Where to Stay in Athens: Top 7 Areas & Hotels!
The numerous amazing places for where to stay in Athens will surely make your city trip to the Greek capital an unforgettable experience! Whether for couples, solo travelers, families with children or younger ones, every traveler will find a perfect accommodation in this breathtaking city. Most of the places to stay are hotels, but of course, there is also a terrific selection of charming guesthouses, pretty vacation apartments and cheap hostels in Athens. Moreover, the city is huge with 91 neighborhoods, so the question arises where is the best area to stay in Athens. Some are particularly good for sightseeing, shopping and going out thanks to their location in the center. But what are actually the best areas for where to stay in Athens, and what are the best tips for brilliant accommodations and hotels for your city trip?
This travel guide is all about where to stay in Athens. In addition, you will find many useful tips on hotel as well as accommodation recommendations, which will certainly help you with your travel planning.
Monastiraki
Choosing an accommodation in the colorful neighborhood of Monastiraki is a fantastic choice for a city trip to the Greek capital. It is located between the old town Plaka and the famous shopping street Ermou. Many of the most stunning things to do in Athens can be experienced from here in no time. Among them are the Roman Agora, the Ancient Agora as well as Hadrian’s Library and also the Acropolis is within walking distance from Monastiraki Square. The neighborhood is also known for its Monastiraki flea market and the many walking streets, which are ideal for shopping. In addition, there are numerous taverns and restaurants in the lively neighborhood, where guests can watch the hustle and bustle. The rooftop bars are also a really cool feature, offering a magnificent view of the Acropolis.
The lively Monastiraki is especially recommended for those who want to stay close to the main attractions and reach them on foot. You’ll find a great range of accommodation in the neighborhood, including some of the hippest hotels in Athens. You can even enjoy a great view of the Acropolis from some of the best places to stay.
Best Accommodations & Hotels:
- Hotel with Rooftopbar: The A for Athens is one of the trendiest hotels in Athens. It is in a top location in the center and inspires with a legendary rooftop bar.
- Stylish Apartments: The Nsplace offers variously sized, modern vacation apartments in the heart of Athens. Guests love the chic style and top location.
- Apartments with a View: The Auntie’s Home is an insider tip! These apartments are a real dream and the beautiful view of the Acropolis is also unbeatable.
Psiri
Psiri, or often spelled Psyri, is definitely one of the coolest places to stay in Athens. This trendy neighborhood is located northwest of Monastiraki and extends to the Central Market. There is always something going on here, and the atmosphere in the colorful streets is also unique. You can enjoy chic restaurants, there are taverns with live music and a vibrant nightlife with hip bars as well as clubs where you can party until morning. Especially young people, and those who love to go out, will enjoy this hip Athens neighborhood. Moreover, Psiri is home to some of the best boutique hotels in Athens, which score with original design and unique atmosphere. Not far from Monastiraki, the city’s main attractions are also within quick walking distance.
The vibrant Psiri neighborhood is legendary in Athens and a top choice for a unique city break in the Greek capital. This is where Athens lives! On a vacation, you’ll get to know the hip side of the Greek metropolis, enjoy a fabulous range of restaurants and nightlife options, and many of the accommodations in the neighborhood are also truly recommendable.
Best Accommodations & Hotels:
- Budget Hotel: The BED in Athens is a nice, inexpensive hotel in the middle of the lively Psiri neighborhood, just a few steps from the many taverns and cool bars.
- Boutique Hotel: The MiraMe Athens Boutique Hotel-House has a great location in the center and the breakfast on the roof terrace with a view of the Acropolis is brilliant.
- Beautiful Aparthotel: The Foundry Suites is a beautiful aparthotel and an insider tip for staying in the coolest district of Athens. The roof terrace is also really fabulous!
Syntagma
Syntagma Square is one of the most important public squares in the Greek metropolis. Moreover, in this area there are some of the best hotels in Athens, perfect for an exceptional stay in the city center. Many of the accommodations are 5-star or 4-star hotels, but there are also private apartments. Also known as the Constitution Square, it is located just across the street from the Parliament building and the charming National Garden is also just a few steps away. It is a true oasis of tranquility and the optimal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition, Ermou Street, the city’s most famous shopping street, begins at Syntagma Square. There is also a subway that will take you to other attractions of the city.
In the Syntagma district, you can actually find quite stunning accommodations in Athens. Prices are a bit more expensive there than in the outer districts, but you enjoy the advantage of being in the center and within walking distance of many famous places and attractions. Fabulous is also the selection of good 5-star hotels, which are best suited for a luxurious vacation in Athens.
Best Accommodations & Hotels:
- 5-Star Grand Hotel: The Hotel Grande Bretagne is a stunning, luxurious hotel in the heart of Athens. The view from the rooftop bar is also a real highlight.
- Chic Design Hotel: The InnAthens is an absolutely stylish design hotel in a brilliant location. Guests also love the delicious breakfast and the relaxed flair in the hotel.
- Stylish 5-Star Hotel: The Electra Metropolis is one of the popular 5-star hotels in Athens. The chic restaurant on the roof terrace is also a real must-visit!
Plaka
The wonderfully pretty neighborhood of Plaka is one of the oldest parts of Athens and definitely one of the most charming places to stay. This romantic neighborhood is located beneath the Acropolis and is therefore also known as the neighborhood of the gods. Here you can experience the Greek capital from its most beautiful side during a vacation. The colorful old townhouses are absolutely lovely, with some of the buildings even dating back to the 18th century. Pretty are the many adorable cafés and restaurants that invite guests to linger. In addition, you’ll find some of the best accommodations in Athens in the neighborhood, including mainly vacation rentals and small but fine hotels as well as guesthouses. Also worth visiting is the adjacent Anafiotika neighborhood on the outskirts of Plaka, where the snow-white houses remember of the charm of the Greek Cyclades.
Plaka is especially recommended for couples, for individualists and for connoisseurs, or simply for all those who are looking for that very special Athens feeling. The neighborhood is lively without being overcrowded. There are beautiful boutiques for shopping, fabulous restaurants for having a romantic dinner, and really lovely accommodations. It’s also a quick walk to the center of town.
Best Accommodations & Hotels:
- Charming Villa: The Tripodon Plaka a modern villa in the heart of Plaka. With 3 bedrooms, it offers plenty of space and is a great choice for families and small groups.
- Perfect Vacation Rental: The Athens Authentic Elegance is an insider tip. The vacation rental is authentically furnished and located in wonderful right under the Acropolis.
- Nice 4-Star Hotel: The Ava Hotel and Suites is a stylish hotel. It’s located in a terrific location in the middle of a quiet side street and the breakfast is perfect too!
Makrygianni
A recommendation for a city break to Athens is the neighborhood of Makrygianni. This picturesque area is located around the famous Acropolis Museum, and the Acropolis is also not far from there. This neighborhood delights in many ways right away. Firstly, it is the optimal starting point for sightseeing and exploring Athens. Here you will stay particularly central in the city center and can explore all the important sights over a walk. On the other hand, the neighborhood is really charming, very clean, wonderfully green, and you enjoy a pleasant flair. The car-free avenue is also a dream, with fabulous restaurants and cafés to enjoy in the neoclassical houses.
Makrygianni is one of the upscale neighborhoods in Athens, which is especially appreciated by families with children, but also couples as well as solo travelers. You will find numerous good apartments, some trendy boutiques for shopping as well as good dining options. Moreover, the atmosphere in the neighborhood is very pleasant, relaxed and safe.
Best Accommodations & Hotels:
- Ingenious Hotel with Pool: The Coco-mat Athens BC is a real insider tip in Athens. Guests love the hip design as well as the rooftop terrace with pool and top views of the Acropolis.
- Large Vacation Home: The Contemporary Acropolis House is a lovely vacation home and offers enough space for a group or family to spend a few nice days.
- Fantastic Apartment: The Star Acropolis Apartment is a fabulous choice. Here, the chic decor, a terrific location, and the rooftop terrace with a view score points.
Kolonaki
The charming neighborhood of Kolonaki is one of the finest areas in Athens. It is located near the city’s Mount Lycabettus, which can be reached by cog railroad or hiking trail. In this chic neighborhood are some of the most expensive boutiques in the city, there are local designer stores and numerous galleries. The gastronomic offer with excellent restaurants, wine bars and elegant cocktail bars also invite enjoying yourself in an exclusive ambience. Well known is Tsakalof Street, where many locals meet for coffee or cocktails. Of course, in Kolonaki there are also really chic accommodations that are best suited for a stylish stay in Athens. Many of these are vacation rentals, but there are also excellent hotels for a vacation.
Kolonaki is a great choice for where to stay in Athens, especially if you want to sleep in one of the most attractive neighborhoods in the city. There is something going on here at any time of the day, there are excellent shopping possibilities in the designer stores, or you can enjoy culinary delights. In addition, the neighborhood is very safe and clean. Perfect also if you travel as families.
Best Accommodations & Hotels:
- Chic Design Hotel: The Project 3 Urban Chic Hotel is a small, cool design hotel in a wonderful location. The delicious breakfast and nice service are also fantastic.
- Elegant Apartments: The Denise Luxury Apartment-Centre is a nice choice for a vacation. The apartments are tastefully decorated and cozy.
- Small Apartment with Style: The Cultural Athens is a nice small apartment in a quiet street with orange trees and not far from restaurants and stores.
Koukaki
Koukaki is located in the southeastern part of the city center and is a real insider tip if you want to get to know the authentic Athenian flair off the typical tourist paths. Here you live in an up-and-coming, yet less-touristy neighborhood and thus get to know daily Greek life at its best. Moreover, the culinary offer in Koukaki is really excellent. The small pedestrian streets are lined with fantastic bars, colorfully decorated taverns and excellent snack bars that invite guests to enjoy and linger. In addition, there are traditional bakeries where you can buy the best baked goods in town. The prices are also a hit, so you won’t find any overpriced tourist restaurants here.
Staying in Koukaki is a unique experience, especially if you want to stay where Athenians live. In the neighborhood of Koukaki there are still not any big hotels until today. Most of the accommodations are privately owned apartments. Moreover, many of the parking spaces are free of charge, perfect if you’re getting there by car.
Best Accommodations & Hotels:
- Chic Apartment: The Acropolis Urban Lifestyle Apartment is a definitely great place to stay. It is cozy and chic at the same time, and the quiet location is also top.
- Modern Aparthotel: The Great Living Koukaki offers different sized, really charming apartments, which have been furnished with great attention to detail.
- Large Apartment: The Blue Ark Comfort near Acropolis is a top choice. Guests love the beautiful decor, and the location close to local restaurants is also brilliant.
Map of the Best Neighborhoods in Athens
If you want to get an better overview of the best neighborhoods in Athens, you can find them marked on the map below. To help you find your way around, the best neighborhoods are marked with turquoise stars. In addition, we have summarized the advantages of the most popular places to stay in Athens at a glance.
- Where to Stay for First-Timers: Any of the 7 neighborhoods mentioned above
- Where to Stay for Nightlife: Psiri, Koukaki
- Where to Stay for Luxurious Hotels: Syntagma, Makrygianni, Psiri
- Where to Stay for Shopping: Monastiraki, Syntagma, Plaka, Kolonaki
- Where to Stay for Local Life: Plaka, Koukaki, Kolonaki
- Where to Stay for Food & Drinks: Plaka, Psiri, Koukaki, Monastiraki
Find the best accommodation in Athens:
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