Gay Athens Athens City Guide City Guides > Greece > Gay Athens Athens Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Matthew TrinettiAthens wears its contradictions with unmatched confidence. Ancient marble columns cast their shadows across neon-lit cocktail bars; five thousand years of civilisation press up against a thriving contemporary art scene; and the world's most storied ruins share postcodes with Michelin-starred restaurants. Athens doesn't merely have history — it breathes it, and yet it remains arrestingly, defiantly alive. From the magnificence of the Acropolis to the creative ferment of Psirri, from sun-soaked Riviera retreats to the warmly welcoming gay quarter of Gazi, this guide is your invitation to experience Athens at its most elevated. Pack light, arrive thirsty, and prepare to be thoroughly seduced. Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design The best hotels in AthensFew hotels anywhere can claim a setting as arresting as The Dolli at Acropolis. Perched on the edge of Plaka — the city’s oldest and most characterful neighbourhood — this restored 1920s neoclassical mansion by Grecotel has been transformed into a 46-room boutique hôtel-maison of extraordinary refinement. Interiors marry classical architectural bones with a serene contemporary palette, whilst the public spaces dazzle: a salon displaying original works by Picasso and Cocteau, a secretive bar, a library-lounge of disarming charm, and a rooftop infinity pool from which the Parthenon appears close enough to touch.For those whose idea of luxury is rooted in well-being and conscious design, Coco-Mat Athens BC, in the Koukaki neighbourhood, delivers in spectacular fashion. Built around the brand’s celebrated natural-material mattresses, the property pairs transcendent sleep with an on-site spa, fitness centre and a rooftop bar commanding unobstructed Parthenon views. An ancient Roman mosaic floor in the lobby and a soaring birds’ installation set the tone for a stay that is simultaneously grounding and awe-inspiring. The Dolli at AcropolisIn Psirri — Athens’ most pleasingly contrary neighbourhood, where galleries rub shoulders with artisan workshops — Mona is a world unto itself. Housed in a reimagined 1950s textile factory, this intimate boutique hotel doubles as an art gallery and design showroom, its preserved terrazzo floors and warehouse ceilings offset by sensual velvets and curated artworks. The rooftop bar gazes directly at the Acropolis; the basement speakeasy hosts live music and clandestine gatherings.When the lure of the Athenian Riviera proves irresistible — and it will — One&Only Aesthesis, some 30 minutes south in the affluent coastal enclave of Glyfada, offers a getaway of cinematic proportions. This mid-century-inspired resort occupies a pine-shaded stretch of private beach, with rooms, bungalows and villas styled in warm neutral tones, many with private pools or direct beach access. Three restaurants, a Guerlain spa, multiple pools and an impeccable personal-host service ensure the most demanding guest has little reason to venture beyond the gates. One&Only AesthesisThank you for reading Mr Hudson.Subscribe to City Guides or log in to continue reading. Subscribe now Log inSpecial SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the BookExplore more Discover the ultimate gay Scotland 10 days itineraryFrom the sparkling fairy pools of the Isle of Skye to the Scottish Highlands’ wild landscapes, dive deep into the land of whiskey and bagpipes with our very own ten-day itinerary unleashing the best of gay Scotland. Read story > Explore our favourite 10 places in gay Sri LankaAn almond-shaped island dropping south of the subcontinent and into the Indian Ocean is the independent nation of Sri Lanka. A dream destination for anyone searching for something different. Read story > The ultimate American East Coast road trip – from NYC to Key West in 10 daysEven the shortest East Coast driving trips allow for diverse perspectives on culture, history and climate, starting in balmy New England and moving down south towards the sun-soaked beaches of the Florida Keys. Read story > Subscribe to our newsletterYou can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Discover the World's Most Exquisite Escapes Your email address JOIN THE CLUBJoin Mr Hudson's inner circle for curated stays, exclusive rates and quiet insider access — the best of the world's most beautiful hotels, straight to your inbox.
