Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
An ancient capital with thousands of years of history, Gay Athens today is a mixture of affordable luxury, world-class archaeological monuments, grungy neighborhoods, and flamboyant nightlife. And don’t get us started on some of the most handsome and stylish men Europe has to offer…
Athens – much like the eternal city of Rome – has the power to draw you in and leave you utterly enchanted: whether it’s the mythology, the drama, the creative energy or just the Acropolis views visible from almost everyone in the city – There is just so much to love here.
Gay travelers, in particular, also flock here for the wild (if slightly hidden) nightlife, gay stories about the ancient Greeks, cruisy beaches and friendly locals.
Sure, Athens might not have the surreal beauty or gay mecca status of Mykonos, but it is easily the most liberal city in Greece (sorry Gay Thessaloniki) and, for the most part, offers a progressive European mentality regarding the rights of its LGBT community.
Gay travelers here will find Southern European hospitality wins out over the strong influence of the conservative Greek Orthodox Church. While many anti-discrimination laws exist, many local Greeks maintain a discreet life behind closed doors rather than the ‘ loud, here and queer’ attitude you might find in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris or Lisbon.
This, of course, should not put you off visiting Gay Athens, where you will find yourself welcomed wherever you go – just don’t expect colorful rainbow flags to be marking your way.
Unlike much of the world, the modern Athenian LGBT scene is rapidly growing and finding its feet in the trendy Gazi neighborhood where most gay clubs and bars are located, but the city center is also experiencing a second coming, so there is plenty of options.
So what are you waiting for? Channel Zeus, the god of Destiny and Fate or maybe Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine, Pleasure, and Festivals, and let yourself fall head over heels for Gay Athens.
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Athens
Naturally, being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see in each city, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Athens during the day!
Athens is a relatively tolerant city, but public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum, especially if you do not have to draw attention. Outright hostility is unlikely, but many Greeks may be uncomfortable with homosexual displays of affection – especially outside tourism and recreation areas.
Usually, you maybe just get frowned upon by the older generation, but they are unlikely to talk to you directly about it. Our advice: Be a gay couple, don’t hide your love but be conscious of those around you when you do.
Following this advice, you are unlikely to have issues exploring this beautiful and diverse city, where even the essential list of things to do in Athens will keep visitors entertained for at least a couple of days -gay, straight or unicorn. Here are just a few of our favorites (outside of the gay village…we will get to that!)
Head out on a Full-day cruise to these magical islands, just a short trip from Athens. Explore each island independently at your town pace but do not miss the Temple of Aphaia on Egina island. Complete with a Greek lunch, served on board your ship and plenty of that Meditteranean sun – what could be more fabulous?
Plaka
An adorable village-Esque suburb tucked away in the shadow of the Acropolis, complete with tapered cobblestone streets and small shops selling jewelry, clothes and local knick-knacks.
Stop off at cute sidewalk cafes or wander into family-run tavernas, or if you have more energy, continue on to the whitewashed homes of the adjoining Anafiotika neighborhood – basically Greek island vibes like Mykonos without …well, actually going!
Acropolis of Athens and New Acropolis Museum
Journey back to Ancient Greece with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Acropolis of Athens and the New Acropolis Museum. Visit the Theatre of Dionysus and Dionysus Sanctuary, stroll past the Propylaea gateway and the Temple of Athena Nike, then stand in awe before the grand ruins of the Parthenon, looking down over Athens below.
After exploring the sprawling citadel, don’t skip the New Acropolis Museum, where you can learn about the excavations as you browse more than 4,000 artifacts unearthed from the Acropolis.
Kolonaki
Sophisticated Kolonaki is a hub for swanky shopping, where intercontinental fashion labels and Greek designer boutiques vie for face and customers with glossy concept stores and upscale galleries.
If you are looking for the jet-set glitterati, this is where you will find them, handing out at fine dining restaurants or in any of the chic bars. The perfect place to stay in Athens if you don’t feel like confining yourself to the gay ghetto.
Experience the best of Athens in one day and your own way, with this City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Athens bus tour. Travel around by open-top double-decker bus and create your own sightseeing itinerary. Learn about Athens’ history from the onboard audio guide and choose from three routes with 37 stops total. Perhaps visit the spectacular Acropolis, the cobbled streets of the Plaka, the New Acropolis Museum, or other top sights—you set the pace and choose where to explore on foot.
Limanakia
The most well-known gay beach in Athens, but a 30-minute drive out of the city. Crystal clear waters, hot men and a very cruisy attitude – especially during the steamy summer months. It is a rocky nudist beach with plenty of hidden caves, so bring flip-flops, swimwear, and everything you might need are there are no shops nearby. If you are not hiring a car in Athens, you can also use the E22 bus that leaves from Syntagma square.
Sightseeing made easy! Enhance your experience of Athens on a 4-hour mythological tour of the ancient Greek city. Alongside an entertaining guide, visit significant landmarks like the Acropolis and the Olympian Zeus Temple and listen to the captivating myths surrounding each monument. Hear tales that combine myth, legend and historical fact; admire the morbid majesty of the ancient Keramikos cemetery, and gain valuable insight into the culture of modern and ancient Greece on this educational tour.
Wine is even a part of Greek Mythology. Ancient stories say that Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, gave Icarius the knowledge of how to cultivate grapes, which then led to wine production in the area. Within the city, you can join wine-tasting tours, where a sommelier will take you on a journey through some of Greece and Athens’s award-winning wines.
You’ll have excellent little snacks that are paired with each bottle to enhance the flavors of both products. If you’re new to the world of wine, you’ll leave the tasting session with a brand-new appreciation of vineyards, sommeliers, and, in general, wine.
Eat dinner in a revolving restaurant suspended in the sky during this 1.5-hour experience in Athens. From a bird’s eye view at 165 feet (50 meters) in the air, get pictures of the city of Athens lit up at night, including the illuminated Acropolis, as the table slowly rotates.
With 22 dining companions, feast on a 5-course meal of modern and traditional Greek dishes with unlimited wine. Choose between Sunset Dinner or City Lights Dinner.
For something, a little more grounded, you should consider dining at the world-class NYX restaurant located on the Academias Hotel’s sumptuous rooftop. Here you can order Japanese-influenced cuisine, which you will be thinking about long after the last bite is gone.
Lycabettus Hill outlooks – not to mention exceptional service. Exceptional, fresh, and raw produce features heavily in elegant dishes such as crispy tuna tartar, King Crab marinated with kosho sauce and marinated seabass ceviche infused with yuzu and green herbs.
The menu is sharing style, and one of those rare places that manage to perfect every dish yet still offer more choices than you could possibly try in one sitting, which is perfect as you will undoubtedly want to come back. You might book for the view, but you will return for the food – and the cocktails!
Escape the urban energy of Athens for the day and set sail for the Saronic Islands aboard a large Greek sailing ship. Find your favorite spot on deck to soak up the Mediterranean sun while island-hopping to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina.
From ancient temples and wild peacocks to pristine beaches and an optional bike ride, there’s something for everyone at each stop. A day full of highlights, but swimming and snorkeling right off the boat has to be at the top!
Indulge your inner foodie on this 4-hour gourmet tasting tour and sample the edible delights of Athens. Take to the streets for a walking tour of Athens’ cafés, markets, delicatessens, and street food haunts.
Enjoy the undivided attention of your private food-expert guide as you uncover the secrets of Greek cuisine and learn more about the city’s culinary heritage. Stop along the way to sample local treats like sweet donuts, Greek bread, and regional cheeses, washed down with Greek wine and freshly brewed coffee.
If you have more time on your hands, why not discover two of the Greek UNESCO World Heritage sites in one overnight trip? Explore the archeological site of Ancient Delphi, be amazed by the Sanctuary of Apollo and learn all about the connection to the Greek god Zeus.
Then visit two of the famous rock monasteries in Meteora – all while enjoying relaxing overnight 3- or 4-star hotel accommodation with dinner in Kalambaka, near Meteora. Easy!
Santorini Experience from Athens
Discover the epic cliffs, whitewashed towns and beaches of Gay Santorini on this 2-day independent trip from Athens. Ride a ferry across the Aegean Sea to this volcanic gem, and enjoy ample free time to enjoy the island as you wish, with no included excursions or activities.
Explore sugar-cube villages, relax on the beach, and catch a Santorini sunset — it’s your choice. Overnight 2-star superior, 3-star or 4-star accommodation, round-trip central Athens hotels’ transfers, and return ferry crossings are included. Upgrade to enjoy a 5.5-hour speedboat crossing for more time on Santorini.
An Athenian production house that supports and bolsters the development of all forms of queer arts and culture, featuring international, emerging and already-established artists.
They curate the Queer Archive Festival and host amazing parties, gigs and immersive experiences in collaboration with brands, clubs and organizations, creating a platform for our family of performers, musicians, and DJs to meet their queer audience. Check out their upcoming events for the crazy full, and unusual.
A fabulous week-long celebration of the city’s fascinating same-sex history, and a political protest demanding better treatment and acceptance of Greece’s LGBT / Rainbow community.
In a country where homosexuality is still mostly taboo for many politicians and is actively opposed by the dominating Orthodox Church, Athens Pride is fundamentally necessary and important as it gives at least one day a year when the queer community feels celebrated for just being themselves.
Started in 2005 and held annually in June, Athens Pride attendance has skyrocketed in recent years and 50,000 people turned out for last year’s parade, which features queer bike rides, epic street parties, a giant parade, awareness lectures, and oh-so-many parties!
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Athens
As you would expect, most hotels and hostels in Gay Athens can be considered gay-friendly – after all, being gay-friendly is not all about upscale luxury, but about providing friendly and open service and welcoming everyone with open arms!
Having said that, everyone likes to be surrounded by people with common interests, and as such, there are a few favorite hotels in Athens that are known hot spots for gay travelers to stay!
There are no gay hotels in Athens exclusively for gay men, but some have been a crucial part of the gay scene because of their location, while others are just known for being exceptionally welcoming to gay guests.
If you want gay hotels in Greece, you should instead explore the LGBT accommodation options in Mykonos, including the fabulous Elysium Gay Hotel. But for Athens, the following hotels are only the most popular with gay travelers and can all be relied on for an extraordinary stay, but there are hundreds of other hotels in Athens if you don’t find quite what you are looking for.
Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap room to crash after a night of partying or a designer boutique option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people – Gay Athens has something for everyone!
A glorious luxury hotel inspired by the philosophy, science, and arts that originated in Athens, the Academias offers a contemporary interpretation of Plato’s Academy with chic olive green, gold and marble color palette. Think Ancient Greece, but in the modern day.
There is a total of 60 rooms and suites on-site, all of which presents a place to recharge, regroup and relax before heading back out again to tackle this ancient city.
You’ll have the choice between three different room styles and one suite option, all of which are elegantly designed and spotless. We loved the uber-comfortable beds, luxury bathroom amenities, fully-stocked minibar and fun pillow menu.
Suites also offer living rooms and sofabed if you are looking for a bit more space. On top of all this, there is a rooftop restaurant/bar offering views of the Acropolis (NYX), a wonderful à la carte breakfast and a posh lobby bar.
Other amenities also include a heated indoor pool, a spa, a sauna and a full gym. Supremely positioned with all of Athens highlights within walking distance and only a short cab from the Gazi Gay Area (which we don’t recommend staying in), it is no wonder the Academias Hotel Athens is so gay-popular.
A neo-modernist marvel, the gay-friendly Perianth Hotel is another luxury hotel honoring contemporary Greek culture in the heart of its ancient capital, Athens. Situated in Agias Eirinis square next door to the all-day gay Rooster Cafe and near many of the Greek capital’s major attractions (but off the typical tourist trail), Perianth Hotel is unpredictable in many ways.
Conceived by one of Greece’s hottest design firms, K-Studio, the hotel’s interiors are inspired by the Athenian modern movement, with a streamlined art deco facade revealing rooms with spectacular Acropolis views and curated artworks by contemporary Greek artists on proud display throughout.
Perianth Hotel is perfect for lovers of art, as they are renowned for supporting the local Athens art; their staff is experts on the local art hubs, pop-up exhibitions, and current ongoings. Set in a 1930s modernist-style building, there is a cultivated restaurant/bar, plus a wellness area offering yoga, meditation and martial arts classes.
One of the most unique and sort after hotels in Athens, New Hotel offers a synergy of visual and tactile experiences in a prominent central city location. Hip, trendy and a real labor of love, this hotel is exceptionally gay-popular, and it is easy to see why.
A restructured modernist building with salvaged materials recast as living art, a place where design and culture fuse and guests feel like they are sleeping in some avant-garde gallery. Eclectic and funky, there is a happening restaurant, a lush wellness spa and a top-floor terrace with one of Athens’s best views.
Frequently sold out, we think the New Hotel is probably the best gay luxury hotel in Athens, although, to be clear, there is no hotel in Athens just for us queers…
Positioned on an energetic street lined with shops and restaurants, this classy hotel is only a short walk to a metro station and –even better – just a 15-minute walk from the ancient Acropolis of Athens.
Very gay-popular, this brand new 5-star hotel in the heart of the city is modern Athens at its finest with an impressive atrium in the center of the hotel, a unique Roof Garden with a spectacular view of the Parthenon and the entire city and Retro Chic style apparent throughout in the interior architecture and design.
The rooms are divine, as you would expect, many with incredible views, plus there is also an elegant lobby bar, book-themed eatery and luxe spa to pamper yourself in.
Set in the historic Kolonaki neighborhood, this award-winning architectural design hotel has chic minimalist rooms, beautiful public spaces, and fabulous service. A young, enthusiastic and seductive urban haven with affordable prices complimented by the latest technological advancements resulting in a sense of comfort and ease throughout your entire stay.
The Zillers Boutique Hotel ☆☆☆☆
Am an airy neoclassical building by German architect Ernst Ziller and recently transformed into a gay-popular boutique hotel. The Zellers Boutique Hotel offers an authentic city stay with elements of the past brought to today with style and absolute respect for the history and the significance of Athenian principles.
Featuring hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, Acropolis views, French balconies, and a complimentary breakfast, this is a luxury stay without all the unnecessary add-ons that tend to push the price up.
A modish entry to the city’s most eclectic neighborhood, this fabulous hotel is all about understated luxury and design. Perfect for a relaxing sleep followed by a delicious homemade breakfast, there is also custom bedding, the use of loaner bikes and sweeping views of Athens from the casual rooftop cafe/bar.
A trendy gay hotel in Athens, close to Gazi gay area and a short walk from FLEX Sauna. Ok, again, it is not a gay hotel, but that can be hard to tell at times! An urban resort with an unconventional atmosphere and entirely personalized service, we loved enjoying a cocktail at the Air Lounge roof bar and the unforgettable feeling of calmness. Oh, and the low room prices helped too!
A very affordable boutique hotel close to the Gazi gay village in Athens, and basically next door to the gay sauna Ira Baths. Featuring hip, neutral décor and a complimentary breakfast buffet, this is the perfect place to stay on a budget – or if you plan on not spending much time in your room!
A design hostel in the heart of Athens with a panoramic terrace where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Acropoli. If you are looking to stay cheap in Athens and don’t mind sharing a dorm, this could be a great option – or just to meet friends to go out and explore the city with.
There is also a free continental breakfast, laundry service, and locker rentals, but remember this is still a hostel at the end of the day…so results may vary.
Gay Nightlife in Athens
We are not even sure where to start as the wild gay nightlife in Athens took us by surprise, especially given the more conservative attitudes and lack of rainbow flags in Athens. Sure, in public, the LGBT community might not be so ‘out and proud’ in Athens but in the relative safety of bars and clubs, the gay Greeks sure know how to let their freak flag fly.
If you become as overwhelmed as we were, the only thing you really need to know is that most of the gay bars are found in the fashionable Gazi area …, but Gazi is by no means the only place to spend the night with your global queer family so don’t be afraid to explore a little further afield.
Athens has something for everyone, from utterly over-the-top glitter queer club parties to relaxed pubs and chic cocktail bars, and that is without exploring all the LGBT-friendly options. If none of these gay venues seem for you, remember many gays in Athens don’t feel the need to segregate themselves and can somewhat discreetly be found at fashionable establishments all over town…
But with a gay nightlife scene as fabulous as this, you would be foolish to not sample at least a few of the LGBT venues in Athens…
Gay Bars in the Gazi Gay Village
Woof! Yes, BIG Bar was not only the first dedicated bear bar for bears, cubs, otters, wolves, and admirers but remains one of the most popular… Welcoming to all with a very jovial vibe, affordable drinks, and flowing conversation. A great place to start the night out, get the gossip or figure out where to head next in Gay Athens.
Delicious cocktails, modern food, and relaxed streetside dining… Yes, please! Sure, Del Sol Café is not technically a ‘gay bar,’ but we couldn’t have told that when we visited as there were handsome men coming and going all day long. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but most popular in the early evening, which is a nice change from most gay bars in Athens that frequently don’t open until 9 or 10 pm.
A small gay music bar with friendly service and a DJ pumping greek music until the early morning. A mixed crowd so better described as hetero-friendly with an entertaining atmosphere and excellent service!
Dyari Cafe
(temporarily or permanently closed. If that’s wrong, please suggest an edit.)
A relaxed hybrid café and bar owned by two gay men who make sure everyone feels welcome with their eccentric sense of humor. Excellent coffee, a good selection of beers and fab cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
A fun bar that basically transitions to a gay nightclub as the night rolls on, David is a new addition to Gazi gay nightlife but a very welcome one. Start with casual cocktails or maybe a coffee, as the LGBT party here goes until 6 in the morning most weekends. More casual than other gay nightclubs in Athens, which is perfect if you do not want to dress up.
Other Gay Bars in Athens
What a name for a gay / café bar – but yes Cock (Rooster?) fills the void of gay venues in Athens city center by creating a buzzy all-day gay hangout. Perfect for people-watching, starting the night before heading to the Athens gay district, or merely gorging on pasta, pizza & comfort food – Carbs don’t count when you are on holiday, right?
Test Me
(temporarily or permanently closed. If that’s wrong, please suggest an edit.)
Technically, a gay bar, but it really just is just a gay-for-pay brothel with unprofessional escorts, mostly from Albania and the Middle East. We don’t recommend going here, but if you do – be careful in the area and especially inside the bar. Wallets and cash can easily go missing…
The most reliable place to go for a drag show in Athens, this kitschy but fabulous cabaret bar is exactly what it claims to be: a small drag club with high-camp fun and hilarious parodies. Shows generally don’t start until 1 am, and even though they are frequently in Greek, you will still have a blast. Unique and something a bit different!
Gay Clubs in Athens
The place in Gay Athens to experience wild queer nightlife frequented by hot, younger men. There are two dance areas giving you a choice of deep house or pop music, and it is insanely popular on Saturday for there are no school/work parties and Monday for Greek Night – but expect large crowds every day in summer.
There is a €7 entry charge most nights, but strong drinks, cute bartenders and busy dance floors make this worth it.
A gay dance club in Athens city center known for its money boys and downstairs play area. Playing modern Greek music with shows every Saturday night, Bizzar Club draws a crowd with an appetite for “fun.”
A fabulous gay nightclub in the Gay Gazi district fuelled by style, beautiful people and a skilled DJ with a penchant for Greek and international music hits. Very fashionable, a great place to party until sunrise, chat and feel like one of the most trendy people in town…
Another popular gay club in Gazi with a mixed crowd and frequent live music. Very cozy, with a good atmosphere conducive to light dancing and actually enjoying music.
A new queer club in Athens city center is quickly gathering a reputation for glamourous drag shows and an entertaining party environment. Check their Facebook page for upcoming themed events, which are not to be missed… The Real Housewives of Athens or Female Icons – Pride Edition, anyone?
Another epic gay club in Athens ideally suited for hook-ups or just to let off some steam as it gets really wild. Certainly not for everybody’s taste, but it is conveniently located in Gazi, has occasional open bar nights (great value) and frequent themed parties with hot-as-hell go-go dancers and large crowds.
A more relaxed gay club in Athens with plenty of space, nice music, and beautiful people who actually talk to each other. The seating outside gives Shamone an almost beachy vibe, and while there are fabulous parties most weekends, it is also worth looking out for their drag shows and Rupaul’s Drag Race screenings. Just don’t forget to take your drag queen merch to look the part…
Gay-Popular Bars In Athens
A divine rooftop bar in the gay area of Gazi. They have some creative cocktails to tempt you to try something new, and in the summertime, they host a fun Bachata Latin party on Mondays called Lights Out. It goes without saying that the view is amazing.
Not so much queer-popular, as popular with everyone – but for a good reason. This is one of the world’s best bars with artisanal cocktails, the likes of which you are likely to never have experienced. The atmosphere and staff are second-to-none, and it is centrally located, so you won’t have a problem fitting in. The Aegean Negroni was our personal favorite.
A great lively bar with a large terraced seating area in the garden complete with gorgeous fairy lights, communal tables and terrific cocktails. A fabulous place to start the night before Gazi, or to go for chilled conversations.
Billed as an all-day/all-night cultural entertainment center with a penchant for techno gigs, there is also a range of LGBT events held here throughout the year in their upstairs club (with a separate entrance from the main street) so check their website for events details.
Gay Sauna in Athens
Had enough of gay cruising in Athens – either in the bars or elsewhere? If you desire a bit more guaranteed action, the gay saunas in Athens will not disappoint you (unlikely all those faceless accounts on Grindr or the other hook-up apps…).
In such a popular holiday destination, you should have no issues visiting any of the Athens gay saunas, though it is always a bit of a lucky dip in terms of who you might find. Then again, this is half the fun, right? If you are nervous or have not been before, you could always check out our first-time gay sauna guide for some easy hints and tips.
The best gay sauna in Athens is found in the heart of the Gazi gay area, just steps from the Kerameikos metro station. An ideal destination to start and finish your night out in Athens, with a strong commitment to diversity and welcoming all ethnicities, sexual preferences, age groups, and tribes.
About as stylish and trendy as a sauna can get, there are four floors of fun cruising and relaxing spaces, including a bar with coffee, drinks & snacks, a garden, private cabins with TV, lockers, safe boxes, two saunas, steam room, jacuzzi, sling and steam labyrinth play-room.
Alexander Sauna also boasts an X-Action Area (with Drag & Strip Shows, happenings & parties), the biggest darkroom in Athens, naked parties), free towels, slippers & condoms, and a mini-shop with the best gay underwear brands and any accessories you may need.
Basic gay sauna in the Omonoia area, offering a cruising experience more similar to the gay hammams in Istanbul, Antalya or Ankara. Still, there is a fun cruise area, a relatively clean sauna and secluded rooms that have a loyal following of locals.
Located in the city center of Athens, this is a popular place for Greeks and tourists to come together for four floors of naughty fun.
Recently renovated, but still, of dubious quality, Flex draws in an older crowd with its 30-person steam room, dark spaces, Jacuzzi, cinema, glory holes, rooftop garden, and free cabins. The longest-operating gay sauna in Athens, opening for the Olympics in 2004 – if you are nearby, why not give it a go?
Cruising and Fetish Clubs in Athens
If the bars or gay parties in Athens are too vanilla for you, perhaps these fetish clubs and cruise lounges are a better fit.
The gay fetish scene is not as wild as other places in Europe like Rome, Paris, Vienna, and Prague, but it still has something to pique the curiosity of those who dare to embrace their darker passions! For the uninitiated, this could be the perfect place to explore your curiosities and hidden desires…
A gay cruise club in Athens is conveniently located in the heart of the Gazi gay area. There is an extensive collection of films to watch in the cinema, private cabins, a maze, glory holes, a large cruise area and a sex toys for men shop. What more could you ask for, really? A bit more hygiene and more of a crowd, actually – since it never seems to get too busy here.
The newest gay sex club addition to Athens is spread across two floors. The jury is still out on quality, but there is a cinema, private spaces and a dark room if you want to give Lamda a try. There is also a very sexy store selling adult toys and underwear.
Gay Map Of Athens
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Athens? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!