Where to Stay in Athens: the Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
We live in Athens, and for us, it is one of the nicest cities in the world. Independently from what we think, it is one of the most extraordinary places in Europe. Its ancient ruins are a testament to when the city was the center of the Western world. Numerous medieval churches are remnants of Byzantine times.
Likewise, the historical area surrounding the Acropolis is from Ottoman times. There are also nice parks and stunning modern architecture. Thus, where to stay in Athens is essential to explore it all! As locals, we know the best neighborhoods and hotels in town.
Athens is a fairly big city, but most of its sites are close to the center. Thus, we recommend staying in one of the central areas. You’ll be a step away from the attractions and well connected with the airport, train and bus stations, and the port. If you have extra time, we suggest spending a day or two by the coast, on Athens Riviera. We’ve chosen two fantastic locations with superb hotels.
Where to Stay close to Attractions
Plaka
Plaka is one of Athens’ oldest neighborhoods. It was developed around ancient Athens along the south slope of the Acropolis. During Ottoman times it was the Turkish neighborhood and the seat of the Governor. A little north of it lies Anafitoika with Cycladic-style houses. Today, Plaka hosts several original Byzantine churches. Athens cathedral and the oldest house in town are here too!
Due to its historical charm and superb location, Plaka is probably the best place to stay in Athens. This is also where some of the nicest bars and restaurants are. The whole neighborhood is pretty atmospheric, right at the foothill of the Acropolis. Most hotels in Plaka are small, but there is a great number to choose from.
In Plaka We Recommend:
Electra Palace Hotel
The best hotel in Plaka is the Electra Palace Hotel. It’s the only one with a private garden, views of the Acropolis, and a rooftop pool. The hotel is on a quiet street, within walking distance of most attractions. The best rooms are the ones with a balcony overlooking the Acropolis.
The Palladian Home
The Palladian Home is a neoclassical building from the 1930s in the heart of Plaka. However, everything has been completely refurbished to include modern-day conveniences. The tastefully decorated rooms are big. There’s a shared kitchen on every floor with complimentary coffee and tea. The service is personalized. Go ahead and ask for whatever you need!
Monastiraki
Though some consider Monastiraki as part of Plaka, it has its distinct character. The whole area is named after the fabulous Monastiraki Square. Two streets on both sides of the square sell goods in a souk-style market. There is also a flea market and numerous antique shops. While Plaka looks more European, Monastiraki feels Middle Eastern.
The square opens up to the Acropolis with the large Tzitzarakis Mosque on your left. There is another mosque a few steps behind, both Greek and Roman Agoras are here too, just like the Hadrian’s Library. Monastiraki boasts a relatively small area, thus there aren’t many hotels here. Stay here if you are into history and archeology.
Some of the Best Hotels in Monastiraki:
360 Degrees
To stay in the middle of all the action, book a room at the 360 Degrees. It’s the only hotel directly on the plaza. However, thanks to perfect isolation, it’s very quiet. The big rooms have a seating area. You can enjoy the delicious complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace while enjoying fantastic views.
The Zillers Boutique Hotel
The Zillers Boutique Hotel is a historic building designed by no other than Ernst Ziller. He designed the National Theatre, the Presidential Mansion, and the National Bank, amongst other architectural masterpieces. The fully refurbished property has a fantastic terrace and one of the best restaurants in the city.
The Best Areas for Couples
Center
When we talk about the Center, we refer to the triangular area between the city’s main squares Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki. This neighborhood is somewhat newer than Plaka and Monastiraki, but still quite charming. In recent times, most of the streets have been closed for pedestrians and it’s now a fabulous car-free zone. Athens’ main street Ermou passes through the Center. If you are looking for the most central place to stay, this is the one.
There aren’t that many attractions in the Center itself. Nevertheless, this is the best-connected area of the city. Two Byzantine churches and two nice neoclassical ones are here. This is also the best option to stay if you are into shopping. The big brands are on Ermou, while the smaller specialized shops are in the side streets. There are numerous hotels in the Center, of all kinds of styles and budgets.
In the Center Stay at:
Grande Bretagne
If you want to pamper yourself, book a room in Athens’s most luxurious hotel, the Grande Bretagne. The original building opened in 1842. After 180 years and extensive renovations, it is still the epitome of Greek service and class. The rooftop terrace with its pool and garden is amazing. It’s got an indoor pool with a fantastic spa too.
The Pinnacle
The Pinnacle is a tall tower on Aiolou Street, one of the nicest pedestrian streets in downtown Athens. The hotel has won countless awards. Their suites and penthouses are huge and come with a fully equipped kitchen. You can chill up on the terrace with great views and a glass of wine.
Kolonaki
The neighborhood east of Venizelou Street is called Kolonaki. This is the fanciest area in downtown Athens. Locals and tourists who like to be seen are all here shopping in high-end shops and sipping cocktails in posh bars and restaurants. Apart from Lycabettus Hill, north of Kolonaki, there are a few sights in the neighborhood itself. The old National Library and two adjacent neoclassical palaces are its most impressive buildings.
Most luxury hotels in Athens are in Kolonaki. The neighborhood is perfectly connected with the airport and the sea through the metro and tram on Syntagma Square. The center point of the area is the rectangular Kolonaki Square with two popular pedestrian streets next to it. Kolonaki is perfect for those who like showing off and spending money.
The Best Accommodation in Kolonaki:
COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle
For us, the best hotel in Kolonaki is the COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle. It’s two blocks from Kolonaki’s fancy square. It has everything you expect from a 5-star hotel, including an indoor pool, spa, restaurant, bar, bicycles, and the best vibe in town. The best rooms have a big balcony.
Oniro City
The newest luxury boutique hotel in Kolonaki, Oniro City is already a classic. The small sophisticated hotel opened a couple of years ago and attracts locals and tourists alike. Their wine bar is very popular in the city. As much as the concierge service that can arrange just about anything you want.
Where to Stay if You Travel with Family
Thisseio
Thisseio is our favorite neighborhood in the whole of Athens. This small neighborhood is perfectly tucked between the Greek Agora, Philopappo Hill, Ancient Kerameikos Cemetery, and Gazi, the epicenter of Athen’s nightlife. It’s a quiet neighborhood with wonderful pedestrian streets, yet close to the most important sites. It’s the only somewhat off-the-beaten-track area in downtown Athens.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many hotels and private accommodation in the neighborhood. The pedestrian Apostolou Pavlou is where Greek philosophers used to walk. Yes, the whole city walks about the area, but the views are simply unforgettable. If you are looking for something more intimate, nearby Iraklidon is arguably Athens’ most charming street.
Great Hotels in Thisseio:
Hotel Thissio
Hotel Thissio is a hidden gem. It’s on the nicest street in the whole of Athens, pedestrian Apostolou Pavlou. All the rooms have views of the Acropolis, as well as the rooftop terrace. It’s probably the best view in the city. Next to the hotel, you will find a plethora of bars and restaurants.
Phidias Hotel
Phidias Hotel is also on pedestrian street Apostolou Pavlou, the street that takes you to the Agora, the Acropolis, Monastiraki, and Plaka. It’s a small hotel with simple rooms. The best have balconies overlooking the Acropolis. It’s got a great ratio of price-quality. The restaurant coffee house downstairs has a splendid terrace on the street.
Koukaki
Koukaki has long been a rundown unattractive area south of the Acropolis. However, due to its fantastic location, it flourished a decade ago. It all started about the time the new Acropolis Museum opened in 2009. Several chic bars and cafes, shops, and restaurants have since opened in one of Koukaki’s two pedestrian streets.
Koukaki is considered the cool neighborhood of Athens. Many young hip people live here today. Apart from the numerous private rentals, there are quite a few nice hotels. If you would love to enjoy the views of the Acropolis, stay at a hotel in Koukaki. This neighborhood is home to some of the best 4-star hotels in the city.
In Koukaki we Recommend:
Divani Palace Acropolis
If you are looking for class, location, and impeccable service, book a room at the Divani Palace Acropolis. It’s a classic in Koukaki. The hotel has a gorgeous pool, a superb terrace with views of the Acropolis, and onsite archaeological remains incorporated into the design. The gym has a sauna too.
Herodion Hotel
The Herodion Hotel has one of the coolest terraces overlooking the Acropolis. It has two hot tubs with memorable views, loads of places to relax, and a fantastic restaurant. It’s on a small street meters from the Acropolis Museum. Rooms are modern and super comfortable. The neighborhood is lovely.
Where to Stay if You are on a Budget
Psyri
Psyri is a tiny neighborhood just north of Monastiraki. The formerly devastated area was revamped and is now a fashionable and cool nightlife district. Psyri is an example of what successful gentrification should look like. Since the arrival of bars, taverns, and hotels it has experienced an impressive facelift. It is without a doubt the most colorful Athenian neighborhood.
Most hotels in Psyri are boutique hotels with great contemporary designs. Many offer views of the Acropolis from the rooms or roof terraces. Though the area is quite touristy, locals come here to have fun too. Some of the most impressive street art pieces are in Psyri. Stay here if you are on a budget and don’t mind the occasional noise.
Some of the Best Hotels in Psyri:
A.P. Acropolis View Apartments
The best apartments in downtown Athens are in the A.P. Acropolis View Apartments. The units come with all you need to have a great time. They have rooms too, and an unbelievable suite with its own pool. There’s another pool, gym, and sauna. You can lounge up on the terrace or in the garden.
PAME House
The hip and young stay at the PAME House, in the center of Psyri. The best bars in the city will surround you. However, due to its double-glazed windows, it’s super quiet. All of the rooms have balconies and high-quality furnishings. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place to have a drink and meet people.
Exarcheia
Of all the great neighborhoods, Exarcheia is the most alternative one. The hood is known all around Greece due to its anarchic feel. Many activists, artists, and other young open-minded people live in the neighborhood. Its main square is always full of people having fun. Local restaurants and bars are some of the coolest in town.
Unlike its eastern neighbor Kolonaki, Exarcheia is somewhat rundown. But don’t get fooled by its appearance. Just like Psyri, Exarcheia hosts fantastic street art. There aren’t many hotels in the area, instead, it is one of the hotspots for short-stay apartments. Don’t worry about the proximity to Omonia, Exarcheia is super safe.
In Exarcheia Stay at:
Colors Hotel Athens
The Colors Hotel Athens is half a block from Akadimias, the avenue that takes you to Syntagma, Kolonaki, and the National Gardens. It’s in the middle of Exarcheia, near the famous bars and restaurants. It’s a 4-star hotel with big and comfortable rooms. When possible, they always upgrade for free!
PAME Paradiso
The same brand that manages the hotel in Psyri has PAME Paradiso, on a pedestrian street in the center of Exarcheia. All of the rooms have big balconies and top-quality mattresses. You can walk to the center of Athens and the Archeology Museum. Guests rave about the service.
Where to Stay Near Athens
Vouliagmeni
If you have an extra day or two, we have a suggestion for you. Of all the coastal places in Metropolitan Athens, Vouliagmeni is by far the nicest. It is at the southern end of the metropolitan area, after Glyfada and Voula. Apart from several nice sandy beaches, the area is known for the unusual Vouliagmeni Lake. The small lake has warm seawater and functions as a natural spa.
Vouliagmeni is the favorite place on Athens Riviera for the rich and famous. As you can imagine, most hotels here are quite pricey. Some of them even have a private beach or two. So, come to Vouliagmeni if you are into luxury and class.
The Best Accommodation in Vouliagmeni:
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
Four Seasons took over the iconic Astir Palace Hotel two years ago. The original hotel opened in the 1960s and soon became the darling of the rich and famous, including Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, and countless kings and queens. The 74 acres (30 hectares) peninsula offers the best beach in Athens. You will never forget your stay here!
Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso
Just 30 minutes from the center of Athens, and a couple of miles from the stunning Voulagmani Lake, the beachfront Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso will take your breath away. You can access the private beach through a tunnel. One of the two huge pools is saltwater. The spa is one of the biggest in Europe.
Sounion
If you have even more time, we invite you to go a little further. Cape Sounion is a small peninsula at the southernmost tip of Attica (Athens’ region). It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and the imposing Temple of Poseidon. The Doric temple from 5th century BC is one of the best examples of ancient architecture from the so-called Golden Age of Athens. The temple is open year-round and is well worth a visit.
There is no real settlement next to Sounion. Thus, you have to stay in one of two luxury hotels. Athens, like the rest of Greece, excels in hotels, and this the right place to stay in some of the best. One of the two hotels is directly on the peninsula, just under the temple. The other one is across, offering majestic views of the temple. Whichever you choose you’ll have a fantastic time.
Great Hotels in Sounion:
Cape Sounio, Grecotel Exclusive Resort
A huge garden, a pebbled beach, a sandy beach, a seawater pool, a children’s pool, an indoor pool, a spa, several restaurants, tennis, football, and volleyball courts are just a few of the features at the one and only Cape Sounio Grecotel. The beachfront property has views of the temple!
Aegeon Beach Hotel
We love the Aegeon Beach Hotel. It’s where we go when we want to go to the beach close to Athens. It’s in the footsteps of the temple and offers big rooms with balconies. The beach is lovely; perfect to enjoy a dip in the sea after a day of exploring the city.
Where Not to Stay
If you are wondering where not to stay in Athens, the list won’t be that long. The whole city is pretty safe, though some areas can be dodgy, with occasional pickpockets (it’s nothing compared to Barcelona for example). When we talk about safe areas to stay we refer to the central area surrounding the Acropolis, except for few neighborhoods. Staying far from the center doesn’t make much sense, as Athens doesn’t have the best public transport.
We do not recommend staying in Kerameikos and Metasourgio neighborhoods. It’s not the most pleasant area, though some of the best bars in Athens are here. Gazi, next to Kerameikos, is quite safe, but doesn’t host many accommodation options. Finally, we don’t recommend staying anywhere south, west or north of Omoneia. Exarcheia, Psyri and Center are not far from Omonia, but have a very different vibe.
How Long to Stay in Athens
You are probably asking yourself how long you should stay in Athens. This is always difficult to answer. It really depends on your interests. If you are into tourist attractions you don’t need to spend more than 2-3 days. Athens does host some of the most spectacular ancient sites, but they are all next to each other. The historical Plaka and Monastiraki districts are not too big either, and there are only a handful of first class museums.
If you only have 24 hours in Athens, spend them exploring the main ancient ruins and Plaka + Monastiraki area. We recommend visiting the Acropolis, the Agora and Kerameikos cemetery. If you have an extra day, visit the Acropolis Museum, the Archeological Museum and explore the street art of Psyri and Kerameikos. If you plan on spending three days in Athens, add modern architecture to that list.
