Where to Stay in Athens

My Favorite Athens Hotels

• 5-star: Grande Bretagne
• 4-star: Electra Palace
• 3-star: Phaedra • A for Athens
• Best pool: A particular hotel in Raito
• For Couples: Gatsby • AthensWas
• Acropolis View: Electra Palace
• — Airport: Sofitel
• Ferry Port: Port Square
• Beach Resort: Four Seasonsa number of people sitting at a table in a restauranta series of photos showing different types of electronic devices 1. The top ten hotels in Athens are: 1. A for Athens, 2. Gatsby, 3. Grande Bretagne, 4. Electra Palace, 5. Phaedra, 6. Ava, 7. AthensWas, 8. Sofitel, 9. Port Square, 10. Four Seasons

The Best Areas to Stay in Athens

See Also

• Hotels in Athens
• Family Lodgings in Athens
• Maps showing the layout of Athens, Greece

Along with The Athenian House,Avocado is one of our most liked restaurants in Imerovigli. It provides a comfortable and informal setting with very friendly staff, indoor and outdoor dining options. There is an enjoyable menu serving a few conventional Greek dishes together with seafood, meat, pasta and vegetarian choices. Located nearby the caldera, you need to cross the road to revel in the magnificent view, as it’s not visible from any of the tables though the changing colors of the sky can be seen from the patio at sunset. They are open for lunch and dinner from 12pm to 12am from the beginning of April to the end of October. Reservations are generally not required for lunch but are definitely recommended for dinner. It is a nice midpoint stop along the Fira to Oia walking track.

a series of photos showing different types of electronic devices

Each area of the city is examined thoroughly below, but here is a brief overview: Plaka is the oldest section, mostly pedestrianized, and densely filled with shops, restaurants, and charming architecture. Monastiraki is a delightful, historic district renowned for shopping at major retailers on Ermou Street and at the busy Monastiraki Flea Market. Syntagma borders the National Garden and is the political and economic hub, where you’ll find the Old Royal Palace (now Hellenic Parliament) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the iconic evzones’ ritual changing of the guard. Psirri is a eclectic, working-class neighborhood currently experiencing a bit of a renaissance with artisan workshops and lively tavernas. Makriyanni is an upscale mini-neighborhood home to the Acropolis Museum with a wide walking street. The City Center offers trendy shops, lounges, and restaurants along casually-cool Kolokotroni Street, plus the Central Market and National Historical Museum. Akadimia is a quieter neighborhood known for its Neoclassical buildings and high-end shopping. Kolonaki is among the wealthiest neighborhoods in central Athens, with luxury boutiques and haute cuisine. Thiseio is popular with young locals and is beautifully green with plenty of lookout points offering scenic vistas. Koukaki offers a relaxed, locals-only vibe despite its proximity to the Acropolis and museums. The Athens Riviera is on the south side of the city proper, boasting tranquil beaches and island-like atmosphere with a cosmopolitan touch. Finally, Piraeus is home to the ferry port. In the middle of a revamp, there are a handful of good hotels and restaurants popping up here and a well-connected transit system, but it’s more scenic and interesting to stay just about anywhere else in Athens, even if you have an early morning ferry to catch.

Athens has continually been inhabited for more than nine millennia, making it Europe`s longest-occupied capital city. Located there is the historic Acropolis, dating to around 3300 years ago. The city is named after the goddess Athena, representing wisdom, and has historically been pivotal for science, art, and philosophy. It was on the rocky Pnyx Hill here, just one kilometer from the Acropolis and steps from the alleged prison of Socrates, that the concept of democracy was originally conceived – stemming from demos, meaning the people, and kratos, or power. While renowned for its ancient ruins, the cityscape also incorporates Neoclassical, Modernist, and even tiny Cycladic-style buildings in the Anafiotika area of the Plaka neighborhood, blended with scattered remnants of Byzantine and Ottoman design alongside abundant mid-century apartment blocs. Vibrant murals and rough graffiti interweave even the most exclusive neighborhoods

Athens possesses two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis, where the iconic Parthenon stands, along with the 11th century Daphni Monastery in the Chaidari suburb, only 11 km from downtown. Two of Greece`s finest museums call Athens home, the Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum, plus dozens more specialized collections focusing on art and artifacts. Abundant green spaces and hiking trails wind around Mt Lycabettus, Filopappou Hill, and the National Garden amid an atmosphere of warm weather and bright skies for most of the year. Dining, nightlife, and shopping options are diverse and plentiful in the neighborhoods forming Athens’ historic center. Numerous rooftops feature restaurants and bars providing sweeping views over the city toward the brilliantly lit Acropolis at night. On the coastal south, you’ll discover a string of sandy beaches and sapphire sea in the Athens Riviera, along with the thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, valued as a natural mineral spa since the late 1800s.

Best Places to Stay in Athens

people sitting at tables outside of a restaurant

a neatly made bed in a hotel rooma patio area with a patio table and chairsa white bed sitting in a bedroom next to a windowa hotel room with a bed and a deska white bed sitting in a bedroom next to a lamp

Best Places in Athens for…

  • Ideal area for newcomers in Athens: Plaka

    • Plaka is the ideal location to initially experience Athens for first-time visitors. Situated at the base of the Acropolis in the historic and cultural heart of the city, Plaka is steps from Athens’ most significant ancient sites, like the Parthenon, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Roaming just a small distance outside Plaka reveals the Acropolis Museum, shopping for souvenirs at Monastiraki Flea Market, and visiting the Hellenic Parliament to watch the elaborate ritual that is the Changing of the Guard. Neoclassical mansions and diverse buildings line the tree-lined public squares and narrow roads (some paved in marble) of most of Plaka, while its Anafiotika enclave contributes an unexpected component of Cycladic architecture with whitewashed, cubic homes and flagstone pedestrian lanes. Energetic Plaka buzzes with action in its boutiques, bars, and galleries. Its charming sidewalk cafes offer an ideal vantage point for people-watching during the day or night while sampling local dishes, Greek wines, and the ubiquitous ouzo. Or opt for the romantic ambiance of one of the many garden courtyards hidden behind some of Athens’ best restaurants.

  • The Best Places in Athens for Sightseeing: Plaka, Syntagma, and Makriyanni
    Most neighborhoods in Athens contain at least a few points of interest, whether museums or ancient ruins. These neighborhoods boast the most significant attractions. Makriyanni is at the southern base of the Acropolis and houses the Acropolis Museum. Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens, is just a brief walk from the Acropolis with charming cobblestone streets and sights including Hadrian’s Arch. Syntagma is home to the historic locations of post-revolution Greece, namely the Parliament building and the National Garden.
  • Best Places in Athens for Shopping: Monastiraki and Kolonaki
    Monastiraki is the better known and busier of the two areas, with its 1.5 kilometer shopping street Ermou running entirely through the neighborhood. In addition, the Monastiraki Flea Market covers several blocks along Ifestou Street (and expands outward from Avisssinias Square on Sundays as vendors arrive from distant places). Kolonaki features 2 primary shopping roads, Voukourestiou and Stadiou, housing high-end retailers and the department store Attica. Voukourestiou Street extends down into Akadimia, creating a smaller shopping zone there, while the trendy Kolokotroni Street has recently been added to the shopping locales. Further south, plentiful upscale shopping options can be found along the Athens Riviera
  • The best neighborhoods in Athens for families seeking history and culture are Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma full of sights and activities.

    • These areas are all very safe, offer convenient transportation, and are within walking distance to Athens’ best dining and attractions. The farther north one travels (away from Plaka and closer to Omonia) the uglier and more questionable the city becomes. Visitors are advised to stay south of Sofokleous Street to avoid the worst sections, though even rougher parts remain fairly safe.

  • Top destinations in Athens for eateries and evening attractions: Psirri, City Center, and Koukaki
    Athens has no shortage of excellent eateries scattered all over, but for more authentic cuisine on a budget, head to Koukaki, two adjacent neighborhoods to the southeast of the Acropolis. Eateries here tend to cater more to local tastes, unlike those in the busier areas for tourists of Plaka and Monastiraki – though the settings aren`t nearly as spectacular. For an enjoyable night out within an short walk of most lodgings and major attractions, head to Psirri or the City Center. Psirri is the more atmospheric of the two, with sidewalk cafés illuminated by colorful string lights entangled in the trees overhead and a long history as a hub for rebel musicians. The City Center caters to more contemporary tastes, with various craft cocktail lounges, themed bars, and secret bars.
  • Best Places in Athens for a Local Vibe: Thiseio, Koukaki, and Kolonaki
    All relaxed, residential areas within easy walking or transit from the major attractions of the city, though with few significant tourist draws within their borders. Kolonaki is the most affluent of the three, while Koukaki offers the simplest access to and perspectives of the Acropolis, and Thiseio boasts more greenery and a youthful environment.
  • Good spots for brief visits include Monastiraki and Syntagma
  • These neighborhoods are ideal for brief trips of a day or two. Both areas have excellent public transportation connections. Monastiraki Station provides direct train service to Piraeus ferry port and the international airport. Syntagma Station has direct train links to the airport and the main attractions in the city.

Staying in Plaka

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Plaka represents the oldest precinct of Athens, having developed around the Ancient Agora and sustained steady inhabitation since. It loosely borders the base of the Acropolis to the southeast and the Monastiraki and Syntagma districts to the west and east respectively. Though Plaka comprises one of Athens’ most visited areas, the neighborhood still exudes charm through its cobblestone walkways, sidewalk bistros and small boutiques. Toward the southeast end of Plaka lies Anafiotikia, an enchanting tangle of lanes leading up the Acropolis exhibiting delightfully irregular Cycladic architecture – cubic, whitewashed buildings and bougainvillea.

Much of Plaka is limited to pedestrian use only (making it a great choice for visiting Athens without a car). Some of the best restaurants and bars in the city are found here, like Psarras Tavern (fresh seafood with outdoor seating on the staircase or rooftop terrace) and Brettos (a 100+-year-old distillery and bar), though dining elsewhere in the area generally offers more authentic options at better prices. Attractions include the Roman Agora, Tower of the Winds, Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Jewish Museum of Greece. Plaka is served by Monastiraki station on the metro lines 1 and 3, going directly to the Piraeus ferry port and Athens International Airport, respectively.

The Best Hotels in Plaka

Staying in Monastiraki

people walking down a street with umbrellas

Monastiraki is slightly less crowded with tourists than Plaka but has a comparable vibe with a blend of ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and neoclassical architecture. This lively neighborhood sits at the base of the Acropolis, bordered by Plaka to the east and Psirri to the north. It’s a excellent area for shopping, dining, and nightlife, centered around the expansive Monastiraki Flea Market and with the prominent shopping street Ermou stretching fully across it. “Flea Market” is somewhat of a misnomer, as it is comprised primarily of permanent retailers and restaurants; Sundays are the only days of the week that the street vendors erect their stalls. Ermou Street is the primary shopping street in Athens, with a mix of local boutiques and international brand stores. Significant sights here include the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Stoa of Attalos, and Hadrian’s Library. The Church of the Pantanassa, the “little monastery” that lent this district its name, sits in Monastiraki square, though Tzisdarakis Mosque just steps away is perhaps the most recognizable landmark in the area.

While the area has activity all through the day, Monastiraki really springs alive at night, when its sidewalk cafés and rooftop bars open up, numerous offering amazing panoramas of the illuminated Parthenon. Food is superb here, with a great blend of casual tavernas and upscale restaurants serving traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes. The area is served by the Monastiraki metro station (lines 1 and 3). Line 1 is a direct path to Piraeus Port and line 3 goes directly to the Athens International Airport, rendering Monastiraki a satisfactory choice if you have an early ferry or flight to catch.

The Best Hotels in Monastiraki

Staying in Syntagma

two men are walking down the street with their skateboards

Syntagma refers to the neighborhood surrounding Athens’ political and commercial core, Syntagma Square (Constitution Square). The neighborhood borders Plaka to the west and the National Garden and Kolonaki district to the east. The most prominent square in Greece, Syntagma was constructed shortly after Athens became the capital of the newly independent nation in the 1830s and was named for the constitution that King Otto was compelled to draft approximately a decade later.

Syntagma Square is anchored by the Old Royal Palace, which now serves as home for the Greek Parliament. Situated between the main square and the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of which a changing of the guard ritual is conducted every hour by the final unit of elite guards in the Hellenic Army, who function as the Presidential Guard. Adjacent to the tomb, the National Garden provides plenty of shade along with a botanical garden, ancient ruins, and a children’s library. The National Historical Museum is located nearby. Athens’ top 5-star hotels, Grande Bretagne and King George, are positioned directly on the square.

Syntagma is a major transportation hub with a huge, renovated underground train station served by subway lines 2 and 3. Line 3 goes directly to Athens International Airport, but another train is required to reach Piraeus Ferry Port (line 3 to Monastiraki Station, then line 1 to Piraeus). The X80 bus to Piraeus Ferry Port and the X95 bus to the Athens International Airport also stop here, as does the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus, making this an ideal spot for visitors on short trips or those catching early flights and ferries.

The Best Hotels in Syntagma

Staying in Kolonaki

a city filled with lots of tall buildings

Kolonaki is a wealthy neighborhood situated on the southern slope of Mt. Lycabettus, the tallest of Athens’ seven hills, bordering Syntagma. A cable car connects Kolonaki to the hilltop peak. Kolonaki is renowned for upscale shopping, museums, galleries, and trendy dining and drink establishments. Many streets are pedestrian-only zones bustling with Greek and international designer boutiques, high-fashion shoe stores, and popular sidewalk cafés, especially along its primary shopping avenues, Voukourestiou and Stadiou. Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, which delineates Kolonaki’s southern boundary, features neoclassical mansions now converted into museums, such as the outstanding Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Athens War Museum, and the Byzantine and Christian Museum. Various smaller museums and galleries are scattered throughout the neighborhood.

Kolonaki is very near Syntagma and about a 15-minute walk from Plaka. Due to its hillside location, there can be quite a few steps depending on how far north you’re going. The neighborhood is served by Syntagma station on metro line 2 & 3 and Evangelismos on metro line 3.

The Best Hotels in Kolonaki

Staying in Psirri

a crowd of people walking down a city street

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, Psirri sits northwest of Monastiraki and Plaka, and south of Kotzia and Omonia Squares. In the 19th century and early 20th century, Psirri was a favored hiding spot for revolutionaries and ruffians and home to rebetiko music and mangas. However, it has undergone a complete revival and is now known for its lively nightlife and authentic cuisine. This neighborhood remains firmly working class, with many craft workshops filling all the lanes extending out from its main square, Plateia Iroon (Heroes Square). Neoclassical houses that were once abandoned have been renovated and converted into hotels, galleries, eateries, cafés, clubs, and bars, many with live music. Elaborate murals and street art cover many of the structures here, and several small shops sell vintage clothing, local spices, vinyl records, original artwork, and much more.

Despite being only a 5-minute walk from the Monastiraki Flea Market, 10-minutes from the Ancient Agora, and 20-minutes from the Acropolis, Psirri is visited more by locals than tourists. Served by the Monastiraki metro station with lines 1 and 3 providing direct service to the port and airport respectively, Psirri remains somewhat off the beaten path.

The Best Hotels in Psirri

Staying in the City Center

a large building with lots of windows and trees

Athens’ City Center is a lively area overflowing with creative restaurants, authentic local cuisine, trendy boutiques, and some of the city’s best cocktail bars, including Baba Au Rum, six d.o.g.s., Noel, and the globally-renowned The Clumsies. The City Center is also home to sights such as the Athens Central Market (a fish, meat, and produce market since 1886 with a handful of simple restaurants serving dishes highlighting locally-sourced ingredients sold in the stalls), the Old Parliament (now housing the National Historical Museum – a collection of artifacts from the early Ottoman era through World War II), and Kolokotroni Street (among “the coolest streets in the world” according to Time Out magazine). Lodgings here are primarily boutique properties ranging from contemporary luxury to effortlessly trendy – yet affordably priced – stays.

Situated within a brief stroll of the city`s most renowned attractions and providing shopping and dining options catering to local and global tastes alike, the City Center serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the metropolitan area. The neighborhood is positioned just north of Monastiraki and Syntagma, east of Psirri, and west of Akadimia. The nearest stations for catching the train to the airport are Monastiraki and Syntagma Metro, while the Monastiraki and Omonia Metro stations serve the Piraeus ferry port.

The Best Hotels in the City Center

Staying in Koukaki

a large building with a clock on top of it

Increasingly popular, the low-key region of Koukaki is emerging as one of Athens’ trendiest neighborhoods. Koukaki is located at the southern base of the Acropolis and Filopappou Hill, where you’ll find Socrates’ prison cell along with stunning Acropolis views. Still largely untouched by tourists (aside from daytime visitors to the museums), this area offers plenty of tavernas and cafés on its squares and sidewalks, where you may be the only traveler. A farmer’s market sets up at the southwestern end of the neighborhood every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Koukaki’s main attractions include the recently renovated National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) in the former Fix brewery. Koukaki is approximately a 5-minute walk to the Plaka neighborhood, 10 minutes to the Acropolis, and a 20-minute walk to Syntagma Square. The Koukaki area is served by the Akropoli and Sygrou-Fix stations on metro line 2.

The Best Hotels in Koukaki

Staying in Thiseio

a city street filled with lots of cars and buildings

This hilly, green area full of neoclassical architecture and walkway lined streets lies northwest of the Acropolis. A most loved spot among younger Athenians for weekend lunches or evenings out, Thiseio is home to an open-air cinema and cafés along Apostolou Pavlou Street and numerous stores and bars along Irakleidon Street, where the tram tracks used to run. Thiseio is centrally-placed near the Ancient Agora, in the past the working-class heart of the city filled with blacksmiths and metalworkers, as evidenced by its proximity to the Temple of Hephaestus, God of fire and blacksmiths. Thiseio borders Filopappou Hill, a lush park filled with ruins and historic sights, many of which are free to visit: Pnyx Hill (birthplace of democracy, where ancient Athens’ democratic assembly met beginning in the 5th century B.C., and – in theory if not practice – all citizens had an equal right to vote, speak, and propose actions), Filopappou Monument (tomb of a 2nd-century, exiled Roman prince), and the National Observatory of Athens (offering day tours, stargazing, and demonstrations of historic telescopes), among other attractions. Climb nearby Aeropagus Hill (AKA Mars Hill) for spectacular views of both the Acropolis and Mt. Lycabettus, plus panoramic views to the west toward Piraeus, the sea, and the sunset.

Thiseio sits west of the Monastiraki neighborhood and the Ancient Agora and north of Filopappou Hill, less than a 2km walk to the Acropolis and Roman Agora. Its Metro station provides easy access to surrounding areas, the airport, and the ferry port of Piraeus.

The Best Hotels in Thiseio

Staying in Akadimia

a large stone building with a clock on it

Akadimia is a walkable neighborhood located near the center of Athens yet away from the busiest tourist areas, though only a brief stroll away from the city’s most beloved attractions. Some of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture are found here, such as the Academy of Athens building seen above, the University of Athens, and the Vallianeio Megaron which is part of the National Library – all situated along the same road. A major high-end shopping street called Voukourestiou passes through the neighborhood into Kolonaki, showcasing Greek designer stores like Lalounis as well as international luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. Greek-owned retailers Soho-Soho and Attica featuring European and American companies also have a presence in the area. The Numismatic Museum and the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology are located at the south end of the neighborhood.

Akadimia is bordered by Syntagma and the National Garden to the south, Kolonaki to the east, the City Center to the West, and Omonia and Exarchaea to the north. The main metro station here is Panepistimio on Line 2, connecting to the Acropolis. For Line 3 to the airport, the nearest subway station is at Syntagma; for Piraeus Port, take Line 1 from Omonia.

The Best Hotels in Akadimia

Staying in Makriyanni

a city street filled with lots of trees and people

An upscale area on the southern side of the Acropolis in Makriyanni, one of its main attractions is the Acropolis Museum, a collection of all artifacts uncovered on the Acropolis hill and its surrounding slopes, built above excavations of an ancient Athenian neighborhood. The major road is the pedestrianized Dionysiou Areopagitou (pictured above), with greenery on its northern side and with sidewalk cafes, neoclassical structures, and artisan workshops on its southern side. The Ilias Lalounis Jewelry Museum is on Kallisperi Street, housing an expansive assortment of the renowned jeweler`s work, along with jewelry, decor, clothing from the 18th century lived workshops and a Jewelry Artist in Residence Program. Rooftop restaurants abound, pairing local flavors with views of the Acropolis illuminated at night.

A short walk east from Makriyanni leads to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, while Filopappou Hill rises to the west. The Koukaki neighborhood borders Makriyanni to the south. The Acropolis Metro station is on Line 1 with stops in Syntagma (transfer to Line 3 here to reach the airport) and Omonia (transfer to Line 2 for Piraeus Port).

The Best Hotels in Makriyanni

Staying in the Athens Riviera

a beach filled with lots of beach chairs and umbrellas

Stretching 48 kilometers along the coastline south of Athens city, the Apollo Coast, better known as the Athens Riviera, features numerous sandy beaches and fashionable marinas within the suburbs of Athens extending from Piraeus to Cape Sounio. Situated only 16 kilometers from downtown Athens, the Riviera offers the most convenient beach getaway while maintaining easy access to the iconic Acropolis. Of course, the Riviera has its own attractions to explore too, such as the 5th century Temple of Poseidon and the therapeutic waters of Lake Vouliagmeni. However, the Athens Riviera is most renowned for its heavenly stretches of sand, many of which hold a Blue Flag rating and provide beach amenities like rented sun loungers and umbrellas in addition to nearby dining and beach club establishments. Most beaches along here are privately managed with gated entries requiring an entrance charge, though some free, unserviced beaches are scattered along the coastline as well. Home to upscale shopping destinations, fine dining options, and trendy nightlife scenes, this sunny area has long been a favorite escape for celebrities and high society individuals.

Hotels and resorts tend to command higher prices in the central coast area, particularly near Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, with more affordable lodging available toward the north end closer to Piraeus or south near Anavyssos. Exploring the south end of the Athens Riviera is best done using a vehicle, but with some preparation guests can visit without one if lodging in Glyfada or a bit northward. A series of trams, buses, and trains connect the northern towns along the Riviera to Piraeus Port, the airport, and downtown Athens.

The Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera

Staying in Piraeus (Ferry Port)

a large body of water with boats in it

Piraeus functions as the main port of Athens, where the majority of ferries traveling to and from the islands arrive and depart. Visitors will find little particular activities here, yet the location is not completely vacant. There are two marinas, two stadiums, a small archaeological gallery, a maritime museum, and a waterfront promenade affording pleasant sundown perspectives. The hilltop neighborhood of Kastella belongs to the city`s most affluent areas with direct access to the charming, natural harbor of Mikrolimano. Piraeus remains safe with many tourists at the port around the clock during peak season, but it lacks distinctive beauty or interest.

Travellers with early trips to the Greek island might consider staying in Piraeus, however it’s only a 30-minute train ride from downtown Athens (on line 1) to the ferry port, so I propose remaining in Athens. The Port Square is a wonderful hotel at the port, simply steps from the footbridge to the ferries. The Alex, situated in Kastella, is the top luxury hotel in Piraeus.

• Hotel website • Check prices for Keti Hotel

The Best Hotels in Piraeus

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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