Where to Stay in Athens: The 5 Best Areas Stay at in Athens
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Welcome to my blog series on where to stay in Athens. I am excited you are here and excited that you’ve picked Athens as your destination to explore. Just like anywhere you visit, deciding where to stay can really make or break your trip, whether you are looking to be close to iconic monuments, or you want to stay maybe in more of a residential area, or if you are looking for nightlife, you want to make sure you are in the right area that meets your travel needs.
In this guide, I will be walking through all of my favorite areas to stay at while in Athens, along with safety tips, why you may want to stay in the area, and things to see and do in Athens that are nearby.
Introduction: Where to Stay in Athens
Athens is a large city with lots of things to see and do, and lots of fun neighborhoods to visit. As someone who prioritizes walkability, safety, and quieter evenings, I have put together this guide on where to stay in Athens, to ensure you are picking the right neighborhood for you. Also in this guide, I will always dive into transportation accessability, safety tips, and things to do.
1. Plaka: Where to Stay in Athens First Time
If this is your first time to Athens, I would highly recommend that you stay in Plaka area. This area gives you the classic Athens experience, with the cobblestone paths, souvenir shops, and you are very close to some of the iconic must-sees in Athens. Since this area is considered the city center, it is great for first time visitors, solo travelers, and those looking to be close to everything without having to rely heavily on public transportation.
Plaka Hotel Recommendations
Plaka Arch Suites: Nestled in the heart of the historic Plaka district, Plaka Arch Suites offers elegant neoclassical-style accommodations just steps from the Acropolis and Theatre of Dionysus. While staying here, you will enjoy upscale comfort, high ceilings, and premium linens in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Electra Palace Athens: This hotel blends classic elegance with modern luxury. It features a rooftop pool and restaurant with stunning Acropolis views. Located in Plaka, it’s in walking distance of Athens’ top landmarks and has a full-service spa, lush gardens, and upscale rooms.
The Dolli at Acropolis: This boutique hotel is near the Parthenon and offers a rooftop infinity pool views, original Picasso artwork, and Michelin Key-awarded luxury. Its blend of neoclassical architecture and modern design makes it one of Athens’ most exclusive stays.
Pro Tip: Since Plaka is more of a tourist area, it can be a bit louder at night.
2. Monastiraki & Psiri: Athens Nightlife
If you are looking for the best Athens nightlife and want to stay in an area that is lively and energetic and day and night, then you may want to stay in Monastiraki & Psiri. While they are both lively and fun, Monastiraki is more of a great transportation hub. You can get pretty much anywhere you need to get to from Monastiraki. Whereas I feel like Psiri is a bit more on the edgier side. Both are great options for nightlife, just Monastiraki has a bit more accessibility, and Psiri is a bit more energetic.
Monastiraki & Psiri Hotel Recommendations:
Eternity (Monastiraki): This sleek, modern retreat is located in the heart of Monastiraki. Eternity Athens offers stylish rooms, exceptional service, and a prime location steps from the Acropolis and vibrant city life
The Residence – Christokopidou Hotel & Spa (Monastiraki): This eco-friendly boutique hotel blends urban elegance with wellness. This hotel features a spa, indoor pool, and rooftop views, and is just minutes from Athens’ iconic landmarks.
The Pinnacle Athens (Psiri): A design-forward boutique stay, with bold art, an incredible rooftop, and panoramic Acropolis views. Located in Psiri, it’s perfect for travelers seeking style and central access.
Moxy Athens City (Psiri): Trendy and playful, Moxy Athens City delivers vibrant energy, pet-friendly rooms, and easy access to metro stations. Since this hotel in a cultural hotspot, it’s ideal for modern travelers.
Pro Tip: Since this area is known for the nightlife, it’s very noisey at night. If you are a light sleeper, bring ear plugs or ask to be on a higher floor.
3. Koukaki and Makrygianni
If you are looking for that “Athens local” experience and want to stay in an area that feels more residential, then Koukaki and Makrygianni would be the best areas for you. Staying in this area, you can eat, shop, and really live like the locals do. With beautiful tree-lined streets, it’s much quieter at night, and can enjoy cafes and restaurants that have a lot less tourists in them.
One of my favorite aspects of this area is that even though you are in a residential and quieter area, you are only a short distance from some of the most iconic monuments in Athens. It’s honestly the best of both worlds. Another perk is that you have some of the best views in Athens of the Acropolis from Koukaki.
Koukaki and Makrygianni Hotel Recommendations
Noble Suites (Koukaki): Set in a restored neoclassical mansion just steps from the Acropolis, Noble Suites offers elegant, spacious accommodations with marble details and heritage-inspired décor. Guests enjoy boutique luxury and personalized service in one of Athens’ most historic neighborhoods.
Acropolis Select Hotel (Koukaki): Located just a short walk from the Acropolis and Plaka, Acropolis Select blends modern comfort with Italian design flair. Its central location and easy access to metro and tram lines make it a perfect base for exploring Athen.
Herodion Athens (Makrygianni): This upscale hotel offers sweeping rooftop views of the Acropolis, two restaurants, and a cozy atrium bar. Nestled in Makrygianni, it’s steps from the Acropolis Museum and ideal for travelers seeking refined hospitality in a cultural hub.
Athens Gate Hotel (Makrygianni): Perfectly positioned between the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis, Athens Gate Hotel features modern rooms and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views. Guests enjoy easy access to Plaka, Syntagma, and Athens’ historic center.
Pro Tip: Because this is a highly resdiental area, it is safe to walk during the day and at night.
4. Syntagma & Kolonaki
If you are looking for more of an upscale area, with high-end hotels, upscale resturants, quieter evenings, and just an elevated Athens expereince, then you will want to look at stay in the either Syntagma or Kolonaki.
Many hotels in both of these areas offer luxurious stays, with modern convences, and are all very close to transportation. I would like to point out that even though both are safe and walkable, Syntagma tends to be a bit nosier at night compared to Kolonnaki.
Syntagma & Kolonaki Hotel Recommendations
Electra Metropolis Athens (Syntagma): A luxurious 5-star stay in the heart of Athens, Electra Metropolis offers rooftop dining with panoramic Acropolis views, a spa with indoor pool, and elegant rooms just steps from Syntagma Square and Ermou Street.
InnAthens (Syntagma): Tucked behind a secret garden near Syntagma Square, InnAthens is a boutique gem with contemporary rooms, a relaxing central atrium, and a complimentary Greek breakfast, perfect for exploring Athens on foot.
Shila Athens (Kolonaki): Set in a restored 1920s mansion, Shila blends Belle Époque charm with modern artistry. With just six uniquely designed suites, a rooftop garden, and curated interiors, it’s a soulful sanctuary in upscale Kolonak.
St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel (Kolonaki): Perched on the slopes of Lycabettus Hill, this 5-star boutique hotel boasts sweeping Acropolis views, rooftop dining, a full-service spa, and easy access to Kolonaki’s chic boutiques and cultural hotspot
Pro Tip: Most of the hotels in this area are a bit pricey, but you get an elevated experience
5. Thiseio
Another great choice for amazing Acropolis views is in Thiseio. This area is considered up and coming and is a quieter choice for those looking for a local and relaxing experience. From relaxed neighborhoods to historic centers, and local cafes, you can’t go wrong with this amazing area.
Hotel Thiseio Recommendations
Hotel Thiseio: A boutique hotel offering stunning Acropolis views, modern rooms, and an on-site restaurant. It’s steps from the pedestrian promenade and ideal for exploring ancient Athens.
Acropolis Vision: This charming hotel features stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace, and direct views of the Acropolis. It’s centrally located in Thiseio, perfect for walking to key landmarks
Phidias Hotel: A cozy and affordable option with 24-hour front desk service, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. Great for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
Pro Tip: This area is safe for walking and is quiet at night.
6. Pagrati and Gazi
These two neighborhoods also have a more local feel to them. Considered artsy and bohemian, staying in these neighborhoods make you feel like you are living the Athens local life. Because of the edgy nightlife, these areas can be a tad sketchy at night, so always use safe public transportation, and be very mindful if you are out walking late at night.
Pagrati and Gazi Hotel Recommendations:
Athenian View Loft (Gazi): Modern and fully equipped, Athenian View Loft offers spacious apartments with balconies, walk-in showers, and Acropolis views. Just steps from Keramikos Metro Station, it’s ideal for travelers seeking comfort and central access.
Not Hotel (Gazi): A design-forward concept space blending art, architecture, and hospitality, Not Hotel offers curated rooms with a boutique feel. Located in edgy Gazi, it’s perfect for guests who want a creative, unconventional stay.
Athenian Spirit (Gazi): Set in the heart of Gazi, Athenian Spirit features luxury residences with sleek interiors and easy access to Athens’ nightlife, markets, and cultural landmarks. Another perk is that the Acropolis and Ancient Agora are less than a kilometer away.
Conclusion: Where to Stay in Athens
Athens is an incredible city with so much to see and do. Where to stay in Athens relies heavily on your travel style, if you are a first-time visitor, versus frequent visitor looking for something more local and relaxed. Regardless of where you stay in Athens, plan ahead, book in advanced so that you don’t miss out on your preferred area and hotel. Again, I hope this guide has helped you pick an area in Athens that meets your style and vibe, so that you can have an inciredble and memorable expereince, just like I do, every time I vist Athens.