TOP ATHENS
BY ” LE MEILLEUR ESCAPE GAME “
Updated january 2025
What is the best escape room of Athens?
We did two tours of the athenian escape rooms : in 2022 and 2024. As most of the interest is concentrated in the capital, it was not necessary for us to travel across the country to discover all these wonders. This trip will probably remain as one of the most striking. Greece can be considered as being of the same quality as Spain or the Netherlands..
Specificities of the Athenian escape rooms:
In Athens, no reception space, we go straight into the game and it’s better!
The length of the rooms is much longer than in France, often close to or exceeding two hours.
Do not expect to play from 10am to 10pm. The first slots are very late. A typical day was from 4pm to 2am with 3 escape room per day.
Actors are present in almost every room and this is what makes the magic of Athens.
The essence of the Greek scene is to create an immersive show combining cinematic close to those of the video game and actor stunts. They are most of the time synchronized with sound and light by the GM, like a control of a big show.
The horror theme is omnipresent with a rather high level of fear compared to France.
There are sometimes several “game modes” offered when booking. Don’t go there to play escape rooms without an actor, they would lose what makes them beautiful.
The ambiances (forest or small Scottish village) are perfectly transcribed thanks to an absolute mastery of smoke and lighting.
The friendliness of the managers is out of the ordinary. It gives rise to great meetings after the game.
We are against physical violence and extreme humiliation of the players. The rooms of this TOP did not have this kind of content at the time of our visit to Athens. Do not hesitate to ask locals if you have any doubts. Be aware that violent physical contact also exists in games in France, Spain or Bulgaria.
During our last trip in spring 2024, we noticed that the volume was turned up a notch compared to our first stay. After playing two rooms with very severe tinnitus, we ended up buying earplugs to play the following rooms. Having discussed it with managers, they consider that this increases immersion. To quote one of them: “Your stomach must vibrate to the sounds of the bass during an actor’s appearance…”.
We never felt insecure with the actors. The contacts are gentle, controlled and integrated into the story (taking you to another room etc.). We didn’t have this confidence in Spain unfortunately where we took some hits on rare occasions…
We have no words to describe the masterpiece of Lockhill… Is this the 3rd generation of escape room? The space is huge and could easily contain 3 or 4 traditional escape rooms. The set and atmosphere are stunning… Count on perfectly orchestrated appearances and stunts, just like the rest of the rooms of Athens. Actors also give some amazing roleplay and thrilling moments. The story of Chapels and Catacombs perfectly completes the trilogy that precedes it. It might be wise to play the first episodes of Lockhill before playing this room.
Here, we are close to an immersive adventure like the Secret Cinema or the Live Thriller. And you may know that we love it. It is more than advisable to watch the movie “Don’t breath” before playing this room. Indeed, fidelity to the feature film is close to perfection. Forget the puzzles and let yourself be carried by the action.
#3
HOUDINI
Escape World
@Athènes/Grèce
A revival in horrific escape games. Combining magic with horror: what a great idea. The goal of this escape room is not really to frighten you but to amaze you. The story-telling is captivating from the begining to the end. Escape World was inspired by the life of Houdini to create an original story that perfectly pays tribute to the famous magician. The transitions between the rooms are remarkable. We particularly appreciated the contemplative scenes, some of them include uniques and memorable special effects. Magic is concrete, palpable… Is Houdini a magician or does he have real super powers?
#4
EL EXORCISTA
No Exit
@ Athens/Grèce
We strongly advise you to watch “the Exorcist” movie before playing this room, in order to enjoy it the best as you can. Here, the performance of the actors is fabulous. Moments when you can only stand still and contemplate the beauty of the choreographies. A horror film, but in real life…
#5
AMEN
Neverland
@Athènes/Grèce
The warm-up puts you straight into the atmosphere of Amen. It contains a superb moment of acting. You will meet a serious and very convinced priest. For us, it was impossible to be an atheist at this moment : we had to believe… The decoration of Amen is superb, particularly its cracked monastic frescoes. The places quickly impose an austerity that is not very reassuring. We felt the coldness of the church, but also the sacred and supernatural aspect of the building. The highlight of the room is one of the most wow effects we have ever seen, a supernatural moment that only greek escape rooms can deliver…
#6
WANTED : DEAD OR ALIVE
No Exit
@Athènes/Grèce
This escape room is incredible because the game-master/actor is incredible. This is no longer a secret : the management of No Exit carefully picks its actors and trains them generously. The actor of our game was completely crazy. He could play all the roles, impersonate accents from any region of the world and also make hilarious facial expressions. He was so talented in terms of improvising. We gradually forgot that we were solving puzzles because he was doing everything to entertain us. The actions are integrated into the story and in particular the search which is carried out in conjunction with the actor. A true parody of western style movies.
#7
THE GRUDGE
1 Way Escape Room
@Athènes/Grèce
Another innovative theme in the world of horrific escape games. Inspired by the eponymous film (rather bad in our opinion, unlike this escape room), the story takes place in a haunted house in Tokyo. There is a great number of cinematics and these ones are incredible. Their goal is not always to scare you. Sometimes, you just need to contemplate captivating artistic sequences. The best part : sometimes, the actors will integrate you into the scene… The pace of play is perfectly managed with intense build-ups which alternate with deserved breaks. The soundtrack harmonizes everything and respects the world of Japan as much as possible. The creators worked very well on sound design. No basic horror playlist here, it’s such a pleasure !
#8
WAKE UP
Station 33
@ Athens/Grèce
That’s not the story you’re waiting for when you book the room. That’s why we’re not going to reveal any element of it. The special feature of Wake Up is that it gives moments of madness that few designers have dared before. The level of fear is quite high but creates a special link with the actors. Once accustomed to the jump-scares, the fear turns into a laugh. You have never experienced anything like this in an escape room, so breath slowly and go for it!
#9
MAMA
Escape All
@Athènes/Grèce
Spatial planning is M’ama’s strong point. It allows surprising and ultra-fast appearances. We return to the same place several times but we are always taken aback by the actors in the game and the intensity of their appearances. The original theme pays homage to Mexico with subtle references. At the end, the rhythm gets denser and denser and it never stops… never… never…
#10
THE SACRIFICE
Disappear Escape Rooms
@ Athens/Grèce
A gigantic and magnificent reproduction of a small Scottish village. The set is superb, as often in Athens. Fog dominates and easily creates the illusion of being outside. We can criticize one or two puzzles on which we have had trouble understanding the logic. But this in no way removes the fact that you can’t miss “The Sacrifice”.
#11
WOMAN IN BLACK
Coven Escape Rooms
@ Athens/Grèce
We repeat ourselves but Woman in Black is also inspired by the eponymous film with Daniel Radcliffe. Here puzzles are harder, it is rarely the case of horror experiences. The quality of the choreographed appearances is once again both remarkable and frightening.
#12
ICE TIKI
Way Out Escape Rooms
@ Athens/Grèce
Pure fun. Ice Tiki really denotes in an Athenian escape room market focused on horror. Don’t expect choreography by actors or whaou effects. Here, the goal is to make you laugh and sing for more than an hour ! A breath of oxygen that will be very useful to relax.
#13
MANIFESTO
Dark Vision Project
@Athènes/Grèce
What a crazy bet to merge Tango and horror. It’s a real dive into the world of artists that stands out from all the other rooms in Athens. Jump scares are different from other rooms, without screams and with an original way of moving. But there are also contemplative passages that are purely artistic and not horrifying. We love it! The end of the story completely stunned us. This escape game just lacks an explosive wow effect to be one of the greatest.
#14
STIGMATA
Dark Vision Project
@Athènes/Grèce
Stigmata delivers a very good story different from the common horror styles (serial-killer, exorcism, etc.). The scenario synthesizes several themes with great accuracy: psychiatry, religion, mysticism… We will also highlight the reception, which is very immersive. The first appearances are perhaps the best ones, causing the total immobilization of some of our players. We can just regret a few moments of floating and waiting in the dark, sometimes alone. Player separations could have been better managed. A room that remains original in its approach and that you can add to your list!
#15
THE LITCHVER WOODLAND
Ban Bang Theory
@ Athens/Grèce
It is probably one of the most beautiful forest scenery we have ever seen. The owner even told us that he actually planted trees inside his room to make his own wood. Although the interactions with the actors can be repetitive, the team showed us all the future improvements that will be made to the acting. Please note that the room is not automatically offered in English. Indeed, you will have to hire a translator to play the room with you, for a small additional fee.
#16
METANOIA
Neverland
@Athènes/Grèce
Metanoia is a prequel to Amen which will allow you to understand the issues of the different protagonists. The whole room consists in a huge flashback. The introduction is very nice, the setting is beautiful and the game-master is very convincing. The room looks like a maze which allows very nice actor appearances. One of them particularly amazed us as it involves two actors. Be aware that all the ins and outs of this two-part story (see Amen) are not easy to catch. The game master’s explanations are essential during the debrief.
#17
THE SANATORIUM (NIGHT MODE)
Lockhill
@ Athens/Grèce
3rd part of the “Lockhill” story, Sanatorium is an essential step to understand the screenplay of the brand. You will be immerse into a level of smoke never seen elsewhere. Therefore, it is difficult to know where the actors are, and when they will jump on you! Spare shoes may be helpful.
#18
ORFANATO
Spookey Escape
@Athènes/Grèce
The orphanage is a recurring theme in the horror genre. The setting complies with the basic idea that one can have of this type of establishment. The arrival and welcome brief are very well done and immediately put you into the game. But what follows is disappointing. The story is nothing original, the ending is predictable, no moment is memorable. The creators play on the usual horror clichés… The riddles are the downside of this escape game, often not very logical. The equipment to solve them was sometimes almost out of use. Nonetheless, we keep in mind a very well produced supernatural sequence with fascinating synchronization of sound and actor.
#19
THE SCHOOL OF THE BURNING SOULS
Lockdown Escape Rooms
@ Athens/Grèce
There are some very good ideas in School of the Burning Souls. The theme is quite unique. The original set really gives the feeling of visiting a burnt school, literally. However, the scenario and its twists are expected and predictable. Puzzles lack fluidity, which breaks immersion. The final effect is supposed to mark the apotheosis of the room. However, we found it risky for the security of the players (probably forbidden in France) and not bringing any real added value to the game.
#20
LETHAL DECISION 2 : HELL AWAITS
Escape Clue
@Athènes/Grèce
This room was ranked 22nd in the 2022 TERPECA. What the hell ? Of course, the space is huge and the number of room is impressive. There are fewer padlocks compared to most of the Athenian rooms. Finally, the intro briefing immediately sets the mood, thanks to the gloomy reception area and the acting of the game-master we had. But the rest of the game didn’t convince us. There is too many similar actors interventions. It felt like we had seen the same jump scare over and over like in a bad horror movie. The sets, costumes and masks lack credibility. The extended duration of the room (2h25) was not necessary for us because it does not provide anything additional. Above all, don’t listen to the game master’s advice which would be to run as soon as you see the monster. This is exactly how you risk hurting yourself, by hitting a wall, an object, a partner. And watch where you step so you don’t fall. Even in darkness or dense smoke! Otherwise the fall could have serious consequences. Finally, let’s mention an unrivaled level of sound intensity: earplugs essential.
#21
THE SANATORIUM (DAY MODE)
Lockhill
@ Athens/Grèce
We played the Sanatorium in its “Day” version, two years before. In this mode, you will have almost twice as many riddles to solve, but no actors to yell at you! Proof that actors are essential, the room loses a lot of its beauty in this game mode. Know that there is also a “Midnight” mode, in which you will have both the totality of puzzles to solve but also the presence of actors to distract you…
#22
PARADOX PROJECT 3 : THE MUSIC ACADEMY
Paradox Project
@Athènes/Grèce
Paradox Project fans, please, excuse us. Don’t blame us, this is just our humble opinion. In The Music Academy, we still had a better time than in The Bookstore, the brand’s second opus. First : we were 4 players and we managed to finish within the already long time limit. Immersion is once again the weak point of this opus. The soundscape partly composed of a compilation of film scores doesn’t help. It’s hard to get into this story again as the videos lack dynamism and professionalism. The puzzles are not absurd as it can be the case in some horror rooms in Athens. But again, we still don’t understand why they still amaze so many players. Nonetheless, we thank the managers of Paradox Project for their sympathy and availability.
#23
PARADOX PROJECT 2 : THE BOOKSTORE
Paradox Project
@ Athens/Grèce
It is always difficult to give a negative opinion on a room when the managers are as friendly as at Paradox Project… This second part entitled “The Bookstore” is the one that most players have described as the best of the company. This escape room was even ranked at the 2nd best room in the world at TERPECA’s 2020. So certainly, our expectations were really high. But we could not imagine being so unenthusiastic at the end. The game is very long (3h20, even more if they let you continue). The set has nothing extraordinary. As for the puzzles with a famous reputation, we have not yet understood what had so amazed the international community…
