Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
Nightlife & Entertainment
Athens has a thriving live-music scene in winter, with the gamut of Greek music
from the popular soulful Greek blues (
rembetika
) to jazz, rock and touring inter-
national artists. In summer, live music is confined to festivals and outdoor con-
certs. The full range of symphony, opera and theatre are also on offer.
Greek Music & Bouzoukia
Athens has some of the best
rembetika
in intimate, evocative venues. Most close May to
September, so in summer try live-music tavernas around Plaka and Psyrri. Performances
usually include both
rembetika
and
laïka
(urban popular music), start at around 11.30pm,
and do not have a cover charge, though drinks can be expensive.
High-end
bouzoukia
are expensive extravaganzas, like a circus for grown-ups. These
glitzy cabaret-style venues (often referred to as
skyladika
- dog houses - because of the
crooning singers) are where women dancing the sinewy
tsifteteli
(belly dance) are
showered with expensive trays of carnations and revellers party until sunrise. Check list-
ings for what's on.
Cinema & Theatre
An unforgettable Athens experience is a summer's night at one of the outdoor cinemas or
theatres. The main summer event is the Hellenic Festival
(
www.greekfestival.gr
;
late May-Oct)
,
with stagings at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and other venues.
