🍸 10 Best Bars in Thessaloniki for Craft Cocktails, Rooftop Views & Greek Spirits
Thessaloniki isn’t just a cultural and culinary gem: it’s also home to a vibrant nightlife scene that rivals any European city. From sleek rooftop lounges overlooking the Aegean to hidden speakeasies shaking up world-class cocktails, the best bars in Thessaloniki offer something for every kind of night owl. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back local tavern, a craft cocktail experience, or a glamorous rooftop with a view, Thessaloniki delivers with style.
In this guide, I’ll uncover the top 10 spots to drink in the city: where you can sip on ouzo, enjoy a mezcal twist, or soak up the skyline with a signature drink in hand. 🍹
🍹 5 Typical Greek Drinks You Should Try in Thessaloniki
No tour of Thessaloniki’s bar scene is complete without tasting traditional Greek spirits. Here are five you’ll see on menus or hear locals recommending:
1. Ouzo: An anise-flavored aperitif that’s as Greek as it gets. Often served with water and ice, turning it a milky white. Perfect with seafood or olives.
2. Tsipouro: Stronger than ouzo and usually enjoyed in small sips alongside meze. Some varieties are infused with anise, others are pure.
3. Mastiha: A sweet, slightly herbal liqueur made from mastic resin found on Chios Island. Great as a digestif or used in cocktails.
4. Rakomelo: A mix of raki, honey, and spices, usually served warm but sometimes chilled. Best enjoyed in cooler seasons or as a nightcap.
5. Tentoura: A cinnamon-infused liqueur from Patras, but occasionally found in Thessaloniki bars too. Sweet, spicy, and ideal after dinner.
1. 🎶 Kafodeio Greek
If you’re craving something authentically Greek with soul, music, and meze, Kafodeio Greek is a must-visit. It’s more than just a bar: it’s a bohemian kafeneio where live Greek music, ouzo-fueled laughter, and clinking glasses fill the air every night. Tucked away on Iktinou pedestrian street, this place is a living ode to Greek culture: think wooden tables, handwritten menus, retro posters, and spontaneous singalongs of old rebetiko songs.
The atmosphere here is warm, nostalgic, and deeply local. It’s where students, artists, and travelers come together to drink tsipouro, share plates of grilled feta or soutzoukakia, and soak up the vibe. The prices are affordable, the staff is friendly, and the energy is contagious, especially when the live band kicks off.
🕓 Daily 8 AM – 3 AM
📍 El. Venizelou 45, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece
🌟 What to try? A glass of tsipouro with meze, or go full local and order a carafe for the table and let the night unfold naturally.
2. 🌃 Skyline Bar at OTE Tower
This is one of the most unique bars in Thessaloniki. Located inside the futuristic OTE Tower, the Skyline Bar gently rotates 360° to give you uninterrupted views of the city skyline. The vibe here is upscale yet welcoming, perfect for a romantic evening, a celebratory toast, or a serene drink at sunset. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views of the sea, White Tower, and Mount Olympus. As the city lights start to twinkle, you’ll find yourself immersed in a truly cinematic experience, cocktail in hand.
🕓 10 AM – 1 AM daily
📍 Egnatia 154, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece
🌟 What to try? The Aperol Spritz or their seasonal fruit mojito are perfect for a warm evening.
3. 🍷 La Doze Bar
Nestled on a quieter street near the buzzing Ladadika district, this bar doubles as an experimental space for art and design. Think industrial chic interiors, eclectic beats, and rotating pop-up events that often include art shows and guest DJs. The cocktail menu is both playful and refined, drawing on Greek ingredients in new, inspired ways. Bartenders here are always up for a challenge and can whip up a drink based on your mood.
🕓 6 PM – 2 AM (closed Mondays)
📍 Vilara 1, Thessaloniki 546 25, Greece
🌟 What to try? The Mastiha Mule: a Greek twist on the classic Moscow Mule, infused with herbal liqueur made from mastic.
4. 🍸 Cin Cin
If you’re after a bar that fuses creativity with an inviting atmosphere, Cin Cin is one of the best bars in Thessaloniki to check out. Nestled in the vibrant Kapani area, this colorful open-air gem is known for its lush greenery, boho décor, and casual-yet-chic energy. The crowd here is diverse: locals, artists, tourists, and students gather in the cozy courtyard to share stories and cocktails under fairy lights. The bartenders are true artists, serving up inventive drinks that use local herbs, seasonal fruits, and even Greek liqueurs in fresh, surprising ways.
It’s not just about the cocktails though: Cin Cin often hosts DJ nights and pop-up events that add to its ever-changing, electric vibe. If you’re looking for a bar that balances style, substance, and soul, Cin Cin is your go-to.
🕓 Daily 10 AM – 2:30 AM
📍 Iktinou 22, Thessaloniki 546 22, Greece
🌟 What to try? The Cin Cin Garden Spritz: a light, fragrant mix with mastiha, cucumber, basil, and prosecco.
5. 🍸 The Blue Cup
If you’re a fan of the alternative, artsy side of life, you’ll love The Blue Cup. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a local favorite for jazz lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The decor is eclectic and cozy: a mix of vintage furniture and colorful art. The bar often hosts jazz nights and vinyl DJ sets, making it the kind of place where one drink turns into three without realizing it.
🕓 Daily 6 PM – 2 AM
📍 Salaminos 8, Thessaloniki 546 25, Greece
🌟 What to try? Their Gin Basil Smash or any drink with local tsipouro mixed in: it’s what they’re known for.
6. 🌊 Ciel Bar
Ciel Bar is a dreamy rooftop escape with one of the best seaside views in Thessaloniki. Located right by the waterfront, this chic cocktail lounge offers panoramic vistas of the Thermaic Gulf, the White Tower, and even Mount Olympus on a clear day. The vibe is elegant yet relaxed: ideal for a sunset aperitivo, a romantic date, or a stylish night out with friends.
Ciel blends laid-back luxury with excellent mixology. The setting sun paints the sky pink as lounge beats hum in the background and bartenders shake up cocktails with Mediterranean flair. Expect top-tier service, comfortable seating, and a view that never gets old.
🕓 Daily 9:30 AM – 2 AM
📍 Leof. Meg. Alexandrou 12, Νέα Παραλία 546 40, Greece
🌟 What to try? Try their Lavender Gin Fizz, or the Ciel Sunset Spritz, inspired by the bar’s golden-hour glow.
7. 🎭 Wonderwall Fun Bar
A beloved favorite among Thessaloniki’s student crowd, Wonderwall Fun Bar is the definition of playful nightlife. It’s colorful, casual, and full of energy, making it perfect for groups, solo travelers, or anyone looking to let loose. The bar spans multiple floors, including a rooftop terrace, each offering different music vibes: from indie pop and funk to dance and live gigs.
The name says it all: Wonderwall is a place to have fun. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on the terrace or dancing indoors, the atmosphere is always vibrant. Drinks are affordable and creative, and the crowd is warm and welcoming.
🕓 Daily 5 PM – 2 AM (Friday & Saturday till 4 AM)
📍 Egiptou 18, Thessaloniki 546 25, Greece
🌟 What to try? The Bubblegum Mojito or their famous “Fun Jar” cocktails, great for sharing.
8. 🕵️ Sherlock Bar SKG
For something a little mysterious and off the beaten path, Sherlock Bar SKG brings a thematic twist to your night out. Inspired by the world of Sherlock Holmes, this speakeasy-style bar features Victorian décor, candle-lit corners, and an immersive ambiance. Perfect for lovers of moody aesthetics, vintage charm, and creative cocktails with storytelling flair.
Every drink on the menu is named after a character or case from the Sherlock universe: and the bartenders here are known for crafting their own bitters, syrups, and infusions. If you love hidden bars and a touch of drama in your drinks, Sherlock is your spot.
🕓 Daily 6 AM – 2:30 AM
📍 Leof. Nikis 25, Thessaloniki 546 23, Greece
🌟 What to try? The Baker Street Sour, a rich whisky-based cocktail with plum bitters and rosemary smoke.
9. 🌄 Castra Café-Bar
Tucked up in the heights of the Ano Poli (Upper Town), Castra Café-Bar offers panoramic views that stretch over the rooftops of Thessaloniki all the way to the sea. The setting is peaceful and picturesque, especially at sunset when the sky turns gold. The vibe is more relaxed than downtown bars, and the drinks are made with care. It’s ideal for a romantic outing or a quiet evening with friends.
🕓 Daily 10 AM – 1 AM
📍 Eptapirgiou 122, Thessaloniki 546 34, Greece
🌟 What to try? A refreshing Hugo Spritz or local wine paired with mezze.
10. 🥂 Vogatsikou 3
Vogatsikou 3 is a true icon in Thessaloniki’s cocktail scene. Though small in size, it packs a big reputation for excellence. The ambiance is intimate, stylish, and warm, perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friends looking for an elevated cocktail experience. This bar is known for its professional bartenders who treat mixology as a refined art. Expect precision, flavor layering, and unexpected ingredients that actually work. Whether you’re just starting your night or closing it out on a classy note, Vogatsikou 3 never disappoints.
🕓 Daily from 7 PM to 3 AM
📍 Βογατσικού 3, Thessaloniki 546 22, Greece
🌟 What to try? Their signature “Vogatsikou Fizz”: a refreshing and aromatic gin-based creation. You can also ask the bartender for a personalized recommendation.
🗺️ Map of 10 Best Bars in Thessaloniki
From upscale rooftops and hidden art bars to smoky speakeasies and bohemian lounges, the best bars in Thessaloniki show off the city’s dynamic spirit: literally and figuratively. Whether you’re sipping a smoky mezcal Negroni above the skyline or clinking glasses of tsipouro in a cozy hideaway, you’ll find that Thessaloniki’s nightlife is as warm, lively, and unforgettable as the city itself.
So, cheers to the tastes of Greece, the rhythm of the night, and the unforgettable memories waiting at the bottom of your glass. 🍷🇬🇷
