Sheltered by the goddess Athena, the “Glorious City” is a vibrant and colorful metropolis, the epicenter of what was once the most civilization advanced civilization on this planet. In this post, we will talk about the best areas to stay in Athens, Greece.
Athens is located in the southwestern part of Greece, on a peninsula that stretches southeastward into the Aegean Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, it has been continuously inhabited for millennia.
Today, Athens is a cosmopolitan city, a result of the mixture of different cultures, full of history, lively and colorful.
Athens Metropolitan Area is the main commercial, political, and tourist center in Greece.
The capital of Greece can be reached by plane, train or even by boat from other cities in the Mediterranean.
Athens has many places to visit and excursions to make given the high historical and artistic wonders. It is known for its archaeological remains, with wonders such as the Parthenon.
As for culture and leisure, Athens is famous for its classical theater, as well as lively nightlife and delicious cuisine.
Plaka and Monastiraki are considered Athens’ core, popular due to their food and market scene, they are also where most tourist sights and attractions are located. ( See hotels in central Athens)
This is a guide with the best areas to stay in Athens, Greece.
Accommodation Options in Athens
Hotels in Athens
The best hotels to stay in Athens
Hostels in Athens
Hostels and cheap stays in Athens
Apartments in Athens
Would you like independence? Book an apartment in Athens
Bed & Breakfast in Athens
Inns, B&Bs and guest houses in several areas around Athens
The Best Areas to Stay in Athens
1. Recommended Area: Plaka & Monastiraki
Plaka & Monastiraki are the most central districts of Athens. This area is considered its historic quarter and is home to some of the city’s main monuments, markets, mosques and Byzantine churches.
Plaka & Monastiraki are very central and well-known among locals and tourists. They are located right at the foot of the Acropolis, which is why this area is called the “District of the Gods”.
Plaka & Monastiraki display a network of narrow streets and ancient squares, animated by the hustle and bustle of its shopping areas, taverns, cafes, shops and flea markets.
These districts are a perfect place to eat and buy souvenirs, books, liquors. After all, this is the most populated central Athens area and where the best places to visit are located.
From the neighborhoods of Plaka & Monastiraki, you can easily reach the Acropolis, the Agora of Athens, the Roman Agora, the Hill of Philolapus, the museum and the Orthodox Cathedral of Athens.
For all these reasons we can say that Plaka and Monastiri are the best areas to stay during a first trip to Athens.
What makes this the best area to stay in Athens
- Heart of the city
- Bustling nightlife
- Best area for tourists
- Shopping
- Tourist attractions
- Restaurants and cafés
- Good transport connections
- Very easy to walk
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickMetropolis Hotel is only 2 blocks from Syntagma Square. It offers comfortable accommodation with views of the Acropolis. It also has 21 rooms, all with private bathroom.
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Budget Option
Adam’s Hotel is located in the center of the picturesque Plaka & Monastiraki neighborhood, 400 meters from the Acropolis, it offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a balcony. It has a 24-hour front desk, a snack bar and a shaded rooftop terrace with views of the Acropolis.
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Midrange Option
Hermes Hotel is located in a quiet area of Plaka & Monastiraki, just 2 blocks from the Syntagma Metro Station and the Ermou shopping street. The property offers a spacious lounge, a rooftop garden and free Wi-Fi access in all areas.
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Luxury Option
The Athens Edition Luxury Suites is 200 meters from the Monastiraki flea market. This property is within walking distance of the attractions of the Ermou Street shopping area, the ancient Agora of Athens and the Monastiraki Square. The hotel offers views of the city and a terrace.
2. Psiri
Located not far from the Monasatiraki Square, Pisiri is a small neighborhood in the center of Athens, popular with tourists who want to bask in Athens’ beauty, wander its streets and stay in one of the Greek capital’s most bohemian districts.
Full of local food, tattoo shops, artisan bars and cafes, Psiri is all about its outdoor terraces and graffiti on its streets and buildings.
Psiri houses the Parthenon, the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena Nike or the Museum of the Acropolis, truly Athenian icons.
Psiri is an effervescent area, flooded with art galleries, assorted commerce and fashion stores. As it is next to the Old City, it allows easy access to neighboring Plaka on foot.
In short, Psiri is a special and fun place to stay in Athens due to its hectic nightlife (bars open late here).
Psiri’s atmosphere is marked by its liveliness.
What makes this the best area to stay in Athens
- City center
- Tourist attractions
- Bohemian vibe
- Great area for tourists
- Local shopping
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Andromeda Downtown Suites is 200 meters from the ancient Agora of Athens. The property is located in the downtown district of Athens, 300 meters from the Monastiraki Flea Market and 300 meters from the Ermou Street shopping area. Free Wi-Fi access is available.
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Budget Option
Evripides Hotel enjoys a central location in Athens, close to the Acropolis and within easy walking distance of Plaka. It has a roof terrace with panoramic views of the city.
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Midrange Option
Arion Athens Hotel is a modern hotel located in the center of the city, 2 minutes from the Monastiraki metro station and a 1-minute walk from Psiri. It has elegant bright rooms and a roof garden with stunning views of the Acropolis.
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Luxury Option
O&B Athens Boutique Hotel is located in the Psiri area, in the historic center of the city. It has free Wi-Fi connection and a very modern restaurant-bar lounge. The Agora is a 3-minute walk away.
3. Syntagma
Syntagma Square, located in the center of Athens, is also known as Constitution Square.
This important square displays several city landmarks including the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Syntagma Square is one of the most popular squares in the city, a place for demonstrations, festivals and concerts.
It’s also surrounded by cafés, restaurants and food stalls.
Next to it, there are other nearby places such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, less than 700 meters from the Plaza to the south; the National Garden, the Greek Popular Art Museum and the Benaki Museum.
You can get anywhere in Athens from Syntagma Square via metro, tram and bus.
What makes this the best area to stay in Athens
- Near the Old Town
- Syntagma Square
- Excellent connections
- Great area for tourists
- Good area for business travelers
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Athens Mansion Luxury Suites is conveniently located in the heart of Athens and offers a la carte breakfast and free Wi-Fi. It is located in the city center of Athens and houses a restaurant. Each room has views of the city.
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Budget Option
Tempi Hotel has a central location, a few meters from the Monastiraki metro station. It offers rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The reception is open 24 hours a day and offers tourist services.
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Midrange Option
Athens la Strada is close to the main attractions and lively areas of the city, and offers rooms with individual decoration and views of the Acropolis. In the restaurant a varied menu is served.
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Luxury Option
Electra Palace Athens, a 5-star hotel, presents an excellent location in front of the Acropolis. It offers personalized service, a rooftop pool and well-equipped rooms with buffet breakfast included.
4. Koukaki
Koukaki district is located south of Monastiraki and is very popular among travelers.
This area boasts lots of wooded landscapes and trails going up Filoppapos Hill.
Filoppapos Hill’s amazing views make it one of the ost popular tourist attractions in town for tourists.
From this area you can get the best views of the southern districts of Athens and the Acropolis, as it’s located between Makrygianni and Plaka.
Koukaki is also known for its food. It is home to many local cuisine restaurants.
Koukaki is another great area to stay in Athens thanks to its central location, great views and green areas.
What makes this the best area to stay in Athens
- Relatively central
- Great views
- Parks and green areas
- Cheaper than the old town
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Art Gallery Hotel enjoys a central location, just 110 meters from the Acropolis Metro Station. The property is within walking distance of various tourist attractions in the city and offers rooms with free Wi-Fi.
5. Kolonaki
Kolonaki is located southeast of the center of the city.
Kolonaki covers the area from Syntagma Square to the Lycabettus Hill.
Elegant, stately and luxurious, Kolonaki, at the foot of Mount Lycabettus (a hill with excellent views over Athens) is a popular spot thanks to its luxury shops and restaurants.
This area also boasts green spaces and Neoclassical and Modernist buildings.
Kolonaki is as upmarket as it gets in the Greek capital; it is easy to walk despite being a bit steep, and it also has good metro connections.
Here you can find exclusive luxury hotels, bars and nightclubs.
It’s a great area to stay in Athens if you’re looking for some high-end fun.
What makes this the best area to stay in Athens
- Mount Lycabettus
- Amazing views
- Parks and green areas
- Upmarket vibe
- Designer shops
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Periscope Hotel has soundproofed rooms and suites with wooden floors, a flat-screen TV, a CD and DVD collection, a pillow menu and a modern bathroom with slippers, bathrobes and luxury toiletries.
6. Neos Kosmos
Neos Kosmos is located very close to Koukaki and it’s a place with a lot of history.
Neos Kosmos is a vibrant, multicultural area, home to thousands of Turkish migrants.
Neos Kosmos belongs to the central district, so it is not far from Plaka or Monastiraki, the most central neighborhoods in the Greek capital.
Neos Kosmos is a bit more relaxed and down-to-earth than the more central neighborhoods in Athens.
Neos Kosmos is also home to the Papagou Garden Theater and the Design Museum of the 20th Century.
What makes this the best area to stay in Athens
- Upbeat area
- Cultural landmarks
- Relatively central
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Athens Atrium Hotel & Jacuzzi Suites enjoys a convenient location near the Acropolis and Plaka. It offers high-quality accommodation with free internet access in all its facilities, free breakfast and private parking. – from €69.
7. Athens Beaches
Athens coastline, also known as the Apollo Coast, consists of a chain of beaches, ports and marinas. Its starting point is Piraeus.
Glyfada, Voula and Faliron, are the three most important coastal towns that make up the Athens Riviera.
They are located about ten kilometers from Athens, all adjoining the Aegean Sea. They can be reached by tram or bus from Syntagma Square.
Its palm-trees-bordered streets, lovely marinas and night entertainment areas make it very popular with locals and foreigners.
What makes this the best area to stay in XXXXX
- Playas de Atenas
- Excelente gastronomía
- Hoteles tipo resort
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Blue Sea Hotel Alimos is a 3 minute walk to the beach. Located 300 meters from Alimos Beach, Blue Sea Hotel Alimos offers a bar and elegant accommodation with free Wi-Fi. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the center of Athens and Piraeus.
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