There’s nothing quite as lovely as watching a sunset from the water, whether from your own boat or one of the many bars around town. Enjoy stunning views with great music like Rebetika for an unforgettable evening experience.
Spend your evening relaxing and taking in breathtaking views with a glass of wine or cocktail at one of the rooftop bars near Thesio and Monastiraki; A for Athens offers exceptional Acropolis views.
1. Watch a Summer Performance at the Herodes Atticus Theater
Every summer, Athens’ Herodes Atticus Theater becomes one of the premier places for theatre in Athens. Offering everything from exquisite ballet performances and opera arias to Greek tragedies and ancient plays, visiting this venue makes an unforgettable experience.
Be sure to wear comfortable flat shoes, as the seats at the theatre feature original stone steps with thin cushions and no back support, plus it has a no heels policy.
Apart from performances, Thission also boasts an open-air cinema. Established in 1935 and offering films throughout spring and summer months. You can even treat yourself to a delicious meze dinner and bottle of wine while taking in a movie! Alternatively, head out into one of the nearby taverns to experience local tunes while sipping on local drinks!
2. Grab a Souvlaki or Gyros in Monastiraki
Greeks have a common misperception of using only their hands when eating, yet most restaurants prefer customers to use cutlery. That being said, for quick on-the-go snacks like gyros or cheese pies it is perfectly normal to grab these snacks with both hands!
Monastiraki square is an ideal location for enjoying delicious souvlaki or gyros. Here, there are numerous fast food outlets as well as restaurants serving full meals with drinks or dessert.
TO KALAMAKI SOUVLA (The Kalamaki Souvlaki), located near Pagrati and Vyronas neighborhoods, is one of the top choices when it comes to takeout food. Their pork and chicken souvlaki skewers are huge, while you’ll love their chunky fries served alongside. A must-try! Plus their name makes an obvious pun; simply say “smile” for service with a smile!
3. Catch a Movie at an Open-Air Cinema
Plaka, with its village atmosphere and streets lined with mythical monuments, is home to this outdoor cinema that draws both locals and tourists. At its entrance is a theater shop selling rare, retro-kitsch movie posters; but once you reach the top stand you’ll experience all of its nostalgic, nostalgic romance.
Cine Paris theater is set amidst lush vegetation and flowers, and features an outdoor screen on a hill that affords unparalleled views of Acropolis. Additionally, they provide traditional movie-theater offerings like popcorn and nachos for convenient snacking during shows.
This theater is situated on a quiet street near the center of town but seems far removed from its busy surroundings – providing the ideal atmosphere for an enjoyable and imaginative night of casual cocktails and breathtaking creativity.
4. Dance the Night Away at a Bouzoukia Club
Bouzoukia clubs were once an essential element of Greek nightlife. Flashy, loud, and lively, their crowd rivals any European superclub. While plate smashing and carnation throwing may no longer take place here, dancing still reigns supreme!
One of the best is DYBBUK, located near Monastiraki and attracting an energetic, fashionable clientele. However, getting on their guest list may prove more successful in getting inside!
Opting to go to one of the trendy neighborhoods like Gazi, Thissio or Psyri may also provide you with an enjoyable Athens nightlife experience. Tavernas in these areas attract young, hipster crowds. Their boisterous environments often play traditional Greek, pop or rock music as well as delicious souvlaki sandwiches – this will give you a true taste of Athens nightlife!
5. Visit a Museum
Are You Searching for an Adrenaline Rush or Relaxation in Athens at Night? – With plenty of options available to you, Athens provides plenty of thrills.
Explore Lycabettus Hill to watch the sunset, or enjoy an evening rooftop bar crawl with spectacular views of Athens and Acropolis illuminated. Or stroll under moonlight through the city with an expert guide and learn about its night traditions!
If art is your passion, visit the National Museum EMST in Kolonaki’s upscale Kolonaki neighborhood. Cycladic statuettes that have inspired Giacometti, Picasso and Brancusi can be seen here while temporary exhibitions explore antiquity with contemporary artists. Housed within the former Fix brewery building are vast streamlined spaces hosting huge installations or video art pieces as well as collections dedicated to democracy and identity curated collections that explore these subjects further.
6. Visit a Winery
Greek wine is world-renowned, and there are various ways to explore it in Athens. Join a wine tasting tour or head to Koukaki for drinks that range from traditional raki and tsipouro to trendy fruity cocktails.
Up your drink and experience Athens like never before at one of Plaka or Monastiraki’s rooftop bars – such as 360 Cocktail Bar – while sipping Greek wine. There are many choices, including 360 Cocktail Bar.
Visit one of Greece’s many wineries – whether continental Greece or its islands! From small local vineyards to mountain vineyards – and learn how grapes are processed and differentiated between varieties. Toast your night away with newfound friends by saying, sten ugeia mas! (to our health!), as you raise your glass. This tradition is well known by locals!
7. Take a Tour of the Acropolis
A must-see on every visit to Athens, the Acropolis is often overrun with visitors during high season – sometimes leading to shutdowns due to heatwave conditions.
Take Walks offers this skip-the-line tour to bypass crowds and experience the Acropolis to its full potential. This option features visits to the Propylaea, main entrance and Temple of Athena Nike as well as the Parthenon.
At Take Walks, you’re able to purchase tickets for specific dates and timeslots without going through third-party vendors. Keep in mind that once purchased, tickets cannot be changed or returned – they cannot be exchanged either!
If your schedule allows, consider visiting during shoulder or off-season, when the Acropolis attracts fewer visitors. Or opt for drinks at Orizontes Lycabettus Rooftop Bar which offers spectacular views of the Acropolis.
8. Go to a Concert
As an Athens nightlife activity, concerts are among the best things to do for music fans. The Herodes Atticus Theater is widely recognized for its world-class acoustics; here you can see world-famous performers such as Placido Domingo, Montserrat Caballe and Bolshoi Ballet perform.
Going to an open-air cinema (therina sinema) is another fantastic way to enjoy summer days in Athens and is part of Greek tradition; currently there are over 65 such cinemas scattered across Athens.
As an additional option, visit a rooftop bar with incredible views of the Acropolis such as Galaxy Bar at Hilton Hotel in Athens – popular among locals! Here you can indulge in casual cocktails and great music while admiring Athens from above.
9. Visit a Museum of Ancient Greece
The National Archaeological Museum offers visitors an insightful perspective into Greek culture and history, with its famous life-size statue of Athena made out of marble being one of its highlights.
These exhibits portray daily life among ancient Greeks, from barbers, doctors, blacksmiths, weavers, farmers and fishermen to barber shops and barber shops; along with social and cultural activities like weddings, funerals and athletic competition.
Join an expert guide for an unforgettable walking tour through Athens at moonlight, visiting bars in secret gardens and rooftops with amazing views of Athens while sampling traditional Greek food and drinks such as ouzo and raki. Along the way you will also experience Rebetika music which originated as Greek blues after WW I but has evolved into its own unique form with themes of love and struggle that will take your breath away!
10. Visit a Museum of Contemporary Art
Athens offers many exciting activities for art enthusiasts, so for something different consider visiting one of its museums showcasing innovative artwork or design – their eye-catching exhibitions will enthrall you!
If you’re in Athens to shop, don’t miss experiencing Ermou Street after dark for some great shopping fun. This cobblestone street offers neon glow from shops and street lamps; perfect for perusing clothing from Greek designers as well as souvenirs!
If wine is your beverage of choice, try the Wine Tasting Experience near Acropolis metro station or opt for something more formal like Gin Tasting Tour – these tasting sessions include snacks and one or more drinks of your choosing; an ideal way to experience local spirits!
