Athens, Greece comes alive at night, and the music clubs are a big part of the Athenian nightlife. Below is a selection of some of the places to hear live music in Athens.
Music doesn't come cheap in Athens; expect to pay a cover charge ranging from 10 Euro to 30 Euro, and drinks are not included. They'll often cost you 10 Euro each.
Check showtimes carefully, but as a general rule, the music starts late, at about 11pm. Concert venues will usually start earlier, at about 9pm.
1. Perivoli t'Ouranou
Maryou (pictured at an outdoor concert in 2004) sometimes performs here, and if you know nothing of rembetika, she is a great place to start as she mesmerizes the audience with a strand of white worry beads clasped in her hand. She's unforgettable.Other acts often feature musicians in the same vein, and it runs red and deep into the people's musical traditions of Greece.
Perivoli t'Ouranou
19 Lysikratous
In the Plaka
Telephone: 210/323-5517
2. Half Note Jazz Club
One of the best-known places to hear jazz in Athens, with a constantly-changing roster of the best musicians available. And "Jazz" is interpreted in a very loose way - about the only sure thing here is that what you'll hear will be worth listening to, no matter where it falls in the musical spectrum.Half Note Jazz Club
17 Trivanianou
Mets
Telephone: (011-30) 210 921 3310
3. Iera Odos
Diverse acts characterize this venue. Tickets are available in advance through I-ticket.gr.
Iera Odos
18-20 Iera Odos
Telephone: (011-30)210 342 8272
4. Gagarin 205
Metal, goth, you name it, Gagarin 205 is known for edgier music and hosts small "Festivals" regularly.
Gagarin 205
205 Liosion
Telephone: (011-30) 210 854 7600
5. Athens Concert Hall
Often hosting international musicians and orchestras, the Athens Concert Hall also offers a venue for major Greek musicians and composers.6. Alavastro Cafe
With a different type of music nearly every night, the Alavastro will eventually be a stop for almost anyone who wants to hear live music in Athens.
78 Damareos
Pangrati
Athens
210 756 0102
7. Bios
If you love going to avant-garde museum-based shows back home, you'll be right at home at Bios. In addition to music, they offer multi-media experiences and independent films.
Bios
84 Pireos
210 342 5335
8. Palenque
Cuban music is popular in Athens, and Palenque offers up a steady diet of Cuban and Cuban-influenced acts.
Palenque
Farandaton 41
Ambelokipi
Athens
(011-30) 210 775 2360
9. An Club
Rock and roll rules here and has for the past 20 years - but that doesn't exclude acts featuring ska, heavy metal, and many other variants on current music. Many of the acts are on tour in Greece, but a few locals with big followings also rule here occasionally.
An Club
13-15 Solomou
Exarchia
Athens
210 330 5056
http://www.anclub.gr/
