18 Unmissable Things To Do In Athens At Night

Athens was the most important and largest of the Greek cities and was named after the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena. It was the Athenians who invented a new kind of government where all its citizens could vote on important issues, or what we call democracy. But even back then, nightlife was festive.

Most common people hung out at taverns, which you could find on almost every corner. In fact, since laws were different then, most of the taverns could get pretty wild and crazy with a lot of singing, dancing, and flirting with each other. But first, they would all enjoy some delicious Greek food and poetry.

Today, many of the locals and visitors spend their nights at the clubs and bars as well. But not everyone. There are other things to do in Athens at night like enjoying theater performances or open-air cinemas, visiting ancient ruins, and shopping at the markets. You can even climb Lycabettus Hill for live music. No matter what you choose to do, don't carry your extra bags along. Drop them at one of our Athens luggage lockers, and dance the night away!

Rooftop Bars and Nightspots

360 Cocktail Bar

For some fantastic views of Athens, while you enjoy some Greek wine, this rooftop bar is perfect. In fact, 360 Cocktail Bar has over 30 wines to choose from including 12 white wines, 10 red wines, and six sparkling wines.

Or try one of their fantastic cocktails like the Strawberry Cosmo or Savory Paloma. The view may be formal, but the bar is quite casual with no dress code and a very friendly atmosphere.

If you get hungry, try something from their snack menu like a black Angus burger or club sandwich. For something more filling, check out their dinner menu for dishes like codfish, short ribs, or pork chops.

Bios

At this rooftop bar, you can listen to live Greek music as you sip your cocktails on the roof. The view of Acropolis from this corner building in the center of Athens could not be better so be sure to have your phone ready for some selfies.

What started out in 2001 as a small watering hole is now a delightful blend of casual cocktails, extraordinary music, and dancing under the stars. Make sure you try one of their popsicle cocktails while you are there.

If you want to see a show or mingle with more people, go inside to the main bar, café, or head to the basement theater with seating for 1,000. Various shows play there all the time.

Galaxy Bar

Located on top of the Hilton Athens, Galaxy Bar is one of the most popular in Athens with its great cocktails and fun things to do. With seating inside and out, you can enjoy the view in the climate-controlled dining area too.

Sophisticated and trendy, you can get a variety of fine wines and cocktails with superior views of Lycabettus Hill and the Athens skyline. Try some of their Mediterranean cuisines like chicken velouté, sea bream carpaccio, or a juicy ribeye.

Open Air Cinemas

Cine Paris

Cine Paris is one of the best outdoor cinemas in Athens and is another one of the fantastic things to do in Athens at night. With seating for over 1,400 people, the cinema has three screens and a Cuban/Mexican theme.

Since 1970, this place has been showing fantastic films for everyone who wants to see them. Most of them are nostalgic and many are played in English, but the others will have subtitles. You can also buy some of their vintage posters.

Cine Thission

The open-air cinema at Thission opened in 1935 and shows all sorts of films from spring through summer. According to CNN, this theater is one of the oldest but has the best view whether you are looking at the screen or your surroundings.

Try some of their organic wine, homemade sour cherry juice, and white cheese pie while you are there. They also have traditional theater faves like chips, hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. After a late night out, remember you can wake up to an amazing brunch any day of the week in Athens.

Cine Dexameni

With fantastic films like No Time to Die and Stillwater, this fabulous outdoor movie cinema is one of the most popular for tourists as well as locals. They even show cartoons like The Croods for the kids.

It is located in the middle of Kolonaki surrounded by trees and jasmine with stone walls climbing with honeysuckle. Stop by the bar and grab some cokes or adult beverages as well as Domino's pizza and other snacks.

Theater, Shows and Performances

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in honor of his wife, this historic outdoor theater has Pentelic marble benches for over 5,000 people. It was originally built with a cedar wood roof and walls but today is boasts an open air space with a stage and part of the original façade.

This theater is the home to the Athens Festival, which runs from May through October featuring all sorts of performances. Some of the past performers include Frank Sinatra, Plácido Domingo, Sting, and the Tokyo Ballet.

The Great Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus at the Sanctuary of Asclepius

The Great Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus was built back in the 4th century BC and at the time it had a maximum capacity of about 14 thousand people. Back then, it played host to music, singing, dramatic games, and shows.

Today, it is a preserved monument but is open to the public for exploration as well as drama plays and musicals. The first performance was in 1938 when it featured Electra, the story of the Greek tragedy of Sophocles.

The Little Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in the Peloponnese

Home of the Greek Festival, this theatre was constructed in the 4th century BC and seats about 2,000 spectators. Religious and political celebrations, as well as drama performances, were held there for the first seven centuries but went unused until it was discovered in the 1970s in a field of olive trees.

So far, only 800 seats have been restored but work is being done to reconstruct the rest. The festival is usually held from May through October, but it has expanded to a year-round celebration with a variety of shows, music, dance, and visual arts.

Shopping at Malls and Markets

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Flea Market in Monastiraki Square is a fantastic place to go when you are visiting Athens. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs, clothing, or food, you can find all of that and then some in this plaza.

Located in the historic old town of Athens, the neighborhood is over 6,000 years old and boasts many monuments and other attractions like the Tower of Winds, Roman Agora, and Hadrian Library. And underneath it all is an ancient river.

The Mall Athens

The Mall Athens was the first shopping mall built in Greece in 2005 and has about 200 shops on four floors. This place truly has it all including a babysitting service if you need some time alone as well as a first-aid center.

On the third floor, near the food court, you can find the Village Cinema Multiplex featuring box office hits until 11:00 PM. There is even a bowling alley that boasts 12 lanes, pool tables, video games, and VR simulators.

Athens Heart Mall

The four-story mall is filled with dozens of high-end shops, bargain kiosks, eateries, and play areas for kids. Whether you are looking for designer fashions, authentic wares, technology, or toys, Athens Heart Mall has it and more.

The vibrantly colored décor and sleek seating areas are there to encourage relaxation as you shop. Some of the stores include H&M, Benetton, Jewls, Toi & Moi, Triumph, and Celestino. They also have video games, dessert shops, and comfort stations.

Athens has tons of great shopping, so don't stop here. Look for bargains and luxury items during the day, too!

Night Tours and Walks

Athens by Night Greek Food and Wine Tour in Plaka

Check out Athens nightlife with a local guide while you are in the Greek capital. Learn more about Greek culture from someone who knows about the city. But while you are there, why not enjoy some of the local cuisines?

This Greek Food and Wine Tour in Plaka is three hours of private tastings in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Start at Syntagma Square and head to the Taverna for drinks and appetizers before a meal and dessert near the Metro Cathedral.

Sea & Sunset Riviera - Temple of Poseidon

For a longer tour along the Athenian coastline, ride in an air-conditioned cabriolet to the Ancient Temple of Poseidon on top of a sea cliff with some amazing views of the Aegean Sea. The trip also includes swimming at some beaches like Eden and Anavyssos.

Take a stroll through seaside neighborhoods along the emerald waters and explore some of the spectacular rocky coves. The guide will give you a running commentary on the history of each area as well. To wrap things up, you will eat dinner by sunset.

Night Walk With A Local

For unique views in some of the unknown places, let a local guide take you to places you could never find on your own on this two-hour trip. Starting at the Acropolis metro station, head off through the neighborhood of Plaka at the base of Acropolis Hill.

Continue on to the Hill of Ares, which is one of the best view spots in the city. On your trip, you will also learn all sorts of mythology, ancient history, and fun facts. See the vibrant Psyrri and Monastiraki before heading back to the station.

Wining and Dining at Night in Athens

Dinner in the Sky

Where else can you eat 131 feet in the air hanging from a crane where the table slowly rotates? With great food as the sun sets, Athens has never been so stunning. As long as you are not afraid of heights, you have to give this place a try.

But it is not just the view that is incredible. The food is also outstanding with dishes like beef tenderloin with carrot purée, sautéed shrimp in fennel, and vegetable lasagne with eggplant. Don’t miss the Choux au Craquelin for dessert.

Tivoli

You may not get to dangle in the air from a crane but at Tivoli, you will get a superb meal served in a warm setting with a casual but sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you come for snacks and drinks or a full meal, you will get the best in Athens here.

Some of their most popular dishes include chicken ribs, veal steak, pork bites in mustard sauce, and grilled shrimp. Served on a linen tablecloth in a cozy space with a family vibe, you will be glad you came.

Efimeron

Surrounded by stone walls, sophisticated artwork, and tropical plants, you will think you are on the set of a Greek movie. The owners are so friendly, they will even come sit at your table to perform with guitar and accordion music.

If you like, you can even choose to sit out in the courtyard where you will be surrounded by even more plants and trees. It feels like you are dining in the middle of a gorgeous jungle. The food is even authentic with true Greek cuisine.

Greek Music and Greek Culture: A Wonderful Combo

If this is not a long enough list of things to do in Athens at night, we would also suggest taking a stroll on Polignotou Path, seeing the nightlife in Rebetiko, or visiting Gazi to see Lindsay Lohan's nightclub. Maybe you would enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local wineries.

If you are a history buff, see the ancient sites in Athens at night. Ancient Athens is one of the best places to see and there is so much to explore. Or just sit back in one of the squares and see what happens in Athens at night.