Athens nightlife: not only history, art and monuments, the capital of Greece is famous all over the world for its nightlife as well. When the sun goes down, its inhabitants know how to have fun and the Athenian nights come alive at the foot of the illuminated acropolis. Here is the complete guide to Athens' vibrant nightlife.
Athens nightlife
Nightlife in Greece has a reputation for starting when the rest of Europe has already gone to bed. With more than three million inhabitants and thousands of tourists arriving every day, Athens has a very active nightlife . The Greeks themselves love to go out in the evening and party until dawn, so there is no shortage of places to stay up late! Even the most demanding tourists can have fun until the early hours of the morning.
One of the most attractive aspects of Athens is in fact its lively nightlife. Tourists visiting Athens for the first time are often amazed at how lively the Greek capital is during the day as well as during the night. Athens nightlife is sophisticated and varied . From the big beach clubs to the trendy lounge bars of Kolonaki, to the indie and intimate bars of Psirri and the clubs of Gazi, this is a city that never sleeps. There are numerous bars and clubs with hip hop, house and rock music, famous DJs and discos with Latin music, as well as bars where you can listen to traditional Greek music.
Before starting your evening in Athens, it is important to first know that the nightlife does not start before 11.00 pm and that restaurants and taverns do not close before 2.00 am, while Athens bars and nightclubs remain open until morning.
Young Greeks prefer small disco bars (called “barakia” ) with trendy music or modern Greek music. If you want to experience something less mainstream and socialize with young Athenians, then you should check out the numerous parties and events organized by the universities (such as the School of Fine Arts, the School of Law and the Athens Polytechnic). As these parties are usually quite underground, you should inquire from locals or Erasmus students or from unofficial Athens blogs and sites. The music ranges from funky and dubstep beats to punk music. These events last until morning, there are cheap drinks and you can dance and meet new people. Radio stations also often organize fun parties and you can also find invitations with free admission.
The most popular place for the inhabitants of Athens, however, is the famous Bouzouki . Bouzoukia are a very important aspect of the Greek subculture and extremely popular with the Greeks. Typically, these are popular music venues where traditional Greek singers perform live as people celebrate, drink, scream and throw flowers at the singers. In these cases, smoking is not only allowed inside the venue, but it is also part of the whole ritual, so if you can't stand the smoke from cigarettes, we advise you to avoid these places. For the rest, the Bouzouki is an experience to try if you want to immerse yourself in the real Athenian nightlife . You will find numerous bouzoukia along the Ierà odòs , as well as the odòs Pireos .
Athens is a city full of world-class shows and events , most of which take place during the summer. Among the main events we remember the Rockwave Festival , with concerts by world famous artists such as Metallica, Black Sabbath, Prodigy and many others. At the end of May, the city hosts the Technopolis Jazz Festival , which offers free events not only of jazz music, but also classical music, hip-hop, rock, up to dance and traditional Greek music.
Athinorama website , where you will find all the news about concerts, shows and new venues open in the city.
Where to go out in the evening in Athens
Athens nightlife is concentrated in the various districts around the Acropolis area.
Gazi neighborhood is a destination for super-club lovers. Here there is a large concentration of night clubs, from fish taverns to cafes, to numerous discos, and it is the ideal destination to spend a fun night in Athens. There are also many places here where you can listen to traditional Greek music by famous artists. The Gazi neighborhood is also the epicenter of Athens' gay scene.
Local bars and cafes are the undisputed protagonists of the Psirri , an area that is always lively and full of life. From morning until late in the evening it is possible to see young people passing by looking for a café to go to or a tavern where to enjoy a good Greek meal. Rush hour in this district occurs on Sunday afternoons, when local taverns play traditional Greek music to accompany the meal. This festive atmosphere can last until late in the evening. Psirri is ideal for those who want to experience an informal and traditional evening.
Syntagma neighborhood , between Parliament Square and Monastiraki, is home to a large number of small clubs that come alive after dark. The choice ranges from breweries, pubs and discos that offer evenings with music of all kinds, from techno to jazz, to rock and soul.
The Kolonaki , on the other hand, is an exclusive suburb and one of the oldest in Athens that perfectly mixes the classic with the new. Here you will find several trendy restaurants and sophisticated and luxurious cocktail bars. In short, an area where luxury and opulence are the masters.
By contrast, the Exarchia is filled with an anarchic and hipster vibe, and is the ideal place for those looking to experience the young Athenian nightlife. With a large choice of bars, this area is popular for its food and arts scene. Here there are no real clubs, but rather cheap places offering rock and alternative music.
Having the advantage of being located just a few kilometers from the sea, the city of Athens offers a wide selection of beach bars, where you can admire the landscape, enjoy the music and dance until you drop! If you drive along the main coastal road (Viale Poseidonos) you will be surprised by the amount of bars and clubs by the sea that follow one after the other. There are about five or eight large beach bars that open every year during the summer season, mainly hosting house DJs and pop music. Also worth a visit is the town of Glyfada , along the Athenian coast: here there are many beach bars that turn into discos for dancing directly in front of the sea. In the village of Glyfada you will also find excellent fish taverns.
Clubs and discos in Athens
Pixi Athens 
(Evmolpidon 11, Athens) Located in the lively Gazi district, Pixi is one of the best clubs in Athens , with lots of space and lots of electronic music. The atmosphere is remarkable and this makes Pixi particularly popular. The unique audio-visual experience, with 3D projections and excellent musical selections with famous DJs are some of the secrets of their success.
Dirty Blonde-loft
(Persefonis 29, Athens) Open Sunday to Thursday from 18.00 to 6.00, Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 7.00.
Disco frequented by young Athenians offering commercial and dance music. It is also located in the Gazi district, near the Kerameikos metro station.
Six DOGS
(Avramiotou 6-8, Athens) Open Sunday to Thursday from 10.00 to 3.00, Friday and Saturday from 10.00 to 7.00.
Six dogs is the place to be for fans of the underground techno scene, a cultural space open all day and night located on a side street near Monastiraki. The owners have recently established their own record label and so it's no surprise that this nightclub is a live music hub with guest DJs and concerts by local and international musicians. This one-of-a-kind club in Athens also supports the local art scene with regular art exhibitions and installations. One of the most popular clubs in Athens that attracts a mixed, mostly young crowd. There is also an outdoor garden that is always very crowded where you can have a drink and chat.
Lohan Nightclub
(30, Iera Odos 32, Athens) Open Thursday to Sunday from 11pm to 6am.
A large trendy disco, always very crowded, offering a selection of music ranging from dance, house and commercial music. The selection at the entrance is quite strict, especially if you are a group of only males.
Dybbuk
(Stadiou 7, Athens) Open Thursday to Sunday from 24.00 to 6.00.
Located in the Syntagma district, Dybbuk is one of the busiest nightclubs in Athens . With its lively party atmosphere and famous DJs from around the world, the club attracts young people who like to dance into the wee hours. Closed during the summer season, this club has a glamorous ambiance and is famous for its legendary closing and opening parties. So, if you are looking for a party venue in the cosmopolitan center of Athens, keep an eye on the Dybbuk party calendar.
Bogart
(Panagiotou Anagnostopoulou 1, Athens) Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00pm to 6.00am.
The Bogart is a luxurious Athens club located in Kolonaki . This nightclub is frequented by trendy young Athenians and has a strict selection at the entrance. With different parties every night and a fantastic interior design, this is the place for a party night in style.
Akrotiri
(Elliniko Argyroupoli, Athens) Open every day from 22.00 to 4.00.
Open from April to October and located in front of the sea on the coast of Agios Kosmas, Akrotiri is one of the most elegant summer clubs in Athens . The restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and attracts a trendy crowd. The club is decorated in black and white, with fluorescent notes and the resident DJs ensure entertainment until the wee hours with r'n'b music. This impressive outdoor club capable of accommodating over 3,000 people, beautiful and elegant near the beach, is decorated in an elegant tropical style, with a large pool, dance floors and beach seating overlooking the sea.
Island Club
(27th km of Athens-Sounio Av., Vári, Athens) Island Club is the most popular destination on the Athens Riviera . During the day the place is a restaurant with international cuisine and sushi bar, while in the evening it transforms into a club and cocktail bar with evenings, parties and excellent music selections that make this place one of the most popular beach clubs. Its minimalist vibe and minimal Greek style surpasses the superb views and natural beauty of this place, making guests feel as if they have escaped the city and landed on a cosmopolitan Greek island. It is also one of the favorite clubs of celebrities on holiday in Greece.
Rock n Roll Athens
(Loukianou 6, Athens) Open Tuesday to Friday from 20.00 to 5.00, Saturday and Sunday from 14.00 to 5.00.
Open during the winter and popular with rock n roll music lovers, this club operates as an all day bar-restaurant, offering excellent pizzas prepared by a Neapolitan chef, succulent burgers, pasta and salads. During the night, the place hosts parties with DJs, live events with rock bands and mainstream music. The décor is original and interesting, with two large bars, elegant industrial notes and understated luxury in the details. There is live music every Tuesday.
Booze Cooperative
(Kolokotroni 57, Athens) Open Monday to Saturday from 11.00 to 3.00, Sunday from 11.00 to 24.00.
Always very popular with local young people, the Booze Cooperativa is a bar during the day that during the night turns into a club with hip hop and r'n'b music, as well as evenings with live music.
Enzzo de Cuba
(Agias Paraskevis 70, Athens) This club with Latin American music has been a landmark of Athens nightlife for . Vibrant atmosphere, great cocktails and high energy late into the night. Inspired by the Cuban atmosphere, with palm trees in the center of the stone-paved square, this large disco bar is divided into three large areas where you can even take dance lessons from professional teachers. The club also has an all-day bar where revelers can enjoy pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts.
Bolivar Beach Bar
(Leof. Posidonos, Alimos, Athens) Combine sun, sand, music and fun, and get the Bolivar Beach Club . Located on Posidonos Avenue along the coast, the Bolivar Beach Club is a well located bar where you can swim, sunbathe and enjoy a drink, then dance the night away, all in one place. With guest DJs and parties during the summer months, this club becomes another hotspot for Athens' summer nightlife .
Boiler
(105 51, Vlachava 9, Athens) Open every day from 20.00 to 4.00.
Boiler is a popular club in Athens with electronic music, always frequented by fans of this musical genre and by many hipsters.
Romantso
(Anaxagora 3, Athens) Located in a former printing house, Romantso is a bar that offers live music with local and international artists and DJ sets. Most of the events are free. A great alternative to Athens clubs.
Gagarin 205
(Liosion 205, Athens) Located near the Attikis metro station, Gagarin 205 is a club with live rock and pop music. Many Greek rock and folk artists as well as a smattering of international bands touring Athens.
Half Note Jazz Club
(Trivonianou 17, Athens) Open every day from 20.00 to 1.30.
Half Note ' first jazz club where folk and Celtic songs can also be heard. The place hosts Greek and international musicians.
Disco Vinilio
(Leof. Posidonos 33, Athens) Open Friday and Saturday from 23.00 to 5.00.
Vinilio is a big favorite with dance enthusiasts. A large dance floor set in an evocative setting offers the classic disco hits of the 70s and 80s. The club is mostly frequented by people over 40 who enjoy remembering the old days.
An Club
(Solomou 13, Athens) Open Friday and Saturday from 8.30pm to 2.00pm.
One of the oldest clubs in central Athens and the oldest rock club in Exarchia, club An has played host to countless local and international artists. Always faithful to rock music, it has given the opportunity to many Greek bands to emerge and create a regular audience. Tickets are always cheap and the bands that play are non-commercial and alternative.
Lazy Rock Club
(Leof. Pentelis, Vrilissia, Athens) Open Thursday to Monday from 21.00 to 3.00.
Cozy club with music ranging from Rock to Blues, to Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Reggae and other styles. Every Monday, all musicians are invited to jam and express themselves.
Folie Club
(Eslin 2, Athens) Open Tuesday to Thursday from 23.00 to 3.30, Friday and Saturday from 23.00 to 4.00.
Crowded with people of all ages, Folie is one of the most popular clubs in Athens . The place generally plays a mix of songs on Saturdays, 60s songs on Sundays, reggae on Mondays, Latin on Tuesdays, samba on Wednesdays, hip hop on Thursdays and funk on Fridays. There are also evenings with live Brazilian musicians.
Xorostasion
(Skouleniou 2B, Athens) Open Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 18.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 6.00.
Located in a three-story building, Xorostasion is a well-known relaxing café in Athens. The venue serves coffee, sandwiches and sweets during the day and in the evening it transforms into one of the hottest clubs in the city with hip-hop and rock music.
Decadence Club
(Poulcherias 2, Athens) Open Thursdays from 22.00 to 5.00, Friday and Saturday from 22.00 to 5.30, Sunday from 20.00 to 3.00.
Popular club with rock music, a real landmark of Athenian nightlife , located in a beautiful neoclassical villa that belonged to the royal family. Frequented by people of all ages, the club hosts touring bands who stop by after their shows.
7-Times Club
(Miaouli 13, Athens) Open Sunday to Thursday from 12.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 13.00 to 3.00.
Club with international live music and DJ sets. Their house band plays everything from Elvis to Depeche Mode and you can hear anything from rock and roll to swing, different varieties of jazz, pop, funk and even Irish music.
Kyttaro Live Club
(Ipeirou 48, Athens) This is one of the first and best rock clubs in Athens. There is a different show every night, often with great guest artists on stage.
Fuzz Music Club
(Patriarchou Ioakim 1, Athens) Club with live music ranging from metal to rap, including evenings with famous DJs.
Afrikana Jazz Bar
(Ierofanton 13, Athens) Open Wednesday and Thursday from 19.30 to 2.30, Friday and Saturday from 19.30 to 3.30.
Club with reasonably priced drinks and lots of live music. Here you can listen to great jazz music, dance and just have a great night.
Athens bars and pubs
Tranzistor
(Protogenous 10, Athens) Open daily from 10.00 to 4.00.
A hidden place of easy-going nightlife in Athens. It is one of those bars that are hidden but there are always people chatting outside or dancing inside. The perfect place to finish on a Saturday or Friday night. Locals prefer it as it is open late into the night and there is always room for dancing. In the summer the street is full of people outside the bar drinking and sometimes there are some live events going on.
Istioploikos
(Akti Koumoundourou, Peiraeus, Athens) Open every day from 9.00 to 1.00.
A bar and restaurant open until late at night housed in an old restored ship. Always very popular with locals.
Cantina Social
(105 54, Leokoriou 8, Athens) Despite its popularity with locals, Cantina Social is still considered the quintessence of the Athens underground scene. With a simple décor and old movies projected on the misted walls, the bar is frequented by an alternative and friendly crowd, and offers a selection of music that ranges from techno to alternative rock. In the rather small interior space, people dance until the early hours of the morning.
Ciel
(Mnisikleous 2, Athens) Open every day from 9.00 to 2.00.
Located in the center of Athens, Ciel is an attractive place for cocktails and select music. Located in the picturesque district of Monastiraki, Ciel has quickly become a favorite place to enjoy funky, jazz, disco and house rhythms. Ideal for spending nights in good company, and the unique cocktails combined with quality music keep the vibes high into the wee hours.
BIOS
(Pireos 84, Athens) Open every day from 11.00 to 3.00.
Located in a Bauhaus-style condominium, this labyrinthine multi-level venue features a bar, basement club, small arthouse cinema and rooftop terrace. Expect live entertainment, art exhibits, and DJ sets overlooking the Acropolis. In the basement club, a soundtrack focusing on rock music prevails.
Barley Cargo
(30, Iera Odos 32, Athens) Open every day from 11.00 to 3.00.
Barley Cargo is a brewery that offers hundreds of types of beer from all over the world, but above all excellent Greek beers. Here you can also satisfy your appetite and enjoy excellent meat, mushroom and potato dishes.
Baba au Rum
(Klitiou 6, Athens) Open Monday to Thursday from 19.00 to 3.00, Friday from 19.00 to 4.00, Saturdays from 13.00 to 4.00, Sunday from 13.00 to 3.00.
Listed as one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the world , Baba au Rum has become famous for its selection of rums and other spirits. Exotic drinks are mixed with organic herbs and unexpected spices. As the name suggests, the focus is on rum drinks, with an excellent selection of rare Caribbean rums and a whole range of cocktails, from classic tiki drinks to new inventions. The prices are high, but the quality of the drinks is worth it.
The Gin Joint
(Christou Lada 1, Athens) Open Sunday to Thursday from 18.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 12.00 to 4.00.
Furnished in American Prohibition-era “speakeasy” style, Gin Joint offers just what the name promises: Here you can sample over 60 types of gins or other elaborate beverages, some with historical notes on their origin. It's a small place but, like so many downtown bars, the crowd can expand into the adjacent arcade.
Brettos Plaka
(Kidathineon 41, Athens) Open daily from 10.00 to 2.30.
Located in the tourist area of Plaka, Brettos is the most colorful bar in Athens and is popular with wine enthusiasts, as its wine list contains more than 150 labels! There are also many local cocktails and spirits to choose from. The decoration of the bar is very original and the atmosphere is complemented by the beautiful background music. This is the only bar in Plaka where you can find more Greeks than visitors. The wonderful decor with the colorful numbered bottles on the wall and the 36 handmade liquor flavors attract numerous Athenians every day.
BeerTime
(Pl. Iroon 1, Athens) Open Sunday to Thursday from 16.00 to 1.00, Friday and Saturday from 16.00 to 2.00.
Located in the Psyrri district, BeerTime is a popular pub offering a large selection of affordable beers and pub food such as burgers, steaks and chips.
Oinoscent
(Voulis 45-47, Athens) Open Monday to Thursday from 10.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 10.00 to 3.00, Sunday from 18.00 to 2.00.
Trendy wine bar offering a wide choice of Greek and international wines. The place is popular with both tourists and young Athenians.
Faust
(Kalamiotou 11, Athens) Open Monday to Friday from 20.00 to 3.00, Saturdays from 14.00 to 6.00, Sunday from 14.00 to 3.00.
In the center of Athens, you will find Faust, an atmospheric bar with elegant decorations. The place also operates as a theater and hosts many performances. The bar offers quality food and excellent cocktails.
360 Cocktail Bar
(Ifestou 2, Athens) Open from Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 to 3.30, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 4.30.
Perched above the square of Monastiraki, 360 Bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Athens , with a 360 degree view of the city. Relax for a coffee during the day or a try one of the many delicious cocktails on the list. The view of the Acropolis from both floors is breathtaking and reservations are required, as it would be difficult to find a table in the front, especially on weekends.
A For Athens
(Miaouli 2, Athens) Typically Athenian bar with a rooftop terrace overlooking Monastiraki with sweeping views of Plaka and the Acropolis. Friday and Saturday nights are arguably the busiest nights, attracting a mixed clientele of young people and local tourists. It is a great place to take great photos of the city: the Acropolis is right in front, while the view extends to the whole Plaka and Monastiraki area.
Couleur Local
(Normanou 3, Athens) Open from Sunday to Thursday from 10.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 10.00 to 3.00.
Another popular cocktail bar with a rooftop terrace from which you can admire the Acropolis. There are guest DJs and live music concerts every Sunday which always draw a large local crowd. The splendid view is complemented by the excellent cocktails on offer.
City Zen
(Aiolou 11, Athens) Open every day from 9.00 to 3.00.
Another Athens rooftop bar featuring a whimsical industrial setting, with old sewing machines and other vintage items placed on the walls. The bar is spread over two levels, with the outdoor roof terrace always full during the summer.
The Clumsies
(Praxitelous 30, Athens) Open Sunday to Thursday from 10.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 10.00 to 4.00.
The Clumsies has been voted one of the 50 best bars in the world three times in a row by Drinks International Magazine . Located in a beautifully restored neoclassical building, this bar is open all day and offers exclusive cocktails and premium spirits, as well as an extensive unpretentious menu from breakfast through to dinner.
Galaxy Bar
(Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 46, Athens) Open Sunday from 15.00 to 3.00, from Tuesday to Thursday from 17.00 to 3.00, Friday and Saturday from 17.00 to 4.00.
Located on the top floor of the Hilton Athens, the Galaxy bar is one of the most elegant rooftop bars in Athens . Here you will find a modern, chic and trendy lounge with a sophisticated international crowd. The prices are high but the view over the city is splendid.
Intrepid Fox
(Triptolemou 30, Athens) Open Tuesday through Thursday from 20.00 to 4.00, Friday and Saturday from 20.00 to 5.30, Sunday from 20.00 to 12.00.
Located in the center, near the Kerameikos metro station, this bar is a cozy place, with good rock and heavy metal music and cheap drinks. Decorated with music and film posters, the place also offers a very long list of shots with interesting names.
Balthazar
(27, Tsocha, Athens) Open Tuesday to Saturday from 20.00 to 3.00.
A favorite Athenian destination since the 1980s, Balthazar is an elegant restaurant and bar featuring a romantic outdoor location.
Mai Tai
(Ploutarchou 18, Athens) Open daily from 9.00 to 3.00.
An all day hangout, with a tasty menu, great drinks and a charming crowd that populates the venue at night.
Jazz in Jazz
(Dinokratous 4, Athens) Open every day from 20.00 to 3.00.
Jazz in Jazz is a cozy bar that plays classic jazz and blues and boasts a good selection of whiskeys.
Rockwood
(Vasileos Irakliou 2 & Patision 46, Athens) Open Monday to Saturday from 19.00 to 3.00.
Located next to the National Archaeological Museum, Rockwood is a bar that hosts live music on Wednesdays and some weekends, American food and lots of different beers.
Noel
(Kolokotroni 59B, Athens) Open Sunday to Thursday from 10.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 10.00 to 4.00.
Located under a small arcade, Noel is an elegant Victorian-style bar, with beautiful paintings, chandeliers, and frequented by a trendy young clientele.
The Bank Job
(Kolokotroni 13, Athens) Open Monday to Wednesday from 18.00 to 2.00, Thursday and Sunday from 18.00 to 3.00, Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 4.00.
Located in an old vault, the Bank Job is now a refined and sophisticated bar, with funk and soul music. This bar is famous for its cocktails, good music is always very busy. A good place to meet new people and party in Athens.
