Athens has transformed into a haven for tattoo enthusiasts, where a thriving scene of studios merges traditional symbolism with modern styles. Despite most studios having opened within the past decade, they’ve swiftly made their mark, embracing the global tattoo boom with a distinctly Athenian twist. From classic Greek motifs to experimental designs, Athenian artists are celebrated for their artistry, professionalism, and commitment to hygiene, establishing the Greek capital as a respected tattoo destination. From conventions to tattoo studios, Athens offers plenty of opportunities to get a lasting souvenir of your visit—and to discover how body art here has become a powerful expression, blending the city’s rich history with fresh, creative energy. Ready to explore some of Athens’ most visionary tattoo studios?
Electric Mama
Here, everyone is welcome just as they are, because Mama loves everyone. Vasso Polymenakou-Pullman, one of the first female tattoo artists in Greece, has been creating since 2003 and was the first to open her own studio. She always dreamed of a safe space where anyone could express themselves freely, regardless of appearance or orientation. In the summer of 2019, she made that dream a reality. Housed in a distinctive 1920s building tucked under the railway bridge between Thissio and Petralona, the studio is a short walk from Keramikos metro station. You’ll spot it by the hand-painted wooden sign that hangs on the façade.
Unlike typical tattoo studios, this space is bright and airy, with daylight flooding the open room shared by all resident artists. “The team ensures that everyone feels at ease here; there’s a strong sense of acceptance—not something you find in every studio, and I speak from experience,” says Vasso. Her old-school tattoos are celebrated across Greece: “When people travel to Athens just to visit the studio—that’s how you know you’ve made it!”. Jerome, Zoey, and Reeno specialise in vibrant colour work, each in their own unique way, while Sophia and Christos focus mainly on blackwork. Bloody Mary is on hand for all your piercing needs. Before you leave, check out the studio’s merch in its signature yellow, as well as Vasso’s jewellery collection—she originally studied jewellery design and fine arts, and her pieces are exclusively available here. Come to Mama!
Inkspiration overload at Electric Mama.
Photo: Orestis Seferoglou
Snake pattern at DarkSide Tattoo Society.
Photo: Orestis Seferoglou
DarkSide Tattoo Society
Ready to embrace the Dark Side? Step into DarkSide Tattoo Society, where a life-size Darth Vader statue greets you as you enter. Located in Kolonaki, just a 10-minute (slightly uphill) walk from Syntagma Square, this studio is the brainchild of Kyriakos Balaskas—a renowned tattoo artist, founder, and organiser of the Athens Tattoo Convention, the Balkan Tattoo Convention in Thessaloniki, and the Athens Tattoo Expo. A Star Wars enthusiast and Greece’s first watercolour tattoo artist, Kyriakos has designed a space that’s both impressive and inviting, so from the moment you walk in, you know you’re in good hands.
The studio’s black walls are decorated with Star Wars memorabilia—from Stormtrooper helmets to customised Vans shoes—and the vibe is laid-back and friendly. The team of 13 includes 11 tattoo artists and two piercers, all close friends who enjoy hanging out together both in and outside of work. In 2018, DarkSide expanded with a second location in Chalandri, in the northern part of Athens. The team rotates between both studios weekly, making sure every client’s needs are met. Their specialties range from black-and-grey realism to vibrant colour work, traditional and neo-traditional designs, lettering, and fine line.
Take a break between sessions in the sunlit patio out back, and if Kyriakos is around, ask him to share his collection of "horrible tattoo" photos—it’s a guaranteed laugh!
Ritual
Every tattoo at Ritual is more than just ink—it is a rite connecting client and artist in a shared act of expression. In business for over a decade in the lively student neighbourhood of Zografou, Ritual was founded by Konstantinos, a former graffiti artist on a mission to challenge social norms and champion free expression. “Tattooing went against the grain—it shocked locals because it wasn’t ‘acceptable,’” says Konstantinos. “To me, there are no unacceptable people, only unacceptable thoughts.”
In 2016, Ritual relocated to the well-trodden pedestrian street of Ermou, making it an easy find for locals and visitors alike. Known for its welcoming vibe and commitment to creating a personal experience for each client, the studio has also served as a launchpad for budding artists, with several now award-winning artists having started here as apprentices. Each resident artist has developed their own distinct style, from bold floral designs and ornamental work to photo-realism. Be sure to take in the ritual-inspired art adorning the studio’s walls—from masks to sculptures of deities.
Working on the outlines at Ritual.
Photo: Orestis Seferoglou
Luxury details at Dr Pepper.
Photo: Orestis Seferoglou
Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper is far from your typical tattoo studio, combining body art with an art gallery and a barbershop all in one. Founded in 2012 by Giannis Pipperakis, a seasoned tattoo artist with over a decade of experience, it began as a modest space in Agia Varvara, west of Athens. In 2018 Dr Pepper moved to a larger venue in Gazi, just a few steps from the Keramikos metro station. Set in a former club, the studio’s layout is designed for connection; glass walls throughout the space mean that everyone—artists and clients alike—can feel part of the creative process.
As if the ten resident tattoo artists specialising in custom designs weren’t enough, Dr Pepper also features a dedicated creator of one-of-a-kind airbrushed art pieces—think jockey helmets, trainers, backpacks, wall art, or even wooden structures. Adding to the experience, Dr Pepper is the only tattoo studio in Greece with an in-house barbershop, providing a separate space for men’s grooming. Keep an eye on their social media; the studio often hosts events and themed parties in their open-air backyard.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out their full merch range, including T-shirts, jackets, sunglasses, socks, and more.
Uncle Chronis Tattoo
Body art is one of humanity’s oldest forms of self-expression, and at Uncle Chronis Tattoo, this philosophy runs deep. Located just a three-minute walk from Holargos metro station, the studio greets visitors with an imposing metal door and an old-fashioned bell. If you’re lucky, you’ll be welcomed by Chronis Politis himself—a master piercer and one of Greece’s longest-standing figures in the scene.
Chronis began his journey over 24 years ago, inspired by the sights of Amsterdam as a teenager. After working across Greece and abroad, he opened his own studio in 2009. Since then, it’s expanded from a single room to a three-level space with over 15 resident artists, each specialising in unique styles, from colourful botanicals and neo-Japanese to traditional blackwork.
Don’t miss the collection of tattoo memorabilia that Chronis has gathered from around the world, the extensive selection of piercing jewellery, and the flash tattoo wall featuring ready designs from in-house artists. If you’re visiting around Christmas, the studio holds an annual charity flash day, with proceeds supporting a cause close to their hearts. And before you go, be sure to chat with Chronis—known for his sense of humour, he’s a local legend, especially if you’re a fan of dad (or should we say Uncle) jokes!
Uncle Chronis is one of the most respected figures in the local body modification community.
Photo: Orestis Seferoglou