Top 10 Nightlife in Greece

Description:

The southern slope of the Acropolis is the site of two ancient theaters. The one dedicated to Dionysos is the world's oldest theatre built in the 6th century BC. A few meters to the west is the Odeon of Herod Atticus, built under Roman rule. The Odeon, standing out for its impressive façade, was constructed by Herod Atticus in memory of his late wife. This majestic semicircular theater holding 5,000 people was inaugurated in 161 AD, but was destroyed a century later. Nowadays, the restored open-air Odeon serves as the city's major theater. The architectural beauty and the location just beneath the Acropolis makes it one of the world's most impressive venues for concerts and performances which are part of the Athens Festival. Check the Athens Festival calendar during the months of June through September. A short walk from the Acropolis metro station.

Our Local Expert Says:

Stroll through this cool venue and grab a drink at the café.

Description:

The industrial installations of a former gas factory have been transformed by the Municipality of Athens into one of the city's major cultural venues. The construction of this complex started in 1862 in order to provide street lights to the city and to supply households and factories with energy. The gradual replacement of gas by electricity finally led to the closure of Gazi, as the Athenians call the factory, and its transformation into an arts venue. Numerous exhibitions are held here, including some large-scale art installations. The Gazi complex also hosts concerts, readings and other cultural activities.

Our Local Expert Says:

Cozy spot for jazz lovers. A 5-minute taxi ride from Syntagma Square.

Description:

The city's top jazz club is in its third decade now, and is the spot for excellent live performances representing various styles of classical and contemporary jazz music. The club has a loyal clientele among the city's jazz aficionados, most of whom can frequently be seen here. Live performances start at 10:30p; ticket and cover prices vary.

Description:

Rock'N'Roll has been the place to be seen after hours for the last two decades. The same company owning the popular Balthazar has made it what it is by offering friendly service, good burgers, and better cocktails, but all of that is only to be had if you look good enough to get past the front door. Dressing smartly, if not consulting a stylist, is recommended.

Description:

In a narrow, gutter-width bar, just in the gateway of cultured Kolonaki, the atmosphere is as smokey-voiced and bedroom-eyed as Tallulah Bankhead in a prohibition era speakeasy. Athens might be an unlikely place for such a hangout, but the whiskey bar, Low Profile, is where you go to find the same faces night after night drinking high grade scotch and malt whiskey to the accompanying tunes of US imports like Johnny Cash, J.J. Cale, Billie Holiday and a whole wide assortment of other lesser-known legends.

The prices reflect good taste and an unoccupied stool or chair is a rarity. It is one bar out of hundreds choosing to ignore the smoking ban made official in January 2010. We say this as a way to tell you it might not be for everyone, but it doesn't stop eclectic, intelligent crowds from amassing nightly in search of high grade alcohol and top rate music.

Description:

A restored Athenian classic for films, special screenings, theatrical and musical performances. It has its own bar and is accessible to those with disabilities.

Very close to Syntagma Square and Kolonaki, located in the 'City Link' stoa.

Syntagma Metro station, Lines 2&3 (Red and Blue)

Description:

This neoclassical style bar/restaurant is housed with a stately mansion behind the American Embassy. It has an impressive interior and an even more attractive courtyard. The menu includes items such as double-cooked lamb, grouper with risotto, and octopus flavored with truffle oil, amongst other delicacies. During the summer months, Balthazar operates its low-lit courtyard where guests can mingle at one of the 2 bars or enjoy alfresco dining. In the winter months, guests enjoy dining within this stately mansion.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fun atmosphere with a great selection of international and Greek music.

Description:

New "in" three-in-one venue. Restaurant/bar and private dance club. The garden restaurant opens at 9:30p and the bar at 11:30p. You can always come for dinner, then make your way over to the dance floor and stay on til the early morning hours. By midnight the place is packed with fashionable, trendy, funky socialites. Reservations required in order to enter this club.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best reason to take a walk through Omonia Square.

Description:

The most beautiful thing near Omonia Square is this stately nineteenth century building (1890-1901) by the architect Ernst Ziller. It is the home to the National Theatre of Greece, reopened in 1994 after several decades of being deserted and with a total restoration completed 2009. Opera buffs should note that it is the site of Maria Callas's first professional appearance in a 1942 performance of Puccini's "Tosca."

Closest Metro: Omonia

*There are four theatres associated with the Greece National Theatre. The Old Theatre and the New Theatre are both housed in the original building on Konstantiniou Street.
The Katina Patixou Theater (Children's theater) and the Marika Kotopouli Theatre are housed in the "Rex" on Panepistimiou 48.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best gateway to the land of ouzo appreciation.

Description:

History resonates through this old distillery in Plaka, running for over 100 years, Brettos is a must see for Ouzo drinkers. With an authentic vibe and flowing liquor, you are sure to be taken on a journey back in time. Inside there is a colorful array of bottles lined up against the entire back wall. Lit up from behind it gives the otherwise ancient bar a vibrant look. Brettos is among the few famous landmarks of Plaza and has throughout the years never failed to appear in local newspapers and magazines. Locals and tourists alike are welcome to eat and drink at this old hangout.