With some of the best internationally-awarded bars, from sophisticated and elegant to alternative and bohemian, the capital of Greece is not only a cultural destination with magnificent historic spots, but also a lively hub with a buzzing bar scene. Here’s a list of our top 10 bars in Athens, carefully selected for their concept, top-quality drinks, and remarkable locations.
The top floor of the A for Athens boutique hotel is one of Athens’ most popular rooftop café-bars among locals, with unobstructed, stunning views to the rock of Acropolis, the buzzing square of Monastiraki, the postcard-pretty Plaka neighbourhood, and other scenic spots in the city. Experience memorable moments by selecting from the imaginative brunch and coffee menu, or enjoying a classic drink or a signature A for Athens cocktail.
This is one of the first bars in Athens that truly embraced cocktail culture, especially one based on rum in a completely different way, Baba Au Rum offers a unique taste experience with drinks that range from 19th century classics to more unique concoctions. Enjoy cocktails made with premium spirits, housemade syrups, and other carefully-selected ingredients. The eclectic yet stylish atmosphere features a welcoming vibe and 50s and 60s furniture.
Step up to the 12th floor of the Hilton Hotel and experience outstanding panoramic views of the city from the rooftop Galaxy bar. Enjoy the Athenian skyline at twilight in a luxurious atmosphere while you sip signature cocktails accompanied by sushi and upscale finger foods. Galaxy Bar is by far one of the chicest bars in the city.
Pick your poison at Brettos Bar | Photo by Athens Urban Adventures
Decorated with hundreds of colourfully-lit bottles, Brettos Bar is said to be the second oldest bar and distillery in Europe, and the oldest in Athens. Located in the city’s most charming neighbourhood of Plaka, in a small alley of historic Athens, Brettos is a mecca for classic liquors, brandies, and ouzo – all crafted using old family recipes. Discover this old-fashioned distillery-bar with its cozy atmosphere and tunes coming from an analog radio.
You might be surprised when you see the extensive variety of whiskeys, rums and other spirits that CV Distiller serves. Its dark walls, warm atmosphere, and soundtrack of laid back jazz and soul music make CV Distiller an elegant option for drinks. Open from noon, it is an ideal destination for coffee, drinks, and snacks any time of day. If you want to a more private experience, visit the cellar that is open as a private tasting room with its own bar.
Cocktail time at The Clumsies | Photo by Athens Urban Adventures
Being an all-day cocktail bar, The Clumsies is the perfect spot to enjoy everything from excellent espresso coffee and delicious brunch in the morning, to amazing Greek food and cutting-edge cocktails later in the day and into the evening. Located in the Athens Commercial Triangle District, The Clumsies is consistently ranked among the world’s best bars – and it’s not hard to see why as soon as you order a drink.
Osterman is an all-day establishment housed in an old textile shop in the heart of Athens. Retro-style decor, high ceilings, and wooden furniture create an inviting interiorm ,,,, , and the bar serves up coffee and sandwiches earlier in the day, while later on you can find a variety of cooked meals with options ranging from seafood to pasta alongside signature cocktails and drinks.
Located in Koukaki, Athens’ hippest neighbourhood, Bohemian Bourgeois bar (mostly known as BoBo) is absolutely one of the best wine bars in the city. Decked out in a minimalistic Art Deco-style with enormous glass windows, handmade furniture, and a chill-out atmosphere, BoBo provides an extensive list of Greek wines, cocktails and spirits. Pair your wine with light dishes such as organic salads, smoked Cretan ham, and other deli platters.
Get your drink on in Athens at Couluer Locale | Photo by Athens Urban Adventures
A hidden gem in the heart of historic Athens, Couleur Locale is an all-day bar-restaurant nestled in a narrow back alley where an elevator takes you to the 3rd-floor terrace with impressive views of the Acropolis. A favourite spot for Athenians, Couleur Locale offers chill coffee moments during the day, and vibrant cocktail evenings with louder music at night.
A stone’s throw from the Acropolis Museum, Tiki Bar is one of the most legendary bars of Athens. Well-known for its genuine tropical vibes (complete with palm trees indoors) and its laid-back mood, Tiki bar serves a top-notch cocktail menu by some of the most famous bartenders and mixologists in the city, accompanied with Polynesian-inspired snacks. Often, live gigs and other events take place here.
Want to know even more spots to get a drink in Athens? Join our Posh Happy Hour tour.