Psiri When the Bouzouki Plays Past Midnight

Psiri is Athens' nightlife district -- narrow streets northwest of Monastiraki Square packed with bars, live music venues, and late-night restaurants. Six D.O.G.S. on Avramiotou Street is a cultural space with a garden bar and DJ nights. The live rebetiko venues on Plateia Iroon are where Athens sings -- bouzouki-driven music that is to Greece what blues is to America.

Insider tip: Walk from Psiri to Kerameikos -- the ancient cemetery district turned quieter bar neighborhood. The cocktail bars are more intimate and the ruins visible through the fence add atmosphere no decorator could manufacture.