Greece’s capital and thriving metropolis of Athens is the epicentre of ancient Greek history and culture and makes for a fascinating destination to visit at any time of the year. For those keen to uncover the natural beauty on its shorelines, ancient sights in its historic streets, and bustling nightlife in its city centre, spending as little as a few days in Athens will leave you completely charmed.
For those ready to uncover what the city has to offer, deciding what areas in Athens are best to stay in based on your travel preferences is an important decision. That’s why we’ve shared our wisdom about where to stay in Athens, selecting the very best Athens areas and neighbourhoods for every type of traveller, to help make your stay in Greece’s capital all the more enjoyable.
One of the most popular areas in Athens, Plaka lies in the heart of the city centre and perfectly encapsulates what life in the city is like. Home to charming Greek bars and eateries, boutique shops, and home to many of Greece’s most famous historic landmarks, it is arguably one of the best neighbourhoods in Athens to base yourself in as a family.
The reason Plaka is the best area to stay in Athens if you’re travelling as a family is because the neighbourhood is only ever a stone’s throw away from the city’s iconic sights. Whether it’s the hilltop-perched Acropolis or the impressive Parthenon Temple, Athens sightseeing is only a short stroll away, quite literally in as little as 5 minutes, depending on where you’re staying!
You can book guided tours of both the Acropolis and Parthenon during your visit to Athens as a family, and we’d recommend you do so in advance as they can be popular!
If you’re a family who, understandably, wants to stay in one of the areas in Athens that are close to everything, we’ve got you covered with our recommendations of the very best accommodations in Plaka to suit all budgets:
Families keen to experience Athens on a budget need look no further than a stay at the Kimon Hotel.
Boasting a prime position in the centre of the Plaka neighbourhood, it allows for easy access to the Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, and the popular Monastiraki Flea Market. It is also within easy reach of ample restaurants and has an airport shuttle service (for an additional fee), making getting to and from your accommodation when travelling with young ones all the more convenient.
Offering contemporary furnishings and decor and in a more peaceful part of the Athens neighbourhood of Plaka, the Hermes Hotel is only 2 blocks from the central Syntagma Metro Station, as well as the popular shopping street of Ermou. With a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage being only a few of this hotel’s perks, it also offers a very good breakfast and stunning views of the Acropolis. Its playroom for children is also a hit with families with young children!
Families wanting to splash out on their Athens getaway can experience the world-class service at Electra Palace Athens. Facing the Acropolis, the 5* hotel includes a delectable buffet breakfast and a rooftop pool (perfect for kids and adults alike to relax in), as well as being less than a 5-minute walk from Athens’ Parliament and shopping districts. Guests can further indulge in the hotel’s indoor pool and sauna, and grab a bite to eat in its lovely Mediterranean restaurant.
Regularly noted as one of the best neighbourhoods in Athens to remain central during your visit to the city, this is exactly why Monastiraki is a brilliant area in Athens for first timers.
Situated right next to the Plaka neighbourhood, first-timers to the city don’t have to worry about venturing far for Athens sightseeing or using the city’s metro or bus systems. From Monastiraki on foot, you can easily reach many archeological and historic sites, and make the most of ample shopping opportunities.
Some popular sites that are centrally located in Monastiraki include the Ancient Agora (which has tickets available to book online) – home to one of Greece’s best-preserved Doric Temples known as the Temple of Hephaestus. Additionally, Monastiraki Square is a spot to add to your sightseeing list, as it is considered the heart of Athens and a popular meeting point for locals. The buzzing hotspot is a great starting point to reach the rest of the city with its public transport links if first-timers want to venture further afield.
For first-timers wanting to base themselves in one of the best places to stay in Athens, we’ve listed a handful of Monastiraki accommodations that we think you’ll love:
While Plaka Hotel won’t squeeze your wallet, nothing about it screams budget. Situated in Athens’ historic centre, only 2 blocks away from Monastiraki Metro, the hotel is a 5-minute stroll from Syntagma Square and has a fantastic rooftop bar that you can visit and indulge in exceptional views of the Acropolis and the city’s rooftops. Many of its stylish rooms also have balconies with views of popular Athens sights, and the breakfast buffets are particularly popular.
For those who want an accommodation in Athens all to themselves, Altar Suites is a mid-range complex with private apartments that have been recently renovated to a high standard in this popular Athens area. Some of the units include a balcony or terrace, which is the perfect spot to soak in mountain views , eat breakfast, or have an evening drink. To top it off, several breakfast options are available daily at the apartments, or you can just nip out to Monastiraki Square nearby or the many eateries that are within a short distance from the property.
Only 400 metres from the famed Ermou Street shopping area of Athens, Nine Athens Hotel is an opulent option for first-timers to the city who don’t want to skimp on the finer things in life. The accommodation’s luxurious rooms are all stylishly furnished with a coffee machine, minibar, and some with balconies. The daily breakfast – which is included – offers a la carte and continental options – the perfect place to fill up before a day of exploring the many places to visit in Athens!
An area that was literally designated for nightlife, it goes without saying that the vibrant neighbourhood of Psiri is the best area to stay in Athens if you want to experience the city’s alter ego as the sun goes down.
Psiri’s history as the city’s nightlife hotspot dates back to a wealthy landlord and government minister passing a law that the Athens area was to be a designated nightlife destination. This made the area of Athens more than just a normal working-class neighbourhood filled with small factories and leather workshops, and it began to evolve into a neighbourhood with several stylish and vibrant bars and clubs where patrons socialise and dance into the night.
Heroes Square is a popular spot in this Athens neighbourhood to visit tavernas, and it hosts a lot of live music at night time.
If you want to have easy access to this nightlife hub of Athens so you never have to venture far to be in on the action, here’s a range of Psiri accommodations that we would recommend:
The central Arion Athens Hotel is a more than affordable option for travellers. It is only a 2-minute walk from Monastiraki Metro Station to keep you connected to other parts of the city, and a minute away from the centre of Psiri neighbourhood.
With contemporary and elegant rooms featuring luxurious marble bathrooms, you’ll be more than comfortable during your stay in this accommodation in Athens. Also, the 24-hour front desk is particularly convenient for if you’re spending the night out in the city, in case you forget or lose your room key!
Nestled right beside Monastiraki Metro Station, A for Athens is a stylish hotel with a panoramic rooftop bar that is the perfect place to start your night before descending into the streets of Psiri, which is only a 5-minute walk away.
Monastiraki and Plaka are also only a 5-minute stroll from the hotel, making it a central option if you want to explore the nightlife in other neighbourhoods too.
Boasting 4* luxury in the heart of Athens and Psiri, Monument is the ideal place to rest and recuperate after a night exploring the city’s nightlife scene. Indulge in city views from the privacy of your own luxurious suites, enjoy complimentary access to a sauna, and indulge in an inclusive continental breakfast each morning at this lavish hotel during your next trip to the Athens.
For couples who simply want to have a low-key getaway enjoying one another’s company, Koukaki is an underrated and largely off-the-radar Athens neighbourhood that is the perfect place to simply soak in the beauty of the city set back from its hustle and bustle.
Still close to the city’s most popular sights, making Athens sightseeing more than possible for couples, the area offers a less-touristy insight into Athens, having an authentic and traditional charm about it.
As you stroll through the neighbourhood, you’ll pass by this Athens area’s many quirky and independent shops, from cafes to fashion stores and organic delis, and soak in the interesting architecture that that gives a glimpse into Koukaki’s past.
In our opinion, this Athens neighbourhood is the perfect balance between having an intimate and authentic experience in the city, while still being able to access the sights and scenes that the city is best known for, which is why we would recommend it to couples in search of a more laid-back and romantic place to stay in Athens.
For couples in search of a romantic trip to Athens, look no further than these three accommodations that we’ve plucked out that will undoubtedly make your getaway to Greece’s capital all the more memorable:
Blending affordability with modern comforts, Acropolis Stay in Koukaki is the perfect option to not burn a hole in your pocket during your next trip to the city. The Temple of Zeus and the Parthenon are both a short stroll from the hotel, and there is a rooftop garden space to enjoy. Some rooms even have a kitchenette to make your stay even more affordable by cooking your own meals, or you can treat yourself to breakfast and choose from any of the six menus on offer!
The Acropolis View Hotel is a comfortable and more affordable accommodation in Athens that has fantastic views of the Parthenon, and is only around the corner (650 metres) from the Acropolis Museum. Its comfortable rooms, some of which feature balconies, offer respite after a day of exploration in the city, and the rooftop terrace offers wonderful views over Athens’ rooftops.
Whether you’re splashing out for a special occasion or are simply looking to indulge, Coco-mat Athens BC is a fantastic hotel situated only 300 metres from the Acropolis Museum. The sophisticated stay has its own restaurant, fitness centre, and sauna for couples to make the most of, and free bikes are available to explore the city on two wheels for a change!
Athens is a wondrous city that has something for everyone to enjoy – from fascinating ancient sights and landmarks to authentic tavernas with exceptional gastronomy, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
If you’ve decided Greece’s capital is next on your list of places to visit, we hope this article has offered you the inspiration you need to decide where to stay in Athens, and has brought you one step closer to planning your perfect getaway in the city.
Has Greece as a destination caught your eye? Why not check out our destination guide to Greece to unravel the best places to visit and things to do in the country for the ultimate Greek getaway?
Most tourists are safe venturing out into Athens at night. But, like any city, it’s important to stick to populated areas that are street-lit at all times, no matter how comfortable you feel or the area of the city you are venturing to.
There are a couple of areas in Athens that are often regarded as places tourists should avoid due to safety concerns. These include parts of Exarchia and Omania in particular. But, as mentioned above, keeping your wits about you in any Athens neighbourhoods, and taking necessary precautions to protect your safety, is essential.
Three nights in Athens is more than enough time to get to grips with the city’s neighbourhoods, and experience the very best of its historical sights and cultural experiences. You may even have time to venture a bit further out of the city centre to beaches close to Athens during this time too, depending on your priorities.
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