Here is where to stay in Athens. This is a detailed list of the best hotels in Athens, Greece, for you. We’ve covered all the bases, from luxurious 5-star Athens hotels all the way down to the more budget-friendly.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is not only a fantastic European capital to visit, with all its monuments, archaeological sites, and museums. It’s also a great place to live for longer periods too.
Digital nomads in Greece, remote workers, and full-time travelers that visit fall in love with Athens and often decide to spend longer than initially intended.
Whether you’re visiting for a short time or have decided to give life in Athens a try, this guide will walk you through the best places to stay and live in Athens.
In this article, I will tell you which are the best areas for night entertainment, the top hotels in Athens, taverns, and the best places to go shopping. I will also discuss where not to stay in Athens, those places that are not so convenient so that you have no doubts about where you should visit the next time you stay in Athens.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
The Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Athens
This first section will look at the best places to stay in Athens for tourist purposes. This includes the best area to stay in Athens, Greece if you’re visiting Athens to discover museums and archaeological sites and the best areas for restaurants, nightlife, and even shopping.
We will also tell you about the most convenient metro stations you need to keep in mind to visit each of these Athens districts.
These neighborhoods in Athens are what we think are the best for you!
Most Picturesque Neighborhood In Athens: Plaka
A favorite area among tourists and locals alike is Plaka, often considered the old district area of Athens.
Plaka is a maze of picturesque alleys and narrow streets that host a variety of shops and markets. The beautiful cafes and tavernas are a must. Be sure to dine al fresco both in the summer months and in the cooler months.
Plaka is only steps away from the magnificent Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and several important museums. And there are many boutique hotels where you can stay. You can reach Plaka on foot from other central areas, including Monastiraki and Syntagma.
Plaka can also be very busy since it’s the best place to stay in Athens within the Acropolis. Although some of these central Athens hotels can be on the expensive side, you can find cheaper alternatives to staying in a hostel or a rental home. Otherwise, try to book early in order to find better fees.
In Plaka, most homes have a traditional Neoclassical façade, making the place one of the most beautiful places for street photography if you’re a fan!
Not far from the heart of Plaka, you can also spend some time visiting the old district of Anafiotika, which grew at the feet of the Acropolis many years ago. Anafiotika is the place where many immigrants from the Cycladic Island of Anafi (hence its name) settled many years ago when moving to Athens to build the government palace.
Although it is not easy to find a place to stay in the area, it’s definitely a fantastic place to visit when you’re staying in Plaka. You will be surrounded by a very tranquil atmosphere, and it will feel like you’re visiting a Greek Island.
How To Get To Plaka
The metro stations that reach the area are Monastiraki, Acropolis, and Syntagma.
Most Central Neighborhood In Athens: Monastiraki
Monastiraki grows around a central square that’s the beating heart of the city, Monastiraki Square. The picturesque area is a great place to hang out with friends, go shopping for souvenirs and bargains in Athens’ beautiful flea markets, and, of course, eat.
If you’ve come to Athens seeking to taste traditional meat platters, such as gyros and souvlaki, then you can choose any of the gyro joints in the alleys around Monastiraki and enjoy the best of Greece’s street food.
Monastiraki is also where people choose to go shopping; walking from Monastiraki to Syntagma Square along Ermou Street offers an outstanding shopping opportunity as several top-brand shops are located in the area.
Monastiraki is close to the beautiful Ancient Agora of Athens and Hadrian’s Library. There are plenty of rooftop wine and cocktail bars with amazing Acropolis views for you to choose from when it comes to nightlife. No matter whether it’s a romantic dinner or just a snack and a couple of beers, this is the place to be in town.
How To Get To Monastiraki
The central metro station is Monastiraki, right in the square.
Athens Most Hip Neighborhood: Psirri
Psiri, Psyrri, or also Psirri, is one of my favorite places to stay in Athens. It’s close to Monastiraki and Plaka, but it still preserves a unique, more boho atmosphere, making it an ideal area for younger crowds.
Nights come alive with colors, music, sounds, and evening food fragrances. In Psirri, you’ll be able to taste and experience the best of Athens’ nightlife by visiting the different bars, tavernas, and pubs that remain open until late at night, serving great local food and offering all the music genres you can possibly imagine.
Psirri is an ideal area for photographers who love to capture the bizarre and creative street art characterizing Athens during the last years. When in Psirri, look around with care and attention; the chances are that street art will surprise you!
This is arguably the best area to stay in Athens, Greece, for a vibrant combination of street life, nightlife, and Greek cuisine.
How To Get To Psirri
Also, to get to Psirri, the most convenient metro station is Monastiraki.
Syntagma Neighborhood
Athens’s most central and important square is Syntagma, the place where you’ll find the government seat of the country. Here, tourists and locals gather every morning to witness the change of the guard of the Evzones, the legendary Greek military elite.
Although the place is relatively central and well connected to many other areas in town, it’s also here where locals gather to protest and demonstrate, so it can be a bit of a nuisance to reach the area during the many common strikes that Athens witnesses every year.
Locals also meet in Syntagma, which is an important transport hub, which means that several bus lines have their stop here for those trying to reach the port, the airport, and more. Many tours pick tourists in the area, so it tends to be quite busy and trafficked.
Since Syntagma is easy to reach on foot from other Athenian neighborhoods, including Monastiraki, Plaka, and Kolonaki.
Some of the most exclusive, luxurious, and best boutique hotel options in Athens are located around this square too.
How To Get To Syntagma
You can use the following metro stations to reach the area: Syntagma, Acropolis, and Panepistimio. If you want to get to the airport by bus, you can catch the X95 bus at the square.
Athens’s Most Elegant Neighborhood: Kolonaki
Located at the stunning Lycabettus Hill base, Kolonaki is a glamorous area with stylish buildings, beautiful hotels in Athens, and some of the most exclusive shops hosting both international and local brands.
Nightlife is tranquil and relaxed but also exclusive. In fact, in Kolonaki, it’s possible to experience some of the city’s most sophisticated restaurants and bars.
Suppose you’re looking for a safe neighborhood with an elegant atmosphere but still surrounded by pleasant by, gorgeous cafeterias, restaurants, and 4-star and 5-star hotels in Athens. In that case, this is the best place to stay in Athens.
How To Get To Kolonaki
The most convenient metro stations are Syntagma and Evangelismos.
Koukaki Neighborhood
Koukaki is a residential area where it’s possible to live in the most authentic atmosphere of Athens. In the area, it’s possible to visit the Acropolis Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the fascinating Jewelry Museum of Athens.
How To Get To Koukaki
The closest metro stations in the area are Acropolis and Syngrou Fix.
Thisseio Neighborhood
A great area for young travelers, a stay in Thisseio will guarantee exciting things to do and tons of nightlife to enjoy. The neighborhood features dozens of cafés, cocktail bars, restaurants, and a well-known open-air cinema, Cinema Thisseio.
Interesting places within walking distance include Filopappou Hill, Kerameikos – Athens’ ancient Necropolis – and the Temple of Hephaestus inside the Ancient Agora.
How To Get To Thisseio
The closest metro stations in the area are Thisseio and Monastiraki.
Piraeus Neighborhood
Technically not part of Athens, the main port in the country, Piraeus, is a convenient place to stay if you catch a ferry to the islands.
Although the area is not the most beautiful you could choose, it can save you from an early metro ride when you need to be at the port on time. So, this would be the best location to stay in Athens if you need to catch an early ferry.
How To Get To Piraeus
To reach the area, the closest metro station is Piraeus.
Where To Stay In Athens – Plaka
There are several good hotels to stay in, and these are the ones we recommend in the area.
Budget Hotels In Plaka
Crafoord Place Hostel Athens
Nothing cheaper and more convenient than a hostel if you want to save money. This hotel is centrally located and is one of the top-rated hostels in the area for service and comfort.
.Antisthenes Guesthouse
This is a fantastic guest house in a traditional Neoclassical building from the 19th century. It’s only 600 m from Acropolis Rock and just 100 m from Anafiotika and has a magnificent terrace to enjoy the city views.
.Kimon Hotel Athens
A cozy hotel in a beautiful corner, it offers rooms with balconies facing the picturesque alleys of the neighborhood. The hotel is really comfortable and is within walking distance of plenty of bars, cafés, and restaurants.
.Mid-Range Hotels In Plaka
The Athens Version Luxury Suites
A magnificent place to stay with a privileged location in the heart of Plaka, close to every tourist spot you will want to check in Athens. The property features express check-in, allergy-free rooms, and a restaurant with top reviews.
.Step One Athens
This is a beautiful luxury apartment with very convenient prices set in a beautiful Neoclassical home in the center of Plaka. The venue also offers an à la carte and American breakfast, featuring a super beautiful sun terrace.
.Adrian Hotel
One more mid-range place you can check in is Plaka; this Athens hotel offers comfortable accommodation, private balconies, and a rooftop terrace from where the Acropolis Views are stunning.
.Luxury Hotels In Plaka
Muse Urban Suites
This is a top-rated place to stay in Plaka, where the views of the city are simply inspiring. All units here are air-conditioned, with a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom.
.Acropolis Exclusive Studio
A luxury apartment in the heart of the neighborhood with beautiful decor and all the comforts you need for your stay, either long-term or not.
.360 Degrees
A name that says it all, the 360 panoramic views from this hotel are worth every minute you lodge here! Very close to Monastiraki Square, the place offers a buffet breakfast daily, including vegan and vegetarian options. Some might consider this the best luxury hotel in Athens.
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Where To Stay In Athens – Monastiraki
The area is very safe to stay in, and there are plenty of lovely places you can choose from if you want to stay in Monastiraki; check out the following ones.
Budget Hotels In Monastiraki
Tempi Hotel
This is a super-budget place to stay in Monastiraki, perhaps one of the best cheap hotels in Athens. It’s a family-run hotel only meters from the metro station. However, the location is quiet as it is on a pedestrian street.
.Suitas
These are suitable apartments if you want to stay in the area and experience life the same way locals do. It’s close to the metro and the train station, the prominent landmarks in the area, and all the apartments have beautiful views of Athens.
.Ciel Living Athens
A comfortable option in Monastiraki, offering check-in, a terrace, allergy-free rooms, a bar, and a restaurant. Ciel Living Athens also has a family room and organizes tours for guests.
.Mid-Range Hotels In Monastiraki
Arethusa Hotel
This is a convenient 3-star hotel in Athens. Guests can enjoy an American breakfast buffet in the dining area or in the room, while drinks and snacks are provided at the bar until late in the evening. The roof garden has seating areas with incredible panoramic views of the Acropolis.
.5inAthens
One of our favorite places to stay in Monastiraki, this place offers comfortable apartments with modern amenities and is close to every interesting spot in town. A fantastic choice if you’re looking for good hotels in Athens.
.Mythos Luxury Suites
Located in the neighborhood center, steps away from Ermou Street, the elegant suites feature modern, stylish decor, comfortable furniture, and a comfortable seating area.
.A For Athens
Found right next to the Monastiraki Metro Station, this 3-star hotel offers a rooftop bar with a panoramic view of the Acropolis and modern, stylish rooms feature huge windows for stunning city views.
.Luxury Hotels In Monastiraki
Nsplace
Luxury apartment offering every single comfort and amenity you need for a great stay in the capital of Greece. You’ll find a steam bath, a fitness center, and unforgettable views over the Acropolis among the top facilities.
.Concierge Athens
This is a modern place to stay in Athens, 100 meters from Monastiraki Flea Market. It features elegant self-catering units ideal for families.
.Incredible Penthouses with Acropolis View
Style and luxury right in the heart of Monastiraki are what you’ll find when booking a stay in this venue. The fully air-conditioned units feature a beautiful terrace and a seating and dining area. The place is perfect if you need to reach the Port of Piraeus as it’s very close to the nearby train station.
.Where To Stay In Athens – Psirri
These are some of our favorite places to stay in Psirri. Due to the vibe of this fantastic neighborhood, you’ll probably love the unique style of most Athens accommodations in the area, pretty much sharing the same hipster vibe.
Budget Hotels In Psirri
Pella In Hostel
This is one excellent budget accommodation option in Athens with a central position, close to all the best neighborhoods in town. This hostel also boasts a nice rooftop bar enjoying Acropolis’s views. Accommodation types range from private rooms to single beds, with or without a shared bathroom.
.BED in Athens
This is a great place to stay in the heart of Psirri. Featuring room service, this property also provides a terrace, free WiFi, and fantastic desk space, ideal for digital nomads and people who also work when on holiday!
.Safestay Athens
Great budget accommodation in Psirri. It’s within walking distance to different bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The hotel also features a computer place in the basement lounge and a small rooftop restaurant for great romantic dinners.
.Mid-Range Hotels In Psirri
The Frogs Guest House
A favorite in the neighborhood, this place maintains all the authenticity of Psirri. It’s housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building, combining classical architecture with modern design.
.Athensotel.com
Another place in the heart of Psirri, easily one of the best neighborhoods in Athens, the hotel features a fitness center and a spa area with a hot tub and sauna, as well as a terrace with city views. Several restaurants and bars are very close to the property.
.Andronis Athens
Located in the center of the Psirri, it offers relaxing interiors with colorful details. Every suite boasts a beautiful dressing room and a seating area. The hotel also offers free use of bicycles and a 24-hour front desk.
.Luxury Hotels In Psirri
360Degrees Pop Art Hotel
Beautiful place to stay in the area of Psirri; it offers modern accommodation, a retro-style bar, rooms with air conditioning, a seating area, and modern bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries.
.A for Athens
Located between Psirri and Monastiraki, this is one of the most famous places to stay in tow for the stunning Acropolis views you can enjoy from the rooftop bar.
.18 Micon Str
This place is on Mykonos Street, right in the heart of Psirri. Original and trendy, the industrial-style 18 Micon Str. offers uniquely decorated units and a fantastic lounge area, where free coffee and fruits are available daily. The buffet breakfast includes handmade jams and pies, fruits, and a variety of Greek cheese.
.Where To Stay In Athens – Syntagma
Not all the hotels in the area are upscale luxury accommodations. There are also some convenient places like the ones listed below.
Budget Hotels In Syntagma
Small Funny World Athens
This is a perfect hostel in Syntagma. Here you can choose a single bed and share the comfortable room with 13 more guests. There’s an en-suite shared bathroom, a shared kitchen, and part of the rooftop terrace has views of the Acropolis, which is just a 10-minute walk away.
.AthINN Residence
This is one more convenient apart-hotel in Syntagma. The units feature a small kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge, and a kettle. The property also offers a terrace.
.Athens Living Room
This place is a convenient flat, with every necessary comfort, just steps away from the center of Syntagma. It includes a bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom.
.Mid-Range Hotels In Syntagma
Carolina Hotel Since 1934
This is a 3-star traditional hotel in the heart of Syntagma. It’s housed in a historic neoclassical building, close to the metro station, and offers easy access to all parts of the city. Some rooms have a balcony with a table and chairs.
.Omiros Hotel
This property is a 3-star hotel in Syntagma, featuring spacious rooms very close to the Benaki Museum, the old Olympic Games stadium, and the neighborhood of Plaka.
.Metis Urbane Living Spaces
Choose this convenient place if you’re looking for a relaxing stay in Athens. Accommodation features a patio or a balcony, free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar. The apart-hotel offers also serves continental or à la carte breakfast.
.Luxury Hotels In Syntagma
Fos DownTown Suites
One of the top 4-star hotels in Athens, this hotel in Syntagma is ideal for a luxury stay in Athens. The hotel features family rooms equipped with air conditioning and a desk. Continental breakfast is served daily.
.Athens Capital Center Hotel – MGallery Collection
This is a 5-star hotel in Athens with unique city views, excellent service, a stylish restaurant, and a beautiful cafeteria. Buffet and American breakfast options are available every morning.
.Hotel Grande Bretagne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens
Athens’ most famous and exclusive hotel is the Grande Bretagne, right opposite Syntagma Square. This multi-awarded hotel boasts luxurious rooms and amazing city views from the rooftop terrace. Splurge in the marble bathrooms with a vanity counter and a bathtub. The the TheRooftopp area features a restaurant and a poll. There’s a spa, a thermal suite, a grotto, an ice fountain, and an indoor pool.
.Where To Stay In Athens – Kolonaki
Among the most beautiful places to stay in town, why not check out the stunning Kolonaki Square and the quiet alleys surrounding the area? These are some of the sites we recommend for a stay in Kolonaki.
Budget Hotels In Kolonaki
Kolonaki Terrace
Check out this flat with a beautiful terrace right in the center of Athens and only 300 meters from the Museum of Cycladic Art. Accommodation features a patio, a balcony, and top city views.
.V Residence
This is a great one-bedroom apartment with all the facilities for a comfy yet convenient stay. Continental breakfast is served at the property.
.Kolonaki Cozy Apartment
An excellent option for a couple, this place in Kolonaki is comfortable and centrally located, within walking distance from the War Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and Kolonaki Square.
.Mid-Range Hotels In Kolonaki
Likavittos Apartments
These apartments are in a central building facing the beautiful Lycabettus Hill. The units are air-conditioned units and feature a living room, an equipped kitchen, and a balcony with views over the city.
.Duke Boutique Suites
A great place with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, a shared lounge, and a sauna. There’s also a business center and a snack bar.
.Monsieur Didot
A beautiful place in Kolonaki, Monsieur Didot is a flat with a terrace and comfortable features; guests can choose to have continental breakfast served during their stay.
.Luxurious Hotels In Kolonaki
Hotel Lozenge
This is a great 4-star hotel in Athens, in the heart of the Kolonaki neighborhood, that features a bar and restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The place has modern decorations and modern rooms with balconies.
.Coco-Mat Hotel Athens
Perfect 4-star hotel in Kolonaki, with comfortable features, including the famous natural mattresses that have made this hotel chain well-known all over the country.
.COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle
5-star accommodation in Athens featuring a restaurant, fitness center, bar, and garden. Family rooms are also available, and a buffet breakfast is served every morning.
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Best Hotel In Thisseio, Athens
Hotel Thissio
Ideal for couples and families, the venue has an impressive view of the Acropolis from its rooftop terrace. The restaurant serves creative dishes and a variety of Greek wines. Breakfast includes fresh juices, omelets, sandwiches, and crepes. Cocktails and beverages are prepared at the stylish hotel’s bar. Meals and drinks are also served on the decked terrace on the top floor. You could literally sightsee from its rooftop! The closest metro station is Thisseio, only 300 meters from the property. If you’re searching for the best place to stay in Athens for sightseeing, this is a great option.
.Best Hotel In Koukaki, Athens
Acropolis View Hotel
This is a fabulous hotel in Athens with a magnificent rooftop terrace. Every day, guests can enjoy an American breakfast in the breakfast room or enjoy a cocktail in the afternoon, soaking in the Parthenon views from the terrace.
.Best Hotel In Piraeus, Athens
Phidias Piraeus Hotel
This excellent 2-star hotel in the center of Piraeus is a perfect choice if you’re traveling from the port. Among the offered amenities, we highlight the free shuttle service and a handy smartphone for unlimited international and local calls. The rooms are bright and air-conditioned. The hotel serves homemade breakfast too.
.Where Not To Stay In Athens
As with many important cities in Europe, there are a few neighborhoods we don’t think are the most convenient or safest in Athens, so you should be better if avoiding these areas.
Places such as Metaxourgeio, Exarchia, or Omonia can be very crowded and not safe to walk at night, especially for solo travelers.
Although you could find cheap accommodation in these areas, avoiding them is always wiser.
How To Move Around In Athens
One good thing about living in Athens is that all the different neighborhoods are well connected with the metro. It’s effortless and fast to reach different corners of the city virtually no time.
The metro system can easily take you to the town center, even from the international airport Eleftherios Venizelos. It’s also possible to use the metro to reach the Port of Piraeus and board a ferry to one of the famous Greek islands.
The city also has an extensive bus network, and taxis are convenient and safe to travel between Athens neighborhoods. Due to the crucial motorways that connect different areas outside the capital, it’s also straightforward to reach the southern suburbs by the sea and explore the Athenian Riviera.
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