Athens, known for its vibrant energy, is the place to be this New year’s! Despite the difficult circumstances that the Greeks have gone through this past year, they still know how to have a good time in the bustling hub of Europe. From parties to relaxing evenings with friends and family, there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget. Here are a few ideas to help you end the year on a good note.
Athens holds a plethora of activities for you to enjoy. From a big party for those who love to dance to a good selection of set menus for those who would like to enjoy a sit-down meal, the city allows you to do them all.
For the party goers, Athens is filled with bars and clubs in multiple ideal locations around the city.
Some examples include the Gazi neighborhood, which holds a number or bars and clubs that will surely make you feel the festive spirit, as well as Agia Irini Square, the coolest spot in the city.
For those who are looking for a rather laid-back party, Syntagma Square holds an all-night party in the open air. Usually filled with families dancing to the tunes of some of the most popular DJs, this gathering point is the place to be to enjoy the fireworks once the clock strikes 12.
For a more traditional celebration, going out to a Bouzoukia is a must. By definition, a Bouzoukia are nightclubs with a stage where live bands perform. The music usually is traditional Greek tunes, to which people dance, sing and get the ultimate Greek festive experience.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you are looking to spend the last few hours of the year dining casually, you can enjoy a meal at many tavernas or restaurants. From traditional Greek delicacies to international style dishes, these tavernas are filled with locals, enjoying live music, splendid company and divine meals. Booking in advance is a must as they do tend to get crowded. The most popular must see taverna is Psara Taverna also known as The Old Tavern of Psarras.
As for restaurants, these tend to be divided into two categories: Hotel Restaurants or Independent restaurants. Most hotel restaurants curate special menus for this special day.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne, which hosts dinners and parties all throughout the holiday season, is perhaps the most well-known.
The Galaxy Restaurant & Bar at the Hilton Athens hotel provide an outstanding supper with great music, food, and even a breakfast to ring in the new year in style!
While many restaurants close their doors on New Year’s to allow their staff to spend it with family, some do stay open. For a meal with a view, try Strofi or Dionysos, two restaurants that allow you to dine on the rooftop terrace with the Parthenon in the background.
An international tradition that countries around the world enjoy on this holiday is fireworks. In the city, like most of the festivities, the fireworks are fired at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, also known as the SNFCC. At midnight, the whole Athenian sky will be lit by the multiple colors that welcome the New Year. For those who would rather stay in and welcome 2022 with friends and family around a cozy dinner table, hosting in your Estia Developments home not only guarantees you a luxurious and quaint evening but it also makes sure that you and your guests have the best night, with the best amenities, in the most premium location in Greece. Estia Developments wants nothing but the best for all its property owners, and that includes entering the New Year in style.
