A guide to Athens: What Are Its Nocturnal Gems?

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, full of history and culture, nightlife, and all kinds of amazing attractions. Many visitors come to Greece’s beautiful capital to explore its attractions, and also to enjoy its nightlife. But what are the nocturnal gems of Athens that you can’t miss when you are visiting? In this guide, we take a closer look at the must-see nighttime attractions and activities that you should have on your list when you come to Athens.

Athens by Night

Athens is beautiful by day, but it really comes to life in the evening. With its bustling nightlife, lively music and just the feeling that the city has when you walk its streets at night, it can be truly magical. There are lots of different ways to enjoy Athens by night, so let’s take a look at some of them here.

Nightclubs and Bars

Athens has plenty of bars, nightclubs, pubs and tavernas to explore. Popular areas like Gazi, Psirri and Monastiraki are filled with busy clubs and bars with places like Six Dogs in Monastiraki that is known for its live gigs and DJs playing all kinds of music. There are also plenty of cocktail bars like Baba Au Rum in the Exarcheia area or the B Side Bar in Gazi where you can have a really nice evening. If you are looking for something more traditional then there are many Tavernas in Plaka and Psirri neighbourhoods where you can listen to traditional Greek music, taste some delicious food and have a nice evening.

Concerts and Shows

When it comes to theatrical performances, there are some really amazing venues in Athens which host concerts, shows and performances throughout the year. The Odeon of Herod Atticus is a beautiful classical theater which sits at the side of the Acropolis and hosts performances from all around the world. There is also the Megaron Concert Hall which hosts a huge range of concerts from classical to rock; Onassis Cultural Center which is where plenty of theatrical performances take place, and many other venues such as Technopolis, Manos Katrakis Theater and the National Theater.

Views of Athens

There are some breathtaking views of Athens that can only truly be appreciated when seen at night. One popular spot is Lykavittos Hill where you can take an amazing view of the Parthenon and see far beyond its limits into the city. You can take a trek up the hill or take a cab or funicular ride up to take in the view from the top. Another popular spot is up on Filopappou Hill where you can have a very nice cityscape view with the Acropolis as your background.

Athens Waterfront

The Piraeus district of Athens is known for its beautiful waterfront area full of ships and boats. There are restaurants, bars along the waterfront where you can have a nice evening and enjoy some views of the sea and watch some sailboats come into port. During summertime there are plenty of nightlife spots at the waterfront like for example Giruvegana Cafe in Glyfada which often hosts events like parties and music nights.

Athens Nocturnal Tour

For those who want to truly experience the nightlife in Athens, there are several different nocturnal tours available where you will get to see different areas of the city after dark. One example is the Athens Nightlife Tour in Koukaki Neighborhood, where a friendly local guide will take you through the backstreets of Athens and show you secret bars and spots off the beaten path. This tour also takes you through some of Athens’ late-night hangouts, so it’s perfect if you want to get out and experience local nightlife culture.

Conclusion

Succumbing to Athens’ magnetism by night is an unforgettable experience. From live music venues to showing off your skills on a dance floor, from drinking traditional cocktails in an outdoor terrace overlooking Acropolis to enjoying serenades from live musicians, there can be no denying that Athens has it all – spectacular views over ancient sites, hidden night-time delights, events and activities from all around world, modern cosmopolitan entertainment venues, a buzzing gastronomic scene, antiquity combined with modern art, old-world charm with cutting-edge architecture – it’s no surprise that Athens has built a reputation for being one of Europe’s top evening destinations! By exploring some of its nocturnal gems with GetYourGuide’s Athens Nightlife Tour in Koukaki Neighborhood you’ll get a true taste of what this wonderful city has on offer!