You know Greece with its warm people, history, mythology, foods but also a vibrant nightlife. Do not be surprised, as Greeks love to have fun and party. While Athens, Thessaloniki and other Greek islands boast a great night scene, the same can be said for the islands, though undeniably, some are more ‘gifted’ than others. On this post, you will find the best places for nightlife in Greece cities and the Greek islands.

Greece has fun everywhere: Athens, Thessaloniki, the Cyclades, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini. And naturally at the world-renowned international hangouts: cosmopolitan Mykonos, Ios, Greece’s party island that attracts fans from all over the world, just like Hersonissos and Malia in Crete, Lagana in Zante and Kavos in Corfu.

Get to know the many faces of Greek nightlife: chill out at luxury hotels’ bars and the retro bars on the islands, where the moonlight shines brightly on the boats and sea. Dance at bars on organised beaches; enjoy shots on the house and cocktails being poured from dusk till dawn.

Discover Greece Nightlife

Ethnic, rock, Latin and Greek music playing at the stylish bars that decorate the islands’ alleyways, the streets of the alpine villages and cities throughout Greece, as speakers pump the latest House and Top 40 music at clubs, from guest DJs from all over the world. Parties and special events that keep the night alive until the first light. Fairs and festivals at village squares, where you’ll find yourself in the middle of a huge dance circle, hand in hand with the locals, taking part in their traditional folk dances.

Nightlife in Athens

You may find best Greece nightlife in Athens. The night in Athens has just begun. From your hotel’s pool bar, you’ll see the Acropolis lit up, sending the signal: it’s time to have fun! You sip your cocktail slowly, while the music gets you into the groove, the city spread out in front of you, inviting you to join in its vibrant nightlife. Time to paint the town red.

You’ll discover thousands of ways to spend the evening: hip bars, open-air clubs and dancing on tables at bouzoukia, with live Greek music interspersed with DJ sets. No matter where you end up, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time.

Gázi

It is THE hotspot of Athens and not unjustly so: “mezé” tavernas (=restaurants where you can dine on middle dishes instead of individual main ones) restaurants of international cuisine, delicious “souvlaki” restaurants, pop, (hard) rock, mainstream, swing and retro, gay and lesbian bars and clubs, galleries, fringe theatres – you name it! And all that just a stone’s throw from the city center and accessible by the metro (“Kerameikos” station).

Thissío

Thissío is popular with Greeks and tourists alike who want to have a coffee or a drink marvelling at the Acropolis which catches their eye and dominates the scenery. It is undoubtedly the favourite walk trail of the Athenians.

Pláka

Right at the foot of the Acropolis hill, it is the traditional part of the city where time seems to have stopped at the 19th century. Folk music and dancing in Greek restaurants as well as tavernas and cozy cafes are the best choice here.

Monastiráki and Psirrí

Right next to Thissío and still at the foot of the Acropolis, this wide area recalls the Orient: low buildings, narrow cobbled streets, a flea market, almost no access to the cars. Alternative bars and stylish restaurants lie side by side with old-fashioned cafes, Greek tavernas and shops of all kinds. Live Greek music in Greek restaurants is a possibility too.

Kolonáki

In the night, spirits are high also in the business area of the downtown where the famous boutiques keep the branches. Trendy bars and gourmet restaurants for all tastes see the Athenians return to the area where they work but this time to dance the night away. The area is brimful of art galleries too.

Exárhia

The rock side of the city. Here students, youngsters, alternative people share their views having a drink or a dinner in rather inexpensive restaurants and bars.

Syntagma

In the area around Syntagma, as well as the streets that lead to Monastiraki you’ll find numerable new hangouts that complete Athens’ nightlife: Romvis, Kolokotroni, Thiseos and many more cobbled narrow roads gather crowds that let themselves to the music’s rhythms and hip cocktails. Karytsi and Agia Eirini squares are considered highlight areas by the Athenians.

Karytsi Square

Mousouri Theatre and a couple of traditional cafes once stood alone here. Suddenly everything changed! Athenians started discovering every corner of their city. The quiet and picturesque square, with the church of St. George dominating in the center, quickly became a favourite hangout in Athens: all day long cafes, bars that will satisfy all music preferences packed with people, night or day, coming off work, or just wandering around after shopping. There is a place that will do for you, either you want to dance to loud music all night long or have a quite talk with a friend.

Agia Eirini Square

Agia Eirini Square is the king of Athens nightlife, situated at the corner of Aiolou and Karagiorgi Servias, next to Kolokotroni street, near Plaka and Monastiraki. Tables and chairs of the various cafes and bars are constantly cluttered with people chatting away while enjoying the imposing neoclassical buildings amongst the narrow streets and the church of Agia Eirini. Where new meets old this is an atmosphere you shouldn’t miss! Here you’ll discover the most hip bars of the area, inspired cocktails and drinks, and as rumours have it the best souvlaki in town. Enjoy the magic!

Nightlife in Mykonos

In the Hora of cosmopolitan Mykonos, you’ll stroll along the whitewashed cobblestones, and come across countless famous bars and clubs frequented by well-heeled Athenians, stylish Europeans and celebrities. Design details with an elegant Cycladic aesthetic and smiling faces make for enchanting evenings filled with glamour and glitz.

The night rolls on, and you’ll head to a seaside club, overlooking the Aegean while you boogie till dawn. The next day, the party begins early. At the beach bars the DJ segues from chill to dance, the beat pulsates under the heat of the sun, while you dance with your feet in the sand, a glass of champagne in hand.

Moni Club

Moni was inspired by a group of international “Mykonians” whose love for the island brings them together every summer for over 25 years.. Knowing the Mykonian entertainment scene very well, they have a created a club for the regulars, a place where their international friends will feel at home; the Mykonos way. With spontaneous headline DJs in the booth alongside it’s international hospitality team, Moni offers an intimate forefront music scene for dancing until sunrise or else “when it happens”. The club’s name was inspired by the neighbouring church of “Αγία Μόνη” which stands alone unlike Mykonos’ 800+ churches which were always built in pairs. History has it that when father & son sailed the seas for work, loved ones left behind would build churches in their name to protect them while on their journeys. “Moni” in Greek means “alone”, and the act of building a church for somebody’s wellbeing is family.

Cavo Paradiso

One of the most renowned summer clubs in Europe, Cavo Paradiso is located left on the hill at Paradise beach over the Aegean Sea. Build on stones like a castle with a pool in the shape of Mykonos and 2 bars in different levels. There is a big parking space and a canteen outside the club where you can have delicious snack before entering. The dancefloor is big and right in front of the decks!

Astra Bar

Once the clock strikes 12:00 get out your dancing shoes as this place rocks till dawn. An eclectic crowd, you might mingle with rock legends, supermodels, and people from all walks of life. So when you are visiting Mykonos and the stars come out at night head to the brightest star of all, Astra Bar.

Down Under

Down Under is one of the oldest bars on this famous Greek party island setting its opening back in 1971. With Auzies being amongst its best regulars, and pumping tunes on the background every night, a friendly atmosphere, reasonable priced drinks and the hottest staff you will find… Down Under has developed a cult following and regular customers from around the world.
Come and dance the night away at Down Under whilst enjoying delicious cocktails. Open from 9pm every night. For all you die-hard AFL supporters…. Down Under will now be broadcasting games and other sporting events on the big screen TV above the bar.

Ramrod

The most popular new addition to the Mykonos gay scene. Open from sunset to the early morning hours, Ramrod is a perfect meeting spot that will make your visit to Mykonos a pleasant and memorable holiday experience.

Skandinavian Bar

Skandinavian Bar leads the nightlife of Mykonos since 1978. It is the best known meeting point of the island – a place where you can meet your friends or make new ones! The variety of our fine cocktails and drinks plus our great music selection by our famous D.J Ka will make your nights in Mykonos really fantastic. Our friendly atmosphere and our high quality service have established us as the best spot in Mykonos, where you can enjoy music, dancing and drinks at the best prices of Mykonos. The manager of Skandinavian Bar, Mr.Moschos and his friendly and experienced staff, are waiting for you.

Pierros

One of the world’s most famous gay clubs, Pierro’s is open to all with upbeat tempos and a friendly environment.

Jackie O

From Sunset to Sunrise… Straight and gay friendly bar.

Agyra

Agyra plays Greek mainstream music and international club hits till the early hours of the morning.

Guzel

An established club, with go go dancers and a mix of international and Greek music. Open till sunrise.

Las Vegas Showtime

Las Vegas Showtime is the only strip tease and erotic show venue on the island, with over 20 male and female dancers.

Babylon

Babylon is a new addition to the Mykonian night life. Mainstream music and oldies hits till the early hours of the morning.

Celebrities

Greek and International music with an Athenian club twist.

Nightlife in Thessaloniki

In the centre of Thessaloniki, the atmosphere is filled with a youthful energy, all day and all night. With every step you’ll discover hidden treasures: historic cafes, cosy bars as well as clubs with impressive designs in renovated industrial spaces and music venues in old warehouses, hosting live rock concerts.

Follow the locals to their favourite haunts, and let them guide you through the city’s secrets, sure to satisfy all styles and tastes. In ‘the bride of the north’ fun is a local tradition; just like the warm soup you’ll be served when the sun comes up.

Aristotélous square

Explore the city’s buzzing nightlife starting from the city’s landmark, Aristotélous square, one of the biggest and most impressive squares in Greece boasting monumental edifices as well as a great variety of cafes and bars where people of all ages are meeting and mixing!

Nýkis Avenue (waterfront)

It’s actually where Aristotélous square ends that Nýkis Avenue begins! Maybe the most famous hot spot of Thessaloníki nightlife, Nýkis Avenue boasts elegant bars spilling out onto the waterfront offering a unique view to Thermaikós Gulf!

City’s center

All around the city center (Tsimiskí, Mitropóleos, Pávlou Melá, Proksénou Koromilá, Egnatía, Svólou or Ayías Sofías Streets) you will find hive cafes and bars offering a more relaxed or festive atmosphere charged with excitement according to the time of the day… or night!

Syggroú-Valaorítou

The city’s new hotspot is certainly Syggroú and Valaorítou str. area. Young people flock with excitement to those bars at night and soak up their alternative atmosphere!

Paliá Sfayía

In the area of Paliá Sfayía, only a stone’s throw away from the city center, you will come across the majority of the city’s mega clubs and… bouzoúkia, where you can take the opportunity to entertain yourself in the most authentic Greek way! In summer the respective venues are transferred in the area of the airport.

Ladádika

Let us not forget the historic area of Ladádika, the city’s old market. It experienced a period of “decline” in the past but now it has made the most dynamic come back! Katoúni Pedestrian Street, lined with popular entertainment venues, encapsulates the area’s unique atmosphere.

Kástra (Castle area)

If you are seeking for a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere then Kástra, the upper part of the city, is the place you were looking for! Enjoy a morning coffee or a glass of wine or tsípouro at night and indulge in the serene atmosphere of the city’s most historic and picturesque part.

Nea Paralia/ Krýni

If you want to take in a panoramic view of the Thermaikós Gulf, you can also opt for the cafes lining Néa Paralía (in the area of Thessaloníki Concert Hall) or Nía Krýni, the waterfront of Kalamariá in eastern Thessaloníki. Fresh seafood tidbits, uptown cafes and endless view to the sea are the area’s points of reference!

Nightlife in Patras

The carnival is second to no other occasion for all-day fun in the streets of Patra. Still, loads of bars, clubs and music halls make the nightlife of this frisky city one to remember.

Ayíou Nikoláou Street

Beautiful with the neoclassical buildings along both of its sides, this street is one of the busiest hang-outs of the city. In a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a soundtrack of music beat blended together with the joyful voices of the youngsters, Ayíou Nikoláou sports stylish venues for a meal or a drink that suit all tastes.

Radinoú Street

It’s just a small cobbled street; so small that you could pass by without noticing it! But make sure you won’t: upon entering it, you’ll come across fun-loving people turning this tiny little place into one of the hottest spots of the city. Crazy, big, unforgettable: that’s what you call a night there!

Gherokostopoúlou Street

It’s the flight of steps that leads to the ancient theatre and the well-known Old Upper Town. Go up it and enjoy yourself in bars and restaurants offering a wonderful panorama.

On the Seaside

Stroll around the industrial buildings and warehouses by the sea as the lights of the boats and yachts illuminate your way. In this exciting scenery you’ll definitely find a bar that will stimulate your senses.

Rio/Vrahnéika

In the summer, the nightlife goes on the crest of the wave! Two of its favourite spots are Rio and Vrahnéika. Proud for its huge bridge and at just 9km for the city, Rio is an attractive place for a night by a famous landmark. For fish food and fresh cocktails between neoclassical mansions and the sea, opt for Vrahnéika, at only 12km from Patras.

Riga Ferraiou Street

The newly laid walkway going through the centre of the city has provided the perfect location for a variety of bars, cafés and restaurants of all kinds. It’s a popular strolling area for locals and visitors alike. Just soak up the atmosphere and make sure you don’t miss the byways as they’ll give you a pretty good picture of the town’s character.