The most beautiful old, low-lit bar, which actually makes its own ouzo and liqueurs on the premises. Even if you don't want to have a drink, pop your head in the door and have a look - stunning. And with an outdoor rooftop cinema, The Cine Paris, just over the (pedestrianised) street, perfect for having a few drinks and waiting for the sun to go down before going to see a film.

41 Kydatheneon St, The Plaka, Athens
Tel: 210 323 2110

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Decorated with a fully wooden interior and resembling the original Cotton Club, this wonderful and cosy bistro awaits you from early in the morning for coffee until late at night. It's food menu is also exquisite. Every night there’s live music.

3 Kolokotroni Street (shopping arcade) opposite the Old Parliament, next to Habitat; nearest metro station: Syntagma. tel: 210 331 4915

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Tucked in Panormou Street, it's a hipster, slightly left-of-centre hangout that would probably suit a Guardian reader just fine. Some of the best funk music you can find in Athens and drinks that would probably count as quintiple portions over here.

Nearest metro station: Panormou

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This year's swinging bar in the Kolonaki area of Athens is called (Perfect) TEN, by the same people who brought us Sol y Mar in Myconos (or so I am told). Uplifting music, very friendly service despite the fact that you can't move in the place. Cool fun but avoid it on Saturdays if you can.

Ploutarchou Street, Kolonaki

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A small fishing village at the extreme eastern end of the Gulf of Corinth, about two hours’ drive from the city (in normal traffic conditions) it is possibly the most beautiful spot a day out at the beach in the vicinity of Athens. There is an imposing bay, with steep, pine-forested mountains sloping down to the sea, with the spectacular ruins of ancient Aigosthena immediately behind the largest beach.

The Psaropoula fish tavern has excellent food, and is far cheaper than a comparable fish tavern in Athens would be. If you feel like staying over night, there is the somewhat run down but beautifully located Hotel Egosthenion and a number of rooms for rent, but if you have a car it is easy enough to go back to the city at the end of the day. There seem to be buses that will get you there too, but I do not know their schedules.

Hotel Egosthenion, tel: 0263/41 226

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This area is a little warren of streets radiating out from Iroon Square. It’s close to Monastiraki, but being just a fraction further from the Agora and Acropolis, it’s a bit cheaper. There are lots of restaurants, bars and cafes all close by so you can just pick whichever place looks most tempting on the night.

Just north of Metro Monastiriki

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On the Hilton Hotel's top floor this is one of the hippest and most elegant bars in Athens. A huge variety of cocktails and tasty finger food at somewhat high prices in Wallpaper-like surroundings. Bonus: a stunning view of the Acropolis that will impress you unless you are an Athenian and used to it.

Hilton Hotel, Athens

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One of the very first bars to open in the up and coming area of Gazi, Nipiagogeio (as its name suggests) used to be a kindergarten, before it turned into one of the most renowned freestyle bars in Athens. Decoration still keeps a kindergarten theme, particularly in the bar's cosy courtyard (open in summer). People are generally unpretentious and in the mood for dancing, whatever is on offer by the guest DJ.

8, Kleanthous Street and Elasidon, Gazi;
tel: 210 345 8534

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A great place in busy Kyriazi Street in Kifissia, close to stores such as Celine, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Zara and Tsouderos (ah those fabulous and oh-so-reasonably-priced shoes and DKNY bags). Great drinks, beautiful people, amazing music in this hip bar in one of the most beautiful leafy suburbs in Athens.

Kyriazi street, Kifissia

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As far as nightlife is concerned, I would recommend the above three bars. The first is situated in the area of Galatsi, to the north of the city centre and very close to a green hill called Alsos Galatsiou, with stunning panoramic views of Athens, which you can enjoy at Zeppelin Bar. Galatsi Hill also boasts a summer open air cinema snuggled among the pine trees.
I also recommend Thirio bar in Psyrri for lovers of funk, electronic "ethnic" and rock sounds and would suggest Bar Guru Bar (a trendy multicultural area behind Sophocleous str) for its great Thai decor and lovely cocktails (also serves Thai cuisine).

Kibubu - on Galatsiou ave
Thirio - Psyrri, very near Iroon sq just ask
Bar Guru Bar - Theatrou Sq, Athens (centre)

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Trendy gay bar in the buzzing Gazi area. Large windows which are opened up in the summer allow the gorgeous folk of Athens to spill out across the pavement and talk, listen to the music and watch the world go by. There is table service for your drinks too. An ideal place to start your night out (from 11pm!)

Konstantinoupoleos 84, Gazi

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One the must-see hip bars in psiri, with an upstairs dance club and flavoursome international dishes. Renowned for its eclectic, always in the mood for dancing crowd and arguably the nicest courtyard one can find in the middle of town.

65 Evripidou street, psiri
Tel: 0030 210 3310907

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This bar is set in the antiques market and actually uses old furniture for its clients (some of the hippest people), in a dimly-lit atmosphere. Now and then, you can find some interesting art exhibitions or projections on the wall. In the summer, great for seating outside.

3 Avissinias Sq, Monastiraki
Tel: 0030 210 3246446

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Who says Athenians only go out to see and be seen? This little cafe/bar is a place to find young media types dressed down, listening to The Jam, The Kinks & the Cure, and putting back a few too many Belgian beers. Journalists and web designers abound.

Karytsi 10, just off Stadiou, near Panepistimio or Syntagma metro. Opposite the Mousouri theatre

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Old style taverna in the once run down but newly trendy area of Exarchia. Don't expect sophistication, this is simple traditional Greek food chosen by the time-honoured method of pointing at it behind the counter.

Do expect however, a complete cross section of Greek society - from business men in suits to students to society kids from nearby Kolonaki - wonderful food, and a sense of the "real" Athens. A word of warning though, make sure you visit the toilet before you go as they too are of an authentic Greek nature.

Expect to pay no more than 10 euro a head for salad, main course and a beer.

Emanuelle Benaki
Exarchia
Nearest metro: Panepistimio

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Mamacas bar in Athens’ spruced-up industrial zone at Gazi. Offers good ambience and a great selection of music (especially 1970s disco). There is no entrance ticket and drinks, at €6, are affordable. Easy to get to along the romantic pedestrianised route that leads down from the Acropolis.

Persefonis 41, Gazi, Rouf; Tel: 210 345 8534; Nearest metro: Thisio; Open: 2pm-4am daily; www.mamacas.gr/

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