Trendy bars in Athens, Greece
In the heart of Athens, heritage and history are making way for the modern. Tradition is morphing into a new cosmopolitan era, championed by the young of the ancient city.
The Greek tavernas are coming of age.
The nightspots of Athens have never really been considered ‘trendy’ before but all that is changing. There’s a hipster culture that seems to be taking over the bars and cafes.
It’s not hard, looking for somewhere to stop for a drink, to find somewhere that is merging the traditional taverna with the fashions of the new generation.
Have a look at these photos from some of the bars I visited in the suburb of Kolonaki. Tell me they wouldn’t look out of place in the bohemian suburbs of New York, London or Berlin. (And, yes, that room really is that pink!)
The ruins may bring the tourists to Athens in the first place but it’s this emerging culture which will help the city define itself in the Europe of the 21st century.
It will also give the young locals something to be proud of in a time when there’s so much economic and political insecurity to be worried about.
THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ATHENS
For first-time visitors, I would recommend the Plaka or Koukaki neighbourhoods, or I’ve got more detailed tips on where to stay in Athens.
BACKPACKER
Along with cool rooms, there’s a lively vibe at Athens Hub Hostel, with evening entertainment and a communal terrace.
BUDGET
The location of Minoa Athens Hotel is convenient for public transport, while the good-sized clean rooms offer great value.
BOUTIQUE
Along with wonderful staff, you’ll find Athens Flair also has plenty of character in the building with its tasteful modern decor and large rooms.
LUXURY
The rooms are absolutely gorgeous at The Dolli at Acropolis, plus there’s an incredible view and an outdoor pool.
Wow, those are indeed great places to stop for a drink.
My family and I have never been in Greece, so I guess, I should consider Greece for our next year’s holiday trip!
It’s definitely somewhere worth considering. Especially if you like a good mix of old and new.
Thanks for the article Michael. I plan on visiting Greece for a couple of days in October. I am looking forward to some Greek hospitality.
Just a couple of days? Oh my… you’ll find it hard to leave! 🙂
Let me know if you want any tips on any particular places.
Great looking places to kick back…I like the one with all the beer in the walls…
Yeah, it was definitely a bit more comfortable than the one which was bright pink the whole time!!
Thanks for sharing and a good post Michael. Certainly would like to pay a visit next & take some good tips from yourself. Cheers 🙂
Let me know if you’re heading there and I’ll try to point you in the right direction. Half the fun is finding all these little places yourself, though.
These look like some seriously funky bars 😀
Far too funky for Athens, I thought at first. The place is changing a bit… and getting kind of cool.
Looks like you’re sure living it up in Greece! One of my very favorite things about visiting was the nightlife – although it was many years ago so I didn’t get to visit any of these bars. Enjoy them for me 🙂
The nightlife on the islands is one thing… that’s all big and brash and aimed at party tourists. But these bars in Athens were different. They seemed local and organic and really added the the character of the place, not destroyed it.
Oh great. Now the hipsters are taking over the world.
Did you hear about how the hipster burnt his mouth? He drank his coffee before it was cool.
Hey – in Athens at the moment and really want to visit the pink bar. Can you remember the name of it? Cheers
Sorry about the slow response Caitlin. I can’t actually remember the name of the bar off the top of my head. I hope you found it – or some similar ones!
Any specific bars you recommend for a young couple?
I have to apologise, Tedi. It has been quite a few years since I was there and I suspect things have changed a lot. I probably can’t give you a good suggestion right now. I will do an update for this post sometime soon!