👉🏽 Skip to: Best Places to Stay in Athens | Best Neighborhoods | Tips | Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for a place to stay in Athens? I spent a few days walking around Athens and was surprised to discover how such a small place held so much history. As the first recorded democracy, be prepared for endless monuments, museums, and historical attractions.
At the heart city lies the iconic Acropolis, a hilltop attraction that has been a citadel, the home of Greek mythological gods, and the resting place for kings.
Best Places to Stay in Athens
Looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Athens? Here are my top picks for hotels in Athens:
- 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Electra Metropolis
- 🗺️ Best Location – Ergon House Athens
- 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
- 🏰 Best Historic Hotel – Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- 👪 Best for Families – Athenaeum Intercontinental, an IHG Hotel
- 🌹 Most Romantic Hotel – Step One | Luxury Suites Close to Acropolis
- 🛎️ Best Boutique Hotel – Gatsby Athens Hotel
- 🏛️Best Hotel Near the Acropolis – AthensWas Design Hotel
- 🏖️ Best Beachfront Hotel – Poseidon Athens Hotel
- 🛏️ Best Budget Hotel – Raise Boutique Rooms in the Center of Athens
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Athens
If you’re planning a trip to Athens, Greece, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where to stay. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling streets, Athens offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an energetic hub, a neighborhood in Athens is just right for you.
Where to Stay for Main Attractions: Plaka
Plaka is the most Instagrammable neighborhood in Athens. It really delivers that European summer vibe with its narrow streets and Greek cafes. It’s very popular with tourists, so there is a crowd, but I never felt overwhelmed.
You can visit the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus by taxi or walking.
Where to Stay for Nightlife: Psiri
If you’re going to Athens to listen to Greek house and rock music, you should check out Psiri. This neighborhood is known for its nightlife and restaurants that stay open well after the sun goes down.
If you’re not a party animal you can enjoy the Museum of Greek Folk Art or the Athens Central Market.
Hotels
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Car Rentals
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Activities
Looking for the best things to do? I’ve got you covered.
Where to Stay for Shopping: Monastiraki
I love shopping! If you’re like me, consider staying in Monastiraki. This neighborhood comes alive once the sun starts going down. There were Senegalese drummers, local food vendors, and children playing everywhere.
It reminded me of a smaller NYC with less traffic. It’s one of the best places to shop if you’re on a budget. I recommend shopping here for all your needs in Greece because islands like Santorini are much more expensive.
If you’re in the area, you must try a Greek donut called loukoumades at LUKUMAΔΕΣ, one of the most popular dessert shops. It gets busy, but it’s worth it. They make everything fresh to order, and you can tell.
Where to Stay for Authentic Greek Life: Koukaki and Pangkrati
If you’re one of those travelers who prefer to immerse themselves in local culture, consider staying in Koukaki and Pankrati. These are more residential neighborhoods, so you’ll find backyards filled with grape vines and tomatoes. You can shop at the same local markets where residents enjoy family-run restaurants.
In Koukaki, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of the Acropolis Museum and the historic Plaka district. Pangkrati offers a quieter, less expensive alternative: a short train ride from the city center.
While these neighborhoods may not be as central or touristy as Plaka or Psiri, they provide an opportunity to experience Athens like a local. Whether strolling through the farmers’ market in Pangkrati or sipping ellinikós (traditional Greek Coffee) at a sidewalk cafe in Koukaki, take all the rest you need.
Neighborhoods to Avoid in Athens
While Athens is generally a safe city for tourists, some neighborhoods may be best avoided, especially at night. Areas like Metaxourgeio, Omonia, and Kipseli have reputations for higher crime rates and may not be the most pleasant places to stay. As in all countries, if you find yourself in these areas, be careful of your surroundings and consider using taxis once it gets dark.
Hotels in Santorini With View of the Acropolis
Amalia Hotel Athens
There are so many reasons why you should choose this hotel. Its location is unbeatable; you can easily access Acropolis and Syntagma Square. The staff are super sweet and helpful. The best part of this place was the restaurant on floor 7. You have an amazing view of the Acropolis, and the food was delicious. They also have a pretty good breakfast buffet.
Attalos Hotel
My favorite part of this hotel is the rooftop! During the night, everything feels so magical. You can see the Acropolis at the top of the hill, lit up like something out of a fairytale.
The hotel itself is in pretty good shape and some rooms have a balcony. I did find the rooms to be a bit narrow but the mattresses were very comfortable. Take a look at the photos yourself.
Tips for Staying in Athens
If you’re visiting multiple places in Greece, I recommend staying at least 2-3 days in Athens. There is a lot to see. Check out my post on things to do in Athens for my ideas. Aim to visit places like the Acropolis or the Parthenon as early as possible to beat the crowds.
Research restaurants in advance. I recommend skipping the places where the waiters hang out on the sidewalk, catcalling tourists. Most of those spots aren’t very authentic.
Tipping is expected in Athens, consider leaving at least 10-15%.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Athens
Where to Stay in Athens Before Cruise?
Most visitors prefer to stay in downtown Athens before a cruise to have more time to explore. The main port in Athens is Piraeus Port, which is less than a 20-minute drive from downtown Athens. By train, it’s less than an hour. Nevertheless, Piraeus is a bustling city in its own right.
Hotels are limited, so book in advance.
Read more here
- Unique Things to Do in Athens
- The Perfect Day Trips from Athens
- Unique Things to do in Athens Greece
- Best Areas to Stay at In Santorini + Top Hotels
- Epic List of Fun Things to Do in Santorini
