The Best Areas for Nightlife in Athens, Greece

For those looking to experience the young Athenian nightlife scene, Exarchia is the spot for you. The anarchist neighbourhood offers a surreal mix of urban Athenian reality and glamorous hipster-dom. It is increasingly talked about in the international press for its food and arts scene, and with good reason. Drinking-wise, the choice of bars is endless. On Emmanouil Benaki you’ll find small and vibrant spots along the street. Spirito is a popular local haunt. Exarchia doesn’t have clubs per se, but it’s easy to enjoy music and stay out until the early hours if you want to.

Not to be confused with the residential Gyzi, Gazi is a destination for lovers of the super-club. The area is famed for its large Rebetiko venues, and you can spend a night enjoying traditional Greek music by renowned performers. You’ll also find LOHAN here, the club-child of actress Lindsay Lohan and her business partner. The space regularly hosts renowned DJs and offers a slice of decadence for those who like their nights rounded off with confetti canons.

If you’re into sophisticated bar-hopping, Koukaki is the place to go. The neighbourhood has seen a huge transformation in the last few years as it’s moved from run-down to renovated. Situated close to the Acropolis, the area is perfect for after-sightseeing drinks that go on and on.

Home to local Tspirou bars, Metaxourgeio and Keramikos are low-key neighbourhoods with lots of hidden spots in among the slightly ramshackle streets. The area is buzzing and full of young people who can happily sit out until the early hours. Head to Bios and Blue Parrot if you’re looking for great cocktails. However, it’s the skatepark and café Latraac that is proving to be a summer hit in Athens this year. The space regularly hosts DJs at night, and revellers fill up the skate bowl after 10 pm.
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Widely considered by Athenians to be ‘trendy’ but on the cusp of ruin from over-gentrification, Psyrri is a fun area where you’ll find endless bars and even a decadent nightclub. The latter, Cantina Social, has great music and a lively atmosphere. It’s easy to spend a long, warm evening jumping between sophisticated wine spots and hipster hangouts. We recommend checking out the wine selection at Barrett, cocktails at Boiler and beers at six d.o.g.s.
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Patsion is for those who value heritage and quality. Home to one of the city’s oldest bars, the area offers local spots that are lively inside but appear understated from the street. Au Revoir Bar is a must-visit for those who want to experience a little bit of old Athens.

For sophisticated cocktails, Kolonaki is your best shot. A luxurious area of central Athens, you won’t find wild nights out here. Instead, refined glamour lies in intimate bars such as Blondie’s, Skoufaki and Rue de Marseille. There are also plenty of larger, glitzy spots to dress up for. If you’re interested in people watching then the glamorous array of characters you’ll see in Kolonaki won’t disappoint.