This sexy Greek daddy can teach you everything you need to know about Athens
We traveled to Greece to find the best of Athens.
Mark
When my partner and I traveled to Greece earlier this year for a cruise around the islands, we used Misterbnb to find a place to stay. We wanted to ensure the host was gay-friendly and less expensive than a standard hotel.
So when we came across Costas Lazarides’ post and saw that he was an expert on queer nightlife in the area, we knew we’d found the right host. He lives south of the city near the popular gay beach Limanakia, which was also a draw.
Born and raised in the area, Costas spent some time living abroad before returning home. He travels regularly and admits that seeing new countries and experiencing their local cultures are among his greatest joys. So if he’s able to return the favor and highlight what Athens has to offer from a local’s point of view, why wouldn’t he?
Not only was he a thoughtful host, but he was also generous with his insider knowledge, sharing his thoughts on Athens nightlife, hotels, restaurants, and bathhouses with GayCities.
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What should a queer tourist know about visiting Athens before they arrive?
Athens is relatively LGBTQ+-friendly. Especially in central neighborhoods, queer people are obvious. Showing same-sex affection is typically fine in central areas. Outside the city center or in more traditional neighborhoods, it may attract stares or the occasional comment, but physical attacks are uncommon. Verbal harassment is rare and stems mainly from the usual late-night suspects rather than from organized hostility.
Laws protect against discrimination, but the police aren’t always culturally sensitive, especially if they are older. Most queer tourists don’t have issues, especially in tourism-heavy areas.
Some practical things to consider:
- Social-networking apps are heavily used, as are gay apps like Grindr, Tinder, and Romeo.
- Taxis are cheap by European standards, but always insist on using the meter as soon as you board to avoid extra charges.
- Greeks dine late and go out to bars and clubs after 11 pm.
- Smoking is common indoors and out, though technically banned.
For a queer tourist coming to Athens for the first time, where should they go to party?
Athens has a recognized gayborhood centered around the Kerameikos metro station and extending into Gazi, but LGBTQ-friendly nightlife is not limited to that district. Gazi is the hub for explicitly gay nightlife, but Athens is overall very queer-friendly, and you’ll find gay people comfortably spread across the center and southern coastal areas.
Here’s how it breaks down:
In Gazi, you will find Big Bar, Sodade 2, and Shamone. Outside the area, you will discover venues like Rooster in Monastiraki, B Cooperativa (multi-function arty space with a queer-friendly crowd and Koukles, a drag show disco club that is not to be missed.
If you specifically want to mingle with a gay crowd start at Rooster in Monastiraki (casual café with mixed/gay crowd, then move on to Big Bar in Gazi (bear-oriented but all-inclusive laid back gay bar) before heading to Shamone (jam-packed on Fridays and Saturdays with retro and current pop energy from the local and international music scenes) and end up in Sodade 2, an iconic lgbtq+ venue open Thursday to Monday, offering two music stages on Fridays and Saturdays.
What about the nightlife outside of that area? What are the bars that tourists shouldn’t miss?
For people like me in the southern metropolitan areas of Athens, we typically go into town for specific events, such as friends’ birthdays, concerts, and theater performances, as there is a wide range of options available around Glyfada and the Athenian Riviera. On weeknights, we may go for dinner or a drink in areas like Syntagma or Exarhia. On Friday/Saturday nights, we aim for bar-hopping in Kolonaki, Gazi, or Monastiraki.
Some signature spots downtown include The Clumpsies (offers unique cocktails by distinguished bartenders, Greek World Class Winners), six D.O.G.S (artsy bar with courtyard in Monastiraki), Fouaré on Kolokotroni St. behind the old parliament building, and Hoxton in Gazi for DJ sets and dancing.
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There are saunas and bathhouses in the city, but they’re not all gay. What are they like?
There are saunas, hammams, bathhouses, and spa-type facilities around Athens. They tend to mix traditional bath/steam rituals with modern spa amenities.
The spa at Lake Vouliagmeni should not be missed despite its distance from central Athens. Lake Vouliagmeni (Λίμνη Βουλιαγμένης) is a fascinating natural attraction that combines geological, ecological, and wellness aspects. The name means “sunken,” referring to the fact that the lake occupies a collapsed cave. It was created when the roof of a large limestone cavern collapsed, likely due to tectonic activity, about 2,000 years ago. The lake is fed by underground seawater entering through submerged caves (thermal) and by freshwater springs, which reduce its salinity. Because of this combination, the water remains warm year-round, typically between 21 °C and 29 °C.
In terms of purely gay saunas, there are:
- Flex sauna: This one is centrally located but outside the main gayborhood area. Despite complaints for inconsistent service or cleanliness, it’s a staple in Athens’ gay scene and my personal favourite.
- Alexander Sauna: Located in the heart of Gazi, it is a multi-floor cruising spa/club featuring steam rooms, saunas, dark rooms, private cabins, and a maze/labyrinth. The crowd here tends to be younger than the one at Flex. Just above the sauna, you will find the Alexander apartments. Very convenient for proximity; however, you cannot book these on the spot or instantly online. Your reservation must go through management’s approval, which will almost certainly take close to or more than one business day.
There are numerous hotels in the city center, but are there also many in the gayborhood? Would you recommend staying in the city center or in a location outside the city? Do you have a hotel you would recommend?
There are gay-friendly stays in or near the gayborhood, but the density is lower than in cities with long-established gay districts. By staying in or close to Gazi, you’ll be closer to the nightlife, bars, and clubs, and you can walk instead of using public transportation. However, it will be noisier at night, with fewer upscale hotel choices and fewer sightseeing-centric options right outside your door.
On the other hand, staying in areas like Plaka, Syntagma, Psyrri, or Monastiraki provides easier access to major monuments and a wider variety of hotels/price ranges. Still, you will need to commute to Gazi to be near the gay nightlife.
Check out A for Athens in Monastiraki. It’s above the square and the metro, with a famous rooftop bar with Acropolis views, so it’s excellent for sightseeing by day and social/nightlife by night. Monastiraki/Psirri nightlife is a short walk away; Gazi is about a 10-minute walk or a speedy metro/taxi ride. Great mid-range value here and thumbs up for location and atmosphere.
Are there any places to eat that you would recommend to a queer tourist?
If you’re looking for a comfortable, authentic Greek dining experience with excellent food, moderate prices, and a local atmosphere, Kanella is a strong choice in the Gazi/Psirri area. It’s less about high-end gastronomy and more about good, honest food in a friendly setting.
Prosopa is ideal for those seeking a refined dining experience that seamlessly blends Greek tradition with modern touches. It’s not as casual as Kanella, but it’s not ultra-formal either.
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