Timetable

In tourist areas, bar and cafe owners have to cover the summer season in order to survive all year round, so they are open every day from morning to night, and the hours depend on the number of people. Some night bars only open from 6-7pm and stay open until the early hours of the morning. Some traditional kafeneio open early in the morning and again around 6pm but close a few hours after lunch. But most of the time these places are open continuously: in summer, the waiters just wait for the last customer to leave before closing.
This flexibility can be extended out of season, especially on weekends, in establishments that remain open. In Greece, you will never be pressured to leave an establishment or recommended once you have finished your drink. Unless you ask for the bill, you will be left to enjoy it, without necessarily clearing the table. However, it is important to keep your wits about you: if you see that you are the last ones and that the waiters are exhausted, it may be time to leave!

Budget & Tips

Drinks, ice cream or coffee are affordable in Greece except in very touristy places where prices tend to go up in summer.

Age restrictions

There is no legal provision that prohibits children and youth from purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine or spirits. In premises open to the public, however, the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors is prohibited.

What's very local

Coffee shops are an institution in Greece. Spending hours in front of a cup of coffee while looking at the passers-by and chatting is a tradition. Eating an ice cream while walking is also a tradition.

Kids

Children are welcome everywhere in Greece, including in bars and of course in restaurants. It is up to the parents to decide

Bars, private clubs: minors (under 18 years old) are not allowed to enter or be present in entertainment businesses and bars

Discotheques, casinos: minors not accompanied by their parents or persons responsible for their education are not allowed

Smokers

Tolerance for smokers in Greece is legendary and continues, although it will eventually disappear!

Tourist traps

Don't let yourself be swayed: it's not the establishments with touts that are the most typical or the most friendly.