Six of the best rooftop bars in Athens

GB Roof Garden Bar, Hotel Grande Bretagne

Acropolis now… GB Bar Athens.

Once you’re past the black, tinted-glass limousines at the front (enough to accommodate half the CIA), and past the foyer’s lavish Murano chandeliers, you know a five-star plus experience is in store. The heritage-rich Hotel Grande Bretagne occupies prime real estate on prestigious Syntagma Square and the roof garden (eighth floor) offers spellbinding views of the Acropolis. Two cocktail bars present a full list of aperitifs, fine wines, signature cocktails and spirits – but this may be the place for a perfect martini. To nibble (or dine)? A fulsome menu (Greek cheese platter, pasta, croquettes, salads). Dress? Definitely go sparkly. The bar opens at 1pm. See gbroofgarden.gr

Retire, Ergon House

Retire Bar, Ergon.

Ergon House, a heritage building on bustling Metropoleos Street, covers all bases. At ground zero, the Agora is an on-trend foodie market with artisanal foods, plus a butcher, deli, baker, roastery, smart cafe. Above are Scandi-leaning hotel rooms, all pale timbers, angular lines. And finally, the rooftop bar Retire – which seems more laidback LA than downtown Athens – with drinks dispensed from its mini-Airstream-style caravan (“the cocktail truck”), deck chairs and twinkly lights but with olive trees and glimpses of the Acropolis. Try the warm flatbread with fresh toppings. Or order a picnic from the Agora below. Greek wines, artisanal beers and cocktails. Opens at 5pm. See house.ergonfoods.com

Picnic Garden, Foundry Suites

Foundry Suites are 12 spacious, industrial-chic hotel suites in a converted … well, foundry. The rooftop bar taps into its industrial provenance – sturdy steel frameworks are topped with light-filtering bamboo lattice. Lush grape vines and wisteria twine around and there’s a swathe of other leafy greens. Order up a picnic platter with regional cheeses, or a wood-fired pizza. The drinks list offers Greek wines (including summer-perfect rosés), beers from micro-breweries and non-alcoholic tipples. If it’s searingly hot, consider a signature Zeus cocktail, an icy mix of gin, elderflower and homemade watermelon soda, while gazing on the Acropolis. Opens at 5pm. See thefoundrysuitesathens.com

Anglais Athens

Anglais Athens rooftop bar.

Anglais has something of a hidden speakeasy entry. It’s at 6 Kirikiou Street – keep your eyes open for the sign. Take the tiny lift to level six, then climb a flight of stairs. Views stretch over Monastiraki to the Acropolis and also to Lycabettus Hill, Athens’ highest point. The bar is popular with locals, with an easy-going vibe, pastel-coloured chairs, timber benches and flickering candles (at night). Best vantage points are from the stools, or on the edge of the terrace. The food menu veers Italian (pizza, pasta) but with some classic Greek (home-style moussaka) and there’s beer, Greek wines and a wide variety of (colourful) cocktails. And those views are impressive. Opens at 4pm. See anglais-athens.business.site

A for Athens

A for Athens.

A for Athens is the quite stylish bar and restaurant above A for Athens hotel. The bar can get hectic – it’s a favourite with tourists – but that view is memorable. And it is in Monastiraki, which has a bit of a party atmosphere these days. The arty cocktail list spans classic to seriously quirky (craft gin with ratatouille ketchup and vermouth) but the mixologists seem to know their trade. There’s a heady list of spirits, notably Scotch whiskey. An exceptional wine list offers Greek and international wines, many available by the glass with a wine sommelier to assist. Opens at 9pm. See aforathens.com

360 Cocktail Bar

360 Cocktail Bar.

Industrial chic style, inside and out, but the outdoor terrace has a wonderfully gnarled olive tree and a fringe of greenery. Try a signature cocktail based on the Greek islands – perhaps a Santorini with tequila, mezcal and vin santo? No- and faux-alcoholic drinks are on the list too. Classic cocktails use top-notch ingredients but are costly (over $40 for a Cosmopolitan). Still, you are paying for the view. There’s a short, sharp bar menu (maybe a burger, or Greek pizza with feta and oregano?). You can book a table or prepare to queue. Opens at 11am. See three-sixty.gr

The writer travelled at her own expense.