The 5 Best Places to Drink in Athens, Greece

By Shaun Melady

As the Greek islands are being swarmed with tourists, the oldest, yet most memorable, travel destination in the country should be at the top of your list: Athens.

The ancient city contains some of the most breathtaking sights in the world, from historical architecture to modern restaurants, wine bars and lounges. When you visit this city, you can experience some of the top bars in the world.

The first one on your list should be The Clumsies, which has been ranked number seven in the world by The World’s Best 50 Bars. One of the many delicious beverages you need to try is the Iona’s Regalia. Made with a mix of Skinos Mastiha, Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch, aquafaba (chickpea water), almond milk and a pumpkin cordial, it has a sweet, spicy flavor that almost resembles an iced cappuccino.

The Clumsies bar front view

The Clumsies

The menu has something for everyone, and many of the cocktails nod to The Clumsies’ Greek surroundings. We also loved the Fortified Baklava Wine (mead, Bacardi 8 Rum, Beurre Noisette and baklava spices) and the Green House Sour (Star of Bombay Gin, Ancho Reyes Verde Liqueur, sauerkraut syrup, aquafaba and lemon), which has one of the most interesting ingredient lists we’ve seen.

Oinoscent is another spot you don’t want to miss when visiting Athens. This wine room and pairing spot has been open for 11 years and has more than 700 labels from around the world, including an impressive list of Greek wines. Oinoscent has also employed the 2016 champion of the Best Greek Sommelier competition, Sklavenitis Aris. If you visit this cellar and wine bar, look out for some of our favorite bottles that we’ve tried, including PLANO Malagousia and Xinomavro Thymiopoulos.

Sense Restaurant, outdoor dining with a view

Sense Restaurant

The luxurious Sense Restaurant should also be on your radar, which is an eatery that is perched atop the Athens Luxury Hotel. At Sense, you’ll enjoy classic Greek cuisine and cocktails paired with unmatched views of the Acropolis, the Parthenon and an immaculate 180-degree view of downtown Athens. Here you can enjoy a bottomless Bloody Mary brunch, along with distinguished cocktails and wines to complement your delectable meal. If you are craving more delightful sights, treats and drinks, head over to the luxurious Strofi Restaurant. The mid-war venue serves classical Greek bites along with an array of wines, ranging from whites and reds all the way to delightful Grecian dessert wines.

Moorings Restaurant, wine glass, view of the harbor

Moorings Restaurant

If you are drawn to the water, make your way to Moorings in Marina Vouliagmenis. Here you can experience lush cuisine, cocktails and coffee on the Mediterranean Sea. Toast to the glittering water with one of their signature drinks—we’re fond of the Black Canary (Pampero Rum, banana, walnut, lapacho tea and citrus powder) and the Geisha’s Opium (Tanqueray Ten Gin, fortified rosé wine, creme de violette, yuzu and vanilla absinthe). Follow your meal and drinks with a palate-cleansing limoncello.

If you’re on the hunt for your next vacation spot or getaway, try Athens. From the beautiful layout of the ancient city to the fine dining and up-and-coming cocktail scene, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Also, the way to get there is not that difficult either and very luxurious, as Emirates Airline flies direct from New York City to Athens. YAMAS!

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