Greece triumphed at EURO 2004, a victory that is warmly remembered by Greeks across the world. Unfortunately, we’ve been disqualified from EURO 2020 which makes us very sad, but we are still fiercely passionate about the king we call ‘football’ so you’ll still find us gathered around the big screens in bars and parks this year, cheering on our second favourite teams!
If you want to feel the excitement of EURO 2020 as the locals do, then read on. Here is my guide to where to watch the footie, while you’re in town.
Located in Koukaki, the hippest neighborhood of Athens, Athens Sport Bar is a fun, all-day spot loved by locals, travellers and expats who are crazy about football and sports in general. There’s a burger restaurant on site and Wi Fi is free. Before the game starts, take your time and stroll around the area, which is located in the shadow of the Acropolis and Filopappou monument. With its urban village feel, Koukaki, one of the city’ most creative corners, is full of artistic shops, hipster spots and is home to the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST).
Address: Veikou 3a, Athina 117 42, Greece
If you want to combine football, fabulous views of an ancient wonder and sightseeing in the heart of historic Athens, Lontos Café & Restaurant in the historic neighbourhood of Thissio, is the place to be. Try some excellent local food, such as veal cooked with tomato sauce served with greek pasta and traditional Greek cheese, and sip local spirits as you watch the football and enjoy stunning views across to the Acropolis, the jewel of Athens. It’s especially beautiful at night when this world famous ruin is spectacularly lit up. Great food, fabulous views and football, it’s a match made in heaven!
Address: Apostolou Pavlou 35, Athina 118 51, Greece
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is a public space with open access and interactive public participation in a multitude of cultural, educational, sporting, environmental and recreational events and activities. It includes the facilities of the National Library of Greece and the National Opera (an architectural masterpiece), as well as the Stavros Niarchos Park, one of the largest green spots in Athens, covering an area of 210 acres. If you feel like staying outdoors because it’s hot and you want to enjoy the summer sky in Greece (it’s beautiful!) head here, to watch the SNFCC ‘s Euro 2020 screenings which will broadcast the games live on several extra large screens across Stavros Niarchos Park.
Address: 364 Syngrou Ave., 17674 Kallithea
Owned by an Irish resident of Athens, James Joyce is an original Irish pub tucked away down a quiet street in Monastiraki, one of the central districts of Athens. Staff are very friendly and there’s plenty of seating outside. Decorated and designed like the traditional pubs of Celt country, James Joyce provides an authentic atmosphere for Euro 2020, offering football fans hearty Irish grub and Irish beer to go alongside their dose of football fun.
Address: Astiggos 12, Athina 105 55
Experience EURO 2020 with a cold beer on the terrace of Bios, located in the Metaxourgeio neighborhood, known as the most alternative part of Athens. Bios is a multi-functional space made up of bars, live music venues, performance and installation spaces and a cinema. The rooftop bar is unpretentiously cool and offers superb views of the iconic Acropolis. For a month, its terrace will be transformed into a soccer lovers’ dream, with games being projected onto the big wall of the adjacent block of apartments. Fans can use wireless headphones to hear the action.
Address: Pireos 84, Athina 104 35