The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl

If you’re looking to explore Athens after sunset, this private pub crawl offers a fun, social way to see the city’s vibrant bar scene. For just under $19 per person, you get to visit three carefully chosen venues over 3 to 5 hours, enjoying free shots at each stop, cocktail discounts, and engaging drinking games. Guided by friendly locals, this tour promises an authentic taste of Athens nightlife in a safe, lively environment.

We love that this experience is personalized thanks to its private setup, meaning your group can enjoy a tailored evening without the typical crowds of large tours. The friendly guides, such as Labros, make sure everyone feels welcome, while the carefully curated venues—ranging from Greek island-style bars to Latin dance spots—offer diverse atmospheres.

One potential consideration: the tour generally visits three bars instead of five, which might be less than some expect, but the quality and social vibe more than compensate. This pub crawl is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want to meet others and discover Athens’ nightlife in an intimate setting.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you value knowledgeable guides, lively social atmospheres, and the chance to indulge in local drinks, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s especially suited for those looking to meet new people from around the world, or solo travelers eager to connect. While some reviews mention last-minute changes or shorter durations, overall, this tour offers good value and memorable moments.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: Private tour tailored to your group, avoiding large crowds.
• Local flavor: Visits to unique bars like Favorita and Backdoor Athens, with authentic drinks and lively atmospheres.
• Social focus: Drinking games and friendly guides encourage mingling.
• Includes free shots: Enjoy complimentary drinks at each venue, adding value to your night.
• Flexibility: Duration varies between three to five hours, depending on how long you want to stay.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation, making it easy to join and return.

A Detailed Look at the Athens Pub Crawl Experience

The Meeting Point and Initial Impressions

The tour kicks off at Pl. Monastirakiou 1, in the heart of Athens’ historic center. This location is convenient for travelers staying near the Acropolis or central neighborhoods, and it’s close to public transportation. The guides typically provide clear instructions beforehand, with many reviews praising their punctuality and friendliness. For example, one guest noted, “Our guides were nice, friendly and punctual,” which set a positive tone for the evening.

Stop 1: Favorita – Greek Island Charm

The first stop, Favorita, immediately captures the essence of Greek hospitality. This Greek island-style bar serves special shots and cocktails, giving a taste of the Mediterranean atmosphere right in the city. As one reviewer recounted, the owner greeted guests with a shot upon arrival, creating a warm, welcoming vibe. Expect a relaxed setting that encourages conversation, perfect for breaking the ice.

Most guests appreciate the free shot included here, though drink prices beyond that are not covered. The bar’s ambiance is lively but not overcrowded, making it a good starting point for socializing. Some guests, like Monica, enjoyed the chance to get to know fellow travelers without the overwhelming noise often found in bigger venues.

Stop 2: Dos Gardenias – Latin Dance and Atmosphere

Next, the tour transitions to Dos Gardenias, a Latin-themed bar renowned for its vibrant decor and lively music. Guests are encouraged to dance and have fun, especially as the venue features a dancing instructor. Although the review mentioning the instructor was from July 2025, it indicates that the venue sometimes offers dance lessons, adding an interactive element to the night.

The cocktail discounts offered at this stop boost the value, and the lively environment is ideal for those who want to dance and socialize. One guest raved about the friendly guides and the shots of local favorites. The lively, rhythmic atmosphere often leads to spontaneous dancing and genuine connection among participants.

Stop 3: Backdoor Athens – Live Shows and Karaoke

The final venue, Backdoor Athens, boasts a diverse lineup of entertainment, including karaoke nights and live shows. This spot tends to be more energetic and club-like, with some reviews noting it can be quite crowded and loud. Two hours are typically spent here, allowing enough time to enjoy the atmosphere, take more drinks, and dance.

However, some reviewers mention that the group might find the last stop less intimate due to the size and noise. For example, one guest said, “the last club was a little empty,” but overall, many appreciated the chance to unwind and share a few more laughs with new friends.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour is well-priced considering the inclusions: free shots at each pub, skip-the-line access at clubs, and cocktail discounts at the second pub. Be aware that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point.

Reviews highlight the value: several guests praised the friendly guides and the free shots, which added an authentic touch without extra costs. The drinks at each stop are on your tab, but the free shots help kickstart the night on a good note.

Respecting the Schedule and Group Dynamics

While most reviews mention the tour lasting around 4 hours, some have noted it can stretch to 5 hours depending on how long you linger at each venue. Guides typically stay with the group during the first two stops but may leave after the last venue, which can be a downside for those expecting a continuous guided experience.

One guest complained, “the guides left us at the third club,” but the tour description clarifies that guides generally stay with the group until they are ready to leave. Communication seems to be key, and guides like Labros are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

Authenticity and Social Atmosphere

Many travelers find the tour a perfect setting to meet people from around the world. Guests often mention how the guides facilitate social interaction through drinking games and friendly conversation. As Penny noted, “a very fun night. Drinks and music were very, very good,” which captures the lively, social essence of this experience.

Some reviews mention that venues aren’t overly crowded, offering opportunities to chat and connect more easily. Conversely, a couple of guests felt the last club was less lively, but overall, the tour fosters a welcoming environment.

The Good, the Bad, and the Real

The tour’s price point is quite reasonable, especially given the inclusions. Many reviewers emphasized the friendly guides, good drinks, and the chance to socialize in a relaxed setting. While some experienced hiccups—like venues being less crowded or guides leaving early—the overall sentiment remains positive.

For example, one guest said, “We danced, laughed, and experienced some amazing cocktails,” reflecting the fun and relaxed atmosphere. Others appreciated the local knowledge of their guides, like Labros, who made the night more engaging.

On the flip side, some reviews express disappointment when expectations weren’t met—such as visiting fewer venues than promised or feeling the last stop was less lively. These are important considerations if you’re expecting a long, continuous night or a specific experience like karaoke or dancing instruction.

Final Thoughts: Is This Pub Crawl for You?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a lively introduction to Athens’ nightlife without the hassle of planning. If you’re eager to meet new people, enjoy free shots, and experience diverse venues—from Greek taverns to Latin dance spots—this is a great choice. It’s particularly excellent for solo travelers or small groups looking for a social night out in a safe, guided environment.

While not a full-fledged club-hopping extravaganza, the experience offers authentic local atmospheres, good value, and friendly guides that help break the ice. Keep in mind, if you’re expecting a longer or more club-centric experience, you might want to consider how the schedule aligns with your plans.

This pub crawl provides a fun, social, and affordable way to see the Athens nightlife, especially if you’re interested in local drinks, lively venues, and meeting fellow travelers.

FAQs

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $18.90 per person, which includes free shots at each pub, skip-the-line entry, and cocktail discounts at the second venue.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Pl. Monastirakiou 1, in central Athens, and ends back at the same meeting point after visiting the three venues.

How long does the tour last?
Typically, the pub crawl lasts between 3 to 5 hours, depending on how long you choose to stay at each venue.

Are drinks included in the price?
The tour includes complimentary shots at each pub, but all other drinks are paid for individually. The cocktail discounts at the second pub help reduce costs.

Can I join if I’m traveling alone?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how friendly guides and social games make it easy for solo travelers to meet others and enjoy the night.

Is this a private or group experience?
It’s a private tour, meaning your group will be the only participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Are transportation options provided?
No, hotel pickup or drop-off is not included. You’ll need to arrive at the meeting point on your own, which is near public transportation.

To sum it up, if you want to explore Athens’ nightlife in a relaxed, social atmosphere with friendly guides and good value, this pub crawl is a solid pick. It’s perfect for those who enjoy meeting new people, trying local drinks, and experiencing different venues without the stress of planning every detail. While it might not cover five stops or include full clubbing, the authenticity and social vibe make it an experience worth considering for your Athens stay.