Baba au Rum

Baba Au Rum is not just a bar; it is a true legend located in the heart of Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece. This establishment is rightfully considered one of the most famous and respected cocktail bars not only in the country but also on the world stage. Its prestige is confirmed by its regular inclusion in "The World's 50 Best Bars" list, where in 2024, Baba Au Rum took a proud 17th place, significantly improving its position.

Stepping inside Baba Au Rum, you are immersed in a unique atmosphere permeated with the spirit of the 1950s and 60s. Elegant furniture, antique mosaics, and many carefully selected retro details create unmistakable vintage vibes. The cozy yet lively setting is complemented by pleasant background music, making every visit special and memorable.

As the name suggests, Baba Au Rum specializes in rum-based cocktails. The bar takes pride in its impressive collection of this noble spirit—three full spreads in the menu are dedicated exclusively to rum, offering guests an incredible variety of flavors and aromas. Thanks to its unique style, top-quality drinks, and professional service, Baba Au Rum has become a true symbol of modern Athenian bar culture and a must-visit destination for connoisseurs of fine cocktails.

Unfortunately, exact contact details for Baba Au Rum, such as a phone number or email, are often missing from public sources. For the most up-to-date information, to check opening hours, or to inquire about table reservations, it is recommended to look for the venue's official social media pages or contact local tourist information centers in Athens.

The main reason visitors flock to Baba Au Rum is, undoubtedly, to enjoy the wide selection of high-quality cocktails, with a particular focus on rum-based drinks. The menu offers both time-tested classics and unique house creations. Talented bartenders like Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis approach their craft as an art form, aiming not just to mix ingredients but to create genuine flavor masterpieces.

Among the signature cocktails that have become legendary and immensely popular are the Spicy Baba, the herbal and aromatic Les Fleurs du Mal—inspired by Charles Baudelaire's famous "The Flowers of Evil"—and the distinctive layered Buccaneer. Tasting these and other drinks happens within the bar's unique atmosphere, featuring a thoughtful retro interior and pleasant background music, making Baba Au Rum an ideal spot for an evening out, whether it’s a gathering with friends or a romantic date.

Beyond the magnificent cocktails, Baba Au Rum attracts true connoisseurs of fine spirits with its impressive rum collection, proudly displayed on the shelves. Guests can not only sample various types of this noble spirit neat but also significantly expand their knowledge of its history, production, and flavor profiles, thanks to the insights of the knowledgeable and passionate staff. This turns a visit to the bar into an educational journey into the world of rum.

Baba Au Rum boasts a prime location in the heart of Athens, making it easily accessible for both locals and the many tourists exploring the capital of Greece. Being in the central part of the city, the bar is conveniently close to many key landmarks, allowing you to easily include a visit in your itinerary.

Getting to Baba Au Rum is easy thanks to the well-developed public transport system in Athens. The nearest metro stations, from which you can take a pleasant stroll to the bar, are Syntagma or Monastiraki. These major hub stations serve several metro lines, simplifying the journey from various parts of the city. Additionally, you can reach the bar by one of the many city buses that run nearby.

If you prefer a more comfortable and faster way to travel, you can always use a taxi service, which will easily take you right to the entrance of Baba Au Rum from anywhere in Athens. Due to its central location, a taxi ride from most hotels or other central areas won't take long. Moreover, if you are walking through the historical center—for example, exploring the Plaka district or the famous Acropolis—you can reach Baba Au Rum on foot while enjoying the city's atmosphere and charming streets.

The history of Baba Au Rum began in 2009 when Thanos Prunarus, who already had ten years of experience as a bartender, decided to open his own venue in Athens. While the city was already familiar with quality cocktails at the time, Baba Au Rum was destined to become one of the pioneers that set a new direction for the development of modern bar culture in the Greek capital. From its very foundation, the bar sought to offer something more than just drinks—it created an atmosphere and shaped tastes.

Success followed quickly, and Baba Au Rum soon gained recognition not only among local connoisseurs but also on the international stage. A landmark confirmation of its high standards has been its regular inclusion in the prestigious global ranking "The World's 50 Best Bars" for ten consecutive years. Notably, in 2024, the bar not only maintained its position but rose to 17th place, improving its ranking by eight spots compared to the previous year. This reflects its unwavering quality and commitment to excellence.

Over the years, Baba Au Rum has evolved into more than just a popular bar. It has become an essential part of the cultural life of Athens, a true magnet for both locals and tourists from around the world who want to experience this legend. Thanks to its unique approach to cocktail creation, its special atmosphere, and, of course, its specialization in rum, the establishment has firmly secured its reputation as one of the best bars in the world to enjoy this noble spirit.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and unique offerings of Baba Au Rum, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 3 hours. This will be enough time to leisurely browse the extensive cocktail list, try a few signature drinks, and truly soak up the spirit of this legendary establishment in Athens.

In an hour and a half to three hours, you can not only appreciate the bartenders' craft and the taste of exquisite cocktails but also immerse yourself in the bar's unique vintage setting. It is especially pleasant to spend an evening here when Baba Au Rum fills with a special energy, making it the perfect place for a relaxed break and socializing.

Baba Au Rum warmly welcomes guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for evening and late-night relaxation. From Monday to Friday, the doors are open from 19:00 to 3:00 AM. On Saturdays, you can enjoy the bar's atmosphere even longer, from 13:00 to 4:00 AM. On Sundays, Baba Au Rum follows the weekday schedule, operating from 19:00 to 3:00 AM. This schedule makes it an excellent place to end your day or kick off a night of adventures in Athens.

Given the popularity of Baba Au Rum, especially in the evenings and on weekends, it is wise to plan your visit in advance. While the provided information does not specify if reservations are required, it is recommended to check this point to guarantee a spot, especially if you are visiting with a large group. The most current information regarding holiday hours, booking possibilities, and seasonal changes is best found on the bar's official website or by contacting them directly. Based on the daily schedule, the bar likely operates year-round, but it is always good to confirm.

A visit to such an iconic place as Baba Au Rum is a highlight in itself. However, to make your trip to Athens even more fulfilling and memorable, it's worth exploring its surroundings. Discovering nearby attractions will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere, uncover new facets of its history and culture, and get a better sense of what makes this amazing capital pulse.

After all, Athens is a city with a rich heritage, where evidence of past eras and modern cultural sites can be found at every turn. A stroll through the neighborhood where Baba Au Rum is located can turn into an exciting adventure full of discoveries. Below is a list of some interesting places within walking distance that can complement your visit.