Athens has always had a roaring nightlife; it is truly a city that comes alive at night, with more bars than anyone could explore in one visit. That’s where we come in!
The type of entertainment that you can expect to find when exploring Athens by night largely depends upon the area you choose to visit, as every neighborhood has its own distinct culture, and attracts the respective crowds.
Nightlife in Monastiraki is tailored around visitors of all ages, both locals & travelers, who enjoy mingling with the crowds and socializing while bar-hopping along the beautiful pedestrian streets. Comfort food, exciting drinks, trendy rooftops and cool urban vibes are the core ingredients; equally dished up, that create a fresh aesthetic and unbeatable mood. Athenians love to mingle and connect with travelers, and Monastiraki is THE place that locals & visitors both equally appreciate, so we are confident that you will make new friends and return home with exciting stories.
A FOR ATHENS:
One of the first in the area and one of the best rooftop cocktail bars in town! Famous for impeccable views of the Acropolis & Plaka, as well as its cocktails prepared by an award-winning bartender, this favorite is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Situated on the top of a building in Monastiraki, A for Athens has a super-central location which makes it easy to find, even for newcomers to the city.
The minimalist design enhances the viewing experience, featuring both low and high tables, as well as a handful of booths to create an intimate atmosphere. Funk, soul, jazz, chill house and lounge music adds to the overall vibe. Recently, A for Athens developed a well-curated wine list balanced between local and foreign wines. The list contains 111 different wines and is sectioned based on grape variety and terroir, with more than 20 wines that can be ordered by the glass. The interior restaurant also includes a breakfast, brunch, and dinner menu (until midnight), however we come here for coffee or drinks, the sunset and to take postcard-perfect panorama photos of the Acropolis, the Plaka district and Monastiraki Square for our photo albums or Instagram.
Contact details: Miaouli 2, +30 210 3244 244, https://aforathens.com/bar-restaurant/ (1min walk from Monastiraki square).
COULEUR LOCALE:
Hidden in the back streets near Monastiraki Square is a rooftop bar that spans 3 floors, offering an amazing view of the Parthenon while a younger crowd gathers at the communal tables. To get in, you must find the very discreet entrance via a small arcade of antique and bric-a brac shops, take the elevator to the 3rd floor, open the door and arrive at the oasis.
The beautiful, comfortable, open and bright space is suitable for any time, any day, with offerings including beverages, brunch, snacks, burgers, sandwiches and salads! A friendly environment and warm interior welcome you as you step in.
On evenings and Sunday afternoons, one can enjoy well-crafted cocktails accompanied by jazz, soul, funk and rock n’roll music played by talented DJs. (Check the Couleur Locale FB page for live music events).
Since 2019, the first floor of Couleur Locale has hosted The Project Gallery, an initiative that brings together and mobilizes a team of young architects, graphic designers, curators, sociologists, and art historians, who through their desire to diffuse and promote Greek art and artists, curate art exhibitions and host events nationwide. We love Couleur Locale for its atmospheric lighting, mood music, tasty coffee and delicious cocktails at reasonable prices.
Contact details: Normanou 3, +30 216 700 4917, https://couleurlocaleathens.com/en/ (2min walk from Monastiraki square).
360 COCKTAIL BAR:
360 Cocktail Bar is a lush rooftop garden and cocktail bar with a unique industrial design that gives guests an unobstructed view of the Acropolis. It is the largest terrace bar in Monastiraki Square, complete with olive trees & an abundance of asssorted greenery, and lighting that make you feel as if you’re in the courtyard of a home.
There is inside seating at the restaurant on the 2nd-floor, as well as the 3rd-floor the bar area, however these spaces don’t offer the same spectacular views as the rooftop terrace. While the 360 Roof Garden is relatively spacious, you are not guaranteed a seat at sunset, so be sure to get there early to grab one of the best spots.
360 degrees is a classic spot to enjoy drinks among tourists as well as locals. With a menu of more than 70 cocktails and an extensive wine list, there is something for everyone at this rooftop bar in the heart of lively Monastiraki Square. The food menu is segmented by the regions of Greece, including seafood, lamb, pasta, and other Mediterranean options.Ideal for a pit stop at any time of the day, whether to sip a classic or original cocktail, or to enjoy a glass of Greek wine from the carefully crafted wine list. At night you will be awed by the illuminated monuments under the sounds of the live DJ sets that spin mainly swing, jazz and funk tunes.
Contact details: Ifestou 2, +30 210 3210 006, https://three-sixty.gr/ (4min walk from Panepistimio metro station, 7min walk from Syntagma square, 9min walk from Monastiraki square).
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL BAR:
This hidden gem is a departure from the typical style of most Athens rooftop bars, embracing a more of a Cuban vibe. If you’re looking for cool bars in Athens that offer something a little different & a little bit special, you will enjoy Buena Vista Social Bar. Step through the entrance and move up the colorful stairs to discover a large, vibrant open-air space, complete with overhead plants, a warm ambience, amazing views, a casual food menu (tacos, nachos, bao buns etc.) and a great cocktail menu to enjoy with friends.As the night falls, the tempo of Buena Vista really picks up. Funky mixes of ethnic, Latin, afro house and freestyle music by well-known DJs create an amazing Caribbean atmosphere and vibe. A real stand-out among rooftop bars for its unique character, ideal for those looking for a chill night out with tropical vibes, a great place to either start or finish the night.
Contact details: Agiou Filippou 7 +30 210 3210 017, https://www.facebook.com/buenavistasocialbarathens/ (3min walk from Monastiraki square).
CIEL:
Ciel is an elegant all-day venue that unfolds across 2 levels, famous for its all-day brunch and of course a great meeting point for evening cocktails. It offers the ultimate relaxation experience of Mediterranean philosophy, on a seventh-floor terrace with views of the Metropolis Cathedral, the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill.
The terrace has a “boho” chic aesthetic where white prevails among the scattered touches of chic colors, and the whole setting transports you to a cosmopolitan island bar. Ciel’s inside space is inspired by nature and harmony, featuring bare columns and striking wall paintings by artist Ampe Fereira to set the scene. Simple furniture and green plants create cozy corners for each moment of the day, and whichever corner you choose, you will have unique view from the widows located around the perimeter of the space.
We love to visit Ciel for brunch, ordering something with eggs or heavenly made pancakes, or both, as we usually love to share; but we are also here for the great coffee and super healthy & yummy juices. Ciel is also great for an afternoon spritz aperitivo, while you wait for the sun to go down. Our favorite cocktail is the Acropolis Sunset, and we are sure you will find your favorite as well.
Contact details: Mnisikleous 2 & Mitropoleos, +30 210 3314 727, https://cielathensliving.com/ciel-athens/ (4min walk from Monastiraki square).
TAF (The Art Foundation):
TAF is an uncommon art space, tucked down a side-street off of the Monastiraki flea market, in what used to be a 19th century Ottoman dwelling. The space features a bar, an active art gallery and small design shops lined up around a sheltered courtyard.
TAF has become a hangout for Greek and international contemporary artists and art lovers, or simply those who love to enjoy their coffee or drink in a truly unique setting with artistic surroundings. In the courtyard, bartenders create cocktails while the music spotlights jazz, soul, funk and world music melodies, creating the one-of-a-kind cool atmosphere and surrounding environment, making TAF one of the most vibrant spaces in Athens. It is easy to walk past TAF without even noticing the minimalistic illuminated red sign featuring a Greek “T”.
Go through the unremarkable door and marvel as the space opens up into an open-roof spacious back alley of vintage houses and buildings, with a tree clad courtyard and a bar placed along the back. The small terraces along the sides make it feel as if you are in the middle of a tiny neighborhood. Roof is open in the summer and covered in the winter, the T.A.F. bar operates seven days a week.
Contact details: Normanou 5, +30 210 323 8757, http://theartfoundation.metamatic.gr/EN/arxikh/ (2min walk from Monastiraki square).
