Best areas to stay in Athens, Greece

Where to stay in Athens, Greece. Best hotels in Athens for every budget, from luxury Athens hotels with Acropolis views to small, friendly apartments. Includes information on which area to stay in Athens is best depending on the type of city break you have planned.

Where to stay in Athens, Greece

Where is the best place to stay in Athens?

So, you're planning a trip to Athens, and now you want to know where the best place to stay is.

 

The thing is, everyone wants different things when it comes to hotels, so it's always a tough question to answer.

Is location more important to you than luxury? Is price more important than facilities?

This guide to the best places to stay in Athens will help you decide what's best for you. Let's begin by starting it in style!

The ten best luxury hotels in Athens

If comfort and luxury are the most important factors when choosing a hotel, Athens has a fair few five-star hotels to choose from. Here is a list of the ten best luxury hotels in Athens.

Best areas to stay in Athens City Center

If luxury is not your first priority, but you are looking for the best area to stay in Athens, it’s a good idea to try to get your head around the different Athens neighborhoods.

Unlike other cities, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Athens was built without a real plan, and the streets are a maze – even locals get lost!

As a rule of thumb, I would suggest it's easier for first time visitors to Athens to stay near the Acropolis. Take a look at the map below, complete with price guide.



Booking.com

Where to stay in Athens may depend on a few things:

  • Is this your first time in Athens?
  • Are you in Athens for a night or two, or are you staying longer?
  • Do you want to experience the touristy side, a more local, or perhaps an alternative side?
  • Are you interested in ancient sites, upmarket shopping, or partying and nightlife?

Answers to these questions will determine the ideal area to stay in Athens.

Where to stay in Athens

Here's a quick list of the best areas to stay in Athens and what you might expect there:

  • Syntagma / Plaka – First time in Athens, 1-2 days in Athens, ancient sites, souvenir shops
  • Koukaki – 1-2 days in Athens, ancient sites, local neighborhood
  • Monastiraki / Psyrri – Food market, street art, alternative vibe
  • Syntagma / Ermou – Shopping, local life
  • Kolonaki – Exclusive shopping, upmarket feel, museums
  • Gazi / Kerameikos – Nightlife, street art
  • Glyfada Athens Riviera – Upmarket neighborhood

1. Plaka – Ideal to stay for first time visitors

Ask anyone who has visited Athens, and they are likely to mention one area: Plaka. This small neighborhood right in the centre of Athens is where many people choose to stay, especially if it’s their first time in Greece.

Roughly speaking, Plaka is the area between Syntagma, Monastiraki and Acropolis metro stations. It leans on the touristy side, as it has the majority of souvenir shops in central Athens. At the same time, it has quaint little streets, several Byzantine churches and many tavernas and restaurants.

If it’s your first time in Athens and you want to be in the centre of everything, Plaka is a great choice. It is walking distance from most major sights and ideal for souvenir shopping. Despite its touristy side, Plaka is a charming little neighborhood where lots of Athenians choose to go.

Things to see in Plaka, Athens

Plaka also has a few interesting museums that you may have never heard of. If you like art, you will be delighted to visit the Frissiras collection, or the Museum of Greek Children’s Art which is unexpectedly interesting. On the other hand, if you are more interested in history, you will be impressed by some of the exhibits in the Athens University History Museum.

Some cool street art in Athens

One of the most impressive features of Plaka is the Anafiotika area, just underneath the Acropolis. Here, you can see a few of the oldest houses in Athens, built by people who came from the Cyclades islands in the 1830s. There's also some quite neat street art hidden away.

If you are not planning to go to Santorini, this area will give you an idea of the famous white-washed houses. There are lots of steps leading up to Anafiotika, so getting there might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Finally, do not miss a screening at the only outdoor cinema in the world with a view of the Acropolis, Cine Paris in Plaka.

Best Hotels in Plaka, Athens

As you would expect, Plaka has several hotels, including some nicely designed boutique hotels. This is just a small selection, so feel free to browse for more.

AthensWas Hotel

Located just at the outskirts of Plaka towards Koukaki, AthensWas hotel is very close to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and the temple of Olympian Zeus.

The rooms are ideal whether you are travelling for work or leisure, as they all feature worktables, safety boxes, coffee machines and balconies. The rooftop restaurant offers great views of the Acropolis.

Tripadvisor reviews here: AthensWas Hotel

Book here: AthenWas Hotel


Ergon House

The newly established Ergon House features modern, uniquely designed rooms in one of the best areas in Athens. What is quite special about Ergon House is that it’s a deli hotel – it is adjacent to a restaurant, and as such pays a lot of attention on breakfast and other meals. Coffee machines are included in all rooms, and a fitness centre is also available at the hotel.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Ergon House

Book here: Ergon House


Electra Palace Athens

This classic five-star hotel is one of the best hotels in Plaka. It boasts a rooftop restaurant with a private pool, with a view to the Acropolis. The Electra Palace also has an indoor pool, a sauna and other spa facilities.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Electra Palace Athens

Book here: Electra Palace Hotel Athens


Urban Frame Hotel

Located right in the heart of Plaka, Urban Frame Hotel is a cozy, tastefully decorated hotel. A restaurant, a bar and a shared lounge are available. All rooms include a fridge, a kettle and satellite TV.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Urban Frame Hotel

Book here: Urban Frame Hotel Athens


2. Koukaki for easy access to ancient sites

Just behind the Acropolis Museum, between Acropolis metro and Fix metro, lies the beautiful neighborhood of Koukaki.

The view from the Acropolis museum out onto the Acroplois itself

This is an increasingly popular area for visitors, as it is very close to Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, while at the same time having a local feel. It is also ideal for people who can only spend a night or two in Athens.

If you are staying in Athens for a longer time, Koukaki has quite a few places of interest, like the impressive Lalaounis Jewelry Museum. Areopagitou Street, the nicest pedestrianized street in Athens, starts here. You can easily walk all the way to Monastiraki metro station in less than a half hour, and perhaps climb up Filopappou Hill on your left.

Koukaki has several local restaurants, where you will see many Athenians. Walk around the pedestrianized streets and choose one, then watch the people go by.

Best Hotels in Koukaki, Athens

As you can expect, Koukaki offers a great selection of places to stay. There are many well-known, established hotels, but also an increasing number of modern boutique hotels and luxury apartments.

If you are travelling with your family or a group of friends, this might be the best area to stay in Athens.

Acropolis View Hotel

The Acropolis View Hotel offers cozy rooms just a stone’s throw from the Acropolis Museum. Many of the rooms have balconies overlooking the Acropolis or the nearby Filopappou Hill. In the evenings, you can relax at the rooftop terrace, admiring the views.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Acropolis View Hotel

Book here: Acropolis View Hotel Athens


Noble Suites

For people looking for all the comforts of an apartment, Noble Suites is the perfect choice. This hotel offers spacious suites that are ideal for couples or families. All of the suites include large seating areas and elegant marble bathrooms, while some of them include their own private terrace. A rich breakfast box with traditional Greek delicacies is offered daily.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Noble Suites

Book here: Noble Suites in Athens


B4B Athens Signature Hotel

The new, modern B4B Athens Signature Hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms, each with a coffee machine and a mini bar. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast and a cozy on-site bar. Upon request, the hotel can provide a smartphone with unlimited calls.

Tripadvisor reviews here: B4B Athens Signature Hotel

Book here: B4B Athens Signature Hotel


3.  Monastiraki and Psyrri for a hip vibe

Monastiraki and the adjacent Psyrri are among the most bustling areas in Athens city centre. This is a great location to base yourselves if you want to be a little out of the hard-core tourist centre, but still have access to souvenir shops and a range of restaurants and cafes.

Monastiraki Square in Athens - Athens in focus

The Ancient Agora of Athens, including the Agora Museum, is a stone’s throw from Monastiraki metro station. This is also where the popular Monastiraki flea market begins.

Just at the border between Monastiraki and Plaka, you will find the fascinating (and free) museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments. You should definitely visit, especially if you are travelling with children.

Related: What is Athens famous for?

Exploring Psyri

Athinas street, just off Monastiraki metro station, is home to the Varvakios Central Athens food market and a range of deli shops, where you can taste fantastic Greek products. There are separate sections for meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, and many other products.

Psyrri area, just behind the food market towards Iroon Square, is a cool little area with many restaurants, ice-cream and dessert shops and coffee places. It also has a weird mix of little shops selling all sorts of random stuff, from ropes to wicker baskets to kitchenware to leather sandals.

Psyrri is great to walk around if you like street art. Not far from Iroon Square, and especially around Aristofanous, Sarri, Palamidou, and Louka Nika streets, you will see some of the best street art in Athens.

Best Hotels in Monastiraki – 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel

If you want to be close to Monastiraki, it doesn’t get any better than the 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel. A new, modern hotel with a popular rooftop bar / restaurant, 360 offers great, stylish rooms right in the heart of Athens. The Monastiraki flea market is literally just outside the door!

Tripadvisor reviews here: 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel

Book here: 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel


Blend Hotel

Another new hotel located on a quiet street close to Monastiraki metro station, Blend Hotel offers contemporary, stylish rooms. It’s a perfect choice if you are interested in the Athens food market, and want to be walking distance from the main commercial areas in Athens.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Blend Hotel

Book here: Blend Hotel in Athens


Mythos Luxury Suites

If you prefer to be more self-sufficient during your stay in Athens, you can choose to stay in self-catering apartments. Mythos Luxury Suites can accommodate up to four people in spacious, bright, modern apartments, each with a kitchenette and seating area.

Book here: Mythos Luxury Suites


Best Hotels in Psyrri – Athenian Residences

If you prefer to stay in the vibrant Psyrri area, the Athenian Residences are a great choice. You can choose from a range of rooms and apartments with different facilities, which can accommodate up to six people. Guests will also have access to an outdoor pool, which is great after a busy day of sightseeing.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Athenian Residences

Book here: Athenian Residences


4. Syntagma and Ermou Street in Central Athens

If you like commercial streets, the best area to stay in Athens is close to Ermou Street. Named after Hermes, the god of commerce, this busy pedestrian street stretches between Syntagma and Monastiraki square.

The Changing of the Guards in Athens

You can find all sorts of high-street shops and popular international chains, but also a few smaller family-run businesses. This is also the best area if you want to buy beads, fabrics and anything similar.

Walk up to Syntagma Square, and check out the change of the Guards in front of the impressive Parliament building. If you are in Athens on a Sunday, you can watch the ceremonial change of the Guards at 11am.

This area is where many Athenians live and hang out. If you want to go where the locals go, sit for a coffee or drink at trendy Agias Eirinis Square, or Mavili Square. Alternatively, just walk around the side streets and find somewhere you like. There are plenty of local cafes and also places where you can get snacks, nuts and chocolate.

Hotels near Syntagma – NJV Athens Plaza

The NJV Athens Plaza is located at the city’s most central location, right on Syntagma square. It’s a 5-star hotel offering spacious, bright rooms with large windows, and an on-site restaurant and lounge.

The NJV Plaza is ideally located for a stroll down Ermou Street, but also for a short walk to the upmarket Kolonaki area. Most of the best Athens museums, such as the Benaki and the Numismatic Museum are located within easy walking distance from the hotel.

Tripadvisor reviews here: NJV Athens Plaza

Book here: NJV Athens Plaza


Athenian Foss

A brand new arrival (opened in August 2019) right in the centre of Athens, this five-star boutique hotel is bound to become popular very soon. If you want to enjoy minimal, modern rooms close to the most commercial street of Athens, Ermou, the Athenian Foss will suit you. The hotel also offers family rooms.

Book here: Athenian Foss Boutique Hotel in Athens


Athens Utopia

Another recent arrival, the Athens Utopia is an aparthotel offering spacious, modern rooms. Like the Athens Foss, it’s in an ideal location for people who want to catch a glimpse of everyday life. At the same time, it’s walking distance from the ancient sites and other places of interest.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Athens Utopia

Book here: Athens Utopia Hotel


5. Kolonaki for upmarket shopping

The upmarket Kolonaki area is popular with many visitors, especially people who have been to Athens before. It’s only a ten minute walk from Syntagma, but it offers an entirely different atmosphere.

Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens

You will find several exclusive boutiques, design shops, gourmet restaurants, cool cafes and trendy wine bars. This is also the area with the biggest number of private art galleries – just walk around and you will see several.

In addition to the art galleries, Kolonaki has the best historical museums in Athens. The Benaki, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the War Museum are all located in Kolonaki. 

Another highlight in Kolonaki is the imposing Lycabettus Hill, which is quite popular for the views. You can walk all the way up to the little church, take a taxi or use the funicular.

Hotels in Kolonaki – Coco-Mat Athens Jumelle

If you are looking for elegant luxury combined with modern design, you will love the newly opened, contemporary Coco-Mat Athens Jumelle. Located in the centre of Kolonaki, this lovely Athens hotel has a wellness centre, a spa and a pool.

Coco-Mat is primarily a mattress company, so you can expect to have a great night’s sleep. In fact, you can even choose your own pillow. Another bonus with this hotel is that you can have access to a free bike! Whether you want to cycle in Athens though is another matter.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Coco-Mat Athens Jumelle

Book here: Coco-Mat Hotel


Oniro City

A boutique hotel in the heart of Kolonaki, Oniro City provides comfortable rooms and suites with all modern facilities. The hotel also offers a fitness centre, and is adjacent to a wine bar-restaurant where you can taste exclusive gourmet dishes.

Tripadvisor reviews here: Oniro City

Book here: Oniro City


Lozenge

An elegant, contemporary hotel in Kolonaki, the Lozenge offers a range of rooms and suites, including family rooms. The on-site bar-restaurant serves modern Mediterranean dishes. The hotel is in the same block with the Numismatic Museum, one of the few neoclassical buildings that are open to the public.

Book here: Lozenge Hotel Athens


6. Where to stay in Gazi / Kerameikos

To be fair, if the main reason you are going to Athens is the nightlife, anywhere you stay can be good. Small bars are literally everywhere, and it won’t take long before you come across a few.

Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos

 

However, if you are looking for some clubbing, the best area to stay is Gazi, close to Kerameikos metro. There are plenty of all-day cafes and restaurants, as well as a selection of late bars and clubs. The backstreets between Kerameikos and Metaxourgio metro are also home to small, hidden bars.

Apart from the nightlife, there are plenty of things to do around Gazi. Benaki Peiraios Museum, one of the best museums in Athens for contemporary art is a ten minute walk from Kerameikos metro. Check their website to see what’s happening – sometimes there are as many as four parallel exhibitions.

The Technopolis centre, a short walk from the metro, hosts concerts and exhibitions – check out their website for more information.

In terms of ancient sites, don’t miss Athens’ ancient cemetery, Kerameikos. Located between Kerameikos and Monastiraki metro stations, it is an impressive open space which is often overlooked by tourists.

Hotels in Gazi – Athina Art Apartments

This is one of the best options around the Kerameikos area. These modern lofts are close to the metro station and the heart of the nightlife, yet far enough for a quiet night’s sleep. The apartments have indoor hot tubs and fully equipped kitchens, while there is a shared rooftop pool and garden for all guests.

Book here: Athina Art Apartments


D&E Technopolis Apartments

A selection of stylishly renovated, cozy apartments right in the heart of Gazi’s nightlife. Perfect for couples, groups of friends or budget-minded families that enjoy walking.

Book here: D&E Technopolis Apartments


7.  Glyfada and the Athens Riviera

Right on the coast of Athens, the famous upscale Glyfada area is home to many expats in Athens. It is popular not only with Greeks, but also visitors.

Glyfada is an ideal place to stay if you only want to see the highlights in Athens and spend the rest of your time relaxing on the coast, without having to travel too far. You will find all sorts of shops, restaurants and elegant bars, and there are many beaches to explore in the wider area.

If you want to go to central Athens from Glyfada, the easiest (but slowest) way is the tram – it will take you about an hour to get to Syntagma. Alternatively, you can get a taxi or a pre-booked taxi.

Hotels in Glyfada – Brazil Suites Boutique Hotel

This boutique hotel is a few blocks away from the centre of Glyfada. It offers spacious, bright suites and apartments that are fully equipped with a large living area and a kitchen. It is ideal for short or longer stays.

The hotel has a private swimming pool, and offers daily breakfast. There is also a café-restaurant.

Book here: Brazil Suites Boutique Hotel


Glyfada Riviera Hotel

This modern five-star hotel offers bright, sunny rooms close to the centre of Glyfada and the beach. There is also a restaurant and bar, as well as a private, outdoor swimming pool. The fully equipped spa and wellness centre offers a range of treatments and therapies.

Book here: Glyfada Riviera Hotel


Palmyra Hotel

Palmyra Beach Hotel offers spacious, elegant rooms a few metres from Glyfada beach. There is an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy buffet breakfast. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, where you can relax by the bar.

Book here: Palmyra Hotel Athens


8. Piraeus Port Area

Most visitors only stay in Piraeus for a night, especially if they have a very early ferry to one of the islands. The busy Athens port is actually an interesting destination in itself, as it’s full of vibrant food markets and a fair few museums.

If you're planning to travel there directly after landing at the airport in Athens, this guide will be useful: How to get from Athens Airport to Piraeus

A view over Piraeus port in Athens Greece

Hotels in Piraeus – The Alex

A brand new, stylish hotel, the Alex is a short taxi ride from Piraeus port. If you are arriving on a long flight and you need to catch an early ferry on the next day, the Alex is a perfect option. It has a private bar and restaurant, so you can take it easy if you don’t feel like going out. The nearby Mikrolimano port is very picturesque, and there are some great restaurants.

Book here: The Alex Hotel

If you want to be walking distance from the port, you can read our comprehensive article on where to stay in Piraeus.

9. Athens airport

There are rather few reasons why someone would choose to stay near Athens airport. In most cases, people would want to stay there if they are dropping a rented car and have a morning flight to catch the next day.

The immediate airport area has nothing to do, so unless your flight is very early you could consider staying in the centre and enjoying your last night in central Athens. However, if you have decided to stay at the airport, you can check out this article for more information.

Best Neighborhoods to stay in Athens FAQ

Readers looking for a fantastic location to stay in the city center or outlying Athenian neighborhoods often have similar questions to ask when planning their trips and looking for the best hotels in Greece, such as:

Where should you not stay in Athens?

Although you might find the best choice for a budget hotel in Exarchia and Omonia, some people tend to find these areas of Athens a little edgy and not as pleasant as others.

How many days in Athens is enough?

3 days is enough time to see the remaining sites of the Ancient city of Athens. If you want to explore the entire city, and really get to know it, you could spend weeks or months!

Is Athens a walkable city?

If you choose a centrally located hotel in the historic heart of Athens, you will find that most places of interest can be reached by walking. For places of interest further away from the center such as the magnificent National Archaeological Museum, you can use the very efficient metro system.

Should I stay in Plaka Athens?

Plaka is a very convenient location to base yourself, as important sites such as the Acropolis and Ancient Agora are just a short walk away.

What is the best hotel within walking distance of the Acropolis Museum?

The AthensWas hotel has an excellent location, and is situated between the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis itself is also just a few minutes away on foot.

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I hope you've found this to be a very useful article, and it's helped you find somewhere to stay in Athens city centre. Have you recently stayed in a centrally located family hotel in Athens and would recommend it? Leave a comment at the end of this post!

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The best places to stay in Athens Greece - A guide to the best areas and hotels in Athens


Dave Briggs visiting an island in GreeceDave Briggs
Dave is a travel writer from the UK who has been living in Athens since 2015. As well as creating this travel blog post on where is the best place to stay in Athens Greece, he's also written many more travel blogs and itineraries for destinations all over the world. Follow Dave on social media for travel inspiration from Greece and beyond:

6 thoughts on “Best areas to stay in Athens, Greece”

  1. Hi Dave,
    We have been to Athens before and will be leaving on a cruise ship in July. Can you recommend a hotel near the port, for one night before boarding the ship.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • A lot depends on budget and type of hotel you are after. Also, no matter where you stay you may still need to get a taxi to the port gate, so perhaps you might like a hotel with free transfers?
      THE Phidias Piraeus Hotel comes recommended, but I haven’t stayed there myself.

      Reply
    • Hi Heidi,
      A lot will depend on what your definition of budget is!
      There’s a couple of backpackers places for example.
      You’ll also find cheaper lower rated places that are nice enough but nothing special.
      If you’re not planning on spending much time in the room itself, then perhaps the Hotel Byron might suit your budget needs.
      If your budget will stretch, the Palladian Home might be a nice choice. (They have deals from time to time on Booking).
      The best things is to use Booking, and use the filters to get to your budget and then judge the places by ratings.

      Reply
  2. Hi Dave, awesome blog, so much detail, thanks for taking the time to compile it!

    Flying in to Athens from Naxos for an overnight stay before heading back to the UK on Friday.

    Staying at the O B Boutique hotel if you know it? Have most of Thursday afternoon to sightsee. Would you have any recommendations for rooftop bars / restaurants in the Plaka area?

    Many thanks,

    Sarah

    Reply
    • Hi Sarah,
      If you’re going to the Acropolis Museum, the outdoor cafe there has a lovely view, even if you just want to relax with a coffee for a half hour.
      For rooftop bars, the classic choice is 360 Rooftop bar on Monastiraki Square (reservations most likely needed for a good table with view, especially for sunset)
      I’m hearing good things about MS Roof Bar which is nearby as well.

      Reply

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