8 Best Things to Do in Athens at Night: Athens Night Tours & Activities
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Without a doubt, it’s easy to find things to do in Athens during the day, but what about at night? Well, the good news is that this historical Greek city really does come alive in the evening.
Therefore, no matter the season of your Athenian vacation, it’s a good idea to investigate nighttime activities in Athens. And there’s more good news — there’s plenty to do in Athens at night for solo travelers, couples, and families, too!
Between catching the sunset, getting a bite to eat, and watching movies under the stars, anyone and everyone can enjoy the many things to do in Athens at night.
Athens by Night: 8 Best Things to Do When the Sun Sets
To help you take full advantage of all Athens has to offer at night, here’s a list of the top things to do once the sun sets on this fascinating city.
1. Watch the Sunset from Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in central Athens and offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. If you time it right, you can head here for sunset. Although it will likely be crowded, it’s still something neat to do.
You will easily be able to spot all the major sites like the Acropolis, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the Ancient Agora. While it’s a treat to see these sites during the day, it’s incredibly special to see them all lit up at night.
You can also opt to eat dinner and enjoy the sunset over Athens from the restaurant, Orizontes. (There’s also a cafe that’s open all day, Cafe Lycabettus.) Alternatively, have dinner at one of the many sidewalk cafes in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood. Located at the foot of Lycabettus Hill, there are many options to dine beneath the glow from candles and twinkle lights.
To get to the top of the hill, we recommend you take the funicular. Unfortunately, there’s no view on the funicular ride as it’s totally enclosed! It’s also possible to walk up and down the hill during daylight hours, but it’s quite challenging and not for the faint of heart!
2. Eat at a cool cafe in Psirri
Psirri is easily a favorite area to visit at night in Athens for its cool cafes, restaurants, and bars. Whether you’re in the mood for food or a glass of wine, we recommend you head to one of Psirri’s many establishments for an evening outdoors.
And don’t just stop at the first place you see. There are some really neat cafes tucked away into courtyards, on plazas, and next to brightly lit churches. In fact, you may want to stroll around during the day and choose your favorites.
We recommend you get to your cafe of choice early, as they do fill up, especially in the high season (summer).
3. Attend a small-group food tour
Of course, foodies will love attending a food tour in Athens any time of day.
On an Athens food tour, you will sample a variety of traditional Greek foods and wine. Not only will you get to taste the most delicious Greek food, but your local foodie guide will be able to tell you all about culinary traditions in Greece.
Plus, you’ll get a chance to tour Athens’ neighborhoods as you stop in Plaka, Agia Irini Square, Mitropoleos Street, and Psirri to taste various food and wine.
A food tour is also a great idea for solo travelers who worry about dining or being out after dark alone. We highly recommend solo travelers get to know Athens’ food with a trustworthy local guide. You might even make some friends that you can continue to explore Athens with!
4. Sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar
Athens is famous for its rooftop bars, and for good reason. In the summer, there’s almost nothing better than a refreshing drink with a view at the end of a long day of touring the city or taking a day trip.
Head to one of the many rooftops bars in Monastiraki or Plaka (or both, like we did!). Many of them have an amazing view of the Parthenon at the Acropolis. If you can get to the rooftop terraces for sunset, the experience is even better.
We recommend getting reservations, especially if you visit in the high season.
Dining at a rooftop bar is truly a highlight of visiting Athens — don’t miss it!
5. Attend a cooking class with an Acropolis view
Participating in a cooking class is a fun cultural and communal experience to enjoy in Athens at night.
Learn to cook a traditional Greek dinner. In this class, you’ll learn to cook an appetizer, Greek salad, entrée, and dessert. Best of all, you’ll enjoy your meal with other like-minded travelers.
Not only will you learn about Greek culture while preparing Greek food, you’ll also improve your own cooking skills. Remember to ask all the questions you have about the techniques you are leaving, and you’ll end class with new skills and new recipes to try at home.
Of course, make sure to choose a class with a roof top view!
6. Watch a movie under the stars
During the warmer months, one of the most popular things to do in Athens at night time is to attend a movie at one of its many open-air cinemas (therina sinema).
Open-air cinemas are a Greek tradition and a staple of the hot summer months. In fact, there are roughly 65 different cinemas operating at the height of summer. Many are open between May-September.
Here are some of the most popular outdoor cinemas to attend in Athens at night.
- Aegli — large outdoor movies with a yummy cafe
- Cine Dexameni — watch movies next to jasmine and honeysuckle-lined walls
- Cine Paris — rooftop cinema in Plaka
- Cine Thision — oldest cinema in Athens
- Vox — rooftop cinema
- Cine Flisvos — outdoor theater on the water
Get your ticket, settle in, and enjoy the show (even if it’s in Greek, we think you’ll still enjoy the atmosphere)! Until then, check out these movies based in Greece.
7. Have dinner in the sky
Dinner in the Sky in Athens takes the concept of the chef’s table to all new heights — literally.
In this Athens by night experience, you’ll be seated at a table suspended 150 feet (50 meters) above the city and enjoy a 6-course meal.
The table, which also rotates so you can get the best views from any angle, fits 22 dinner guests. Reported to be top notch, the restaurant puts a modern spin on traditional Greek food. Wine (or other drinks) also accompany the meal.
Of course, safety is the top priority. You’ll wear a safety harness much like on any amusement park ride.
You can choose between sunset or night time options. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a once in a lifetime view of the Acropolis, the nearby sea, and the city below.
For those who are looking for something unusual to do in Athens at night time, why not book dinner in the sky?
8. Shop til you drop
Athens is no stranger to shopping, that’s for sure! Everywhere you turn, there are places to buy clothes, souvenirs — anything you could imagine, actually.
All the tourist shops in Plaka and the ones along the Monastiraki Flea Market are open after sunset, with just enough time to give them one last stroll after dinner. What’s more, the shops on Ermou street are also open late.
While Ermou is full of shoppers during the day, it’s also fun for evening shopping. The cobblestone street is closed to traffic, and it’s fully lit by both street lamps and the neon glow of all the most popular stores.
You can also grab a snack or an ice cream at one of the many little takeaway style shops. Just don’t drip your ice cream on your new clothes!
Planning to go to Greece?
Planning a trip to Athens? Here are some more articles to help you figure out what to do while you’re there.
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