Where to stay in Athens

Accommodation › Where to stay in Athens

Where is the best place to stay in Athens? I will reveal my top Athens hotel tips and show you which neighbourhoods are worth staying in.

Table of Contents

The best neighbourhoods to stay in Athens at a glance

The centrally located districts of Plaka, Syntagma, Psyrri and Monastiraki are particularly suitable for a trip to Athens, each offering different advantages such as proximity to the Acropolis, good shopping opportunities or a lively nightlife. The Plaka district is ideal for first-time visitors and is close to the sights, while Syntagma is a very central and safe area with a good police presence. Psyrri is recommended for night owls, and Monastiraki is centrally located and good for shopping enthusiasts.

The neighbourhoods to stay in detail:

• Plaka & Monastiraki: The old town of Athens is a popular place for first-time visitors as it is close to the Acropolis and offers a wide range of restaurants and a charming atmosphere. Monastiraki is also a great place for shopping enthusiasts.
• Ermou & Syntagma Square: Perfect if you would like to stay in a more upmarket area of Athens. Those neighbourhoods are very centrally located and considered safe. They are ideal for short stays as it is home to the Greek Parliament and other important buildings, and therefore has a strong police presence.
• Psyrri: If you are looking for a lively nightlife, Psyrri is the place to be.
• Kypseli: An unknown neighbourhood away from the tourist crowds. Well-connected, with numerous affordable hotels.
• Glyfada: Picturesque seaside resort with hotels right on the beach in Athens.

You can find hotel tips for affordable hotels, especially in Exarchia and Kypseli. The average price per night is 70 euros (3-star hotel) or 90 euros (4-5-star hotel).

What Hotels are located close to the Akropolis? There are numerous hotels in Athens where you can stay near the Acropolis. If you are looking for one, you should especially check out hotels in Plaka and Monastiraki. Both neighbourhoods are located in close proximity to the Acropolis.

Tip: Remember to book your hotel before you travel. Athens, with its famous Acropolis, is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. As a result, the best hotels tend to sell out quickly.

How many days in Athens?

For a city break to Athens, I recommend planning at least three days to see the main sights, including the Acropolis and the city centre. If you have more time, a four-day trip is ideal for getting to know the city and its surroundings, such as the nearby islands, better. A week is ideal for discovering lesser-known corners and the lively cultural scene.

Where to stay in Plaka?

Plaka is perfect for you if you are visiting Athens for the first time, as you will be staying close to the most important sights.

Plaka is Athens’ old town and is full of narrow streets with numerous tavernas, rooftop bars and boutiques. So you will be staying right in the heart of Athens.

Plaka is the most touristy district in Athens. This is, of course, due to its location at the foot of the Acropolis. It is known for its pretty pedestrian zone and dreamy architecture. Most of Athens’ sights can be easily reached on foot from here. Please note: if you want to stay in Plaka, you will always have to expect higher hotel prices.

Staying in Plaka means is ideal for first-time visitors

• Beautiful surroundings
• Many taverns and restaurants
• Very central
• Many sights nearby

My hotel recommendations for Plaka:

Amazon Hotel (Budget): An absolute bargain, with air-conditioned rooms, centrally located. Perfect location, excellent breakfast and great value for money. Perfect for your first night in Athens. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Plaka Arch Suites (Mid-range): Great apartment choice that felt more like staying at home with a roof terrace and views of the Acropolis on top. Plaka Arch Suites in Athens offers a very convenient location, with the Acropolis Museum just a 3-minute walk away and the Parthenon in easy reach as well. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Electra Palace Athens (Boutique): A pretty boutique hotel in excellent location with rooftop restaurant and pool. Cozy rooms, some come with views of the Acropolis. The bed has to be one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in. The pillows were amazing too. Loved the staff in the spa, the massage was incredible. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Staying in Syntagma – Ideal for short stays

Syntagma Square is located just north of Plaka. This square is Athens’ most important public transport hub. It is the perfect place for anyone who only has limited time in the city, as you can easily use the metro network to efficiently reach all of Athens’ attractions.

Syntagma also has a number of places worth visiting close by, such as the old royal palace (Greek parliament building) and the National Garden of Athens with its many exotic plants, archaeological remains and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

My accommodation tips for Syntagma

Pan Hotel (Budget): Price-conscious travellers can stay in modern and comfortable accommodation at Pan Hotel. This centrally located hotel is appreciated by travellers for its cleanliness and good facilities. Chris and Eliza were exceptional, friendly and very accommodating. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Etheral Athens (Mid-range): The location of Etheral Athens is perfect for exploring the city. Very clean and spacious rooms and in a great location. Staff were super lovely and helpful. A suite with hot tub is also available. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Gatsby Athens (Luxury): World-class service awaits you at Gatsby Athens. Enjoy the urban atmosphere in the heart of the city. Here you will find accommodation in a perfect location with excellent facilities and service. All in all a gorgeous hotel in an excellent location and stunning facilities. The room was huge and so comfortable, great bathroom and storage. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Staying in Kypsili – away from the crowds

The Athens neighbourhood of Kypseli is one of our favourite areas of the city. It is still a real insider tip and offers you a truly authentic insight into the Greek capital. Best of all, accommodation prices in Kypseli are (still) below the average hotel price in Athens.

Kypseli is located north of Exarchia and about a 20-minute walk from the funicular railway to Lycabettus Hill. Numerous highlights in the city are easily accessible by bus from here. Or you can also just spend a few days just in Kypseli, as the neighbourhood offers a wide selection of pretty cafés, quaint tavernas and lively squares that really come to life in the evening. Distance to the Acropolis: 30 minutes by bus.

Where to stay in Kypseli?

Exis Hotel (Budget): Beautiful old Greek house with spacious rooms in traditional decor. Very comfortable and clean hotel. Kind and helpful staff.

Athens Panorama Project (Mid-range): Modern apartments with kitchen and all mod cons. The panorama view from the rooftop pool is priceless. Rooms are nice and spacious. It takes a just 15 minutes walk to the metro.

Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens (Superior): Rooftop terrace, pool with views of views over the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, restaurant with a view, beautiful rooms – and still very reasonably priced. Facing Pedion Areos Park, Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens is located just 400 metres from the Archaeological Museum of Athens and a 5-minute walk from Victoria Metro Station.

Glyfada – Staying by the sea in Athens

You would like to stay on the beach in Athens? This is especially possible if you choose Glyfada as your base for your trip to Athens. This pretty beach resort is considered the gateway to the Athens Riviera and offers you real beach town vibes with Kyprou and Laodiki streets. Add to that the picturesque beaches and dreamlike sunsets, and you’ll feel like you’re not just on the outskirts of the Greek metropolis.

Glyfada is the place for you if you want to experience lesser-known sights in Athens. Glydfada also has some of the nicest restaurants in Athens because its much cooler during nighttime and you get to feel the breeze by the beach. Plus, it is also very well-connected to the airport if you are staying in Athens on your way back from the islands of Santorini, Crete or Rhodes.

Where to stay in Glyfada?

Palmyra Beach Hotel (Budget): Modern beach hotel with roof terrace and panoramic views at an unbeatable price. Excellent all round, incredibly kind staff, hospitable environment. Comfortable clean rooms and great beds. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Cama Luxury Suites (Mid-range): Beautiful suites right by the sea, including a really good breakfast. Modern, large and very spacious rooms with nice toiletries and easy quick access to nearby beach. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

One&Only Aesthesis (Luxury): Absolute luxury hotel with beautiful public areas and dreamlike bungalows. For those who want to stay in pure luxury. Staff are absolutely outstanding and incredibly professional.

FAQ

What is the best area for budget accommodation in Athens?

Kypsili and Gazi are the best areas to stay in Athens if you are on a budget. Just a 20-minute walk from the main attractions, you will find a good selection of accommodation options.

Where is the best place for families with children to stay in Athens?

Kolonaki is the perfect place to stay with children. There are many great museums and good shopping streets here. It is also safer and quieter than other neighbourhoods.

Where is the best place to stay in Athens for nightlife?

Psyrri is the nightclub district of Athens. So if you want to experience the great Greek nightlife, you should stay in this neighbourhood.

Conclusion on staying in Athens

In this article, I have compiled the best places to stay in Athens. Hopefully, this article will help you find the ideal neighbourhood for your city trip to Athens, as well as a great place to stay. I wish you a fantastic time in Athens with many wow moments!

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