Looking for a cool new drinking spot in the capital? These are the best new bars in Athens to sip and mingle…

There’s always room for one more drink in Athens, especially when it’s poured in a space that’s fresh, stylish, and buzzing with energy. 

While the city’s iconic bars remain worth revisiting, there’s a new generation of spots making their mark on the capital’s ever-evolving drinking scene. From experimental spritzerias to low-key natural wine joints and late-night listening bars, these new arrivals are giving locals and visitors a fresh reason to stay out a little longer.

Our edit of the best new bars in Athens brings together the standout newcomers you need to know. 

Hotel Éternité

Tucked on a buzzy Kypseli corner, Hotel Éternité is an all-day bar that brings a touch of old-world charm to this creatively charged neighbourhood. Featuring a warm, retro-theatrical interior and vinyl-spun soundtrack, the cocktails lean into aperitivo territory, while the food, by chef Marianna Boykou, channels Greek roots with a New York twist. Think elevated comfort bites like tartare, ceviche, and hot dogs worth dressing up for. The vinyls lining the wall? You’re encouraged to pick your own.

A: Paxon 34, Athens 

Subject of Athens

Brought to life by the masterminds behind Abstract Athens, Subject of Athens is a bar that defies convention. Located just above Kotzia Square, this ambitious venue unfolds across three distinct spaces, each offering its own vibe. On the ground floor, the main Subject bar serves up creative takes on classic cocktails, with twists that surprise at every sip. Upstairs, Informal is a shape-shifting space where mixology meets culinary artistry. And below, the yet-to-be-revealed EgoDeath promises something entirely unexpected. Whether you’re sipping an 888 Martini, savouring French cheese, or simply soaking in the eclectic ambiance, Subject of Athens redefines what a night out in the city can be.

A: Geor. Staurou 2-4, Athens

Okupa

Hidden in plain sight, Okupa is where Athens’ sound and flavour scenes collide. Part vinyl haven (courtesy of Bottarga Records), part listening bar, it’s where you sip a sharp Manhattan while crate-digging for rare grooves. Mornings are all brunch and botanicals, but by night, it shifts into something moodier- dim lights, beef cheek croquettes, and a soft-shell crab burger with just enough heat. The crowd’s as curated as the playlist, the wine list leans natural, and the cocktails are dialled in. It’s not just a bar- it’s a lifestyle with a soundtrack.

A: Psaromiligkou 9, Athens 

Koumkan 

More than just a hotel bar, Koumkan is a refined hideaway in upscale Kifisia, channelling the intrigue and elegance of the world’s most iconic members-only lounges. Created by Ari Vezené, Koumkan strikes a balance between old-school cocktail culture and a modern sensibility- designed for both quiet moments and lively encounters. The decadent menu spans from Peruvian anticuchos and truffle-laced rigatoni to a standout Chateaubriand, while cocktails like the Avant-Garde, a bold mix of tequila, mezcal, yuzu and coriander, offer inventive takes with a global twist. This is where elevated dining and drinking meet a sense of understated exclusivity.

A: Char. Trikoupi 48, Kifisia

Bar Amore

A fresh breeze has blown through Neos Kosmos in the form of Bar Amore, where Italian spritz culture meets Mediterranean flair. This spritzeria, with a playful Greek twist, celebrates the art of aperitivo with a menu bursting with flavour. Think local olives, lasagne, Burrata Pugliese, and a rotating selection of carefully chosen Greek wines, from sparkling gems to delightful retsinas. Spritzes are the star here, with Aperol, Campari, and Cynar making frequent appearances, alongside Negronis and Garibaldis for those looking to elevate the evening. 

A: Menechmou 1-3, Neos Kosmos 

Gonia 

Tucked into the core of Exarcheia, Gonia is a bar and café with a story to tell. Set in a 1930s building, it blends vintage character with the raw energy of the neighbourhood, creating a space where past and present naturally intersect. This bar is more than just a place to drink; it’s a gallery of materials and design objects that blur the line between art and function. With its underground gallery and curated displays of ceramics, tiles, and marbles, Gonia is as much about creative inspiration as it is about the perfect pour. It’s a space where you can sip on a Martini while picking out a terrazzo slab for your next home project. 

A: Psaron 45, Athens 

Di Lien 

Sleek and social, Di Lien is one of those places that feels like it’s been there forever, but it hasn’t. A window between the bar and kitchen lets the energy flow freely, while sidewalk tables spill onto the street, perfect for catching the afro-beats, funk, and soul that pulse into the early hours. The Paloma is a house favourite (and rightly so), but there’s also a smart selection of Greek craft beers and low-intervention wines for those who like their drinks with a story. By day, things take a softer turn with a curated brunch menu- steak sliders with biodynamic wine, anyone?

A: Stournari 43, Athens

Steez 

Located on the bustling pedestrian street of Themistokleous, Steez is Exarcheia’s latest cocktail haven, blending urban cool with a keen focus on sustainability. This new bar offers an innovative twist on classics, crafted with seasonal homemade ingredients and a commitment to sustainability. The bar menu is inventive without being fussy- flavour-led, well-balanced, and in tune with the pace of this edgy neighbourhood. And with a soundtrack that shifts from soulful to eclectic, Steez nails the balance between casual and cool.

A: Themistokleous 84, Athens 

Fellos 

A recent standout in Athens’ wine scene, Fellos adds a minimalist touch to the city’s vibrant bar culture. Housed in a former textiles store, the space offers a carefully curated selection of Greek and international wines, showcasing some of Greece and Cyprus’ finest drops. With around 40 wines, plus spritzes and cocktails, Fellos is a destination for both locals and visitors eager to explore new pairings, especially with the great meze dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back evening at one of the sidewalk tables or indulging in their thoughtfully crafted menu, Fellos provides a cozy and stylish setting to savour something special.

A: Vasilikis & Kolokotroni, Athens

Kennedy Vins

This new listening bar offers a refined yet welcoming space for wine lovers, specialising in beautiful French wines that are hard to come by. Drawing on inspirations from the owners’ global travels, the venue blends French and Japanese influences, adding an eclectic edge to Athens’ evolving wine scene. Kennedy Vins pairs its exceptional pours with carefully considered bites- think freshly sliced Iberico pancetta, Torres truffle crisps with Jamon Iberico, and other delicacies that elevate the moment. It’s all about nuance, detail, and a distinct sense of place in every glass.

A: Nikiou 9, Athens

Main Image by Fellos