Gay Athens Athens City Guide City Guides > Greece > Gay Athens Athens Matthew TrinettiAh, Athens. Mother of democracy, daughter of Zeus and naughty stepsister of the global economic crisis. Lying at the juncture of Europe, Asia and Africa, Greece is lucky heir to the heritage of the Byzantine Empire, four centuries of Ottoman Turkish rule and Classical Greece. And so, its capital city, regardless of recent financial troubles and political turmoil, is still, without doubt, one of the world’s finest cities, drenched as it is in ancient history, trail-blazing culture and year-round sunshine. As for modern Athenians, nothing can keep them from their bold afternoon coffee breaks, street-side philosophising and endearing laissez-faire attitude. Nor should anything stop you. Savour the city slowly, soaking up the affordable luxury amid world-class archaeological sites, before hitting the grungier neighbourhoods for a taste of contemporary Greek culture and its glittering nightlife. Looking for the ultimate Athens points of interest? Mr Hudson’s Athens gay city guide has got you covered. 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 AthensLet’s start this gay Athens travel guide with a roundup of the best places to stay. Plaka is the old central standby that gets all the love (as well as the crowds), and understandably so: it’s the cultural heartbeat of the city and boasts many of the best things to do in Athens. Sitting downslope from the famed Acropolis and sandwiched east and west between humming Syntagma and Monastiraki squares, Plaka is Athens’ oldest and most famous neighbourhood. It also happens to be the location of AthensWas Hotel, offering central yet quiet accommodation tastefully designed with an archaic touch. As well as daily traditional Greek breakfasts, the hotel also boasts a quiet terrace and garden rooftop balcony offering unparalleled panoramas of the Acropolis and all of Athens. Just 200 metres from Monastiraki Square is 14 Reason Why, a beautiful property on prime real estate within walking distance of Ermou shopping area and the Roman Agora, featuring a terrace and shared lounge. The Foundry HotelNortheast of Plaka you’ll find Kolonaki: elite, modern and sophisticated without being too pretentious. Home to Athens’ wealthiest locals and characterized by artisan shops, hip cafes and ritzy restaurants, it’s fashionable to stay in Kolonaki. With that in mind, why not try the Coco-Mat Hotel Athens? Offering well-located, elegantly designed units within one of the city’s most vibrant areas, Coco-Mat is a modish haven, providing relaxation, homemade breakfasts and select services. If being close to the beach is a priority, however, head down to Glyfada, a lively, lovely and self-sufficient seaside neighbourhood 30 minutes south of central Athens. Luxurious and contemporary minimalist Brasil Suites Boutique Hotel is a fine choice if you plan on staying in the area, just a short walk from Glyfada’s exclusive shopping district and beach. Brasil Suites Boutique HotelThank 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 São Paulo City GuideIn São Paulo you’ll encounter a whopping 70% of Brazil’s Michelin-starred restaurants, countless design-forward art galleries, mesmerizing mid-century architectural wonders, and a stunningly diverse population hailing from all corners of the globe. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription. Explore > Discover 20 European hidden gems for curious gay travellersEurope and its biggest cities are firmly on the international radar, though much more lies beyond the beaten path. Have you seen Portugal’s dolphins or the secret nation of San Merino hidden in Italy? Have you gone east to taste Slavic cuisine and Ottoman influence? Read story > The top 10 US wellness retreats for gay travellersThe US is on board with the wellness trend, offering a combination of new and long-standing retreat resorts focused on re-energising mind, body and spirit in utmost luxury. 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 JOIN THE CLUBJoin Mr Hudson's inner circle for curated luxury travel experiences, exclusive perks, and insider access