Where to stay in Athens when visiting the ancient capital of Greece? In Athens, you can find a variety of accommodations ranging from luxurious hotels to cozy hostels. Many hotels in the city offer beautiful roof terraces, some even featuring rooftop pools and exquisite restaurants. However, amidst numerous options, it can be challenging to locate truly exceptional places to stay. As Greece’s most renowned destination, Athens boasts numerous pleasant accommodations in its expansive city center. This blog will help you make a choice, highlighting the best neighborhoods and recommended hotels for your stay.
- Best area to stay in Athens: Plaka
- Hotel with the best view in Athens: Electra Palace Athens
- Most beautiful luxury hotel in Athens: Hotel Grande Bretagne
- Best hostel in Athens: Athens Hub Hostel
- Most beautiful boutique design hotel: Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel
- Best family accommodation in Athens: Urban Tales
How to get to Athens in Greece
Athens is situated in southeast mainland Greece, bordered by mountain ranges. It is one of Europe’s southernmost capitals, offering a warm climate and making it an ideal destination even during winter. Athens boasts its own international airport, providing direct flights from various European and intercontinental airports.
From Athens, you can easily reach other tourist destinations in Greece. The archaeological site of Delphi is just over 2 hours away, and you will find the famous monasteries of Meteora more than 5 hours away. Both are popular day tours from Athens for those who don’t have the time or transport to travel to these spots on their own. West of Athens is the Peloponnesos peninsula, the most beautiful part of the mainland, with famous sites like the Theater of Epidaurus, as well as idyllic beaches and picturesque coastal towns.
Combine Athens with island hopping in Greece by flying from Athens to various Greek islands or taking a ferry from Athens Piraeus port to multiple islands.
Why Athens is worth visiting
Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, is brimming with history. The combination of ancient Greek ruins and the vibrant modern city make Athens a truly worthwhile destination.
Read more: 20 best things to do in Athens
A trip to Athens offers a unique cityscape compared to other European cities. Don’t expect a polished and picturesque city, as Athens can be raw, sometimes even neglected. However, the city center remains authentic, unaffected by tourism and inhabited by locals. Athens is a vibrant and raw city, unlike many others in Europe.
Scattered throughout this vibrant city are charming squares and atmospheric neighborhoods, adorned with archaeological sites, impressive monuments, and trendy hotspots. We indulged ourselves for days with the abundant sights of Athens, traversing numerous kilometers while exploring the expansive city center. Among the top attractions in Athens are renowned highlights like the Acropolis and the Parthenon, along with lesser-known gems such as quirky themed cafes and breathtaking viewpoints.
The best areas to stay in Athens
The best places to stay in Athens are the vibrant neighborhoods in the city center. Athens’ center comprises multiple districts, each with its own unique atmosphere and attractions. As these districts are all within walking distance of each other, there isn’t a definitive ideal location in Athens. Continue reading to learn about the various neighborhoods and what they have to offer.
A useful Athens city map highlighting the different areas:
Where to stay in Plaka
The finest neighborhood in Athens is undoubtedly the authentic Plaka. This cozy area is situated at the base of the Acropolis and features charming streets, steep alleys, and white houses built against the slope of the Acropolis. Due to its popularity, hotel prices in Plaka are slightly higher than in other parts of Athens.
Plaka, once a residential area, now stands as an anomaly in Athens. It has been predominantly transformed into a tourist hub while other areas in Athens are still mainly residential. Nonetheless, Plaka maintains its charm and allure, allowing visitors to leisurely explore its quaint, winding streets adorned with vibrant flowers and Byzantine churches. A must-visit is Anafiotika, a village within Athens that emits a distinctive island ambiance.
The best hotels in Plaka:
#1 Electra Palace Athens is a remarkable hotel offering a multitude of amenities. After a day filled with sightseeing, indulge in relaxation at the rooftop pool, providing a tranquil oasis. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the swimming pool and the roof terrace, where you can enjoy a delightful breakfast each morning. For additional relaxation, take advantage of the indoor pool and spa facilities.
#2 AthensWas Design Hotel for a hotel offering a magnificent view of the Acropolis and boasting a prime location in the heart of Plaka. Situated directly across from the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, this hotel is positioned on Dionysiou Areopagitou, which is renowned as Athens’ most picturesque pedestrian street. With its modern design featuring sleek lines and dark colors, as well as the option to enjoy breakfast with a view, AthensWas Design Hotel has become a highly sought-after choice among travelers seeking a stylish accommodation in Athens.
#3 Dioskouros Hostel is a budget-friendly place to stay in Plaka. The decor is modern and simple, and they offer both dormitories and private rooms. Take advantage of the hostel’s convenient rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a satisfying breakfast while basking in the warm Greek sun.
Where to stay in Monastiraki
Monastiraki, located in the heart of Athens, offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with its abundance of shopping streets, charming terraces, and cozy ambiance. This vibrant district boasts a variety of must-visit attractions, including the ancient Greek Agora, awe-inspiring Byzantine churches, the historic Library of Hadrian, and the magnificent modern cathedral known as the Great Metropolitan. Adjacent to Monastiraki, you’ll discover Syntagma Square, home to the iconic Presidential Palace and the solemn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While Syntagma Square is often referred to as a separate district, it seamlessly blends with Monastiraki, making it an integral part of this captivating neighborhood.
Monastiraki is the second most visited district in Athens after Plaka due to its abundance of attractions. While it may lack the charming atmosphere of Plaka, the accommodation rates in Monastiraki are slightly more affordable than in the popular Plaka.
The best hotels in Monastiraki:
#4 Hotel Grande Bretagne is Athens’ most exquisite hotel, perfectly situated at Syntagma Square. Revel in the breathtaking vistas of Athens from the panoramic roof terrace, take a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool, indulge in culinary delights at the exclusive Roof Garden Restaurant, pamper yourself at the spa, and unwind in the opulent rooms. This unrivaled accommodation sets the standard for excellence in Athens.
#5 Elia Ermou Athens Hotel is a sleek and contemporary hotel in Athens’ bustling center. On the uppermost level, indulge in a restaurant offering breathtaking vistas of the Acropolis. Guests can also luxuriate in the spa and fitness facilities.
#6 Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel that offers contemporary and luminous rooms in a central Monastiraki location. The hotel experience is further enriched by a delectable breakfast served on the rooftop terrace. With excellent reviews from guests, it is one of the top-rated hotels in Athens on Booking.com.
Where to stay in Koukaki
Koukaki, a lesser-known area of Athens, offers more affordable and easily accessible hotel options. Situated south of the Acropolis mountain, this upcoming neighborhood boasts trendy eateries, restaurants, and cozy local markets.
Koukaki is known for its main attraction, the Acropolis Museum, a must-see in Athens. Additionally, the district houses the Contemporary Art Museum and the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum. From Koukaki, you can conveniently visit the Acropolis, as well as explore the nearby sights in Plaka and Monastiraki, which are within walking distance.
The best hotels in Koukaki:
#7 Divani Palace Acropolis is a hotel in close proximity to both the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis itself, featuring a stunning Acropolis view from the rooftop terrace. One unique aspect is the integration of ancient Greek ruins into the hotel’s architecture. Guests can indulge in amenities such as a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant.
#8 Cohort Koukaki is an aparthotel that features stylish studios with individual kitchenettes, elegant rain showers, and exquisite furnishings. It has received excellent reviews and a top rating on Booking.com.
#9 Niche Hotel Athens is favored by travelers for its prime location near the Acropolis Museum and magnificent rooftop terrace view of the Acropolis. The hotel features a rooftop bar, friendly staff, stylish rooms, and an extensive breakfast.
Where to stay in Psyri
North of Monastiraki lies the Psyri district, also known as Psiri. This area is centered around a square, resembling a spider’s web of streets. Psyri offers a variety of excellent restaurants, such as the creatively themed Little Cook and Fairytale Cafe. On the northern side of Psyri, one can find the Central Market, providing an authentic Athenian experience. However, it is worth noting that the meat stalls may not be suitable for those with a sensitive stomach.
#10 Athens Hub Hostel is an exquisite hostel in Athens, conveniently situated in Psyri. Its captivating aesthetics, inviting communal spaces, and welcoming staff have made it a beloved choice for travelers. Unsurprisingly, this hotel boasts an exceptional rating on Booking.com.
#11 Urban Tales is a family-friendly aparthotel that offers stylish apartments with fully equipped kitchens. The appealing studios, convenient location, and welcoming owners have received positive reviews.
#12 Wyndham Grand Athens is one of Athens’ most popular hotels, located actually just outside the Psyri district in the Metaxourgeio district. Only steps away from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, it features an outdoor rooftop pool and a bar-restaurant with panoramic views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill.
Where to stay in Kolonaki
Kolonaki, a chic neighborhood located just outside the historic center, is easily accessible by foot from the National Garden. The main highlight is the Benaki Museum, created by a wealthy art collector to showcase his extensive collection of Greek antiquities and artifacts. Additionally, Kolonaki offers lesser-known attractions, providing an authentic Athens experience without the presence of tourists. This also means there are more reasonably priced accommodation options available.
The best hotels in Kolonaki:
#13 Coco-Mat Hotel Athens has luxurious, well-appointed rooms adorned with chic furniture and Coco-Mat mattresses. The stunning rooftop terrace truly steals the show at Coco-Mat Hotel.
#14 periscope boasts a minimalistic and sleek design complemented by a friendly staff, comfortable rooms, a jacuzzi on the roof terrace, and a prime location, as stated in enthusiastic guest reviews.
#15 The Modernist Athens is situated in the stunning edifice of the former Canadian Embassy. It boasts a rooftop terrace affording breathtaking vistas of Athens. With a delectable breakfast, sophisticated and chic rooms, and an exceptional staff, this hotel ranks among the finest in the city.
