February 2nd, 2024

How to spend an unforgettable evening in Athens

From sunset panoramas to thrilling casinos, here are five ways to enjoy a night out in the Greek capital of Athens

Admire the sunset from a hilltop

Named after the wolves that once roamed the surrounding forest – the Greek word for ‘wolf’ being ‘lycos’ – at 909ft high Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. 

If you’re an adventure seeker, hike the path to the top. You can also drive or take a funicular. Established in 1965, the Lycabettus Hill Cable Car departs from the end of Plutarch Street and zips up the hill every 10 to 30 minutes until 2.30am – have your camera at the ready for sweeping views over Athens. At the summit, visit St George, a whitewashed church dating back to 1870, or attend a concert or play in an alfresco theatre specially-built during summer. Grab a bite to eat at Orizontes restaurant, referred to as the ‘terrace of Athens’, linger to catch the sunset or admire the city lights flickering over the acropolis from the observation deck.

Elevate your aperitif

With highs of 60°F even in winter and a constantly buzzy ambiance, Athens excels in rooftop bars.  A for Athens, next to Monastiraki Metro Station, is one of our favourites. The sixth floor Greek restaurant and cocktail bar has sleek, minimal décor but it’s the views people come for: here you can enjoy a close up of the Acropolis. 

Nearby, 360 Cocktail Bar is elevated five floors above Monastiraki Square. Vibrant and stylish, it has an industrial-style interior and leafy rooftop garden with a panorama of the Acropolis, Parthenon and the capital’s skyline. Couleur Locale is hidden in an alley, also in Monastiraki. Stretching over the second and third floors, its views of the Acropolis and the old neighbourhood of Plaka get better the higher you climb. Order cocktails and tapas and enjoy them on its lush rooftop terrace to tunes mixed by a local DJ.

Count the stars

Escape the city centre after dark and you’ll be rewarded with a blanket of stars. 

Lake Vouliagmeni, a 30-minute drive south of the Acropolis, is one of Athens’ best coastal spots – and it’s a wonderful setting in which to enjoy a late night coffee. At night, the rocky cliff that drops into the lake is illuminated and the lights reflect into the water, setting the scene for a romantic evening under the stars. Bolivar bar is en route to the lake in an area dubbed Athens Riviera. Take a seat beneath a palm-fringed parasol, bury your toes in the sand and sip on cocktails as you listen to beats mixed by international DJs such as David Morales and Faithless.

Attend an open-air cinema

In warmer months Athens hosts several alfresco cinemas, including Cine Alimos in a park next to Kalamaki Beach – walking distance from Bolivar. Expect new releases and classics in English or with subtitles at affordable prices. 

Go early to stroll along the pier before your film starts, then grab one of the director’s chairs to the left of the screen to avoid being disturbed by passers-by ambling along the seaside promenade.

Play poker or blackjack at a casino

Less than an hour’s drive north of the Acropolis, Regency Casino Mont Parness is named after the mountain it sits upon. 

Free to enter, the venue is home to 650 slot machines, including new Konami ones. It also has traditional table games, so you can play roulette, perfect your Blackjack technique and practice the fine art of stud poker. When you want to take a break, attend a concert or listen to stand up comedy at its restaurant, 1055. 

Allow our team at Travel Leaders 365 to arrange your next Greek adventure including an unforgettable evening in Athens.

Image Credits: The Acropolis of Athens view at sunset by Lucky-photographer © Shutterstock; View from Lycabettus hill by Mariela Chatzinaki © Shutterstock; Athens rooftop cocktails by Labros Stihios © Shutterstock; Lake Vouliagmeni after sunset by Sven Hansche © Shutterstock; Athens skyline by Sven Hansche © Shutterstock.