If you have chosen Athens as your vacation destination – you have chosen well. This city has a rich culture, breathtaking scenery, hospitable locals, mouthwatering food, and much more. However, one thing that distinguishes Athens from most other European capitals is its nightlife. In this city that never sleeps, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life. Athenian parties are most likely something you have never had a chance to experience before. You’re bound to have fun even if you are not a fan of clubbing, drinking, and dancing until the sun comes up. From rooftop bars to cosy cafes, from fancy restaurants to traditional Greek tavernas – you name it, Athens has it. Regardless of how long you are staying in the city, seeing it at night is an unmissable experience. There’s something extraordinary about exploring the city’s streets, unveiling its secrets, and discovering hidden gems. To guide you, we have compiled a list of 5 vibrant places to enjoy Athens’ nightlife.
Explore the Syntagma Square
People tend to associate the main square of any capital with sightseeing and shopping. While it’s true that you can do those things, there is undoubtedly more to Syntagma. Some bars and rooftop places are visible from the heart of the main square.
However, there is more than meets the eye, and it becomes evident when the sun sets. The narrow streets of Syntagma are home to many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Enjoy cocktails in Monastiraki
If you researched Athens beforehand, you must’ve come across Monastiraki. After all, it’s one of the most popular areas of Athens. Whatever kind of fun you are looking for, you’ll find it here. A myriad of rooftop bars with a panoramic view of the Acropolis may just be one of the most famous things about Monastiraki. Moving on, you cannot miss out on taverns serving authentic Greek food. Once you try souvlaki, moussaka, or any other delicious dish, you’ll never want to leave Greece.
Greek wines and cocktails are just as excellent – but remember to keep the alcohol in moderation, especially if you struggle with mental health issues. Experts in addiction treatment from Bright Futures Treatment Center point out the link between anxiety and addiction. It’s easy and fairly common for a person to use alcohol to cope with discomfort and stress.
Experience wild nights in Gazi
We can’t deny that sipping cocktails in a rooftop bar feels much better during the hot summer months. Still, one of the great things about Greece is that the weather usually stays warm and beautiful even after the summer ends. Undoubtedly, Greece is a great place to visit regardless of the time of the year – whether it’s June or October.
However, if it’s too cold for a night out in the open, don’t worry. Gazi is the place to be. In this area, you’ll find big nightclubs where the partying never stops throughout the night. It’s no surprise that Gazi is among the most vibrant places to enjoy Athens’ nightlife. Are the wild parties the only thing you can expect to encounter in this neighbourhood that was once the site of an old gas factory? Certainly not. Although that is what Gazi is infamous for, there’s much more to see. If you visit it during the day, you’ll see a variety of beautiful cafés, bars, and romantic restaurants.
Feel the vibe of Exarcheia
For a more authentic experience of Athens’ alternative scene, allow yourself to get lost in Exarcheia. This neighbourhood still hasn’t made the list of the most popular tourist areas. However, it will undoubtedly get there quickly. Nobody who discovers the fantastic atmosphere of the area stays indifferent. Here, you’ll find many bars full of locals with cheap (but excellent) drinks. Unlike the bars in the more touristic areas, places in Exarcheia have an off-beat and underground vibe. If you decide to spend your evening here, you will have the authentic Athens nightlife experience.
Have a romantic night in Plaka
If you have searched for pictures of Athens on the internet, you must have seen Plaka. It’s one of the most picturesque-looking neighbourhoods in the city, with its narrow cobblestone streets, white-painted houses, and colourful flowers in every yard. As one of the more calm areas of Athens, Plaka is ideal for a morning stroll and coffee, but it’s no less magnificent at night. Moreover, it’s perfect if you want a calm, romantic date night
Although the atmosphere is relaxed, it’s far from boring. To top it off, being that it’s a few steps away from Acropolis, it’s perfect for sitting down and enjoying a nice cold beer after a long day of exploring the oldest part of Athens.
Honourable mentions
Visiting Athens is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. It isn’t surprising that many people choose to come back a second time. There are many things to see, and a lifetime isn’t enough to discover all these magnificent place offers.
Let’s take a look at some of the places to enjoy Athens nightlife that didn’t make a list but are not any less fascinating:
Psyrri
One of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods certainly won’t leave you indifferent. Take a stroll down the streets of Psyrri, check out the local workshops, stop and eat at a Greek taverna and taste a homemade wine at one of the numerous bars.
Koukaki
Located reasonably close to Plaka and Anafiotika, Koukaki is another beautiful area with many lovely places to hang out. It’s especially popular with the young locals, which certainly doesn’t come as a surprise.
Metaxourgeio
Similarly to Gazi, Metaxourgeio has recently become one of the hot hangout sèots in Athens. But, as opposed to Gazi, it’s suited for people who prefer a relaxed and chill evening rather than partying.
Ending thoughts
Whichever kind of entertainment you’re searching for, you’re bound to find it in Athens. Apart from the usual touristic attractions and the nightlife, there is always something going on in Athens – concerts, festivals, different kinds of shows and spectacles. We hope that you enjoyed our list of 5 vibrant places to enjoy Athens’ nightlife and that it helped spark your interest in this fantastic city.
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