Summer weather has finally arrived in Athens—and with it comes the return of summer nightlife! Athens is a city that comes alive at night, with masses of the young, old, and everyone in between hitting up the restaurants and bars of the city center. Take in the warm nights with rooftop hangouts that boast mouthwatering food, exciting drinks, and stunning views.
City Zen
Located on the fourth floor of Aiolou 11 in Monastiraki, City Zen boasts two rooftop terraces with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. There’s something for everyone at this beloved hangout—a bar, a restaurant, and even a dance space to let loose into the wee hours of the morning. Their menu is an eclectic mix of offerings, including sushi, pizza, and pasta dishes. Stop by in the morning for a coffee and a treat from their all-day brunch menu (waffles and pancakes, anyone?), or bring your parea (translation: your squad) as darkness falls and indulge in a few of their nineteen cocktails.
Oraia Ellas
Translating into Beautiful Greece, Oraia Ellas lives up to its location (it is housed inside the Center for Greek Tradition—Kentro Ellinikis Paradosis—on Mitropoleos 59). Wooden chairs and tables line up against walls filled with folk art and historical relics of Greece’s past, including photographs, magazine covers, posters and even ration cards. Their rooftop floor offers a view of Monastiraki and the Agora. Here is the place to eat your heart out on the best of Greek cuisine; this establishment specialize in orektika (appetizers) and thalassina (seafood). Munch on stunning orektika along the lines of spanakopita (spinach pie), melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), and saganaki (fried goat’s cheese), or go all out with the giant seafood platter.
Kuzina Tarraza
Located on Adrianou 9 in Thisseo, the view from this roof is unparalleled—a sweeping panorama of the Acropolis and the Temple of Hephaestus that will take your breath away. This restaurant specializes in magirefta (home-cooked comfort food), complete with white furniture, deli-inspired décor, and a small art gallery. Their mouthwatering creations fuse Greek favorites with international flavors. Favorites include the rib eye steak with shitake, Portobello, and champignon mushrooms, and the soutzoukakia (spicy meatballs) in yogurt sauce. Top it off with a drink from their impressive wine list.
Stay tuned for more fantastic places to enjoy summer in Athens!
The Athenian Site 