Where to Stay in Athens: 7 Best Areas & Hotels

Although many people think of lush Mediterranean islands when speaking of Greece, the county’s capital has so much to offer. 

Athens is the largest city in the country and is one of the oldest cities in the world. It’s been inhabited for over 5,000 years, so as you can imagine there is plenty of great architecture, and history to see here. 

When deciding on where to stay in Athens, you won’t be short of choices as there are plenty of great neighborhoods. Each area offers something unique, so as a first-time visitor to the city it can be difficult to make a decision. 

This guide is going to break down the best parts of Athens to stay in and give you all the information you need. This includes a quick overview of the area, the pros and cons, and the best hotels. 

So, let’s take a look at the best places to stay in Athens!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Where to Stay in Athens, Greece

As I mentioned previously, Athens is Greece’s capital and the largest city in the country. It’s situated within the Attica Basin which is surrounded by large mountains and the Saronic Gulf.

The city was built during the 5th century BC, so has been around for over 5,000 years which is pretty impressive. That means there are plenty of incredible archaeological sites for you to visit, including the iconic Acropolis of course! 

When deciding on where to stay in Athens, you’ll have an endless choice of neighborhoods. There are literally dozens of districts within the city center, and I’d be here all day if I tried to name them!

Instead, this guide is going to go through 7 of the best areas to stay in Athens, and why each one is so popular. 

There are a lot of factors that come into play when choosing where you want to stay, and that will include nearby attractions, transport links, dining options, and of course your budget. 

Although Athens isn’t cheap, it’s a lot less expensive than many other cities in Europe. You’ll find that hotels are much more reasonably priced and food is cheaper than in many of the European capitals. 

You’ll even be able to get hotels with an Acropolis view for a great price! 

Athens also has a brilliant metro system, so getting around the city is easy. There are metro stations located across the city, so you’ll likely be close to one, no matter where you decide to stay. 

When it comes to attractions in the city, the most iconic sites are the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Lycabettus Hill. 

You’ll also find plenty of great authentic dining options within the city, but the cost of food will vary depending on where you stay. If you’re dining with a view of the Acropolis or Lycabettus Hill, expect to pay more for food.

If you’re running short of time, you can have a quick scan of this table. Here are the best areas to stay in Athens, and a rundown of what they offer. 

AREA	BEST FOR	RECOMMENDED HOTEL	MORE HOTELS
Plaka	Sightseeing, first-time visitors, food, family-friendly	The Athens Gate Hotel	More hotels in Plaka
Monastiraki	Culture, food, nightlife, shopping	Emporikon Athens Hotel	More hotels in Monastiraki
Psirri	First-time visitors, culture, food, nightlife	Ivis 4 Boutique Hotel	More hotels in Psirri
Syntagma	Family-friendly, shopping, transport, sightseeing	Elia Ermou Athens Hotel	More hotels in Syntagma
Kolonaki	Luxury, fine-dining, nightlife, entertainment	Coco-Mat Hotel Athens	More hotels in Kolonaki
Koukaki	Authentic stay, family-friendly, food, sightseeing	Coco-mat Athens BC	More hotels in Koukaki
Metaxourgeio	Culture, budget-friendly, food, family-friendly	Wyndham Grand Athens	More hotels in Metaxourgeio

Best Areas to Stay in Athens

If you’re looking for a more in-depth guide on where to stay in Athens, then keep reading! 

There are seven awesome neighborhoods within the city center that are close to many of Athen’s iconic tourist attractions.

With so many places to choose from, the decision isn’t easy, which is where I come in. In this guide, I’ve researched the best areas to stay in Athens, and what each one offers. 

This includes an overview of nearby attractions, the cost of staying in each area, and the factors that make each neighborhood stand out. 

When you’re deciding on where to stay you’ll also want to think about your budget, transport links, and dining options of course. 

So where are the best neighborhoods to stay in Athens? Let’s take a look!

1. Plaka 

Plaka is known as ‘the old town of Athens’ and is the oldest neighborhood in the city. 

It lies right under the Acropolis and is close to many historical sites making it one of the best parts of Athens to stay in.

This neighborhood is within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Roman Agora.

When it comes to dining options you’ll have plenty of choices including the Anafiotika Cafe, Yiasemi, and Klepsýdra.

However, you just have to visit Psaras Tavern! It’s one of the oldest establishments in Athens and offers delicious Greek dishes and fresh fish. 

Transport isn’t an issue in Athens as the city has a great metro system. However, as many of the iconic attractions are within walking distance of Plaka, you won’t need to wander far to explore. 

Plaka is one of the prettiest and most charming areas of Athens, but you’ll find prices to be more expensive here than elsewhere. 

However, you can still find some pretty great accommodation for a reasonable price!

With a huge variety of accommodation options and endless historical sites, Plaka is one of the best places to stay in Athens – especially for first-timers. 

Nonetheless, this neighborhood is very touristy and is likely to be crammed with people. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet, you may want to look elsewhere.

Pros and cons of staying in Plaka

The best places to stay in Plaka

2. Monastiraki

If you’re looking for a more authentic stay, then Monastiraki is one of the best places to stay. 

This part of the city is renowned for its many eateries, bars, and its nightlife, so if you’re looking for an evening out on the town – this is the place to be. 

Monastiraki is also one of the best areas to stay in Athens if you’re a keen shopper – especially on Sundays!

This is when the Monastiraki Flea Market takes place, and you’ll find an abundance of vendors on the main square. Not only will you get to interact with the locals, but you’ll also find plenty of books, antiques, clothes, and souvenirs. 

When it comes to attractions, this neighborhood holds its own with plenty of awesome places to visit. Some of the most popular sites include Hadrian’s Library, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Tzistarakis Mosque.

You’ll also have plenty of dining options if you decide to stay here including Efcharis Restaurant, Maiandros Restaurant, and Savvas. 

Not only is Monastiraki one of the best locations to stay in Athens for shoppers and foodies, but it’s also great for budget travelers.

Now, accommodation isn’t the cheapest in the city but it’s far less expensive than in areas like Plaka. You’ll also be very close to the attractions still, making this neighborhood quite the catch. 

Pros and cons of staying in Monastiraki

The best places to stay in Monastiraki 

3. Psiri

If you’re after a good party and a bit of nightlife, then Psiri is the best neighborhood to stay in Athens!

You’ll find plenty of bars and nightclubs in this area, and they’ll stay open into the night. 

There is always something happening around Iroon Square, and if you’re lucky you might even get to see some live performances.

Not only is this area famous for its nightlife, but you’ll also find plenty of great eateries including Zampano, Lithos Tavern, and Atlantikos. 

Although you won’t find many attractions in Psiri itself, historic sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon are within walking distance. 

Monastiraki is also the next neighborhood along, and you’ll find plenty of awesome places to visit there. 

There are also lesser-known gems in this area such as Athens Central Market, an array of independent shops, and several art galleries. 

Although Psirii is a great neighborhood, it’s not the best area to stay in Athens if you’ve got young children.

The bars and clubs here are lively and stay open well into the night. So, if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more peaceful, I’d recommend heading to one of the quieter areas in Athens.

However, you can get great accommodation deals in this area if you’re looking to save some cash. 

Pros and cons of staying in Psiri 

The best places to stay in Psiri

4. Syntagma

When it comes down to the best locations to stay in Athens, Syntagma is right up there at the top! 

It’s in a great central location and is the main transport hub of the city, so you can get to any part of Athens from here. 

Aside from convenience, there are also plenty of great attractions to visit.

Some of the most popular sites include the iconic Syntagma Square, the Parliament Building, the National Historic Museum, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

You’ll also find the National Gardens here, which is a great place to escape the constant hustle and bustle of Athens. 

Not only that, but there are plenty of great shops, cafes, and tavernas here too. 

Some of the most popular places to eat include Tzitzikas kai Mermigas, Athena’s Cook, and To Neoklassiko.This part of the city is also where you’ll generally find fast food such as KFC and restaurants serving international cuisine. 

With so much to see and the fact that you’re within walking distance to Athen’s main historic sites, Syntagma is one of the best places to stay in Athens.

The only thing to be mindful of when staying in this neighborhood is the political protests and rallies. This is where they usually take place, and although the majority of them are peaceful – it’s just worth noting. 

Pros and cons of staying in Syntagma

The best places to stay in Syntagma

5. Kolonaki

Kolonaki is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Athens, so if you’re traveling on a budget you don’t want to stay here. 

It’s known for its fine dining, entertainment, and designer shopping, so is the perfect place to go if you’re looking to spend some money

This area is also great for nightlife but you’ll find more high-end and sophisticated bars here including Minnie the Moocher rather than nightclubs. So if you want a night out on the town with jazz music, and classy dresses – this is the area to be. 

Not only is there plenty of entertainment options in Kolonaki, but you’ll also find lots of attractions too. 

This neighborhood is situated right at the base of Lycabettus Hill which is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and you’ll also want to see the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. 

When it comes to dining options, there are plenty of choices. Some of the best spots to eat include Zurbaran Athens, Dexameni, and Malconi’s Italian Restaurant. 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Athens, and you’re looking to splash some cash then Kolonaki is the place for you. 

It’s the best place to stay for luxury accommodation so expect to pay high prices. You’ll also find that there aren’t many budget hotels in the area, instead, you’ll primarily find apartments.

Pros and cons of staying in Kolonaki

The best places to stay in Kolonaki

6. Koukaki

Koukaki is one of the best areas to stay in Athens if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

This neighborhood is known for its charming and relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to watch the locals go about their everyday lives. 

You’ll also find plenty to do in this residential area too. The top attractions here include the Acropolis Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum.

You’ll also want to walk up Philopappou Hill, as it offers incredible views of the city. 

Koukaki Square is another place to visit and is located in the middle of the neighborhood. 

Another bonus to staying in this part of Athens is the cuisine. This part of the city is known for its authentic Greek food, so you’ll have plenty of tavernas and cafes to choose from.

Some of the top choices include Kalamaki Bar, Kalyvas Family Grill, and Mani Mani. 

So, if you’re looking for a local experience and want to keep your costs down, then Koukaki is probably the best part of Athens to stay in.

Not only is it close to the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum but it’s also much quieter than other touristy neighborhoods nearby. 

Pros and cons of staying in Koukaki 

The best places to stay in Koukaki

7. Metaxourgeio

Metaxourgeio is one of the most underrated areas in the city, and you won’t find it in many ‘where to stay in Athens’ articles.

However, it definitely needs to be included in this guide! 

For starters, Metaxourgeio is incredibly central and is in a great location to explore the city. There is also plenty of public transport around, making it easy to reach the other neighborhoods. 

This area is also known for its artsy vibe and culture. If you decide to stay here you’ll be surrounded by art galleries, trendy cafes, and theaters. Keep your eye out for vibrant street art too!  

You’ll also be close to plenty of awesome attractions including the National Archaeological Museum and Avdi Square. 

Avdi Square is the heart of this district and its cultural center. It’s pretty lively in the evening and is the perfect place to people watch and grab a bite to eat. 

Metaxourgeio is still described as a ‘transitional neighborhood’, so it doesn’t have the variety of eateries and amenities compared to some of the other areas.

However, the food is still delicious and you’ll find plenty of things to do here. 

Some of the top dining spots include Seychelles, Mironi Greek Restaurant, and Aleria Restaurant. 

It may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you’re looking for something different and to cut costs then it’s one of the best places to stay in Athens. 

Pros and cons of staying in Metaxourgeio

The best places to stay in Metaxourgeio

---

Planning a trip to Athens?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Athens. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in Athens: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
• 27 Best Hotels with Acropolis Views in Athens, Greece
• One Day in Athens: How to See the Best of Athens in a Day
• 3 Days in Athens, Greece: The Perfect Athens Itinerary
• 14 Epic Athens Instagram Spots You Can’t Miss

Other Amazing Destinations in Greece: Santorini | Mykonos | Milos | Paros | Naxos

---

Pin It for Later!