Syntagma & Plaka
Ignore the corny punning name – the team at this combo wine shop and bar are wise in the ways of the grape in all its varieties, whether Greek or…
Must-see nightlife in Athens
Athens
Sidle up to the backlit bar or relax at tables outside at this small, cool spot. It's one of a few good mellow bars on this narrow street.
Athens
With a view across the tidal canal that's part of the grounds surrounding the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, this cafe is the best place…
Syntagma & Plaka
Tucked away in a delightfully quiet spot on the west end of Plaka, with shady outdoor tables and friendly service, Klepsidra is a favourite with locals…
Acropolis Area
Just steps away from the Acropolis Museum and part of a complex consisting of a hostel, travel agent, burger bar and laundrette, this place really is what…
Syntagma & Plaka
Proof that Plaka is still very much a Greek neighbourhood despite the tourists, Yiasemi attracts a good mix of young Athenians, who set up for hours in…
Athens
As you'd expect of a hotel rooftop bar, these are not the cheapest drinks in town – but they are well prepared and come with one of Athens' best panoramic…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Just one in a strip of near-perfect bohemian bars on the pedestrianised street of Salaminos, the heart of the cool Keramikos scene. All with a good mix of…
Athens
One of several nice cafes on pretty, green Plateia Proskopon, this airy, colourful place has the typical unpretentious Pangrati vibe, plus solid food …
Athens
Friendly corner spot on the quieter end of the Iraklidon pedestrian route. Cold-brew coffee, craft beer and ouzo are on offer.
Athens
Location, location, location! This cafe-bar sits at the junction of the two pedestrianised cafe strips and has a sweeping view up to the Acropolis. The…
Athens
Climb any hill in Greece, and there's usually a cafe. The one on Strefi Hill, above Exarhia, is a casual spot for a coffee or afternoon beer and small…
Athens
This 'vintage cafe' is only a few years old but has put some effort into looking and feeling like it's been around for decades. It has thoughtful staff…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Named after the singing dog in the comic strip Lucky Luke, this convivial cafe-bar occupies a sunny and picturesque spot on a square surrounding an 11th…
Athens
Get a Zen vibe as you sip from a vast range of teas from around the world at this minimalist tearoom and shop that's a calm respite in the midst of…
Syntagma & Plaka
Serving the best coffee in the Syntagma area, Kaya is in an odd triangle of real estate, with just enough room for the baristas. Order to go, or sip your…
Athens
A great way to spend a rainy day with the kids once you've exhausted the museums is at this brightly decorated cafe that specialises in board games. The…
Acropolis Area
This two-level cafe-bar has a contemporary style; all blond wood and industrial fittings, softened with plants and homey touches. It's a popular hang-out…
Athens
This small, simple bar with tables spilling out onto a pedestrian street anchors a few solid blocks of good nightlife. The vibrant murals out front are…
Athens
One of the best of Athens' third-wave coffee roasters, with distribution around the country and a bit abroad. Sip a pour-over here, or grab a quick…
Athens
This creative, gay-friendly cafe and arts space occupies two buildings facing each other across Plateia Avyssinias. It covers everything from daytime…
Athens
There are plenty of options for a freddo espresso right around Exarhia's main square, but this place is extra-pleasant due to its breezy open front and…
Athens
By day this art mansion is full of young Athenians playing chess and backgammon and working on their laptops. Later it transforms into a happening bar…
Athens
Fancy breakfast in bed? You can have it at 'Our House', a cafe set up like a cute apartment, complete with a single bed. The whole operation might be…
Acropolis Area
With the golden glow of a Parisian brasserie, this intimate pub is a good place for a grown-up glass of wine or whisky (though not so much for food or…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Since it opens a bit earlier than other Gazi LGBT bars and clubs, this is usually where the rainbow dance-and-party crowd starts off the night. Check…
Athens
The framed prints on the wall, plus the warm wooden fittings and furniture, give this convivial cafe-bar a romantic, old-fashioned atmosphere – the…
Athens
Athens supports a small but lively swing and rockabilly scene, and Blue Fox, with its big wooden dance floor, is one of its hubs. Weekend nights, you'll…
Athens
One of those groovy Athenian cafe-bars that shifts with practiced ease from coffee and breakfast in the morning to alcoholic drinks and tapas at night. It…
Athens
Holding strong against Kolonaki's modern glitz, Filion is a pleasantly old-school cafe-bar, frequented by older members of the intellectual establishment…
Syntagma & Plaka
With jewel-toned walls, old-fashioned wood fittings, open windows to the street and a usually chilled DJ, this is close to an ideal small downtown bar…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Gazi's gay bar and club scene can be a little homogenous, but this quirkier, more casual club breaks that mould. The vibe is friendly and open, and there…
Acropolis Area
Glowing yellow inside (perhaps for its namesake; sfika means 'wasp'), this small neighbourhood cafe-restaurant-bar has an alternative/student vibe and…
Athens
Painted dark purple, this place feels like a jewel box, and the assorted Greek wines are the gems. Also a good place for light food, with platters of…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Colourful mosaic decorations and a more hushed vibe make this Gazi alleyway hideout a pleasant antidote to other top-volume bars and clubs nearby. It…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Popular lesbian cafe-bar-restaurant on a somewhat unkempt square, with a motorcycle clubhouse (unrelated) upstairs. Archetypal Metaxourgio, in other words.
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
This women-run cooperative cafe is of course lesbian-friendly, but also just generally friendly. Sunday brunch gets a good crowd and cocktails flow freely.
Athens
This always-busy LGBT+ cafe on lively Plateia Agia Irini is straight-friendly too, and so fills with chatting locals across the rainbow spectrum.
Athens
A creative set frequents quirky Tralala, with its glitter balls, original artwork, lively owners and gregarious atmosphere.
