Athens, Greece, is not only a city steeped in ancient history but also a place with a vibrant, modern nightlife. Over recent years, it has gained international recognition as one of the world's top bar destinations, and is home to multiple award-winning bars, some of which regularly make it onto the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars. The city also hosts the Athens Bar Show, a premier annual event in Europe dedicated to bar professionals, showcasing cutting-edge trends, techniques, and innovations in mixology through seminars, workshops, and global networking opportunities. Let's take a closer look at what makes Athens a must-visit city for cocktail lovers and a list of the top bars that should be on your itinerary.
Athens’ Rise on the Global Bar Stage
The recognition Athens has achieved in recent years is a combination of the love for the national spirits, the hospitable culture and the new wave of bartenders and mixologists who have transformed traditional flavors into artful cocktails, often using locally sourced ingredients, seasonal fruits, and herbs, inspired by Greece's cultural heritage.
This unique blend of Greek hospitality, experimental cocktail recipes, and striking interior designs, sets Athens apart from other cocktail capitals, and the city quickly earned a reputation in the global bar community, with many bars being ranked among the best in the world, winning awards.
Read on to deep dive into some award-winning bars and local favourites.
In addition to this blog post, we have a dedicated podcast episode available on all Podcast platforms, about the Athens bar scene, which includes an interview from the head bartender from one of the award winning bars.
To find out more, click on the link to listen to the episode on Spotify.
Award-Winning Bars in Athens
Let’s dive into some of Athens' bars that have received global recognition over the years, looking at those venues which ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, a prestigious list that honour's excellence in the global bar scene. The World’s 50 Best Bars is an annual ranking celebrating excellence in the international drinks industry, launched in 2009 and voted on by 700 global drinks experts.
Compiled by the World’s 50 Best Bars Academy and published by Willian Reed, the list continues to spotlight global talent and innovation in the bar world and showcases diverse drinking destinations, from speakeasies to grand hotel bars, reflecting emerging trends and bar scenes worldwide.
Although Athens consistently has bars within the list of 100 bars, below are a few which have made it to the top 50 list!
Baba au Rum
Founded by Thanos Prunarus in 2009, Baba au Rum first made it onto the list in 2013 entering at number 48, becoming the first bar from Greece to be recognized on the prestigious list, marking a significant milestone for Athens' cocktail scene. Since its first inclusion it is recognized among the World’s 50 Best Bars and often named one of the top rum bars globally. The highest ranking the bar has achieved is number 14 in 2021. Baba au Rum is a pioneer in the Greek cocktail scene and is celebrated for its exceptional rum cocktails, made from one of the most extensive rum collections in Athens. The bar’s retro aesthetic is complemented by an experimental approach, creating a place where craft meets creativity.
The Clumsies
One of the best-known bars in Athens with complex-cocktails and house-made verrmouth, the Clumsies is located in the heart of the city and has gained international fame for its inventive cocktails, unique ambiance, and focus on premium ingredients. The bar first entered the list in 2015, ranking at number 22., since when it has consistently been included in the list, with many years ranking in the top 10 bars in the world. Its highest ranking to date is number 3 in 2020, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s leading bars
Line Athens
Founded by Vasilis Kyritsis, Nikos Bakoulis, and Dimitris Dafopoulos, Line Athens is a cutting-edge bar known for its focus on sustainability and innovation. Located in an old art gallery, the bar specializes in fermentation, house-made ingredients, and a zero-waste philosophy, creating unique cocktails that reflect a balance between creativity and eco-consciousness. Since its opening, Line has quickly gained international acclaim, ranking at number 31 in 2022, number 12 in 2023 and rose to number 6 in 2024, solidifying its place among the world's top bars.
The Athens Bar Show: A Celebration of Mixology
The Athens Bar Show is an annual trade event, taking place early November, that has become a central gathering point for professionals in the bar and beverage industry from Greece and around the world. The show initially launched in 2010, and has since grown into an internationally respected gathering, drawing thousands of visitors each year. It showcases trends, techniques, and products, offering a blend of educational seminars, workshops, and exhibitions from leading industry experts and brands. The show highlights local talent and Greece’s unique contributions to cocktail culture. Bars like The Clumsies and Line frequently participate, showcasing their acclaimed creations and fostering global connections.
Top 10+1 Bars in Athens
Aside from the award-winning venues, Athens has a wide array of bars that are immensely popular with locals and visitors alike. Here are the top ten bars in Athens where you’ll find incredible cocktails, energetic vibes, and unforgettable experiences.
Click on the map to view each bar in Athens and share with your friends.
The Clumsies: A world-famous spot with inventive cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.
Baba au Rum: The place to be for rum lovers and fans of tiki-inspired cocktails.
Six d.o.g.s: Known for its outdoor garden, it’s a favorite among artists and creatives.
Noel: With decor inspired by Christmas year-round, Noel offers a festive atmosphere and innovative drinks.
Upupa Epops: A local gem with a stunning courtyard and a creative cocktail menu.
Line Athens: Perfect for fans of fermented cocktails and minimalist industrial aesthetics.
Odori Vermuteria di Atene: A charming bar that specializes in vermouth and serves a selection of classic Italian cocktails.
CV Distiller: Ideal for whiskey aficionados, CV Distiller has one of the best whiskey collections in Athens.
The Zillers Roof Garden: This rooftop bar boasts incredible views of the Acropolis and offers a curated list of cocktails with Greek flavors.
Barreldier: All-day bar in Athens, celebrated for its barrel-aged classic cocktails and vintage ambiance.
Cyrano en ville: Stylish all-day bar, featuring expertly crafted Negronis and a curated selection of Greek wines and craft beers.
Why Athens Should Be on Every Cocktail Enthusiast's Bucket List
The Athenian bar scene is a dynamic blend of old and new, with each bar offering a unique experience shaped by the creativity and passion of its bartenders. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking to experience the city’s nightlife, Athens offers something special. From internationally acclaimed venues like The Clumsies and Baba au Rum to hidden gems in quirky neighborhoods, Athens has cemented its place as a destination that rivals London, New York, and Tokyo in cocktail culture.
Athens isn't just a city of ruins and history—it's a thriving, evolving cocktail haven. So, next time you’re in Greece, save time to explore this side of the city. You’ll find more than a night out; you’ll discover why Athens is a top bar destination. Cheers to that!
Are you planning a trip to Athens? Check out our guide for 48 hours in Athens. The document includes all places mentioned on the Podcast episode 48 Hours in Athens (Episode 64) including the top neighbourhoods to stay, prepared in the form of an e-map. The e-map overlays onto your own google map and includes top recommendations, with additional tips for these recommendations.
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