Quick answer
Athens is a city made for rooftop drinking. When the ancient Acropolis lights up against the night sky, there's no better place to be than on a terrace with a cold Aperol Spritz in hand.
- Best overall
- A for Athens
- Top pick
- A for Athens — The iconic Monastiraki rooftop with face-to-face Acropolis views and great cocktails.
Top verdicts
- A for Athens: First-time visitors wanting THE Athens rooftop experience
- 360 Cocktail Bar: Panoramic views and energetic atmosphere
- Couleur Locale: Those wanting Acropolis views without the tourist crowds
The rooftop bar scene here is concentrated in a few key neighborhoods: Monastiraki Square has the highest density of terraces with direct Acropolis views, Syntagma offers upscale hotel rooftops, and Plaka/Thissio provide charming spots overlooking the Ancient Agora.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A for Athens | Rooftop Bar | mid | Monastiraki |
| 2 | 360 Cocktail Bar | Rooftop Bar | mid | Monastiraki Square |
| 3 | Couleur Locale | Hidden Gem | mid | Monastiraki |
| 4 | The Zillers Roof Garden | Fine Dining | high | Syntagma |
| 5 | Attic Urban Rooftop | Rooftop Bar | mid | Ermou Street |
| 6 | Metropolis Roof Garden | Hotel Rooftop | high | Syntagma |
| 7 | Thea Terrace | Boutique Hotel | mid | Plaka |
| 8 | GB Roof Garden | Luxury Hotel | high | Syntagma Square |
| 9 | MS Roof Garden | All-Day Rooftop | mid | Monastiraki |
| 10 | Kuzina | Rooftop Restaurant | high | Thissio |
1A for Athens
Rooftop BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- First-time visitors wanting THE Athens rooftop experience
- Strengths
- Known for Rooftop Bar · Monastiraki
- Limitations
- Can get very crowded at sunset · Tourists outnumber locals
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- The most iconic rooftop bar in Athens — you're literally face-to-face with the Acropolis. The newly renovated space features sleek, minimal design with stunning views over Plaka and the Athens skyline.
- What to order
- Aperol Spritz (€12) or their signature A for Athens cocktail
2360 Cocktail Bar
Rooftop BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Panoramic views and energetic atmosphere
- Strengths
- Known for Rooftop Bar · Monastiraki Square
- Limitations
- Gets loud on weekends · Smaller space fills up fast
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- Panoramic views from right on Monastiraki Square — the name says it all. Vibrant, trendy atmosphere with great cocktails and a younger crowd. One of the most happening hangouts in Athens.
- What to order
- Their signature cocktails — the bartenders know their craft
3Couleur Locale
Hidden GemQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those wanting Acropolis views without the tourist crowds
- Strengths
- Known for Hidden Gem · Monastiraki
- Limitations
- Harder to find entrance · Smaller capacity
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- A local favorite hidden in the alleys of Monastiraki — less touristy than its neighbors. The retro-chic interior and lush rooftop terrace attract both tourists and downtown residents. Art gallery on the ground floor adds character.
- What to order
- Wine or craft cocktails — they do both well
4The Zillers Roof Garden
Fine DiningQuick comparison
- Best for
- Romantic dinners, special occasions, foodie travelers
- Strengths
- Known for Fine Dining · Syntagma
- Limitations
- Expensive · Reservations essential · Opens evenings only
- Price / value
- €€€
- Why it made the list
- The most elegant rooftop dining experience in Athens. Michelin-starred cuisine with romantic Acropolis views and the Metropolitan Cathedral in the foreground. Perfect for special occasions.
- What to order
- Chef's tasting menu for the full experience
5Attic Urban Rooftop
Rooftop BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Cocktail lovers wanting top-tier views and drinks
- Strengths
- Known for Rooftop Bar · Ermou Street
- Limitations
- Closed Sundays · Online reservations only · Can get pricey
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- A premium rooftop with 360° views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and the city. The bar vibes at sunset are exceptional — this is where Athens' best views meets creative cocktails.
- What to order
- Signature Attic cocktails — the Creado and Amar get rave reviews
🕐 Opening hours
6Metropolis Roof Garden
Hotel RooftopQuick comparison
- Best for
- Elevated dining with guaranteed views from every table
- Strengths
- Known for Hotel Rooftop · Syntagma
- Limitations
- Hotel rooftop pricing · Gets busy with guests
- Price / value
- €€€
- Why it made the list
- Perched on the 10th floor of Electra Metropolis Hotel, this rooftop offers ridiculously perfect sunset views over the Acropolis. Every table has a great view, and the Mediterranean cuisine is excellent.
- What to order
- Mediterranean small plates and local wines
7Thea Terrace
Boutique HotelQuick comparison
- Best for
- Relaxed drinks with views, avoiding the Monastiraki crowds
- Strengths
- Known for Boutique Hotel · Plaka
- Limitations
- Smaller than Monastiraki bars · Pool for hotel guests only
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- An oh-so-pretty rooftop at the edge of Plaka, atop the Central Athens Hotel. Known for retaining its chilled-out atmosphere despite being a popular hotspot. The rooftop pool adds to the vibe.
- What to order
- Classic cocktails or local wines
8GB Roof Garden
Luxury HotelQuick comparison
- Best for
- Splurge-worthy occasions, experiencing Athens' most prestigious hotel
- Strengths
- Known for Luxury Hotel · Syntagma Square
- Limitations
- Expensive · Formal atmosphere · Reservations recommended
- Price / value
- €€€€
- Why it made the list
- The most prestigious rooftop in Athens, atop the legendary Hotel Grande Bretagne. 8th floor views over Syntagma Square, Lycabettus Hill, and the Acropolis. This is where Athens' high society meets visiting dignitaries.
- What to order
- Classic cocktails and Greek wines
9MS Roof Garden
All-Day RooftopQuick comparison
- Best for
- All-day visits, late-night drinks, avoiding peak crowds
- Strengths
- Known for All-Day Rooftop · Monastiraki
- Limitations
- Less polished than neighbors · Service can be slow when busy
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- An all-day concept right on Monastiraki — cafe by morning, restaurant by day, bar by night. Less famous than A for Athens but equally good views and often less crowded. Open until 3am.
- What to order
- Coffee in the morning, cocktails at night
10Kuzina
Rooftop RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Dinner with exceptional views, modern Greek cuisine lovers
- Strengths
- Known for Rooftop Restaurant · Thissio
- Limitations
- Terrace only April-October · Reservations essential · Pricey
- Price / value
- €€€
- Why it made the list
- A proper rooftop restaurant with some of the best views in Athens — looking across the Ancient Agora directly at the Parthenon. The modern Greek cuisine is excellent, and the tarazza (rooftop terrace) is magical after dark.
- What to order
- Try the modern takes on Greek classics — the lamb is legendary
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Athens rooftop bars for sunset views?
Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to secure a good table with Acropolis views. In summer, sunset is around 8:30-9pm; in spring/fall, around 7-8pm. The golden hour light on the Parthenon is magical, and watching the Acropolis illuminate as darkness falls is unforgettable. Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends.
Do I need reservations for Athens rooftop bars?
For casual spots like A for Athens and 360 Cocktail Bar, you can often walk in on weekdays, but weekends get packed. For upscale venues like The Zillers Roof Garden and GB Roof Garden, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for sunset seating. Book 2-3 days ahead for prime tables in high season (May-September).
How much do cocktails cost at Athens rooftop bars?
Cocktails range from €10-15 at most Monastiraki rooftop bars like A for Athens, 360, and Couleur Locale. Premium hotel bars like GB Roof Garden charge €15-20+. An Aperol Spritz typically costs €10-14. Wine by the glass runs €8-15. Budget tip: many bars have happy hour deals before 7pm with 20-30% off drinks.
What is the dress code for Athens rooftop bars?
Most Athens rooftop bars are smart casual — no flip-flops or beachwear, but you don't need formal attire. Upscale venues like The Zillers and GB Roof Garden expect slightly dressier outfits (nice sandals are fine, avoid gym clothes). Monastiraki spots like A for Athens and 360 are more relaxed. When in doubt, linen pants and a nice top work everywhere.
Which Athens rooftop bar has the best Acropolis view?
A for Athens and 360 Cocktail Bar offer the most direct, close-up Acropolis views since they're in Monastiraki Square, directly facing the hill. The Zillers Roof Garden provides an elegant, unobstructed view with the Metropolitan Cathedral in the foreground. For a wider panorama including Lycabettus Hill, try Attic Urban Rooftop or GB Roof Garden.
Are Athens rooftop bars open year-round?
Most Athens rooftop bars operate year-round, though some have reduced hours in winter. Hotel rooftops like GB Roof Garden and Metropolis Roof Garden stay open with heated areas and retractable covers. Seasonal terraces like Kuzina's rooftop operate April-October. The best rooftop season is April through October when weather is reliably warm.
Can I eat dinner at Athens rooftop bars or just drinks?
Several rooftop venues serve full meals. Kuzina and The Zillers Roof Garden are proper restaurants with acclaimed Greek cuisine. GB Roof Garden and Metropolis Roof Garden offer Mediterranean fine dining. Cocktail-focused spots like A for Athens and 360 have bar snacks and light bites. For dinner with views, book a restaurant-bar hybrid.
Which Athens neighborhood has the most rooftop bars?
Monastiraki is the rooftop bar capital of Athens — the square alone has A for Athens, 360 Cocktail Bar, and MS Roof Garden within steps of each other. Nearby Psiri adds more options. Syntagma has upscale hotel rooftops (GB Roof Garden, Metropolis). Plaka and Thissio offer rooftops with Ancient Agora views alongside the Acropolis.