Athens is a city that never sleeps. Many say that Athens actually “lives” at night. This claim is, at some level, true. No other city offers so many night activities as this ancient and at the same time modern city. There are actually many activities: ancient Greek tragedy in a theater which dates back to the same period as the play was written; orchestras of international fame playing from Beethoven to Jazz in one of the most modern music centers in Europe; music venues and clubs considered to be unique for their variety and originality.
The capital of Greece offers to the lovers of night and entertainment some vivid activities. Whatever you decide to do, you will soon discover that Athens nightlife, with its offered variety and special choices, allows you to entertain yourself all night long. The only problem is that the next day you will have to visit many and remarkable sights. You can begin your night in a nice restaurant or in one of the typical Greek taverns, which are everywhere in the city. The atmosphere in all Greek restaurants is simple, relaxing and friendly and the food amazing. You can visit a tavern with bouzoukia (live Greek music) or go to a modern bar, club, disco-bar and bar with orchestra, which gather many people and play different kinds of music. All these places can be found in central areas or in the suburbs (Kifissia, Faliro, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Voula, Varkiza etc).
It is said that a night at the bouzoukia is an unforgettable experience. During your stay here, it is worth to visit one of them to hear original Greek music, to sing and dance with the locals.
Hotspots in the Center of Athens
• Gázi
It is THE hotspot of Athens and not unjustly so: “mezé” tavernas (=restaurants where you can dine on middle dishes instead of individual main ones) restaurants of international cuisine, delicious “souvlaki” restaurants, pop, (hard) rock, mainstream, swing and retro, gay and lesbian bars and clubs, galleries, fringe theatres – you name it! And all that just a stone’s throw from the city center and accessible by the metro (“Kerameikos” station).
• Thissío
Thissío is popular with Greeks and tourists alike who want to have a coffee or a drink marvelling at the Acropolis which catches their eye and dominates the scenery. It is undoubtedly the favourite walk trail of the Athenians.
• Pláka
Right at the foot of the Acropolis hill, it is the traditional part of the city where time seems to have stopped at the 19th century. Folk music and dancing in Greek restaurants as well as tavernas and cozy cafes are the best choice here.
• Monastiráki and Psirrí
Right next to Thissío and still at the foot of the Acropolis, this wide area recalls the Orient: low buildings, narrow cobbled streets, a flea market, almost no access to the cars. Alternative bars and stylish restaurants lie side by side with old-fashioned cafes, Greek tavernas and shops of all kinds. Live Greek music in Greek restaurants is a possibility too.
• Kolonáki
In the night, spirits are high also in the business area of the downtown where the famous boutiques keep the branches. Trendy bars and gourmet restaurants for all tastes see the Athenians return to the area where they work but this time to dance the night away. The area is brimful of art galleries too.
• Exárhia
The rock side of the city. Here students, youngsters, alternative people share their views having a drink or a dinner in rather inexpensive restaurants and bars.
• Syntagma
In the area around Syntagma, as well as the streets that lead to Monastiraki you’ll find numerable new hangouts that complete Athens’ nightlife: Romvis, Kolokotroni, Thiseos and many more cobbled narrow roads gather crowds that let themselves to the music’s rhythms and hip cocktails. Karytsi and Agia Eirini squares are considered highlight areas by the Athenians.
•Karytsi Square
Mousouri Theatre and a couple of traditional cafes once stood alone here. Suddenly everything changed! Athenians started discovering every corner of their city. The quiet and picturesque square, with the church of St. George dominating in the center, quickly became a favourite hangout in Athens: all day long cafes, bars that will satisfy all music preferences packed with people, night or day, coming off work, or just wandering around after shopping. There is a place that will do for you, either you want to dance to loud music all night long or have a quite talk with a friend.
•Agia Eirini Square
Agia Eirini Square is the king of Athens nightlife, situated at the corner of Aiolou and Karagiorgi Servias, next to Kolokotroni street, near Plaka and Monastiraki. Tables and chairs of the various cafes and bars are constantly cluttered with people chatting away while enjoying the imposing neoclassical buildings amongst the narrow streets and the church of Agia Eirini. Where new meets old this is an atmosphere you shouldn’t miss! Here you’ll discover the most hip bars of the area, inspired cocktails and drinks, and as rumours have it the best souvlaki in town. Enjoy the magic!
Source: visitgreece
