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Best of Athens: Nightlife Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.

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Aerostato

“Relaxed local haunt, stylish but not contrived.”—Diane Shugart, author, Athens by Neighborhood. Delicious gravadlax and broccoli soup in case a quick drink turns into a long night. Platia Proskopon and Ptolemaion, Pangrati; tel. +30 210 724 1116.

Balthazar

Fabulous garden for downtown drinks on a summer night. “Like a private party in a grand old mansion. Great cocktails, glamorous older crowd.”— Theodora Mantzaris, design director, 2004 Athens Olympic Summer Games. Tsoha 27 and Vournazou, Ambelokipi; tel. +30 210 644 1215. www.balthazar.gr

Bar Guru Bar

“Timeless and sexy. No door policy, yet always has right blend of people; groovy musical mix and match reflects this mix.”—Kimon Frangakis, editor, Status magazine. Tasty Thai food, occasional live jazz in top floor club. Platia Theatrou 10, Psiri; tel. +30 210 324 6530. www.bargurubar.gr

Galaxy

“An absolute classic, with original fittings intact since the early ’70s. Immaculate bartending. Try the Manhattan.”—Angelos Frantzis, film director. One for connoisseurs, hidden in an old-fashioned arcade near Syntagma Square. Stadiou 10, Syntagma; tel. +30 210 322 7733.

Magazé

Predominantly gay bar with mean mojitos, overflowing tables on pedestrian street. “Always buzzing day or night. The narrow bar stretches the length of the block so you don’t miss a trick.”—Angelos Frantzis. Aiolou 33, Monastiraki; tel. +30 210 324 3740.

Nixon

“Louche lair for architects and media types who sip martinis in red leather booths. Small, plush cinema with occasional screenings—great for watching football matches.” —Kimon Frangakis. Agisilaou 61B, Keramikos; tel. +30 210 346 2077. www.nixon.gr

Seven Jokers

Tiny, cozy, and crammed, especially after hours when free shots are downed and inhibitions abandoned. Voulis 7, Syntagma; tel. +30 210 321 9225.

Athens Multimedia

Know Before You Go: Athens

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