where’s the party in… athens
words by Chris Alden
For clubbers
If you just want to head out somewhere and you don’t have any particular plans go to Psyrri, the district north of Monastiraki metro station. One of the best places for pre-club drinks that could easily turn into all-night drinks is Soul, a permanently busy bar and club with a big-city vibe, proper cocktails and – sad to say – a door policy to match. It’s on Evripidou, which the Greek scholars among you will realise is a street named after Euripides. If you knew that, you’re probably the sort of person they won’t be allowing in.
Soul 65 Evripidou, +30 210 331 0907
For celebrity spotting
If you’re celebrity spotting in Athens, the obvious place to go is the Hilton – you won’t necessarily see Paris, but you’ll certainly see Athens. On the top floor is Galaxy, a stylish bar with panoramic views of the city. Upmarket and secluded, it’s the sort of place you might imagine Bill Murray meeting Scarlett Johansson in a Greek version of Lost In Translation. From here you’ll have a great view of Lykavittos Hill (or Lycabettus – spell it how you like), the slopes of which hold the district with the starriest aspirations, Kolonaki. Try En Delphis for a twentysomething crowd or Mommy for the local media set.
Galaxy 46 Vasilisis Sofias, +30 210 728 1000, www.hilton.com
En Delphis 5 Delphon, +30 210 360 8269, www.endelphis.gr
Mommy 4 Delphon, +30 210 361 9682
For laid-back drinking
Not many tourists go there, but in the streets near Panepistimio metro station there are a few great bars populated by journalists who work at the local newspapers – which means they’re unpretentious, they play good music and they’re open late. One such watering hole is the Toy Café, a bar where the music is mostly English and the dancefloor is so small that you might end up just tapping your feet while making conversation. Perfect for a boozy night.
Toy Café 10 Karytsi, +30 210 331 1555
For quintessential Athens
Eccentric, beautiful and down-at-heel, Brettos is in many ways typical of the city of Athens. With multicoloured bottles on every wall, this tiny bar looks like an ancient Greek apothecary – but it’s actually a front for a distillery which attracts locals and tourists in equal measure. Pop yourself on a stool and imagine what the Plaka must have been like before the hordes arrived.
Brettos 41 Kydatheneon, +30 210 323 2110
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