Pictures: www.clickatlife.gr
The charm of Monastiraki is timeless. This is the most beautiful square in Athens, combining the traditional romanticism of Plaka up to the Acropolis with the rhythm of the city centre. Unsurprisingly, it is constantly crowded and its bars are the most popular in Athens.
Monastiraki Square is a place where opposites not only have found a way how to co-exist, but one cannot even imagine it without them. On the one hand, we have the traditional tables of historical restaurants for fans of kebabs and other meat dishes, and on the other hand, there are the tables with souvenirs for tourists. Also, modern clubs with views over the Acropolis stand out with their design. Below you will find 10 suggestions for days and nights around the square.
A for Athens
It took this place only two years to become the most popular bar in town. This is the roof bar of the A for Athens Hotel. If you want to have a drink after work, or if you are a student and want to relax, cocktails offered by A for Athens, combined with the best view in the city, will enchant you. Prices of cocktails start from 9 euro. Now you know where all those pictures of the Acropolis on Instagram come from... Information: 2-4 Miaouli, phone: 210 3244244, https://www.facebook.com/AforAthensCocktailBar
360°
Since the view over the Acropolis will always be in fashion, 360° is the main rival of A for Athens. Located on the terrace next to the metro station, as implied by its name, it offers a 360-degree view over the Acropolis. Usually, it is more relaxed and cosy compared to the busy A for Athens, although later in the evening funky music will bring you up. Prices of cocktails are between 9 and 10 euro. Information: 2 Ifestou, phone: 210 3210006, https://www.facebook.com/threesixtycocktailbar
Inoteka
This bar, which is the trademark of Avisinias Square, stands out with its ethnic music and design, and the bright red colour of the walls. You should try the finger food here, accompanied by a few cocktails that cost about 9 euro. Information: 3 Avisinias Square Monastiraki, phone: 210 3246446, https://www.facebook.com/Inoteka
Loukoumi
Loukoumi, which is also located on Avisinias Square, is one of those places which not only does not go out of fashion with time, but adapts and remains modern. The menu has expanded and now includes pizza and burgers, and much more at the price of 5 euro, and this combined with views over the Acropolis to the sounds of alternative music. This is exactly what you need for sunny days in Monastiraki. Information: 3 Avisinias Square, Monastiraki, phone: 6980503652, https://www.facebook.com/LoukoumiBar
Taf
The garden of Taf is the most interesting in the city and you will not visit it just for a cocktail. Neighbouring halls offer exhibitions, theatre performances and other artistic events. Ordinary drinks cost around 6 euro. Information: 5 Normanou, phone: 210 3238757, https://www.facebook.com/metamatictaf
Six D.O.G.S.
Those who frequently visit Six D.O.G.S. do not like other places, and even just one visit is enough. In fact, this is a complex that united all the restaurants and bars on Avramiotou Street 4 years ago. It includes an outdoor bar full of people, an inner bar space with modern design, a hall for live concerts, various exhibitions and a lovely garden, which is an oasis in the summer. It is known as the "Cave of hipsters," but Six D.O.G.S. is much more than that. Information: 6-8 Avramiotou, phone: 210 3244244, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Six-DOGS/146230588595
Cantina Social
Cantina Social is one of those places which would have not even have existed some 10-15 years ago, but stands out today, capturing the atmosphere of the era. The design is DIY with objects that cannot be seen very often, such as furniture items, but everything creates one of the best alternative entertainments in Athens. The music is exceptional and prices range from about 5 euro. Information: 6-8 Leokoriou (in the arcade), Psirri, phone: 210 3251668, https://www.facebook.com/cantinasocial
Mama Roux
Mama Roux is a key location between the square in Monastiraki and Agias Irinis Square. It is the best choice if you want to have something to eat while having a walk in the centre. The place is sunny and offers views over the pedestrian zone, characterised by its ethnic style, and especially its falafel. It is crowded in peak hours on Friday and Saturday. Information: 48 Aiolou, phone: 213 0048382, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mama-Roux/264571513559218
Dude
Kalamiotou Street is located near Monastiraki Square, towards Ermou. After the extension of Irinis Square, this street came to life again. Dude is one of the best restaurants you will find there, and the name is inspired by Jeff Bridges’s character from the movie "The Big Lebowski." The reason why this bar is so attractive is its atmosphere, which is suitable for groups. If you want to meet new people, Dude is the right choice. Information: 14 Kalamiotou, phone: 210 322 713, https://www.facebook.com/theDUDEbar
Ciccus
Ciccus on Adrianou Street is one of the new restaurants in the area, but it is very popular among the Athenian audience. It's an all-day bar restaurant with modern design and a beautiful patio. The menu consists of contemporary Greek cuisine dishes and if you are not hungry, you can have a coffee or a cocktail in the heart of the square. Information: 31 Adrianou, phone: 210 3210420, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ciccus/176258405859766