Out & About in Athens-LGBTQ Hot Spots
Until recently, Athens was merely a pit stop on the queer map for LGBTQ travellers on their way to the freedom and open-mindedness of gay-friendly Mykonos. Thanks to some pioneering bars, clubs, restaurants and Gen Z’s refusal to be narrow-minded or categorised by gender or sexual preference labels, the Athenian LGBTQ scene is finally OUT in the open. Elena Panayides shares the entrepreneurial spirits unfurling the rainbow flag in downtown Athens.
Shamonette
The daughter of Shamone this brand-new all-day cafe, bar, restaurant has brought Sunday drag brunches to Athens in a beautiful and cosy downtown space filled with colour and good vibes.
23 Nikis Street, Tel: +30 21 0331 6158, Fb : Shamonette
Shamone
Popular weekend nightclub with drag shows, live performances and regular themed parties.
Shamone attracts a very diverse party crowd full of energy and good cheer. A great option to start the night before heading on to Sodade2.
46 Leoforos Konstantinoupoleos, Athens, Tel: +3021 0345 0144, Fb: Shamone Club
Sodade2
The legendary 15 year-old Athens’ gay nightclub Sodade2 has two dance floors (second area only open on the weekends), with DJ’s spinning mainstream hits, house, progressive and Greek songs.
The club gets really packed on the weekends and it’s definitely still the place to be.
Triptolemou 10, Athens, Tel: +30 21 0346 8657, Fb: Sodade2
Rooster
All-day gay café bar located in the heart of Agias Irinis square, with a chilled-out atmosphere, good food and DJs. Great hangout for drinking, dining and people-watching, or an early evening drink before heading to Gazi.
Plateia Agias Eirinis 4 Monastiraki, Tel: +30 21 0322 4410, roostercafe.gr
Koukles
The premier cabaret and drag bar in Athens with nightly shows. Koukles Club has enough kitsch to bring a massive smile to your face – a must-see for fans of vibrant stage performance and comedy.
Zan Moreas 32, Athens, Tel: +30 694 755 7443, Fb: Koukles Club Athens
Trap
This café in Gazi’s gay village has special offers on drinks and complimentary finger food on Sunday, if that’s what you’re hungry for!
Koritsas 15, Athens, Tel: +30 693 639 4808, Fb : Trap
Noiz
LGBTQ nightclub in Gazi, with more of a lesbian tilt in a loud, stylish, and buzzing space. Open every night of the week, with female DJs spinning Greek and international dance hits.
78 Konstantinoupoleos St. Athens, Tel: +30 21 0346 7850, Fb: Noiz Club ATH
S-Cape
The classic nightclub returns. S-Cape is back with pride and as popular as ever. Regular themed nights, special events, DJ’s, drag shows and go-go dancers galore.
Iakchou 32, Gazi, Athens, Tel: +30 697 819 5598, Fb: S-Cape
