Athens is the dynamic capital of Greece and the birthplace of democracy itself. To walk its streets is to immerse yourself in ancient history and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest minds the world has ever known, from Socrates to Aristotle. Nowadays, it may not be the most beautiful of European capitals—in fact, it’s somewhat sprawling and even dirty in places—but it makes up for this with its infectious chaotic energy and the sheer number of exciting things to see within its boundaries.

Archaeological ruins are scattered across the city, encircled by a maze of lively markets, exquisite Greek restaurants, traditional tavernas, and souvenir shops peddling Greek mythological figures. Visitors can take shelter from the unrelenting Greek sun in world-class museums, showcasing treasures of ancient civilizations, or in galleries displaying art from across the centuries. Above all this, the impressive Parthenon stands sentinel upon the Acropolis, visible from practically anywhere in the city. As for the Greek people themselves, they are some of the friendliest in the world, with every waiter seemingly wanting to chat about where you are from and complete strangers helping lost tourists navigate the metro.

Athens also has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. As of February 2024, Greece became the first Orthodox-majority country to legalize same-sex marriage and grant gay couples the right to adopt. Despite this momentous achievement, many Greeks still live partially in the closet, but Athens is where you’ll find the largest and most progressive gay scene in the country. Gazi is one of the more popular neighborhoods, and you’ll find plenty of gay and gay-friendly venues in this area. Over time, it has become slightly less gay-focused as it’s been gentrified, but for a first-time visitor, it’s still the place to use as your base during your Athens adventure.

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Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Athens
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Athens
5. Gay Tours in Athens
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Athens Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Athens Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Beaches in Athens
10. Gay Events in Athens
11. Day Trips from Athens

General Tips

Athens is both crowded with tourists and extremely hot in the summer, especially in July and August. The best time to visit is either late spring (April/May) or fall (September/October). Visitors during these times will enjoy fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and cheaper hotels. Winters in Athens can be cold and rainy, much like the rest of Europe, but visiting for Christmas offers a unique insight into Greek Christmas traditions.

Gazi is Athens’ gayborhood and an excellent place to choose a hotel. However, it is worth noting that the area is slightly outside the city center and away from the major attractions—which could be a good thing. Also, Gazi’s gay bars, clubs, and saunas aren’t all on the same road; most are found on side streets off the central square or across the main roads surrounding it. The Psyrri area is another good, more central choice to stay in, with an abundance of nice restaurants and bars right on your doorstep. There are some dangerous parts of the city to avoid, like Omonia, Exarcheia, and Vathi—be wary of cheap hotels as they may be in these areas.

Athens' beaches are quite far from the center but are reachable by either bus or tram. The city beaches are often busy, so a good option is to pay to enter a beach club like Bolivar or Bikini Beach Bar—for a reasonable price, you get more space, peace of mind about your belongings, and waiters serving you at your sun lounger like an emperor.

Athens is quite an affordable city overall, with even the central restaurants not costing too much. Practically everyone in the city speaks English or knows someone nearby who does, so if you get lost, simply ask for directions. People are also remarkably friendly and happy to help. Speaking a little Greek certainly helps, but they understand it isn’t the easiest language to learn.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Athens has a well-developed public transport system, and you can get just about anywhere without a car. In fact, the roads get very busy, so often the metro is a better option than driving or taking the confusing buses. There are only five lines on the metro, and they are well connected, so you shouldn't have to change more than once to get anywhere. It’s still a relatively cheap city, and even taxis are not expensive.

You can reach the city center from the airport by taking metro line 3, which costs €10. Express buses also operate from the airport and drop you in several central locations. There are direct transfers as well that will take you directly to your hotel or accommodation. The ride will take you about 45 minutes to an hour. You can buy multi-day tickets that include your airport transfer, which may be a good option since Athens is a bit spread out and not necessarily a compact, walkable city.

The nearest beaches are reachable by either tram or bus. Be aware that the tram system can be a little confusing, especially on the way back into the center. Be sure to catch the right one, or you'll end up halfway down the coast! Tickets can be bought either in the metro stations or from select kiosks near the tram lines.

Gay Hotels in Athens

Luxury

King George Hotel – Near the Metro station. Offers lots of extra touches including free wi-fi, hair salon, dry cleaning/laundry, an elevator, pool umbrellas and concierge services.

New Hotel – Gay-friendly and nonsmoking. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, steam bath, gym, massages, Concierge, luggage storage, bar, food, and more.

Mid-Range

A for Athens – Well within walking distance (15 minutes or less) of Flex Sauna, Eagle Bar Cruise Bar, and other gay bars in Gazi. Don't miss the panoramic view of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace.

McQueen – Kitchenettes and suites are available. Free breakfast and Internet with bar/lounge on-site. High marks for cleanliness and service.

The Margi – Luxurious yet charming with free breakfast/Internet/parking and a fitness center, pool, bar/restaurant on-site.

Budget

Alexander Apartments – located in Gazi, the popular Alexander sauna actually has 3 apartments for rent upstairs. The apartments are modern, clean and spacious and go for about 50€ per night. The apartments are fully air-conditioned with private bathroom, a kitchen and living room.

Savoy – a great value hotel that is close to the port, making it an ideal stopover for those taking a cruise. It has clean spacious rooms, friendly staff working a 24 hour front desk and a traditional looking bar-restaurant serving a breakfast buffet in the mornings.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Athens

Acropolis & Parthenon – The Parthenon is one of the most visited monuments in the world—definitely Greece's most famous. In terms of execution and conception, the Parthenon is the finest monument on the Acropolis. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. Legend has it that Athena gifted the city an olive tree, symbolizing peace and prosperity, which can still be seen near the Erechtheion temple. Consider taking a guided tour to get the full story. Book tour →

Acropolis Museum – This museum at the foot of the Acropolis is filled with ancient Greek artifacts, as well as countless statues of both historical and mythological figures. You can spend hours here gaining fascinating insights into ancient Greek civilization. Tickets must be purchased online (or via a scan code at the entrance) and include entrance to the ruins that were uncovered below the museum during its construction. Book tour →

Ancient Agora – An “Agora” was a gathering place in ancient Athens, the center of democracy where some of the greatest minds ever known would go about their business. Now it's an amazing collection of ruins, temples, and sculptures for you to peruse. Walking through it really gives you insight into how life was in times long past. The Temple of Hephaestus, located there, is the best-preserved Greek temple in all of Greece. Book tour →

Temple of Olympian Zeus – Zeus was the king of the gods in Olympus, and the remnants of his temple still remain in the center of the city. Very little of it remains standing besides a few crumbling pillars, but it is still worth visiting such a historically important site. The temple is the big draw, but be sure to visit the gardens north of it too—check out the turtle-filled lake. There are many other ruins dotted around the city as well, but this one and the three above are perhaps the most important. Book tour →

Plaka Neighborhood – Eat and shop… rinse and repeat! You'll find restaurants, cafés, and shops on every corner within this central area. It's also the best place to really feel immersed in Athens's thrumming city atmosphere. Be sure to wander down Pandrossou Street Market for plenty of souvenir shops, stands, and street performances. Book tour →

Syntagma Square – Overlooking this central square of white marble is the Hellenic Parliament building, an impressive structure dating back to the 19th century. A highlight for visitors is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place hourly at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Parliament. Every hour on the hour, the Evzones, elite soldiers in traditional uniforms, perform a unique ritual that has to be seen to be believed. Syntagma Square is also surrounded by cafés, shops, and serves as a starting point for exploring Athens, offering a perfect blend of modern life and historical significance. Book tour →

Lycabettus hill – The highest point in Athens unsurprisingly offers the best view of both the city and the Acropolis. The 30-minute walk up the hill is challenging on a hot day, but a funicular offers an alternative. Either way, it is well worth the effort—especially for sunset. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy the view and the Church of Agios Georgios to visit. Book tour →

Gay Tours in Athens

Greece has a rich queer history, with Ancient Greek men being well-known for engaging in same-sex relationships, including some of the most famous figures like Alexander the Great and characters from Plato’s Greek tragedies. You can explore this history on your own at the museums of Athens, but you’ll gain a more intimate experience by taking a guided tour.

Midnight Rainbow Private Gay Tour – Athens is a place with a long history of sexual liberalism and offers a wide range of choices for its LGBTQ+ communities to meet, interact, and party. Greece is also considered by many to be the birthplace of gay culture, as homosexual relationships were quite common in ancient Greece. Today, it follows European standards and is considered a very safe place for gay communities, with a wide selection of gay bars, cafes, and restaurants.Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

Lithos Tavern– This establishment serves great authentic Greek cuisine at a reasonable price with fast, outgoing service and exquisite house wine. It's also ideally located in the vibrant Psyri district, and sitting on its terrace gives you the feeling of being right in the center of the action. Suggestions: the “small” kebab, Lithos wine, beef on the bone, slow-roasted joint lamb, or the Greek salad.

Bougatsadiko Psirri – This traditional family-run pie shop, bakery, and restaurant is rather legendary in the area for serving the best Greek pies, which are freshly cooked right in front of you. It's a great place to go for breakfast, but they also offer amazing pizza for a quick bite during the day. The interior is beautiful, and they also have a well-shaded terrace on the square, ideal for people-watching.

Prosopa – A very gay-friendly restaurant in front of the Ancient Agora with exquisite—if a little pricey—food. They serve amazing pork, chicken fillets, pasta, and risottos, all reasonably priced. Try these: tenderloin with fig and espresso, a salad with graviera (Greek cheese) and pear, or risotto with pumpkin.

Rooster – The ideal location for refreshing chicken dishes, fast, friendly service, and a cozy garden setting. After dinner, try the Freddo, a traditional drink, with the banoffee pie.

Kuzina – High marks for cuisine and even higher marks for atmosphere. Some favorites include braised rib of beef, chicken with veal, zucchini balls stuffed with cheese, and grilled meatballs with sumac pita bread and spearmint yogurt sauce. If you're really hungry, try the rolls filled with sun-dried tomatoes, eggplant, and lamb as an appetizer.

Kanella – An interesting mix of clientele shows up at this restaurant in the Gazi (gay) district. This modern taverna is moderately priced and a good place to people-watch while you eat.

Little Kook Athens – A whimsical, fairytale-inspired café, famous for its garish decorations with themes like Alice in Wonderland, making it one of the most Instagrammable locations in Athens. They serve delicious crepes and smoothies. Found on a small street near Monastiraki Metro station, it is a true hidden gem!

The Brunch Factory – A great option for— you guessed it—brunch! Located in the historical district, the portions will fill you up, and the quality doesn’t disappoint.

Kosta's Souviaki – A casual spot in a lively area that's an amazing choice for souvlaki.

Aleria – An upscale restaurant experience serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. The space has three different dining areas, including a beautiful patio that’s open in the summer.

Myrovolos – Known for its vibrant nightlife, this bar is popular for its lively atmosphere, particularly among women. During the day, it convincingly transforms into a popular pizza restaurant and café that opens its doors at 11 a.m.

Athens Gay Bars and Clubs

It’s important to note that the gay scene in Athens is less public compared to gay hotspots like Mykonos. However, the scene here is much more regular and local, as opposed to the seasonal and tourist-driven atmosphere you’ll find on the islands. There is no designated gay street, and although most bars and clubs are found in the Gazi area, they are scattered around—often down side streets.

Café del Sol – A late-night gay bar and all-day café. One of the most popular spots for the local LGBTQ+ community in the city.

Kouckles Club – If you love comedy and stage performances, you must stop here for nightly cabaret and drag shows.

Moe – Theme nights, DJs, and drink specials in this cozy, after-hours gay bar in Gazi’s lively gay village.

Beaver – A great lesbian spot in central Athens with good food and drinks.

Noiz – Another lesbian club with upbeat music and warm décor. It’s okay, boys—you’re welcome here as well. Just bring your own date!

Bequeer – Open on weekends and offering an awesome drag scene in Athens. They host new shows every weekend with a team of Athenian drag queens each Friday and Saturday night. Entrance is just 5 euros, which includes a beer.

Big Bar – The first—and best—bar in Athens for big and hairy types and their admirers. Cheap drinks and a friendly atmosphere make for a winning combination. Perfectly located near the gay district, it’s a great place to start a night out in Athens.

Sodade 2 – After 13 years, it remains Athens' most famous gay nightclub. DJs play several types of music on two dance floors during the weekends. Monday is Greek pop music night, offering a fully immersive experience into the world of Greek pop divas.

S-cape – In a word: legendary. Admission is 5 €, except on “open bar” nights (12 €). Go-go dancers, drag shows, DJs, special events, and theme nights. Step into one of their three cages for a unique experience. Can you S-cape?

TAF (The Art Foundation) – Not specifically gay, but it’s gay-friendly and has a relaxed scene offering art, drinks, and a vibrant alternative and hipster crowd that is welcoming to everyone.

Shamone – A super stylish club with a nice atmosphere, an outdoor chill space, and themed nights every week.

Athens Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Alexander Sauna – This is Athens' most popular gay sauna, located in the heart of Gazi. It's huge, with 4 floors of different spaces. These include more sociable areas like a garden and bar to more action-oriented areas like their two dry saunas, Jacuzzi, glory hole zone, mega steam labyrinth, and private cabins. Some areas, like the “detention cells” and “prison cabins,” are completely naked zones where more extreme action takes place. Entrance is 15€, or 7€ if you’re under 30 years old.

Ira Baths – One of the oldest saunas in Athens, but still fairly popular among locals. Located in the Omonoia area.

Flex Sauna – This sauna has a variety of facilities, including a large steam room, three saunas, Jacuzzis, solarium, TV room, dark room, relaxing area, and roof garden. Towels and slippers are provided.

8 Downtown Athens – A sexy high-end cruising establishment in the center of Athens, open to anyone of any sexual persuasion and especially popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd. They have a huge erotic cinema with 16 screenings playing porn movies—both gay and straight—and private cabins, glory holes, peep shows, and a BDSM dungeon with dark rooms.

Gay Beaches in Athens

Limanakia Beach – Yes, Athens does have a gay beach. It may not be close to the center, and it may not have soft sandy beaches, but it exists, and it’s a place where gay locals and visitors go to cool off during the warmest months of the summer. It’s about 35 minutes outside the city by car, or alternatively, you can take the E22 bus there from Syntagma Square. This is both a gay and nude rocky beach (aren’t they always?) with clear waters and some secluded corners for those looking for that sort of adventure. There are actually three coves, with the last one being the most cruisy.

Bolivar Beach Bar – Alternatively, for those not wishing to take such a long journey out of the city, there are many beaches easily reachable by a 15-minute journey on the tram from Syntagma Square. Although not specifically gay, Bolivar Beach Bar is a resort that attracts a lot of gay people among its visitors. It costs 8-10 euros to enter, depending on the day, but you get access to a private bar, restaurant, beach facilities, more space, and plenty of sun loungers. They even have parties and concerts at night from time to time, which tend to draw a mixed crowd.

Gay Events in Athens

Athens Gay Pride – Now in its tenth year, Athens Gay Pride takes place in early June. It may not be the biggest or most progressive pride event in Europe, but it’s still a fun and interesting occasion, making it worth planning a trip around if you have some flexibility. The parade, which takes place on Saturday evening, is the highlight of the weekend. You’ll also find several morning activities on Saturday, followed by a large outdoor show and party after the parade in Syntagma Square. Attendance is typically around 20,000, and in 2014, the mayor of Athens attended for the first time—a significant milestone for the local Athenian LGBTQ+ community. Dates for 2025 are yet to be announced.

Day Trips from Athens

Marathon – Here's the story behind the run: Upon receiving the stunning news of a battle victory, Phidippides (an Athenian messenger) ran an astounding 26 miles to spread the happy news to Athens. This is his run. A marathon directory can be found here… very helpful. The original course and a much more compact info/registration site can be found here. Bus: 1 hr 20 minutes for $3-$4. Book tour →

Temple of Poseidon (Cape Sounion) – There are a variety of tour types. The panoramic views are nothing short of mystical and magical. If you can plan your tour around a sunset… do it! Bus to Sounio: 2 hrs at $11-$12. Book tour →

Vouliagmeni Lake – Swim with the fish (they tickle your feet) and explore the caves and rocky ledges. Bus: 1 hour 30 minutes for $22-$25; Train: 2 hours 15 minutes for $25-$29. Book tour →

Delphi – You seldom see a real, honest-to-goodness, 5 out of 5-star rating, but here it is! Don't make the mistake of thinking, “Oh, it's just another bunch of ruins.” Peaceful yet magnificent. Majestic but humble in its holy reverence. Tours of all types are available for every wallet. You will never forget your visit to Delphi! Bus: 2 hours 45 minutes at $12. Book tour →

Frequently Asked Questions About Athens

Is Athens gay-friendly?

Athens is generally considered very gay-friendly, offering a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. While some discrimination and conservative attitudes persist, the city boasts LGBTQ+ events, inclusive venues, and an overall tolerant atmosphere. Gazi is the gay area, but LGBTQ+ travelers – like everyone – should have some caution outside of the main tourist areas. 

When is the best time to visit Athens?

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months when the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are fewer. Summers can get pretty hot and crowded, while winters are mild but rainy. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for a more enjoyable experience.

When is Athens Pride Week, and what events can I expect during that time?

Athens Pride Week takes place in mid-June with vibrant festivities, cultural events, and advocacy activities. Its colorful parade is the highlight of the weekend which takes place Saturday evening followed by a big live event in Syntagma Square. Athens’ bars and clubs spring to life. 

Are there any LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations in Athens?

Yes, Athens offers a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations including hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb options. Many establishments are welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ+ guests, providing safe and inclusive spaces to stay. It's best to stay within the center or Gazi area and advisable to check reviews for recommendations tailored to individual preferences and needs.

What are some must-visit LGBTQ+ landmarks or neighborhoods in the city?

In Athens, the Gazi neighborhood is a hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs. Exarchia is known for its alternative scene, including LGBTQ+ friendly cafes and venues. Additionally, the historic Plaka district offers charming streets and cafes where LGBTQ+ travelers can relax and explore the city's rich culture.

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