In its 18th annual Quality of Life Survey, Monocle magazine has ranked the Greek capital third among the top 10 cities to live in worldwide, trailing only Paris and Madrid. The London-based publication crowned Athens the “best city for nightlife,” lauding its 24-hour pulse and cultural revival. The list was published in Monocle’s July/August 2025 issue.

“The Greek capital is never boring and one of Europe’s few truly 24-hour cities,” the magazine notes, highlighting Athens’ transformation from economic hardship to vibrant resurgence.

That resurgence is visible across the city. Areas like Neo Kosmos, Ilisia and central Vyssis Street – once overlooked or underused – have become magnets for young creatives, nightlife seekers and entrepreneurs from around the globe. From converted warehouses to pop-up cocktail bars, a dynamic new Athens has emerged.

“In the summer, everyone spills out onto the street,” says Eleni Georgiou, a young jewelry designer, quoted in the survey. “The atmosphere is lively yet laidback. It’s like the whole city becomes one big open-air gathering.”

Monocle credits part of the city’s cultural energy to its “relaxed attitude towards licensing laws” governing shop opening hours and alcohol sales. The magazine contrasts this with Greece’s more restrictive past, citing the infamous “Papathemelis Law” of the mid-1990s, which required nightclubs to close at 2 am in an effort “to rein in a perceived air of permissiveness.”

Today, Athenians see the freedom to stay out late as more than lifestyle – it’s heritage.

Tourism, too, is reshaping the city. Once a brief stop on the way to the islands, Athens is now a destination in its own right. In 2024, the city welcomed 7.9 million visitors – up 12% from the previous year – drawn by the Acropolis, yes, but also the city’s reputation as one that never sleeps. Monocle points out that the metro runs until 2 am on weekends, with inexpensive taxis filling the gap after hours.

True, the arrival of affluent foreigners has driven up prices, particularly in real estate. Yet compared to other European cities, Athens remains accessible. A glass of wine, Monocle notes, still costs under 6 euros.

Of course, any ranking of the “best” cities is inevitably subjective. What makes one city better than another – affordability, fun, safety, sun? Still, the Monocle nod is a welcome vote of confidence.

As the magazine concludes: “While many other cities, especially in Europe, have seen their nightlife decline over the past decade, Athens dances to a different beat.”

With information in Greek from moneyreview.gr