In Athens, the city that never -ever- sleeps, nightlife choices are endless. But when spring arrives, all you need is one of those precious roof terraces to make the most of your outing, this city and that Bloody Mary! With too many choices to count, we have here gathered our top 10 (vouched for by our awesome friends, whom we actually asked to vote!). Let’s get started:
#1 Bios Terrace | Kerameikos
Bios terrace is definitely one of the coolest things to do with friends; it's part of a multi-levelled building hosting a theatre, an art gallery, an inside bar & cafe and much more. ‘Urban’ best describes the feel, in terms of architecture and aesthetics. Here you can enjoy inspired cocktails (like the 'papoto' which is an ice-cream cocktail - yes, this exists!), even -often- a movie in the summer, while lying on a deck chair listening to chill-out music and enjoying amazing views of the -one and only- Acropolis.
Address: 84 Peireos Str. 10435, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Kerameikos or Thiseio
Opening Hours: 11am - 4am
Contact: bios@bios.gr - (+30) 210 3425335 -
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#2 MODERN at AthensWas Hotel | Acropoli
The rooftop of AthensWas hotel is a new addition in town and hosts the elegant bar-restaurant MODERN. We're here to talk drinks, so we'll skip the food part. This place is in the heart of Athens right at the most beautiful and interesting pedestrian walk in the city, just a short walk from the Acropolis museum and a bunch of sightseeing, so it makes a great stop for afternoon or evening cocktails with a spectacular view of the Parthenon.
Address: 5 Dionysiou Areopagitou Str. 11742, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Acropoli
Opening Hours: 12pm - 12am
Contact: reservations@modernrestaurant.gr - (+30) 210 9200240
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#3 A for Athens | Monastiraki
Very popular with locals, A for Athens has become an institution for 'drinks with a view', overlooking not just the 'rock' but the buzzy Monastiraki square and Plaka. With minimal design and urban feel, it's a great spot to enjoy cocktails from sunset onwards.
Address: Entrance from Miaouli Str. in Monastiraki, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Monastiraki
Opening Hours: 11am - 2:30am
Contact: info@aforathens.com - (+30) 210 3244244
Check out and book your stay at the A for Athens.
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#4 Hytra | Syngrou-Fix
Hytra is a bar-restaurant located on the top floor of the Onassis Cultural Centre on Syngrou Avenue, just a short walk from Athenaeum Intercontinental hotel and Athens Ledra (update 2017: currently closed for renovation under new management). Sure, the bar has amazing views of the Parthenon and Lycabettus hill, but what I love the most about this place is the tasteful interiors and how the barmen use traditional Greek herbs, spices, liqueurs and fresh ingredients that turn a traditional cocktail recipe into a signature Greek chic experience. A MUST thing to do on a date!
Address: ONASSIS CULTURAL CENTRE, 107 – 109 Syngrou Avenue, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Syngrou-Fix
Opening Hours: 8pm - 3am
Contact: sales@hytra.gr - (+30) 210 331 6767 - Hytra website
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#5 Galaxy Bar Restaurant at Athens Hilton | Evangelismos
Galaxy bar on the rooftop of the Athens Hilton is an old-time-classic for evening cocktails among a sophisticated -often international- crowd. With breathtaking views of the city, modern, chic and hip are a few words that describe it. Overall, you can't go wrong with Galaxy bar, although we need to warn you that prices are on the high side.
Address: 46 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Evangelismos
Opening Hours: 6pm - 3am/4am (Fri, Sat)
Contact: (+30) 210 7281402 - online booking available
Check out and book your stay at the Hilton Athens.
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#6 Couleur Locale | Monastiraki
Funky Couleur Locale is for those who seek something off the beaten path; only finding it is an adventure, as it's situated in a secluded dodgy-looking arcade just off Monastiraki square. First encounter is with the ground floor bar, but once you take the elevator to the 3rd floor the Acropolis appears within reach. Nice cocktails, relaxed atmosphere, young crowd and urban environment are what it's all about.
Address: 3 Normanou Str, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Monastiraki
Opening Hours: 10pm - 2am
Contact: (+30) 2167004917 - Couleur Locale's website
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#7 GB Roof Garden at Hotel Grande Bretagne | Syntagma
GB Roof Garden is an elegant bar and restaurant on the top floor of the distinguished Hotel Grande Bretagne, in the heart of the 'often-in-the-headlines' Syntagma square and the Hellenic Parliament. Uninterrupted views of the Parthenon, Lycabettus hill and the beautifully lit parliament will accompany your drink, whether that's a cocktail or a glass of wine from the bar's rich wine list. Prices on the high side, but expect top service and quality that will satisfy even those picky ones (like me!).
Address: 8th floor of Hotel Grande Bretagne, Vasileos Georgiou 1 A, Syntagma Square, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Syntagma
Opening Hours: 1pm - 1:15am
Contact: info.gb@starwoodhotels.com - (+30) 2103330766 - online booking available (for dinner)
Check out and book your stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
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#8 Art Lounge at New Hotel | Syntagma
A remarkable addition to our rooftop and hotel bars' selection, the Art Lounge on the 7th floor of the New Hotel is for design lovers. Carrying the signature of the Campana Brothers and architectural students form the University of Thessaly, the bar features interesting interiors and artwork, not just great views and cocktails! One of the best things to do in the summer!
Address: 16 Filellinon Str. Syntagma square, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Syntagma
Opening Hours: 12pm - 12am
Contact: (+30) 210 3273170
Check out and book your stay at the New Hotel.
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#9 Taratsa at Gazarte | Kerameikos
Taratsa at Gazarte is for music lovers. Amid the industrial buildings of the Technopolis Park in Gazi, this roof garden is a gem filled with trees and pots with herbs, creating a nice breezy environment in the hot summer months in the city. What makes the Taratsa more special are the tunes by renowned local radio producers, that accompany the view and your drink.
Address: 32-34 Voutadon Str. Gazi, Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Kerameikos
Opening Hours: 9pm - 1am
Contact: info@gazarte.gr - (+30) 210 3460347 - Gazarte website
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#10 Air Lounge Bar at Fresh Hotel | Omonia
Cocktails, Acropolis view AND a pool: that's right. Air Lounge is a gem in the heart of Athens overlooking the city with an urban, stylish set-up. The bar is situated on the 9th floor of Fresh Hotel which design lovers will appreciate, amid a dodgy neighbourhood off the central Omonia square and the old marketplace.
Address: 26 Sofokleous Str., Athens Greece
Closest metro station: Omonia
Opening Hours: 10am - 2am
Contact: info@freshhotel.gr - (+30) 210 5248511
Check out and book your stay at the Fresh Hotel.
ps: As always, the opinions expressed here are purely, solely & utterly personal and there was no sponsorship by the above bars in any form or way!
Update 2017 - bonus rooftop bar!
#11 Mary Pickford | Mikrolimano, Piraeus (unfortunately this bar is now closed)