It is common knowledge that the city of Athens is a beautiful place during the day, with its colossal ancient monuments, elegant museums, and lovely shops and cafes hidden among them. It is colourful, bustling, and teeming with tourists. But at night, the city acquires a different sort of beauty. It is still colourful, bustling, and teeming with tourists, but now with the tourists milling around the city's numerous bars, pubs, nightclubs, and taverns. Music and romance are in the air, and everyone wants to party till they drop!
Read on for the best nightlife locations in Athens:
Top 10 Pubs and Nightclubs in the Athens
1. Six D.O.G.S.
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Six D.O.G.S is a multi-level garden bar, café, and club located in central Athens. Open 365 days a year, it is one of the most entertaining nightlife destinations in the city. Visit for the lush greenery, eye-catching lights, young crowd, wonderful drinks, and some of the best music performances, parties, and club nights at their fantastic concert hall, the Gig Space.
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Created by Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan, this nightclub is one of the biggest clubs in the Athens clubbing scene. Known for their talented DJs, high-octane music, and dazzling light shows, not to forget the enormous arena and dancefloor, which is arguably among the largest in the city. Definitely, a must visit nightclub in Athens with friends.
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If clubbing and partying is not your thing, and you are yearning for a relaxing, blissful, and romantic night with your partner, then Couleur Locale is precisely what you are looking for. A cool rooftop bar in the historic Monastiraki neighborhood, it is the perfect place for couples to eat great food, drink fabulous drinks, enjoy the city views, and vibe to chill music.
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Located in Gazi, a cultural hotspot of Athens, Gazarte is a club and multi-stage concert venue known for hosting some of the city's best live music and performances. It has exciting decor and an industrial aesthetic, and the food and drinks served are outstanding. It is a fine place for people interested in the local culture and art.
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An old and renowned bar in fancy Kolonaki, Rock 'n Roll is a crowded, lively, and oftentimes romantic place for drinks, partying, and fun. The bar makes some rather amusing cocktails, and the music will force you to get up and dance, for which there is plenty of space. Rock n Roll is best enjoyed when you go with your partner or your mates.
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This famous club describes itself as the 'focal point of nightlife downtown,' and there is no lie there! From dynamic techno and electronic music to dazzling dance performances, Dybbuk has everything you want, from classic dance to a disco club. Do check out the club's after-dark edition if you are in the mood to rave through the night.
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Nightlife activities need not always be loud and exuberant. Sometimes people prefer it to be romantic and elegant. A For Athens offers you that. A charming terrace bar in the bustling centre of Athens, A for Athens provides you with some of the most beautiful views of the glowing Acropolis at night. Remember to order the bar's 'special cocktails' to go with the scenery.
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A part of the famous music broadcasting company known for their live music sessions and parties around the world, Boiler Room Athens is one of the ultimate destinations for clubbing in Athens. With great music and exciting lighting, this club works to make sure that 'you dance, laugh, and have a good time.' Do note that the bar has an entrance policy to make sure the number of girls and boys is balanced. Also, wear casual and do not forget to make a reservation.
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Planning to spend the night drinking some of the best cocktails in the entire city? The Clumsies is the place for you. Mentioned in the World's Best Bars in 2022, this pub is known for making mind-blowing and unique drinks to suit its cosy and homely ambience. It is perfect for both singles and couples!
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The Athens branch of the famous international nightclub chain Toy Room is an excellent place for parties and clubbing with its dynamic and charged atmosphere, great hip-hop and R&B music, friendly staff and happy vibes. What more could you ask for? Toy Room is a treat for people who love socializing and dancing through the night.
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A meze is a delicious platter of small savoury dishes that can be served as appetizers or an entire meal. Found in local pubs and taverns, it is an authentic reflection of traditional Greek cuisine. Accompanied by Greek music, Greek dancing, and Greek spirits, a meze dinner will be one of the most romantic, exuberant, joyful, and of course, the best Greek experience you will have in Athens. The lovely Psirri neighborhood is ideal for enjoying one of these lavish meals.
12. Experience Open-Air Cinema at Night
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Can there be anything more exhilarating than watching a movie in an open-air cinema with the lovely city in the backdrop and the magical night sky above your head? From award-winning and critically acclaimed films to blockbusters and crowd pleasers, the numerous open-air theatres of Athens play all sorts of movies for the people to enjoy. This experience is best recommended with a partner, family, or friends. The Aigli Zappeiou, the Cinema Dexameni, the Cine Paris, and the Cine Thission are some of the city's most famous open-air cinema spots.
13. Check out the Historical Landmarks at Night
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You must have visited the city's many historical monuments in the heat of the day. But it is completely worth it to check them out once the sun has set. The Acropolis, especially at night, is dazzlingly lit up, becoming an incredible spectacle for all to behold. You may not be able to enter it at night, but you can walk around and admire its beauty. The fantastic nighttime scenery of the city behind you is an added bonus!
14. Look for Live Rebetiko
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Rebetiko is a genre of urban Greek music that originated in the poor neighbourhoods of Athens in the 1960s. An intangible part of Greek and Athenian culture, listening to it live would be a real treat for people interested in local cultures and traditions. Rebetiko can be found in numerous little bars, pubs, and taverns around the city. Spend your night vibing to these tunes as you unwind and sip your beer.
15. Go on A Pub Crawl
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If spending your time in one bar or restaurant is not your style of nighttime activity, go on a pub crawl through Athens. Almost every neighbourhood in the city boasts a massive range of unique bars and pubs. Prefer classic bars and pubs? Monastiraki is the place for you. Posh and swanky? Head to Exarchia. Urban and quirky? Check out Psirri. Vintage and romantic? Off to Plaka. Rave and Alternative? Gazi is a gem. The choices are endless!
16. Stroll around and Shop in the Neighborhoods
Tired after your pub crawl and yearning for something less intense? You can simply stroll around the various neighbourhoods in the city. Pubs and bars are not the only gems in the localities of Athens. On a romantic and idyllic walk around with your partner, you will discover endless little shops, gardens, art galleries, studios, and theatres. Start at Syntagma Square, the heart of the city. From there, you can select any path and be assured that you'll be in for a wonderful treat.
Athens is one of those few cities worldwide that do not sleep. You can continue your leisure and merrymaking as long as you want and still find that you yearn for more.
