Sundown drinks while overlooking the Acropolis, anyone? Athens boasts an iconic skyline that could challenge that of any major city in Europe, and there’s no better way to lap up the scenery than at one of the Greek capital’s best rooftop bars.
Between rooftop restaurants offering fine dining experiences and casual bars with lengthy wine lists and delicious cocktails, I’ve spent quite some time checking out the top-floor terraces adorning the Athenian streets. With that in mind, I feel it’s only fitting to share my most beloved Athens rooftop bars with you.
The open-air establishments peppered throughout Greece’s largest city are part of what makes Athens’ hospitality scene so incredible, so much so that they’ve helped inspire my Athens food tours. Let me fill you in on all-time favorites.
Photo credit: Metropolis Roof Garden
There’s no better place to kick things off than at the Metropolis Roof Garden, a gorgeous rooftop hideaway with amazing views, sitting on the 10th floor of the Electra Hotel Athens in the heart of the city.
Offering an unobstructed view of the Acropolis and a divine menu of Mediterranean cuisine, every time I step into this chic eatery, it feels like a pinch-me moment. With its floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the surroundings are simply stunning, regardless of the temperature outside!
The last time I stopped by, I was keen to sample the Greek buffalo burrata, and I decided to team this with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from Greece’s Florina region.
The burrata was meticulously decorated with gently spicy saffron, tangy pickled beetroot, and sugary poached pear, which perfectly elevated the cheese’s butteriness. This dish was beautifully balanced when combined with the wine’s passionfruit and melon undertones.
Metropolis Roof Garden (€€€) – 10TH FLOOR – Mitropoleos 15, Athina 105 57 – Every day, 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Photo credit: 360 Cocktail Bar
Located in Monastiraki Square, 360 Cocktail Bar is a lively nightlife spot with a spectacular view over the Parthenon. Its rooftop garden is among the most happening hangouts in Athens; once darkness falls, you’re bound to hear the echos down the street from those up top.
Filled with modern decor that feels elegant yet still understated, this place strikes a balance between upscale and casual. Even when I visited during the chillier months of the year, the terrace was always busy and bustling, meaning there’s never a bad time to visit.
As the name suggests, cocktails are what these guys do best, and their menu of in-house creations and old reliables is always a hit with me. If I’m visiting during the summer season, their Chios signature cocktail is my go-to, taking its title from its namesake Greek island.
Made from cinnamon-like mastiha liqueur, bitter pink grapefruit cordial, citrussy Triple Sec, and tart mandarin soda, this might just be one of the most refreshing drinks I’ve ever tried. This bright orange concoction was the ultimate thirst-quencher and was served in a chilled wine glass.
360 Cocktail Bar (€€) – 9TH FLOOR – Ifestou 2, Athina 105 55 – Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 am, Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 am
Photo credit: GB Roof Garden
Among the most lavish and best rooftop bars in Athens is GB Roof Garden at Syntagma Square. The promise of high-end Greek cuisine and Champagne cocktails was enough to pique my interest a few years back, and I’ve returned a handful of times ever since.
Sophisticated furniture lines the outdoor terrace, which is unsurprisingly the most sought-after seating area. That being said, I’ve always found the tables perched under the slick wood-paneled roof to be just as appealing, especially if you’re visiting during the midday sunshine.
Not so long ago, a buddy of mine and I paid a visit here for a late lunch, and the grilled lamb jumped out at me on the menu, as was the Rossini cocktail that I sipped on after I’d finished my meal.
The lamb’s robust gamy and succulent flavors and melt-in-your-mouth consistency were divine, presented alongside colorful accompaniments of fresh dill, crunchy cabbage, and creamy garlic puree.
With every bite, I washed it down with a sip from my sparkling glass of fruity Champagne loaded with sweet strawberry liqueur; it has a crispy, zesty taste, just to my liking.
GB Roof Garden (€€€€) – 8TH FLOOR – Geor. A’ 1, Athina 105 64 – Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 2:00 am, Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 2:00 am
Photo credit: Attic Urban Rooftop
Laid-back vibes, sweeping panoramas of Lycabettus Hill and beyond, and Instagrammable decor are just some of the reasons to check out Attic Urban Rooftop in Monastiraki. Not to mention, the beverages on offer are pretty superb, too.
This rooftop terrace is much more boho-chic compared to many of its counterparts, with pale wooden furnishings, vivid green plants, floral archways, and photo-ready swing sets making up the patio area. It’s little wonder this spot has gained quite a social media following!
Having heard about this place from a few friends, I decided to swing by during my last visit to Athens. I wasn’t particularly peckish, so I stuck to a quick glass of wine, opting for an Agiorgitiko red.
Though this wasn’t my usual choice of Greek wine, the Agiorgitiko was bursting with intense aromas and essences of dark fruits like cherry and plums, every mouthful felt like an explosion of tastes. The finish was slightly oaky, which added more depth to the flavor palette.
Attic Urban Rooftop (€€) – Ermou 86, Athina 105 54 – 9TH FLOOR – Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 2:00 am, Friday and Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 am
Atop the Central Athens Hotel at the edge of the Plaka neighborhood is Thea Terrace, an oh-so-pretty rooftop bar serving everything from tasty Greek finger food and Italian favorites to handcrafted cocktails and local beers.
Home to some of the best views of the Acropolis, Thea Terrace has been a trusty spot of mine for some time now. Thanks to the neutral wicker decor and hearty menu, this bar has retained its chilled-out atmosphere despite being one of the most popular hotspots in downtown Athens.
Most of the time, I find myself going back to my tried-and-tested classics, which are usually their invigorating mojitos and colorful and nutritious Greek salad.
The team here consistently manages to get the blend of cooling mint, acidic lime, and sugar in each mojito just right so as not to overwhelm the white rum, making these a delightful pick-me-up at any hour.
Thea Terrace dishes out some of the finest Greek salads around too. Though I’m especially fond of the juicy cherry tomatoes and how they juxtapose the salty capers, the crumbly, mildly sour feta, and peppery thyme are what complete this dish for me.
Thea Terrace (€€) – 9TH FLOOR – Apollonos 21, Athina 105 57 – Every day, 11:00 am to 1:00 am
While these are some of the best rooftop bars in Athens that I hold a particularly soft spot for, this is just a taste of what you can expect from the city’s assortment of scenic venues.
Every year, the array of al fresco terraces seems to expand, meaning there are always new and exciting spots popping up across downtown Athens and beyond.
Whether you’re in the market for live music, panoramic views, or a lesser-known hidden gem, you’ll certainly have no shortage of fantastic top-floor options in the Classic City.
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