|
|
 |
Nightlife
Athens has a lively nightlife scene that takes place in the streets as well as in the hundreds of bars, tavernas and clubs throughout the city. Bars open until around 0400 and nightclubs until 0400 or 0600. The legal drinking age in bars and clubs is 18. Prices vary although punters can expect to pay around €5 for a beer or €7 for a whisky. It is not usual to drink wine by the glass while visiting a bar in Greece, although it is always served in restaurants, usually by the half litre.
Winter is the best time to enjoy the full range of after-dark entertainment, as many establishments follow the tourists out to the islands during the summer. For an authentic Athenian evening, find a bar or club offering bouzouki or rembétika music. Alternatively, numerous nightclubs and bars cater for European and international tastes. These are to be found mainly in the Syntagma, Thissio, Psirri and Kolonáki areas of central Athens, as well as in the suburbs, such as Kifisia, Faliro, Glyfada, Vouliagméni, Voula and Varkiza. Admission prices vary dramatically from place to place, often increasing at the weekend. Greeks tend to dress informally for a night out.
Kathimerini, an English-language insert available with the Herald Tribune, provides information on ‘what’s on’ in Athens.
Bars: The most ‘happening’ bar in town has to be Rock’n’Roll, Loukianou 6 (Kolonáki). The rich and beautiful of all ages flock here to enjoy late-night drinking and good music. The central dance floor dominates the place, so it is noisy and crowded, but there are a few tables where it is possible to eat as or just drink. There’s select entry and at weekends its almost impossible to get in if you don’t know the right people. Close by, Mommy, Delphon 4 (Pefkakia), is a glamorous bar-restaurant with a rather quieter, more romantic atmosphere. Guru, Plateia Theatrou 10 (Psirri), behind the central vegetable market, is another extremely popular bar-restaurant. Thai food is served in the eastern-style lounge on the first floor, while the second floor is given over to house and disco music. A ten-minute walk away, Bee, on the corner of Miaouli and Themidos (Psirri), also combines drinking, dining and music, pulling in a mixed gay crowd. For a taste of traditional Greece, visit an ouzerí (also known as ouzédhika and mezedhopolía). These are bars selling ouzo (usually beer and wine as well) accompanied by mezédhes (Greek hors d’oeuvres). A good place to try is Kouklis, Tripódon 14, in Pláka.
Casinos: An hour’s drive to the north of Athens, in Loutraki, a spa and resort town at the gateway to the Peloponnese, lies Loutraki Casino, Posseido 48, Loutraki, a glittering modern establishment that claims to be one of the largest casinos in Europe. It is open 24 hours except for Wednesday. The minimum age is 23 years. Evening dress and a valid passport are obligatory. In contrast, on Mount Párnitha, the Parnes Casino operates in old-fashioned style from the Mont Parnes Hotel, 2 Karageorgi Servias. A mountain cable-car carries visitors up to the hotel, day and night. The casino is open daily 1930-0145 (until 0245 on Saturdays) except for Wednesday. Evening dress and a valid passport are required.
Clubs: The city’s most exclusive club, frequented by rich and glamorous under-40s, is Privilege, Pireos 130 (Gazi). During summer, the establishment moves out to the beach at Agios Cosmas. Some of Europe’s top DJs come to play at the renowned Plus Soda, Ermou 161 (Thissio). In summer, Plus Soda also transfers to the seaside, at Glyfada. Another chic and trendy club is Venue, L Kifoias 101 (Marousi), where house and techno rule the dancefloor. For a more informal but very colourful night out, try Folie, Eslin 4 (Ambelokipi), where guests of all ages let their hair down to reggae, funk, Latin and ethnic music.
Live music: For the best jazz in town, visit Halfnote Jazz Club, Trivonianou 17 (Mets). This sophisticated venue stages contemporary and classic jazz, jazz funk and blues concerts, featuring international musicians. Alternatively, try Blues Hall, Ardittou 44 (close to the Panathenaic Stadium), to hear both Greek and foreign blues artists perform. Rock music enthusiasts might prefer Rodhon, Marni 24 (Omonia). The mood here is informal and fun and the club stages some excellent rock and pop concerts. Many of Greece’s top bouzouki stars play at the highly popular music hall Apollon Palace, Singrou 259 (Nea Smirni). To hear authentic rembetika (blues sung by immigrants from Asia Minor who came to Greece in 1920s), try Boemissa, Solomou 19 (Exarhia).
|
|
|
|
General
