affordable night out? Athens has several budget-friendly bars that offer great drinks and a lively atmosphere. The Beer Time bar is a popular spot among locals, and it's known for its affordable beer and snacks. Another great option is Drunk Sinatra, which offers a wide range of cocktails at reasonable prices.