The 6 Best Things to do at Night in Athens

As the sun sets behind the Acropolis, the Athenian night crowd comes to life.

Athens boasts everything the elite traveler could desire, from live music at characteristic tavernas to contemporary and funky cocktail bars. For those who wish to feast upon theater and music, Athens’s open-air amphitheaters are the perfect setting.

ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS

This magnificent theater was built in 161AD by Roman senator and sophist Herodes Atticus in memory of his late wife.

Nestled on the slope of The Acropolis, the Odeon has since wowed audiences with its acoustics and scenery. During warm summer evenings, this landmark is taken over by the Greek National Opera (GNO). This organization has brought cultural events to the Greek public since 1940 and gave a young Maria Callas her debut in 1958. For this summer’s program, the GNO will perform the Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci, and Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco operas. For the elite traveler, the GNO offers VIP seating, free scripts and a back stage tour to make this cultural experience truly unforgettable.

The Badminton Theater

One of the biggest theaters in Europe, the Badminton is committed to being at the cultural center of modern day Greece.

This 2,400 seat theater offers unobstructed views as it brings to life large theater, dance and musical productions. Originally built as the 2004 Olympic badminton arena, this modern and wonderfully designed theater opened its door in 2007 with Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. The Badminton has since hosted an array of top productions, including Cats, Mamma Mia!, Lord of the Dance and Philip Glass productions of Koyaanisqatsi Live and Book of Longing.

Galaxy Bar

The Galaxy Bar at the Hilton Athens is a sublime cocktail bar which has recently been renovated by architect Alexandros Tombazis.

Its bar and cocktail list has also been reinvented by the Gorgeous Group, a leading bar concept and training company. The new look Galaxy Bar is the meeting place of Athens, with its fantastic décor, panoramic views and unique drinks list. The Galaxy Bar’s signature cocktails are the sensational Pluto, with Scotch whisky, chamomile and honey; the Jupiter, with gin, cucumber and mint; and the Champagne Supernova, with rose and litchi. The Galaxy Bar is a must for the elite traveler in search of cocktail perfection.

DORA STRATOU DANCE THEATER

The Dora Stratou Dance Theater sits in the shadow of The Acropolis, and has brought Greek traditional dance to the world stage.

It is one of the finest living museums in Greece and the world. This Greek Dances Society was founded in 1953 by Dora Stratou, a daughter of a former Prime Minister and a trained classical singer, who wished to immortalize the history of Greece through the method of dance. The outdoor, 800-seat garden theater is the perfect location to spend a warm Athenian evening. Running daily except for Mondays, from May to September, a company of 75 dancers perform routines that date back more than 2,500 years. The Dora Stratou group often brings its unique show on tour and has received recognition on the world stage. During the winter months Dora Stratou runs classes, workshops and lectures on Greek dance, folk embroidery and traditional Greek culture.

BIOS

BIOS is acknowledged as a vehicle of cultural communication, innovative ideas and activities in the city of Athens.

This multi-functional space brings music concerts, theater performances, exhibitions and screenings to life through its two live music areas and four bars, including The Terrace, which has fantastic views of The Acropolis. Throughout the year BIOS brings the finest examples of modern media productions to Athens, as well as hosting around a hundred guest musicians and bands, including names such as Jeff Mills, Grand Master Flash and Gilles Peterson.

MALABAR

Malabar at The Margi hotel is an oasis of cool vibes and fantastic cocktails.

When the sun dips into the Aegean this day-to-night pool and lounge area comes alive. Furnished with earth toned sofas and walls covered in sprawling vines, Malabar glistens under the starry Attica sky. Signature Pomegranate Mojito and Cucumber Martini cocktails are accompanied by light finger food of wraps, tapas and sushi, which complement one other exquisitely. The resident DJ plays lounge tracks before giving way to the summer assortment of guest DJs who turn up the volume at special parties. Malabar offers the elite traveler the vibes, views and venue to truly enjoy Attica’s summer nights.