Athens is home to some of the most impressive and enchanting views in the world. While there’s nothing like standing before giant structures that are thousands of years old, sometimes you’ll find the best views from a few miles away and a few feet up.
Because many of the city’s most impressive attractions, such as the Parthenon, are perched on towering hills, the best rooftop bars in Athens give you the chance to gaze at these iconic landmarks from a whole new angle.
Because space is incredibly limited in the bustling city, a lot of the lofty drinking spots are tiny, with room for just a few people. But take the time to seek out the coolest rooftop bars in Athens, and you’ll discover gorgeous places with plenty of room to relax and soak up the amazing views.
With so many enticing drinks to try and views to be wowed by, it can be tricky to know which bars are worth checking out. To give you a helping hand, we’ve made a list of the absolute best rooftop bars in Athens. Add these trendy drinking spots to your list of places to visit in Athens, and you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time bar hopping in Athena’s magical city!
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The 16 Best Rooftop Bars in Athens
1. Gaze at the Parthenon from Manouka
Perched on top of the Athens Utopia hotel, Manouka is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Athens. This gourmet hotspot boasts a spectacular 360° unobscured panorama of the city, including the magnificent Parthenon, from its huge terrace.
Here you’ll find delicious dishes delivered with a spectacular presentation that wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery. The majority of the menu is filled with classic international dishes with an innovative twist, such as spaghetti bolognese with hoisin sauce and a surf ‘n’ turf burger. While the food is beyond stunning, most people visit for the staggering selection of wines.
With hundreds of bottles sourced locally and from around the world, you’re guaranteed to find something that your palate falls in love with. If you’re a little lost, there’s a superb sommelier who is more than happy to help.
Manouka’s brunch is definitely worth going out of your way for. The brunch menu is much more affordable than the lunch and evening menus and is loaded with all kinds of sweet and savory treats. You’ve got to try the pancakes with honey, walnuts, and orange!
2. Chill Out at Retiré at the ERGON House
With all the ancient ruins, Athens can feel quite dry and dusty. When you want to surround yourself with a tropical jungle, make plans to visit Retiré at the ERGON House. A gorgeous urban oasis in the middle of a centuries-old city, this large rooftop bar is dotted with lush green trees and twinkling fairy lights.
While most rooftop bars in Athens go along the swanky five-star route, Retiré keeps things more casual with food trucks, wooden benches, and leaf canopies. Visit during the daytime for exceptional city views, or wait until the evening when you can savor the sight of Athens illuminated against the dark night.
The cocktails here are absolutely incredible. With impeccable presentation and perfectly balanced flavors, there’s no way you’ll be able to stop at just one. The creative frozen specialty cocktails are just what you need to stay cool in the blistering Mediterranean heat.
3. Marvel at the Acropolis at A for Athens
One of the best cocktail bars in Athens, A for Athens is renowned for its expert mixologists who can whip up any drink you can think of. The extensive cocktail menu is laden with all kinds of cool drinks (we definitely recommend the Spicy Margarita), but in the unlikely chance there’s nothing you fancy, the mixologists will whip you up something special.
Not into cocktails? No worries. A for Athens offers a spectacular wine menu with hundreds of bottles from all over the world. There are plenty of chairs and tables outdoors with uninterrupted views of the Acropolis. The seating options are cleverly laid out. So even if you don’t get a table on the edge of the terrace, you’ll still get a fantastic view.
One of the best rooftop restaurants in Athens, A for Athens is a wonderful place to visit at any time of day. Whether you show up for their decadent breakfast buffet, a cheese- and pastrami-stuffed bun for brunch, or innovative seabream meatballs for dinner, you’re sure to have an excellent experience.
4. Enjoy Local Wine and Beer at The Foundry Rooftop Garden
The Foundry’s Rooftop Garden is an excellent place to go when you need a breath of fresh air. Miles away from Athens’ cobbled streets and crumbling ruins, this rooftop haven boasts an incredible garden.
Boasting floor tiles lined by grass, pergolas covered in thick vines, and trees gently swaying in the breeze, it’s easy to forget you’re in Greece when you’re here. But take a look at the dazzling view around you, and you’ll soon be reminded of your surroundings.
A beautiful place for a laid-back lunch, the Foundry Rooftop Garden keeps things as local as possible. Browse through the menu, and you’ll come across wines from small Greek vineyards, beers from local microbreweries, and tempting pizzas made onsite.
Try the picnic platter if you’re in the mood for a sharing-style snack. It’s loaded with all kinds of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. If you find a bottle of wine that you like, you can take one away to enjoy later for a discounted rate.
5. Go Brunching at Ermou 18 Beyond The Horizon
Hidden away from the city’s busy streets on the rooftop of the Beyond the Horizon hotel, Ermou 18 is a great option if you’re looking for somewhere to drink in Athens that serves delicious coffees and other non-alcoholic sips.
This cafe in the sky has a rustic feel, with low wooden chairs, communal benches, and some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever experience on your vacation. Ermou 18 is perfectly located to watch the sunset. Plan to arrive early in the evening and snag a table on the outdoor terrace to watch the fiery sun slowly dip into the horizon behind the Parthenon.
Take a look at the menu, and you’ll find a tempting array of coffees, along with delicious brunch and lunch options. From salads bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients and chili con carne tacos to feta cheese sticks and house-made chocolate brownies with pink pepper, the menu is so varied that you’re guaranteed to find something here you love.
6. Gather with Your Crew at Olympias Athinas Rooftop Bar
One of the newest rooftop bars in the city, Olympias Athinas Rooftop Bar is nestled on the top of the historic Olympias Hotel and offers a modern, sophisticated vibe surrounded by ancient history. Although the bar isn’t in the center of Athens, it still rewards you with direct views of the Acropolis. Visit after dark, and you’ll be amazed to see the centuries-old complex illuminated in the black sky.
There’s a fantastic selection of cocktails to choose from, with all your favorite classics as well as plenty of interesting options you’ve probably never heard of. You’ll also discover plenty of craft beers and local wines available.
To complement the delicious drinks, the Mediterranean food menu is filled with light bites and larger plates for sharing. Expect to find things like antipasti platters and burgers, as well as a handful of traditional Greek dishes. When you visit during winter, the staff provides fluffy blankets to help you keep warm.
7. Spend the Evening at The Artist
The Artist stands out as one of the coolest bars in Athens because you can go at any time of year. Unlike a lot of other places that are entirely open to the elements, The Artist is divided into two sections, each of which can be protected by a temporary roof in case of bad weather.
The bar’s wraparound terrace allows you to enjoy various views of the iconic building and the rest of the city. As it’s only open in the evening, you’ll mostly get to admire the panoramas at night. But if you visit during summer, you may be able to grab a drink or two while the sun slowly sets.
Although the rooftop bar is located on a backstreet, the city completely melts away when you step out onto the top floor. Vehicles and graffiti are replaced with elegant plants, warm lighting, and a welcoming atmosphere you’ll never want to say goodbye to.
8. Get Cultured at BIOS Athens Rooftop
Much more than a standard rooftop bar, BIOS Athens Rooftop is a cultural space that encourages people to express themselves and shape the world around them. While the outside terrace has spectacular views of the Acropolis, it’s the inside where all the interesting stuff is happening.
Inside the bar, you’ll find a theater, two music halls, exhibition areas, and a handful of chill-out zones. Loads of events are organized throughout the year. But instead of being pompous and overly artsy, they’re super inviting and everyone is welcome. Come for the mesmerizing views and stay for the enchanting culture.
If you’re unlucky and nothing is going on during your visit, don’t be disappointed. The comfy furniture, trendy lighting, and cool atmosphere will be enough to guarantee to have a fantastic time.
Stop by in the morning for a fusion Greek-Mediterranean breakfast. Then return on an evening for colorful cocktails that always hit the spot.
9. Get a Taste of Cuba at Buena Vista Social Bar
If you’re looking for cool bars in Athens that offer something a little different, you can’t go wrong with Buena Vista Social Bar. This hidden gem moves away from the typical style of most Athens rooftop bars and embraces a more Cuban vibe.
What makes this bar so special is that only a few people know it’s actually a rooftop bar. With its weathered green doors, overhanging plants, and aged sign, it looks like a strange bar that time forgot. But step through the entrance and go up the multicolored stairs, and you’ll discover a huge open-air space that hardly anyone knows about.
Although it’s on the outskirts of the city, you’ve still got an unobstructed view of the Acropolis from here. We recommend you visit on an evening when the place is illuminated by warm, golden lights and the cushion-heavy furniture seems even cozier.
The food here is pretty casual, with a large selection of tapas, tacos, salads, and pizzas. You’ll also find some quirky fresh-pressed juices and wonderful smoothies on the menu.
10. Sip Fruity Cocktails at 360 Cocktail Bar
If you’ve only got time to visit one rooftop bar in Athens, make it the 360 Cocktail Bar. This off-beat bar has a sophisticated industrial theme on the inside and incredible uninterrupted views of the city and all its landmarks on the outside.
Visit during the day to sip colorful, tropical cocktails on the sun-kissed terrace. Then return for a romantic evening in the candle-lit section of the bar.
There’s a huge range of cocktails to choose from, made with all kinds of quirky ingredients, from cherry tomatoes to dehydrated figs. If cocktails aren’t your scene, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a massive selection of wines and craft beers available by the glass and bottle.
The snack menu is loaded with simple dishes like sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and sharing platters. The evening menu is much more elegant and filled with things like Black Angus hanger steak and sautéed seabass.
11. Celebrate at Skyfall Cocktail & Food Bar
One of the most romantic bars in Athens, Skyfall Cocktail & Food Bar is the perfect place for an intimate date night. This stunning nightlife spot is divided into an upper and lower section, each of which rewards visitors with dramatic views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus, and Zappeion.
The pressed white tablecloths, sparkling glassware, and top-end service make Skyfall stand out from the crowd and provide you with the ideal location to celebrate any special occasion. To complement the sumptuous surroundings, the menu is just as sublime.
Elegant finger foods, like charcuterie boards, chicken gyoza, and shrimp pouches kick off the menu, followed by local and international dishes, ranging from flatbread pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients to T-bone steaks with garlic butter.
Throughout the year, Skyfall hosts all kinds of high-octane parties with bands, artists, and DJs from around the world. Check the events page on the official website to see if anything’s going on during your visit.
12. Have a Romantic Evening at Anglais
Despite what its name may suggest, Anglais dishes up an enticing array of Greek and Italian dishes. Take a look at the menu, and you’ll see all kinds of classics, such as pizzas, pastas, and risottos, alongside mousaka, kebabs, and Greek sharing platters.
Regardless of the somewhat confusing name, Anglais is beyond stunning and is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Athens to visit for dinner and drinks. If you manage to tear your eyes away from the Acropolis view, you’ll discover that your surroundings are even more stunning. Cute tables for two made from sliced tree trunks, twinkling lights above your head, and flickering candles on each table make Anglais the perfect place to begin your evening in Athens.
While the food is undoubtedly superb, most people visit Anglais for cocktails. Here you’ll find all your favorite drinks, from margaritas and cosmopolitans to martinis and daiquiris, all of which are perfectly balanced and beautifully presented. If you don’t fancy a cocktail, there’s an excellent selection of local wines, available by the glass and bottle, as well as local and imported beers.
13. Grab Afternoon Drinks at Air Lounge Bar & Restaurant
Air Lounge Bar & Restaurant is the place to go if you’re looking for Athens bars where you can enjoy a few drinks in the afternoon. Tucked away on the top of the Fresh Hotel, this peaceful rooftop bar invites you to relax and unwind after a hard morning of sightseeing in the sun.
Looking more like a communal rooftop garden than a bar, the Air Lounge is dotted with wooden benches topped with comfy cushions, low coffee-style tables with fresh flowers, and wonderfully aromatic olive trees. Everything is so tranquil and serene here that it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a capital city.
While there is a fantastic selection of classic cocktails available, they’re not the stars of the show. Try one of the signature cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else. Or opt for an interesting twist on one of the classics, such as a Greek mule.
14. Take the Whole Family to Couleur Locale
Open from early morning until late at night, Couleur Locale is one of the best rooftop bars in Athens to visit if you’re exploring the city with little kids. This family-friendly venue is designed to show off the city’s local colors and inspire you to embrace Greek culture.
Hidden away on a backstreet in a lively neighborhood that mimics what life in Athens used to be like generations ago, this all-day bar is spread out over two floors and offers spectacular views of the city and the iconic Acropolis from sunrise until sunset.
Thanks to the temporary roof on the upper floor, you can enjoy the dramatic panoramas all year round. If the weather gets a bit wet or chilly for you, you can always retire to the cozy lower floor. We recommend you swing by for brunch and order the fresh fries. They’re topped with fried eggs, feta cheese, Cretian cheese, and tomato jam!
Regular DJ sets take place throughout the year. So check the official website and the bar’s social media channels to see if anything’s happening during your visit.
15. Wine and Dine at Acropolis Secret at Divani Palace
The Acropolis Secret at Divani Palace consistently delivers the most sophisticated and memorable Athens nightlife every time. Situated so close to the Acropolis that you’d swear you could reach out and touch the ruins, this elegant restaurant really is like a lush, hidden garden in the middle of a dry, dusty city.
The tall green hedges that surround the al fresco dining room do a wonderful job of keeping out the noise and other interruptions of the city while still allowing you to soak up the views. White linen tablecloths, delicate wooden chairs, and exemplary service will make you feel like you’re at some kind of fine dining tea party.
Here you can indulge your taste buds with some of the finest Greek cuisine in Athens. From grilled octopus with ouzo gel and spanakopita spring rolls to classic kebabs in pita bread and lemon pie with fresh Italian meringue, there’s so much delicious stuff to choose from it will take you ages to decide!
16. Up Your Instagram Game at Attic Urban Rooftop
Ideally located in the very center of the city, surrounded by enchanting views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus, and Attica, Attic Urban Rooftop is one of the most Instagrammable places in Athens. Visit in the late morning to snap dazzling pictures of your lavish brunch, then return just before sunset for fun selfies on the rooftop’s flower-decorated swings.
The drinks menu is overflowing with all kinds of exciting sweet and savory options. From signature cocktails and craft beers to glasses of champagne and bottles of local wine, whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re guaranteed to find it here. Even the coffee tastes fantastic!
Because it’s so gorgeous, this place fills up fast for lunch and dinner. If you’re planning on eating, we definitely recommend you book in advance. The incredible food combined with the unparalleled location and wonderful service makes Attic Urban Rooftop an absolute must-visit during your trip.
There you have it! The 16 best rooftop bars in Athens. Where’s your favorite place to drink in Athens?
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