6 Best Rooftop Bars in Athens
September has arrived and the weather is a bit cooler. Downtown Athens has once again transformed from a heat-wave-stricken tourist destination into an inviting, lively metropolis.
A lot of visitors don’t realize that not only is Athens a year-round destination, it’s even better in the cooler months. If you want to enjoy these breezy late summer/early fall nights, there’s no better place to do it than at an Athens’ rooftop bar.
Do you want an elegant cocktail bar or a casual terrace to hang out on with friends? Well, the good news is there are all kinds of rooftop bars in Athens to cater to your needs.
Since I spend half my life in Athens these days, I picked out some of my favorites with the most breathtaking views for the list below. You can definitely find many more throughout the city, so this is far from a definitive guide.
As always with Athens, I encourage you to discover places beyond this list as well. The city is one that definitely rewards a little walking and exploration.
*This post contains affiliate links to some of my favorite travel services; if you decide to click on them, you pay the normal price, and I get a small commission.*
Athens Rooftops Guide
The main attraction for the average rooftop bar in Athens is an Acropolis view. However, the same view that makes central, upper floor Athenian apartments more expensive, also tends to put a premium price on cocktails.
However, the right bar makes the slightly higher price worth it.
After almost 2,500 years, the Acropolis has never stopped being the focal spot of the city. And I can honestly say, after seeing it at leaset a few thousand times by this point…it never stops being a magical sight to behold.
When to Visit a Rooftop Bar in Athens
The rooftop bars that offer views of this ancient landmark are best enjoyed around sunset.
Not only do you escape the heat by dining outdoors at and after sunset; you also get to see the Acropolis in every possible light. During daytime hours, with the pinkish glow of dusk behind it, and then all lit up as it presides over the city at night.
The Rooftop Bar List
The rooftop bars below are great places to hang out with friends, eat a wonderful dinner with family, or take a date in Athens. Travelers often underestimate how great the cocktails in Greek bars are as well, especially boujier bars like these.
After all, we’re talking about a city that has two bars ranked in the top 50 worldwide – Clumsies and Baba Au Rum – with one (Clumsies) taking the top spot for several years running thanks to its exceptional cocktails.
The rooftop bars listed here are mostly in the central areas of Syntagma, Monastiraki, Psirri, and Syggrou.
For most of these establishments, especially those that also serve a full dinner, call ahead to make reservations, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Couleur Locale
Many visitors miss the hidden entrance to one of the best rooftop bars in the city, near Monastiraki Square. That’s because the elevator to access the rooftop is somewhat hidden from the street.
Couleur Locale during the day
Hold your breath in one of the city’s famously claustrophobic elevators until you reach the terrace on the top floor. Then check out the absolutely spectacular view ahead of you.
For some reason, though it is in the dead center of Athens’ tourist hotspots, Couleur Locale rarely feels overly crowded. It also remains a local favorite for people who live near the downtown area, attracted to the lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Customers get a good Acropolis view, excellent and friendly service, and pretty well-made cocktails. I recommend going at night. Most of the terrace isn’t covered during the day, and the September sun can still be pretty strong.
Couleur Locale / Normanou 3, Athens / +30 2167004917
Zale
Even a lot of locals haven’t heard of this relatively new spot. Located on the top floor of the Heritage Hill Hotel, Zale just opened for the 2024 season.
View of the Acropolis from Zale
The property owner decided to refurbish a top floor suite into an excellent restaurant and bar instead.
Many cocktail bars in Athens feel big, crowded, and somewhat scene-y. Zale provides a much more intimate space.
People can hang out with their group or friends for hours, without worrying about being rushed out. Enjoy delicious food and some of the establishment’s excellent signature cocktails on a plushly decorated terrace.
After sunset, Zale’s side windows and glass covering get rolled up to open the space to the sky, as well as the amazing views outside. Enjoy the evening breeze at the rooftop bar unencumbered by glass walls.
Since the rooftop restaurant only fits a limited number of people – thus creating the aforementioned cozy atmosphere – it’s probably best to call ahead for reservations.
Zale Athens / Leof. Siggrou 61, Athens / +30 21 6939 7789
Bios
A lot of rooftop bars are somewhat more upscale. If you don’t want to dress up to the nines and would rather be in a more casual, low key atmosphere, Bios may be the best bet.
Unlike some other rooftop bars in Athens, Bios is located on top of an arts center. Catch a movie or live music downstairs! Then get a nightcap (or a drink while you’re waiting beforehand) on this Athens rooftop bar, sitting on wooden benches, metal barrels, and other recycled, industrially-inspired seating.
Bios is located in the formerly grungy, now up-and-coming/hipstery neighborhood of Kerameikos. This is a great place to see a more fun, alternative side of Athens, and listen to eclectic playlists from both local and international DJs.
Youthful, formerly rundown, and now partly renovated neighborhoods comprise a huge part of downtown Athens and Athenian nightlife. Tourists usually tend to skip these places in favor of classier and more central haunts like Plaka. However, these are some of the most fun areas for locals, and Bios is a pretty cool rooftop terrace to discover.
Bios / Pireos 84, Athens / +30 2103425335
Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon
Though Beyond the Horizon has all the markings of a rooftop bar that would get overrun by tourists seasonally – elegant, central, with a killer view – it has somehow maintained a mostly Greek clientele that appreciates the finer things.
Rooftop view from Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon
This charming terrace is located in the dead center of the city, a couple of blocks down from Syntagma Square. Beyond the Horizon is right off the main shopping thoroughfare of Ermou Street.
Yet it feels like an escape from the chaos of Athens as well.
This might be partly because of the decor, more reminiscent of an Aegean island lounge than an Athens rooftop bar. It creates a very relaxed, serene atmosphere that gives you a reprieve from the crowds and heat of Athens.
For those who have just returned from summer vacation, this is an excellent place to sit and reminisce about how much better life was on a beach, while enjoying the views that only a rooftop terrace can provide.
Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon / Ermou 18, Athens / +30 698 741 7390
A for Athens
Instagram made this spot in central Psyrri very popular, and for good reason. A for Athens may just have one of the best panoramic views in the city.
I strongly recommend making reservations beforehand, as like many IG spots, this rooftop bar is quite sought after.
The view of pedestrians walking along Monastiraki Square, below pastel-colored neoclassical Athenian houses, all crowned by the city’s historic jewel – the Parthenon – is a sight to behold.
Not to mention, the cocktails are pretty top-notch as well. If you’re hungry, the menu has a relatively small list of options, but everything tastes excellent.
Make sure you get a table on the top of the two available floors. You will get a much better view and open air atmosphere. Also, when calculating your arrival, leave enough time for a short wait at the elevator.
Only one elevator makes it up to the roof, and there’s pretty much always a line, especially around sunset. Factor that into the time needed to make your rooftop reservation.
A for Athens / Miaouli 2, Athens / +30 21 0324 4244
Foundry Suites Rooftop Garden & Cocktail Bar
Lastly, I’m going to mention one of the lesser known and really beautiful rooftop spaces in Athens – the Foundry Suites Rooftop Garden & Cocktail Bar.
As opposed to more boujie, upscale roof gardens, the rooftop terrace here has a very laidback vibe. It looks more like the rooftop of an upscale Athenian apartment building rather than a luxury hotel.
The menu also reflects the casual atmosphere of this bar and rooftop restaurant. Featuring tons of fresh baked pizzas, the bar menu encourages a casual, communal kind of seating and dining.
In addition to a whole list of signature cocktails, the bar also serves a selection of local Greek wine and beers. Try some varieties you’ve never heard of, or beer from microbreweries across the country.
Best (and most relaxing) of all, the Foundry Suites Rooftop Garden takes the “garden” part of its name quite seriously. They have planted a variety of small trees, herbs, and other plants all around their wooden tables and yard chairs.
The traditional Greek olive trees and colorful flowers create a very relaxing environment while you sip on great cocktails from the bar.
Enjoy a tranquil, green respite from the crowds of Athens (which you can do in nearby destinations like Parnitha as well) and have a convivial dining and drinking experience with friends.
Foundry Suites Rooftop Garden / Sarri 40, Athens / +30 211 18 24 604
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
I wanted to focus this list on the best rooftop bars with Acropolis views where either the drinks were one of the most notable offerings, or the food and drinks were equally well-known.
However, I wanted to make honorable mentions of rooftop restaurants and terraces in Athens that also deserve your attention. Especially if you’re after a tasty meal.
Zillers Roof Garden
Zillers Roof Garden is perhaps the most elegant rooftop restaurant in the city, the kind of place where the menu makes multiple mentions of “gastronomy” and the culinary team’s “vision”.
That’s partly because the restaurant has a Michelin star, and the menu, as well as Chef Vasilis Roussos, are highly regarded by local and international foodies who flock here by the dozens.
The rooftop terrace is located on the rooftop of, as you might imagine, Zillers Boutique Hotel. Like many other places on this list, it also gives you a great Acropolis view, accompanied by expertly made drinks.
Metropolis Roof Garden
The Metropolis Rooftop Garden, a restaurant sitting on top of the Electra Metropolis Hotel, is another great destination for dinner with an unobstructed view of the Acropolis. As a bonus, it’s also located on top of one of my favorite hotels in Athens, where I had actually spent a three day staycation a couple of years ago.
Hotel guests can enjoy breakfast by the pool here, with a magnificent view of the Acropolis right behind it. Pop back in at night for some refreshing cocktails or to sample the menu, an elegant, upscale twist on traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Ergon House
Branded as “The First Foodie Hotel in Athens”, Ergon House has a very modern approach to cuisine. It is a hotel, deli, and restaurant that focuses on organic, sustainable product with many vegan and alternative options available.
You will also find refreshing drinks at Retire Bar on the rooftop terrace, with a spectacular Acropolis view. Enjoy delicious cocktails while dining on authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
The Dolli
One of the newest (and most expensive) hotels in Athens, the Dolli has created quite a stir since it opened up. The rooftop bar has an absolutely ridiculous view, and the design makes the rooftop pool reflect the actual Acropolis in its water.
Stop by here for a drink, because unless you’re prepared to drop several hundred dollars per night in the high season, you probably won’t be staying here.
St. George Lycabettus Hotel
La Suite Lounge Rooftop, on top of the famous St. George Lycabettus Hotel, is another popular rooftop dining destination. Located on the slope of Lycabettus Hill, this is a popular meeting place for businessmen and old-money Athenians alongside hotel guests, so be sure to dress up. =
As with most classy places, also be prepared to spend a fair amount on dinner. But I promise, it’s worth it for the amazing views.
GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar
No list of Athenian rooftop dining would be complete without the historic crown jewel of Athens, the GB Roof Garden. Located on the top floor of the Grande Bretagne Hotel on Syntagma Square, the rooftop has a restaurant and two cocktail bars.
The Grande Bretagne was established in 1872, in an elegant 1842 mansion of a wealthy Athenian businessman. For over 150 years it has hosted foreign diplomats, politicians, businessmen, and other VIPs.
It’s still a beloved spot for many Athenians, and an architectural marvel you should check out while in town. If you visit during the day and find yourself itching to dive into the pool, keep in mind that it’s only open to hotel guests.
What do people wear to rooftop bars in Athens?
People generally tend to dress up a little if they’re going to an Athens rooftop bar in the evening. Some places, like St. George Lycabettus and the Grande Bretagne, have a generally more formal clientele than most.
On the other hand, places like Couleur Locale and Bios attract a younger crowd, so you don’t need to wear anything special – casual dress will do. However, the rest of the bars on the list, and many other rooftop bars in the city, tend to have a more smart casual dress code.
Of course, smart casual means different things in different places. Generally, especially during the warmer months, the dress code in Athens is smart – no beach town attire – but never too formal.
So don’t go full out with your clothing, as it’s likely you’ll be the only person showing up in a full suit at even the boujiest rooftop bar.
If you’re not going to an Athens rooftop in the middle of summer, take a light jacket with you. Since these bars are on the top floor, and nights in the spring and fall tend to get chilly, it’s always good to have another layer with you, even if it feels relatively warm at street level.
Flights and Hotels in Athens
One of the great things about spending autumn in Athens, besides the reduced size of tourist crowds, is the general price drop for flights and hotels.
In addition, locals who tend to spend their August outside the city as much as possible have returned to restart work and school. This means there’s a general swell in the local population once again, and local Greek nightlife fully returns.
If you’re looking for affordable flights to Athens, try using one of my favorite tools, Kiwi.com, to search for them.
To check out some great hotels, including some of the ones mentioned in this list, use Booking.com:
What are your favorite rooftop bars in Athens? Let me know in the comments below!
