City Guide

• Overview
• The Basics
• Contacts
• Attractions
• Kids Attractions
• City Tours
• Excursions
• Events
• Restaurants
• Nightlife
• Shopping
• Airports
• Transport
• Climate
• Photos
• Hotels in Athens
• Flights to Athens

Maps

Directory

• Hostels
• Tour Operators
• DMCs
• Cheap Airfares

Time

Nightlife

Greece has earned a reputation in not only Europe, but across the globe, for its crazy island summer nightlife, but don't be fooled - the nightlife in Athens can rival just about any of its island counterparts. Athens boasts a hectic nightlife consisting of everything from sex shows and gay bars to traditional Greek music and dancing to classical concerts.

Taking an afternoon nap to rest up for the evening's activities is a good idea, as most parties don't really get going until well after dinner, which can be as late as 10pm in the summertime. The old Turkish quarter, known as the Plaka district, is a great place to start where tavernas and fast-food souvlaki joints bustle and diners sip on aperitifs on rooftop terraces overlooking the Acropolis to the sounds of violins, concertinas and bouzouki playing traditional urban Greek music like Rembetika and Smyrneika. Many tavernas have lively music and dancing, including Taverna Mostrou and Palia Taverna Kritikou.

After dinner, head to one of the many music bars, clubs, rock and jazz venues in the city. Clubbing in Athens is expensive, with many large venues charging entrance of €10-20, and upwards of €10 per drink. For a less touristy option, head to the area around the port of Pireau and explore the clubs and bars on offer here.

Parafono, in the centre of Athens, is a live-music club dedicated to jazz and blues and a great place to watch a gig, while Sundays are dedicated to country, rock and acoustic jam. In the distance the red chimneys of Technopolis attract bourgeois bohemians who flock to jazz and comedy festivals in this former industrial area.

One of the most unique and breathtaking venues for a live concert is the theatre on Mount Lycavettos, which has hosted many world-famous artists. You'll find classical music programmes at the Megaron Mousikis Concert Hall, Olympia Theater, and the Pallas Theater. For traditional Greek theatre and dancing, head to the Athens Centre or the Dora Stratou Folk Dance Theater.

Grab a copy of the International Herald Tribune for its daily Kathimerini cultural and entertainment listings, or the monthly Now in Athens has comprehensive lists of clubs, restaurants, theatre, and more.