From the hottest places to dance ‘til dawn—and where to recover the next day—to secret spots to dodge the masses, we asked members of Athens’ thriving LGBTQ+ community to share their city insights. Use them to help you get the most out of your stay in this spirited metropolis that never sleeps!
Pipi Foteini, Software Developer
The street you love best in Athens and why?
The section of Ermou Street, from Thissio station to Pireos Street. I always imagine myself there on a summer night under the glow of the Acropolis, with people everywhere singing and laughing. You see so many different people and even when it’s crowded, it always makes me feel relaxed. It’s a place where the city lights and wild beauty of Athens never go unnoticed.
What do you think surprises first-time visitors to the city the most?
I would say the Acropolis and our nightlife. Visitors are not expecting the way that the Parthenon is visible from pretty much every corner of the city or how peaceful it makes the Athenian night seem. As for the nightlife, I think people are surprised at how lively it is. In the evening, every neighbourhood becomes busy, cheerful and friendly.
How do you rate Athens as a gay-friendly destination?
I believe Athens is quite welcoming for gay visitors. There are a lot of gay-friendly areas with many things to do. Even if you’re in a regular urban area, and not one of the designated gay-friendly ones, you feel safe and can always find fun places to go.
Tell us one great new Athenian discovery…
Definitely the SFNCC. It really is a must-see. It has lovely Mediterranean gardens for picnics, a canal to stroll, glass viewing decks to climb, human chess, the chance to learn about ancient and modern history—and so many activities that you can’t imagine doing in a big city like Athens (like outdoor yoga and free cinema, and all kinds of creative workshops and performances).
… and one old classic that never disappoints?
Seychelles restaurant on Platia Avdi in Keramikos. It does creative Greek cooking and you always want to go back for more. Everytime you do, the food is wonderful and the environment is the best—especially during summer. You’re always discovering delicious new flavours there.
Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou
Where do you go for a great night out dancing?
For my tastes, I would choose Shamone. It’s an accessible place, the music covers every appetite, and if you ever get tired you can step outside to the beautiful garden area to relax and talk with friends without missing the music or the party!
... and where do you head for an always satisfying breakfast or brunch the day after?
Surely, it would be The Brunch Factory on Athinas Street (in the Historic Centre). It’s an elegant spot and they do everything from unbelievable pancakes and eggs to health bowls and antioxidant smoothies.
A secret spot in the city to escape the crowds?
Platia Nerou Square. It’s on the seafront in Faliro Bay, near the SNFCC, and is really spacious. You can walk calmly by the water and watch the fishermen and the boats. It’s also a lovely location to relax with some friends and a bottle of wine at sunset.
What makes you proudest to be an Athenian?
Strangely enough, I would say the metro system because of the really cheap tickets. Also, I like how Athens combines modern with classic and is diverse enough to satisfy any craving—whether that’s for food, weather or scenery.
Finally, describe Athens in 3 adjectives.
Vibrant, alive, beautiful.
Vangelis Provias, Writer/Translator
The street you love best in Athens and why?
May I be a bit narcissistic here? (Hey, we Greeks invented the concept!) I love Eftichidou Street, where I live. It’s both a commercial and residential artery in Pangrati, one of the most dynamic areas of central Athens. It’s also conveniently close to the best things on offer in Athens: great bars and cafes, nightlife, galleries and historic sights.
What do you think surprises first-time visitors to the city the most?
Well, what surprises me the most, even as a resident, is the unparalleled range of different stimuli in Athens. From the blue lagoon beaches in the south, to the northern mountains; from the downtown chaos to the serenity of its luxury hotels, this city is pure sensory overload!
How do you rate Athens as a gay-friendly destination?
Athens is beyond gay-friendly. Athens is gay! And straight, bi, lesbian, asexual and anything else you can think of. Isn't that the point of modern mega-cities? Offering a safe space to be whoever you feel like being?
Tell us one great new Athenian discovery…
Here is an idea that might seem strange: If you truly want to experience the "real" life of the city, spend a couple of hours in a supermarket. You will be able to mingle with average Athenians shopping, and see how sociable the supermarkets are in Greece (trust me, you will be impressed). You’ll also find fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables at amazingly low prices.
… and one old classic that never disappoints?
Two words: The Parthenon. It’s the very essence of human intellect.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Where do you go for a great night out dancing?
Once a year, I treat myself to the uniquely Greek experience of authentic bouzoukia, those splashy nightclubs where popular Greek music is performed live. There’s really nothing like it for a full immersion of the senses. It’s a combination of different art forms, and the perfect balance between inspiration and kitsch.
... and where do you head for an always satisfying breakfast or brunch the day after?
My local bakery! A tiropita (cheese pie) or a spanakopita (spinach pie) and a fresh juice on the go is the best remedy after a long night.
Athens is loaded with fantastic bakeries on just about every street.
A secret spot in the city to escape the crowds?
This is a secret pastime, not a secret spot. I love going for long walks at midnight around Thissio, Plaka, or anywhere else in downtown Athens.
It’s a very soul-soothing and solitary pleasure.
What makes you proudest to be an Athenian?
The history of the city. It has aspects and chapters that would make an epic, multi-volume novel; full of exciting, twists and surprises.
Finally, describe Athens in 3 adjectives.
Mine, yours, everyone's.
Andrea Gilbert, Art Critic and Athens Pride Organizer
The street you love best in Athens and why?
Kairi Street, in Monastiraki, and the ones around Agia Irini Square. They provide glimpses of what is left of the old Athenian shopping districts.
What do you think surprises first-time visitors to the city the most?
The extreme contrasts and the energy—which can be metaphysical at times.
How do you rate Athens as a gay-friendly destination?
I would rate it 7/10. There are a lot of clubs and bars catering for a gay clientele—more male oriented. It is a great city with good looking people. But I would be cautious about public displays of affection.
Tell us one Athenian classic that never disappoints?
Openings at the Breeder Gallery in Metaxourgio always attract a remarkably interesting crowd due to its tongue-in-cheek conceptual focus. Also in Metaxourgio, Klostirion, in Millerou Street, just in front of the Blue Parrot, is a good bar for all times and seasons.
A secret spot in the city to escape the crowds?
Hiding in plain sight is the lovely café of the Numismatic Museum on Panepistimiou Street, near Syntagma. It’s a small, secret oasis surrounded by high-rises. Another little-known gem is the café on the roof of the Museum of Islamic Art, near Thissio train station. You look out over the ancient cemetery of Keramikos and British artist Navine Khan-Dossos has decorated the walls inside.
What makes you proudest to be an Athenian?
Living in an incredible city with so much to offer—especially if you know where to go. My friends who visit from abroad love it.
Finally, describe Athens in 3 adjectives.
Surprising, exciting, diverse.
Holly Grace, Drag Performer
The street you love best in Athens and why?
I have to say Aiolou Street. I love its energy in the evening.
What do you think surprises first-time visitors to the city the most?
The quality and diversity of the nightlife (and its stamina!).
How do you rate Athens as a gay-friendly destination?
I would say 7 out of 10. Athenians are friendly, but you do have to watch your back sometimes.
Tell us one classic Athenian haunt that never disappoints.
Barrett, a grunge-chic café-bar and art space on Protogenous Street, in Psirri. It’s a fantastic spot for an early drink in the afternoon.
Where do you go for a great night out dancing?
I start from Shamone. Great music, tasty cocktails, nice vibe. Then I go to Sodade2 where you can dance your ass off ‘til the daylight.
.... and where do you head for an always satisfying breakfast or brunch the day after?
Estrella World Street Food. It’s on Romvis Street, a cool little pedestrian pocket of Syntagma. I love the pancakes there.
A secret spot in the city to escape the crowds?
Anafiotika. It’s a magic location for a walk. You’ll feel like you’re on a Greek island in the Cyclades.
What makes you proudest to be an Athenian?
I’m proud just for living in this fabulous city.
Finally, describe Athens in 3 adjectives.
High-spirited, contemporary, charming.