Athens isn’t all about its history and ruins. Despite being an old city, it has a surprisingly vibrant and hip nightlife, with many bars and clubs throughout the city. Here are 5 neighbourhoods that you can explore to experience the wilder side of the Greek capital.
Exarchia
What used to be a place known for protests is now a creative space for young people in Athens. Exarchia offers a unique look into the urban and contemporary side of Athens, and is known for the countless number of street art and graffiti covering the walls of the buildings. Before the sun sets, walk along this gallery of street art while you explore the stores selling vintage clothes, records, and second-hand books lining the streets.
As night falls, that’s when Exarchia comes to life. While there are not many clubs around this area, you’ll still be spoilt for choice with the number of bars, each offering something unique. Visit favourites like Hartes which is popular amongst the younger crowd, try interesting cocktails in Circus Bar, or Sélas if you’re looking for something more laidback. Other than its many bars, there are also plenty of restaurants that open till late in Exarchia, so you’ll still be able to get some supper after a long night of fun.
Gazi
Gazi is an exciting neighbourhood in Athens, offering both cosy bars and wild clubs. Like Exarchia, there are many bars here, each offering their own unique drinking experience. Swing in hammocks in the backyard of Flamme Rouge, sip on your drinks while enjoying the view from the rooftop of Gakazi, or relax in the courtyard of A Liar Man. With an extensive list of bars to choose from, there is sure to be something for you.
For a more exciting experience, Gazi is definitely the place to be with its many superclubs. Catch a live Greek music show in Acro Club, drink and have fun in Voodoo, or dance under the stars at Rio Skybar. These are just some of the many clubs in this vibrant neighbourhood, where you’ll be partying till the sun rises.
Kolonaki
For those with a more sophisticated taste, pay a visit to one of the bars in Kolonaki. This area is a shopping district as well, with many known luxury brands, so before you get a drink, you can shop here for an outfit that will match the stylish atmosphere of the classy bars here. With intimate bars like Skoufaki, Ippopotamos, and Minnie the Moocher, you’ll be spending the night with great drinks and great music.
Looking to party? Dance with your friends at Bogart, or soak in the retro 70s vibe at Cinderella Discotheque. With such crazy clubs, you’ll definitely have a fantastic night in Kolonaki.
Koukaki
Koukaki is a new, up-and-coming neighbourhood with a current influx of restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars. Located near the Acropolis, this neighbourhood is a perfect place to explore and unwind after a day of historical exploration.
With a wide selection of bars here, spend your night bar-hopping as you taste the best of what this neighbourhood has to offer. Stop by one of the all-day bars, like Bel Ray and Kinonó, where you can visit for a coffee in the morning before coming back for some drinks with friends in the night. Have your cravings satisfied with delicious food at Monsieur Barbu, or watch a live show at Tiki Bar. With so many great bars, you won’t be able to just stop at one.
Psiri
Psiri, like most of the other neighbourhoods on this list, has many bars along its streets. Before you start drinking, you might want to head there earlier in the day to explore the area first, and visit its many stores, cafes, and restaurants to experience the trendy side of Athens.
The bars in Psiri might be smaller than average, but that doesn't make them any less enjoyable. Bars like Tranzistor, Barrett, and Cantina Social offer great drinks and great atmosphere, perfect places for a nice night out in the Greek capital.
Outside of its tourist attractions, the neighbourhoods of Athens are just theming with activity and things to discover. At night, that’s when they really come to life, with bars and clubs for you to drink or dance the night away in this great city.
.jpg){kind=link}