Tourism

Where to Stay in Athens

February 3, 2024

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The ancient Acropolis of Athens, Greece, with the Parthenon temple visible on a sunlit day against a clear sky

Planning a visit to the Greek capital? It could be troublesome to decide on the place to remain in Athens, so let me offer you some useful ideas!

I’ve visited Athens a number of instances so I’ll gladly be your “e-guide” to probably the most vacationer pleasant areas within the metropolis.

In brief, Plaka is one of the best place to remain in your first go to – it’s bought the whole lot from historic websites to fashionable eating places!

Keep in thoughts that you simply’ll have to make resort reservations prematurely of your journey, as Athens is a well-liked vacation spot, and good inns are inclined to promote out rapidly!

If you’re in a rush…

Here are one of the best inns within the Plaka neighborhood of Athens:

Here’s a map of the Athens neighborhoods I’ll be speaking about on this publish:

A colorful map highlighting the best areas to stay in Athens, with numbered locations and labels for easy navigation

NOTE: The metropolis heart of Athens is kind of huge and encompasses a number of neighborhoods – Plaka, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, and Psyri are the 4 important neighborhoods that comprise town heart of Athens.

There are many various areas in Athens, so to make your alternative simpler, listed here are my personalised suggestions:

1. Plaka – the place to remain in Athens for the primary time

A quaint street in Athens with colorful buildings and empty wooden chairs lining the sidewalk, exuding a serene Mediterranean atmosphere

Plaka neighborhood is actually Athens’ Old Town, located close to the Acropolis. This is likely one of the prettiest areas in the complete metropolis, and it’s very walkable – excellent for first-time guests!

If you resolve to remain in Plaka, you’ll be inside strolling distance of all the foremost points of interest, such because the Acropolis of Athens, the Old Acropolis Museum, the Parthenon, the traditional Greek temple Erechtheion, and the Roman Forum of Athens, also referred to as the Ancient Agora.

Some different historical websites which can be value a go to embody the Theatre of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Areopagus Hill. Within Plaka, you’ll additionally come throughout the scenic neighborhood of Anafiotika, lined with conventional Greek white-washed homes.

Besides offering most of the high issues to do in Athens, Plaka can also be ideally positioned for exploring different neighborhoods – Neos Kosmos and Thiseio are the highest 2 that you simply shouldn’t overlook throughout your go to.

PRO TIP: if you happen to’re visiting Athens between July and August, keep away from visiting the Acropolis within the hours between 11 am and 4 pm – it’s extremely sizzling! Not many individuals comprehend it, however Acropolis is open till 8 pm, so I counsel you to go to after 6.30 pm after the crowds are gone.

A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Athens: A chic café terrace with black chairs and tables, a minimalistic hotel bedroom with green striped walls, and a cozy sitting area with purple accents and a large window.

Luxury (€250 and up)

Electra Metropolis – This fashionable resort has an amazing location within the metropolis heart and pleasant workers. Guests on the Electra Metropolis can use the rooftop pool with a waterfall impact.
Electra Palace Athens – During your keep at Electra Palace, make use of the sauna and the indoor pool and benefit from the view of the Acropolis from the resort’s spacious rooms.

Mid-range (from €120 to €250)

Urban Frame Plaka – Positioned in a central location, this 3-star resort presents airport transfers, a concierge service, and a tour desk. A automotive rental service can also be accessible on-site.
Cityzoe Athens Suites – These sustainable residences are air-conditioned, characteristic a non-public toilet, and supply entry to a shared backyard and terrace.

Budget (as much as €120)

Kimon Hotel Athens – The inexpensive resort is only a brief stroll away from fashionable eating places and bars and boasts a rooftop backyard overlooking the Acropolis.
Phaedra Hotel – In a major location in Athens metropolis heart, this finances lodging has air-conditioned rooms, every with a non-public toilet, a TV, a phone, and a desk.

2. Syntagma – the place to remain in Athens on a brief journey

Two Greek Evzones soldiers performing the traditional changing of the guard ceremony in front of a historical monument, showcasing cultural heritage in their distinctive uniforms

Syntagma Square is Athens’ central sq., 2 km (1.2 miles) North of Plaka. The sq. can also be the important public transport hub within the metropolis, which makes it one of the best spot in case your time within the Greek capital is restricted and it’s essential to get across the metropolis rapidly and effectively.

At the middle of Syntagma Square, you’ll see the Old Royal Palace, i.e., the Greek Parliament Building, and it’s also possible to cease by the Monument to the Unknown Soldier (map).

The Athens National Garden (map) borders the sq. and is dwelling to many unique crops, archeological stays, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

When you’re executed exploring the National Garden, I like to recommend you retain transferring East to the Pangrati neighborhood to see the Panathenaic Stadium (map), the placement of the primary fashionable Olympic video games!

A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Athens: An elegant living room with classic furniture and a grand piano, a simple yet stylish hotel room with contemporary décor, and a balcony with a view of an urban landscape.

Luxury (€280 and up)

Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens – The Hotel Grande Bretagne is likely one of the greatest luxurious inns in Athens, with trendy rooms, an upscale rooftop restaurant, a rooftop pool, and a health heart.
King George Hotel Athens – The King George is a Luxury Collection Hotel with a signature restaurant, assembly amenities, and a health heart, positioned inside a brief stroll from Syntagma metro station.

Mid-range (from €170 to €280)

Pan Hotel – This family-operated resort boasts an on-site bar and personal parking. The rooms are air-conditioned and have a non-public toilet stocked with free toiletries.
Hotel Achilleas – Conveniently positioned within the metropolis heart, this resort options fashionable rooms, has a 24/7 reception desk, and presents a scrumptious complimentary breakfast.

Budget (as much as €170)

Bedbox Hostel – This nice hostel awaits you with various kinds of rooms (dormitory and personal), a 24-hour entrance desk, free Wi-Fi, and entry to a shared kitchen.
Rastoni Suites – These finances suites are in an amazing location, near Syntagma Square and the metro station. Each of the items is air-conditioned and has a seating space with a flat-screen TV.

3. Psyri – the place to remain in Athens for nightlife

Dusk view of Athens cityscape showing dense residential buildings and the glow of the setting sun softening the urban landscape.

Psyri (typically additionally written as “Psirri”) is likely one of the most central neighborhoods in Athens, located simply North of Plaka, and it’s among the best locations to remain for nightlife – there are quite a few golf equipment and bars on this space!

Iroon Square (map) is the focus of curiosity within the neighborhood, which is recognizable for the road artwork and the eating places and dessert retailers surrounding the sq..

During your keep right here, make certain to go to one of many Greek eating places for a scrumptious Greek salad and a shot of ouzo – a conventional Greek spirit.

If you wish to discover slightly exterior the Psyri neighborhood, I counsel heading North to Omonoia to go to the Athens Central Market.

Further north, you’ll discover Exarcheia, which is a really genuine neighborhood the place many Greek poets used to dwell. Here, you may admire the wonderful avenue artwork and cease by the National Archaeological Museum, however you should definitely verify the museum’s web site for the right working hours!

P.S. If you wish to keep within the full of life Exarcheia neighborhood (15 min driving North from Psyri), Melia Athens is an incredible upscale resort.

A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Athens: A modern apartment entryway with geometric designs, an outdoor patio with lush greenery and stylish seating, and a vibrant bedroom with colorful accents and a large, cozy bed.

Luxury (€220 and up)

MiraMe Boutique Hotel – This 4-star boutique resort awaits fashionable rooms, room service, a rooftop restaurant and a bar, and gorgeous metropolis views.
O&B Athens Boutique Hotel – A trendy resort located 2 min away from Thisio Metro Station, with a hip lounge bar and lovely rooms with Egyptian cotton sheets and marble loos.

Mid-range (from €140 to €220)

Ederlezi Boutique Hotel – This boutique resort is conveniently positioned in Athens metropolis heart and has free Wi-Fi, air-con, and even a comfy backyard the place you may chill out.
14 Reasons Why – A contemporary resort within the coronary heart of Athens, close to Monastiraki metro station, with a terrace, lounge, and an incredible breakfast included within the worth.

Budget (as much as €140)

City Circus – Centrally positioned, this resort contains a rooftop terrace, a bar/restaurant, and soundproof rooms with wood flooring, with entry to both non-public or shared loos.
Athens Hub Hostel – Offering non-public rooms and beds in shared dormitories, the hostel additionally has a 24/7 entrance desk, a terrace, and a bar the place you may take pleasure in night leisure.

4. Monastiraki – the place to remain in Athens for procuring

Classic architecture in Athens with the Acropolis in the background, illustrating the historic blend of different eras in one frame.

Monastiraki is a quaint neighborhood bordering Plaka to the South, well-known for a number of essential landmarks and the many procuring alternatives, significantly the Monastiraki Flea Market.

While visiting Athens, you should definitely be on the Monastiraki Flea Market on Sunday and get your share of souvenirs. Near Monastiraki Square, you can begin to discover Ermou Street, Athens’ important procuring avenue.

In Monastiraki, it’s also possible to go to main points of interest like Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora, and the Stoa of Attalos.

Monastiraki can also be well-known for its nice eating places, the place you may strive many conventional Greek dishes! There’s additionally the Monastiraki metro station, so you may simply discover the remainder of town.

A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Athens: A bedroom with red accents and a comfortable bed, a sophisticated living room with modern furnishings and large windows, and a dining area with sleek white chairs and natural light.

Luxury (€240 and up)

The Dolli at Acropolis – A 5-star resort with spacious rooms, a 24/7 entrance desk, room service, a stunning terrace, and an outside swimming pool, plus a complimentary breakfast.
The Zillers Boutique Hotel – This is likely one of the greatest boutique inns within the metropolis heart, that includes a bar, restaurant, and a solar terrace providing unbeatable views of the Acropolis.

Mid-range (from €100 to €240)

Downtown Suites by Athens Tower Hotel – A 3-star resort providing air-conditioned rooms with metropolis views and free Wi-Fi, located super-close to the Monastiraki Railway Station.
Nsplace – These absolutely geared up residences boast steam baths and Acropolis views, and friends additionally get entry to a health heart and bike leases.

Budget (as much as €100)

Tempi Hotel Athens – This family-run resort has clear and comfortable rooms with views of both the Acropolis or the flea market, and all friends get entry to the communal kitchen and the resort’s library.
Day in Athens – An aparthotel close to Ermou Street, providing lodging items with non-public loos, air-con, and flat-screen TVs.

5. Koukaki – the place to remain in Athens for an area expertise

A typical Athenian street lined with parked cars and motorcycles, reflecting the everyday life and residential nature of the city.

If you wish to be tremendous near the Acropolis however nonetheless benefit from the native ambiance, Koukaki is the place to be! The neighborhood is located South of the Acropolis and Plaka, simply 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the neighborhood.

The Koukaki neighborhood is primarily a residential space, so that you received’t discover as many points of interest right here. However, Koukaki is correct beneath Philopappos Hill and The Prison of Socrates, which positively warrants a go to.

By all means, you also needs to contemplate staying in Makrygianni, which is a tiny space between Koukaki and Plaka. I’d additionally advocate venturing out to Akadimia, a stunning neighborhood North of Syntagma Square, and exploring the up to date artwork within the close by artwork galleries and museums.

A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Athens: The hotel's multi-story facade with a bold sign, a rustic-style bedroom with warm tones, and a luxurious poolside area with a view of the Acropolis.

Luxury (€300 and up)

Coco-mat Athens BC – Conveniently located in central Athens, a brief stroll from the Acropolis Museum, this 5-star resort boasts a restaurant, a health heart, a sauna, and a solar terrace.
Divani Palace Acropolis – Each of the rooms at this luxurious resort is elegantly embellished and contains a non-public, furnished balcony, and the resort additionally has an incredible rooftop restaurant.

Mid-range (from €150 to €300)

Acropolis View Hotel – This resort has a rooftop terrace the place you may have a drink and admire the spectacular Parthenon views, and also you’ll additionally take pleasure in a each day American breakfast.
Hotel @Syngrou Fix – The resort is in a central location, near many hip bars and eating places, presents non-public, trendy, and soundproof rooms, and serves a each day buffet breakfast.

Budget (as much as €150)

Marble House – This resort is inside strolling distance of the metro station, and the Acropolis Museum presents classically embellished rooms and supplies baggage storage freed from cost.
NOHO Boutique Koukaki – this inexpensive lodging in air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi entry and a kitchenette. The resort additionally presents an airport shuttle for an extra charge.

6. Kolonaki – the place to remain in Athens with household

The facade of a neoclassical building in Athens adorned with Greek flags, representing the elegance found within the city's architecture.

Now, if you happen to’re the kind of traveler who’s searching for luxurious inns, upscale eating places, and designer retailers, look no additional than Kolonaki! This high-end neighborhood is located northeast of Plaka and is 3 km (1.8 miles) away from the Acropolis.

The suffix ‘-aki’ at all times means ‘little’ within the Greek, so Kolonaki truly means ‘Little Column’!

Kolonaki is a protected but full of life neighborhood – the right spot for a household keep. The important attraction on this space is Lycabettus Hill – I extremely counsel going as much as the highest of Lycabettus Hill for one of the best views of Athens!

Other than spectacular views, Kolonaki has loads of museums, together with the Byzantine and Christian Museum (verify their website to see when the doorway is free), the Athens War Museum (e book tickets on-line), and the Benaki Museum.

A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Athens: A snug bedroom with artistic wall decorations, a spacious apartment with a modern living area, and the hotel's contemporary exterior with a green facade.

Luxury (€210 and up)

Academias Hotel, Autograph Collection – At this 5-star resort, friends could make use of a fitness center and an indoor pool, have dinner on the restaurant, order room service, or go to the on-site nightclub.
The Modernist Athens – Situated in a former embassy, this resort has a health heart and entrance desk open 24/7, spacious rooms, and presents a scrumptious buffet breakfast.