Where To Stay In Athens: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Athens is a fairly large city with six main neighborhoods that center around the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. But when you first get to the city, you may not have any idea where to stay in Athens. It can be overwhelming to tourists on their first visit but finding a place to stay in Athens is not as hard as you would think. Drop your luggage at one of our Athens suitcase storage spots and choose a place to stay!
The major tourist destination of Plaka is the place where many of the tourists take off to on their first trip to Athens. This neighborhood is centrally located and features the Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, National Historic Museum, and is a great location for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Kolonaki is another great location to stay in Athens. It is located in the city center and is full of luxury hotels boasting modern rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool. You may also enjoy choosing Syntagma for your stay in Athens. This is a busy hub of vintage shopping, fine dining, and local contemporary art.
Staying in Monastiraki Near the Acropolis Museum
Why Stay in Monastiraki?
Monastiraki is an excellent choice if you want to be as central as possible. With the Monastiraki Flea Market as well as many shops and boutiques, it is a superb place to get some unique souvenirs.
Monastiraki sits at the base of the Acropolis, bordered by Plaka to the east and Psirri to the north. This is a great area for shopping, dining, and nightlife in a thriving Flea Market. The area is less touristy than Plaka but has a similar feel with a blend of ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and neoclassical architecture.
The food here is outstanding with a wide range of casual taverns and upscale restaurants serving traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes. The main shopping street of the neighborhood is the Ermou shopping and restaurant street extending to it.
360 Degrees
If you are in Athens with your sweetheart, you may enjoy the small boutique hotel of 360 Degrees. They only have 20 rooms so you have to book in advance but there is a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Acropolis and nearby locations.
This hotel boasts a private terrace in each room, a fantastic restaurant that serves authentic Mediterranean food, a bar, and a community sitting room where you can mingle with other guests. All that and the price is less than most budget hotels.
A is for Athens
Only a bit larger than 360 Degrees, A is for Athens has 35 decorative rooms as large as family apartments. The laid-back atmosphere and contemporary décor will make you feel right at home while you are there. Also, enjoy a buffet breakfast served on china on the outdoor terrace.
The 6th floor has a rooftop restaurant that really gets busy at night. Even the locals find their way to the top for a drink and some food. With the spectacular view, you may have a hard time concentrating on eating, but it will definitely be worth it.
Staying in Plaka Within Walking Distance of History
Why Stay in Plaka?
Acropolis Museum is the main draw to the city and Plaka is where to stay in Athens if you want to be just a short walk away. If you are a fan of old-fashioned cobblestone streets, boutique hotels, and ancient ruins, this quaint village is where to stay in Athens.
You will also be within walking distance of many neighborhood taverns where you can enjoy a glass of Greek wine and authentic Greek food. You will experience a touch of nostalgia and the old Athens while still being near the city center. Whether you are looking for a budget hotel or a modern hotel with a rooftop terrace, you can find it in Plaka.
As one of Athens' oldest cities, it boasts a picturesque view any way you look. It is full of authentic markets, colorful buildings, narrow streets, and tons of local restaurants and bars. It is also very pedestrianized as most streets are closed to traffic. Because it is such a beautiful, popular and very central location, expect it will be a little higher than elsewhere.
The old city of Athens is located on the bottom of an Acropolis. With its vibrant houses, charming narrow pedestrian streets and excellent cultural history, it is no wonder this is one of the favorite areas to stay in Athens. Due to Plaka's convenient location, you should expect to pay more for hotels and services in this city.
AthensWas
If you are looking for luxury, go no further than AthensWas practically next door to the Acropolis. Foodies love the rooftop restaurant that serves Japanese, French, and Mediterranean foods with a stellar view of the city.
The chic rooms have marble bathrooms, stocked minibars, and includes a delicious breakfast. The hotel also boasts a gym so you can work off those pastries you had for breakfast and a boutique to get some souvenirs.
Noble Suites
Noble Suites is a great place for families with spacious rooms and a neoclassic but sleek style with child-friendly features like twin beds and stuffed animals. The historic hotel was established in 1901 and its ivy-covered façade is truly one-of-a-kind.
Each room has daily maid service, room service, in-room massage, laundry service, and even babysitting. Instead of a massage, go ahead and take a hot bubble bath in the sophisticated bathroom then curl up in a fluffy robe and slippers provided for you.
Staying in Metaxourgeio Luxury Hotels
Why Stay in Metaxourgeio?
It may not be one of the top tourist spots in Athens, but that is exactly why you should stay there. If you want an artsy area where you can visit unique galleries, cozy cafés, and trendy restaurants for a superb price, Metaxourgeio is the place.
Just north of Gazi, the city is called a transitional neighborhood because it is always changing. With street art popping up in some of the most surprising spots and guerrilla gardening, this place has style and history.
Most of the nicer hotels can be found at Karaiskaki Square where the metro station is located. Don't miss the street art around the neighborhood like the Athens Municipal Gallery, the Rebecca Camhi Gallery, and the Breeder.
Athens Lotus Hotel
Athens Lotus Hotel has contemporary rooms with all the modern comforts you would expect in a luxury hotel. Egyptian cotton sheets and beds you can sink down into as well as stunning views. Each one has room service, satellite TV, free WiFi, and a sleek bathroom.
If you want the best, the suite on the 5th floor takes up the whole floor and has a dining and living room. You will feel spoiled and pampered there and you may not ever want to leave the hotel. But you should since the Acropolis and other attractions are nearby. How to see the best of Athens? Check out our guide on how to get around Athens!
Novus City Hotel
Novus City Hotel is a colorful and vibrant boutique hotel with 85 totally unique rooms. Some of them are adorned in purple plush comforters and bright orange throw pillows while others are decked out in bright yellows and tans.
Even the rooftop pool is brightened up by a colorful palette of oranges, greens, and blues. And of course, there is a rooftop bar with food, or you can go to the restaurant where you will get full service and spectacular food.
Staying in Kolonaki Under Mount Lycabettus
Why Stay in Kolonaki?
Kolonaki is a wealthy village near Syntagma built on the southern slope of Mount Lycabettus. The area's most popular attractions are luxurious shopping, museums galleries, and chic cuisine. Many of its streets are pedestrian-only and bustling with designer boutiques, street cafés, and several tourist attractions.
Things to see nearby include the Kolonaki Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and the Benaki Museum. This spectacular neighborhood located on the slopes of Lycabettus Hill has a variety of local attractions nearby.
Foodies will also enjoy Kolonaki with its many excellent eateries from small kiosks to stunning establishments. The accommodations in this region are luxurious and that makes it where to stay in Athens if you want luxury hotels and expensive restaurants. There are also several local independent art galleries nearby that you can explore during your stay in Athens.
St. George Lycabettus
Want to go swimming on the roof with a gorgeous view of Athens? St. George Lycabettus is where to go. Located in the high-end Kolonaki area in Athens, each of the hotel’s floors has a specific theme with Greek culture and each of the 154 rooms is individually decorated.
Taste gourmet Mediterranean flavors in the La Suite Lounge or Le Grand Balcon by the rooftop pool, get your hair done at the salon or get a good workout at Aegeos Spas and Gym. Most of the rooms also have private balconies with views of the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf.
Hotel Periscope
Hotel Periscope is another fantastic boutique hotel, this one with hot tubs, private balconies, and a stereo system in your room. You will also have room service, cuddly robes, and satellite TV with a DVD player. Or you can go down to the lounge and mingle.
Just a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square, Lycabettus Hill, and the Acropolis, you will not have far to go to see the sights. You may also be interested in hitting the clubs nearby to enjoy the local nightlife or dining out at one of the award-winning eateries.
Staying in Syntagma in Central Athens
Why Stay in Syntagma?
Located near Syntagma Square as well as the Syntagma Metro Station, this neighborhood is one of the major economic hubs in the city. If you are looking for where to stay in Athens that offers exciting nightlife in Karytsi Square, numerous celebrations and festivals, and a lively atmosphere, try Syntagma.
It is located near enough to central Athens to be convenient while still being off the beaten path. Elia Ermou Athens Hotel is a superb place to stay with a rooftop restaurant and is within walking distance to many of the major sites.
Syntagma Square is the name of the neighborhood surrounding Greece's political and commercial center. The largest square in Greece was built shortly after Athens became the capital of the newly independent nation in the 1830s. The Tomb of the unknown soldier is the last unit of Evzones in the Hellenic Army, which serves as the Presidential Guard.
The National Garden rests nearby the tomb with a botanical garden with ancient remains and a small zoo and a library with books and children. The best 5-star hotels Grand Bretagne and King George are positioned on the square. The metro station has a main transportation hub with a huge, renovated metro station.
Athens Mansion Luxury Suites
The name says it all, but you will still be in awe of this building when you see it. It is a true mansion across from the Hellenic Parliament and the National Garden. Be sure to book this one way in advance because it only has 18 rooms.
Each one has its own balcony, al a carte breakfast, free WiFi, and amazing views. Being in the city center, just a few feet from Monastiraki Square, you have access to fine dining, shopping, and local attractions. Rent a bike from the hotel or take a tour in one of their limousines.
King George Palace
If you would rather stay in a palace, Syntagma has one of those too. This place has opulent décor with beautiful hardwood floors, gilt mirrors, marble everywhere, and Louis XV furniture as well as unique art like the giant horse statues in the restaurant.
The 102 rooms are charming and frilly with spectacular artwork adorning the walls, sophisticated furniture, and views of the Parthenon, Agora, Acropolis, and the skyline of Athens. For real luxury, book the penthouse with a living room, veranda, and your own private pool.
Stay in Athens and Plan a Return Trip
Wherever you choose to stay in Athens, you will find a plethora of things to do and places to visit. Be sure to plan your itinerary carefully so you can get to all of the most important sites you want to see. Then again, you can always come back some other time.
Bring the family along on the next trip! There is plenty for kids to see and do in Athens, too.