A night out in Athens, already planned for you. This Athens bar hopping pub crawl runs from Monastiraki and strings together three nightlife stops with free shots per pub and a guide who keeps things moving. I like the simple structure: you’re not hunting addresses at 11pm, and you get a clear sequence of venues. I also like the social angle—game-style hangouts and team energy that makes it easier to talk to new people.

The main thing to consider is that the evening can shift. Some nights a venue may be too crowded for your group, which can mean a stop gets skipped or the exact vibe changes (including how much the guides lean into games).

Key points to know before you go

• Three main stops around Monastiraki starting at 9:00pm and returning to the meeting point
• Free shots at each pub plus cocktail discounts at the second stop
• Skip-the-wait entry and free entrance mentioned for clubs/venues
• Drinking games and group socializing are part of the pitch, but the energy can vary by night
• Private tour format so it’s only your group moving together
• Stop timing is flexible in real life when bars are crowded or have their own events

Athens at 9pm: the easiest way to find your footing

Monastiraki is where the nightlife starts. The NightCrawlers crawl meets at Pl. Monastirakiou 1 and kicks off at 9:00pm, so you hit the bars while people are still rolling in, not after the music has already peaked.

What I like about this setup is how practical it feels for a first-time night out in Athens. Instead of bouncing around on your own, you follow a plan built for walking between venues and time at each stop. And because it ends back near the start point, you’re not stuck figuring out transport at the end of the night.

The price—$22.73 per person for 3 to 5 hours—isn’t just for someone to walk you around. In this case, you’re paying for access (free entrance / skip waiting line) and per-venue perks (free shots, plus cocktail discounts at the second bar). That’s where the value usually shows up if you’re the type who would otherwise order a couple drinks anyway.

Favorita: a Greek-island style warm-up with a free shot

The first stop is Favorita, positioned as a Greek island style bar with unique shots and cocktails. Plan for about one hour here. The tone matters at the start of a crawl, and this one aims to get everyone loosened up quickly.

One detail I really like from the info: you’re greeted with a shot from the owner. That kind of welcome does two useful things. It breaks the ice fast, and it sets the pace so your group doesn’t spend the first half-hour figuring out who’s ordering what.

A small consideration: some bar crawls make you feel like you’re only “there for the shot.” This one tries to feel more like a real bar night by including cocktails and a dedicated hour before moving on. Still, if you’re hoping for a calm lounge vibe, you should know that nightlife energy builds as the night progresses.

Dos Gardenias: Latin bar vibes and the dancing-instructor promise

Next up is Dos Gardenias for about one hour. It’s described as a beautiful Latin bar with a dancing instructor, and that’s a big part of the appeal if you want the night to feel more like an organized party than a quiet drink session.

In practice, this stop is where you’ll decide how social you want to be. A dancing-instructor style venue tends to create a ready-made conversation starter—people watch, laugh, copy moves, and suddenly the group has something to talk about besides ordering.

One thing to keep in mind: the “dancing instructor” promise may depend on the night. There was at least one complaint where the instructor aspect didn’t happen as expected. So I’d treat it as a good chance, not a guaranteed show.

Backdoor Athens: where the night leans into karaoke and longer time

The final stop is Backdoor Athens, with about two hours allocated. This is where the crawl typically becomes more of a nightlife hangout: the venue may arrange karaoke nights and other live shows, depending on what’s going on that evening.

This longer time slot matters because the last bar is often where people decide whether to keep going or tap out. Some groups love it when the end stop has more energy and more to do. And if you’re the type who likes singing—even badly—karaoke is a huge social equalizer.

A downside that can pop up in any pub crawl: guides sometimes shift from “tour mode” to “drop you at the party” mode as the night gets late. Some people felt the guides stayed with the group less than they expected once they hit the final club-like environment. If you want a strong guided presence the whole time, go into the experience with the mindset that the last stop is more freeform.

Free shots and skip-the-line entry: where the money really goes

Here’s the deal that makes this crawl different from a simple walking tour: the package includes free shots per pub and free entrance, with mentions of skipping waiting lines for clubs.

You also get cocktail discounts at the second pub. That can add up if you’re into trying a mixed drink rather than sticking to beer or basic spirits.

What’s not included is hotel pickup and drop-off. Also, while you’ll get free shots, additional drinks can cost extra. That’s consistent with complaints that people had to pay for drinks beyond what was comped. So budget for at least a couple paid drinks if you want a full night out.

If you’re value-minded, do a quick mental math before you go:

• If you’d normally buy at least a shot or two anyway, the included shots reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
• The skip-the-line element is worth something in Athens where popular venues can get slow at peak times.
• The cocktail discount at the second stop is your best “try something new” moment.

Meeting people without the awkward start

A pub crawl can be hit-or-miss socially. This one tries to push you past the awkward part with drinking games and group energy.

The best feedback leaned hard on this: guides were described as friendly and punctual, and people said the crawl helped them meet others from around the world. One guide name that shows up clearly is Labros, who was praised for being very nice and making the night feel welcoming.

Safety came up too, especially around how guides looked out for women in the group. That matters on a nightlife outing because it’s not only about fun—it’s about keeping everyone feeling comfortable in a loud environment.

Still, the “drinking games” part isn’t always consistent. Some complaints said games didn’t happen or the guide wasn’t actively participating. That doesn’t mean the crawl is bad—it means you shouldn’t treat the games as guaranteed entertainment like a paid show. If games happen, it’s a bonus. If they don’t, you should still be able to enjoy the bars and socialize on your own with the group.

Private tour energy: good for groups, flexible for solo visitors

This is listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That’s a meaningful difference. You’re not getting shoved into a massive mixed group where you can’t move or talk.

For couples and small friend groups, private format is a win because it keeps the night aligned. For solo visitors, private format can also help—especially if the guide uses the group to create introductions rather than letting you wander separately.

One practical note: some people reported that the group size affected what happened on the tour night. If a venue can’t accommodate the group, stops can shift. If the overall number of bookings is low, the operator might ask to swap dates. I’d consider that part of the “real world” of nightlife tours.

When the plan changes: crowded venues and last-minute swaps

Nightlife logistics are messy by nature. Bars fill up. DJs start late. Owners make decisions based on capacity.

In this crawl’s case, a few people reported that stops were skipped due to crowding, including situations where the second venue didn’t work. Others reported guide changes or time expectations that didn’t match what they hoped for. There were also reports of a guide not showing up at one scheduled time, followed by a refund handled through support after the guide couldn’t be reached.

So here’s my practical take: treat the itinerary as a target. You’re buying access to a fun guided night with included perks, not a guaranteed checklist of exact venues every single time. If you’re booking for a specific night where missing a stop would ruin your plans, consider leaving some wiggle room.

Who should book this Athens bar hopping crawl

This crawl is a strong fit if you want:

• A guided Athens nightlife plan centered on Monastiraki
• Free shots and free entrance so your night starts with less decision fatigue
• A group setup that helps you talk to people, not just “stand in line”
• Karaoke or live-show potential at the final stop

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need guaranteed, consistent drinking games and constant guide interaction
• Are extremely sensitive to schedule changes (like skipping a venue)
• Want hotel pickup or a fully all-inclusive drink package (this isn’t that)

If you’re thinking about it for a first night in Athens, this can be a smart move because it solves the hardest part: figuring out where to go and how to enjoy it without getting lost.

Should you book NightCrawlers Athens Bar Hopping?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a fun, social Athens pub crawl where the value comes from included shots, free entrance, and guided pacing through three major stops. The strong praise ties directly to that: welcoming guides (including Labros), good group vibe, and the feeling that it’s easier to meet people than doing nightlife solo.

I’d think twice if you’re the type who expects a perfect itinerary with every promised element landing exactly as described. Night out details can shift—especially when a venue is packed or the night turns into more of a club scene where the guide naturally reduces involvement.

If you want nightlife with direction, this is a solid bet. Just go in with flexibility and bring a mindset of: enjoy the bars, accept that the city runs on real-time chaos, and you’ll have a much better night.

FAQ

Where does the pub crawl start?

It starts at Pl. Monastirakiou 1, Athina 105 55, Greece.

What time does it begin?

The start time is 9:00 pm.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 3 to 5 hours.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The included perks are free shots per pub, free entrance (including skipping the waiting line) and cocktail discounts at the second pub.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If weather forces a cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.