Choosing where to stay in Athens was surprisingly the hardest part of planning our Greek adventure. When we first looked at the map, it just looked like a sprawling concrete ocean.
After hours of research and finally walking these streets ourselves, we realized that the neighborhood you pick completely changes the vibe of your trip.
If you are in a rush and just want the short answer on where to stay in Athens: Choose Plaka.
We stayed there, and it was the highlight of our mornings and evenings. But every neighborhood has its own personality. Below, we break down exactly why we loved Plaka, and give you the honest pros and cons of the other top areas so you can decide what fits your style.
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Just want a quick answer? Here are our top hotel picks for Athens
If you’re ready to book and just want to know which spots are the absolute best, here are our top-rated recommendations based on location, vibes, and guest reviews:
🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Sweet Home Hotel (Plaka) – A warm, family-run gem in the best neighborhood that feels more like a home than a hotel.
💎 Best Luxury – Hotel Grande Bretagne (Syntagma) – The undisputed king of Athens. Butler service, high tea, and a bucket-list rooftop view.
👪 Best for Families – City Life Athens Apartments (Psiri) – Massive value with full kitchenettes and big balconies—perfect if you need space to spread out.
🛎️ Best Boutique – Luwian Athens Boutique Hotel (Plaka) – Super chic and earthy design that offers a modern, stylish contrast to the old town streets.
🛏️ Best Budget/Value – Living Culture Apartments (Monastiraki) – A rare, clean, and modern find that is incredibly central without the high price tag.
💕 Best for Couples – The Dolli at Acropolis (Monastiraki) – Pure elegance. The rooftop infinity pool floats right next to the Parthenon – it’s the ultimate honeymoon spot.
👉 Once you’ve chosen the best area to stay, head to our Athens Travel Guide for everything you need to plan your days, from getting around to must-see sights. And if visiting the Acropolis is on your list (it should be), this complete guide on how to visit the Acropolis walks you through tickets, timing, and tips for a smooth visit.
The Winner: Plaka (The “Old Town” Dream)
Best For: First-timers, romantics, and anyone who wants to wake up inside a postcard.
This is where we stayed, and we have zero regrets. Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens, tucked right under the slopes of the Acropolis.
Why we loved it: It feels like a village within the city. The streets are mostly pedestrian-only (a huge bonus in chaotic Athens), lined with neoclassical mansions and bougainvillea. We loved being able to walk out of our hotel and be at the Acropolis entrance in 10 minutes, then come back for a nap before dinner. Yes, it is touristy, but in the evenings, when the day-trippers leave, it is pure magic.
Things to do here:
- Acropolis & Acropolis Museum – The heavy hitters. Staying in Plaka means you are literally sleeping in their shadow. It is incredibly convenient to walk to the entrance first thing in the morning to beat the crowds, or stroll to the museum to escape the afternoon heat.
- Anafiotika – Walk up to the very top of Plaka to find this tiny “island village” hidden under the Acropolis rocks. It looks exactly like Cycladic island streets!
- Cine Paris – If you are there in summer, watch a movie at this outdoor cinema with a view of the Parthenon.
- Philopappos Hill – For the best view of the Acropolis, head here. It’s a gentle hike nearby that is totally free. We loved coming here at sunset – it’s much quieter than the main sites and offers the perfect vantage point to see the Parthenon light up.
Where to eat:
- ILIADA – Perfect for a quick, delicious bite. It’s fast-food style (great gyros!) but you can still sit down and enjoy.
- Old Ithaki – Our pick for atmosphere. Great food and live music daily from 19:00.
- To Kafeneio – A cozy, authentic spot perfect for mezedes (tapas) and savory pies.
- Ionos Plaka – Reliable and relaxed. Great for Greek classics like moussaka without the “tourist trap” feel.
- Victory – Another excellent casual option. Tasty, no-fuss food with comfortable seating.
Where to stay in Plaka:
- Our Pick: Sweet Home Hotel – True to its name. Small, family-run, and feels incredibly warm – like staying in a real home rather than a hotel.
- Luxury: Electra Palace – The ultimate splurge. It has one of the best rooftop pools in the city with a direct view of the Parthenon.
- Mid-Range: Plaka Hotel – The rooms are simple, but the rooftop bar view is million-dollar quality (for half the price).
- Budget: Dioskouros Hostel – A rare budget find right under the Acropolis. Basic, but it has a lovely garden which is a huge bonus in the city center.
- Boutique: Luwian Athens Boutique Hotel – Chic and earthy design. A perfect modern contrast to the old neighborhood, with a great rooftop restaurant.
Monastiraki (The Buzz & The Views)
Best For: People who want to be in the center of the action and love a good rooftop bar.
If you are wondering where to stay in Athens for nightlife and energy, this is it. It is right next to Plaka but much louder and grittier.
The Vibe: High energy. It’s home to the famous flea market and the massive Monastiraki square that is always packed with people.
Things to do here:
- Monastiraki square & flea market – This is the beating heart of the area. The square is always packed with energy (and people!), but the real fun is diving into the flea market alleys. If you want leather sandals, vintage vinyl, or cheap souvenirs, this is the place. Tip: On Sundays, it expands into a massive antique market where you can find everything from old coins to retro furniture.
- Ancient Agora – Just a short walk away, this was the actual “downtown” of ancient Athens where Socrates used to hang out. It’s huge and much greener than the Acropolis. Don’t miss the Temple of Hephaestus (it’s actually more intact than the Parthenon!) and the Stoa of Attalos (a reconstructed ancient shopping mall that’s now a cool museum).
- Roman Agora – Not to be confused with the Ancient Agora! It’s smaller but has a totally different vibe. The absolute highlight here is the Tower of the Winds, an incredible octagonal marble tower that was basically the world’s first weather station and clock tower.
- Hadrian’s Library – Right next to the square, these ruins give you a sense of how grand Roman Athens was. While it’s mostly walls and columns today, it’s impressive to walk through and imagine the massive complex that once held thousands of scrolls and lecture halls.
Where to eat:
- A Little Taste of Home Restaurant – The name says it all. If you need a break from moussaka, come here for incredible international “comfort food” with a fusion twist. It feels super cozy and personal.
- Stone Athens – A fantastic all-day spot with a beautiful aesthetic. It’s great for a high-quality brunch or a relaxed Mediterranean dinner. The vibe is modern but warm.
- Maiandros Restaurant – Located right in the thick of it near the Library of Hadrian. It’s unapologetically traditional and lively – expect live Greek music, big portions, and a lot of energy.
- Efcharis restaurant – A little oasis in the chaos. We loved the courtyard garden here; it feels miles away from the busy streets outside. The food is solid traditional Greek (try the lamb in the clay pot).
- The Kyklamino – A hidden gem near the flea market square (Avissinias). It’s family-run, affordable, and serves food that tastes like a Greek grandma made it. Simple, honest, and delicious.
- A for Athens (Rooftop): Even if you don’t stay here, grab a cocktail at sunset. The view over the square and Acropolis is iconic.
Where to stay:
- Our Pick: Adrian Hotel – A hidden gem bordering Plaka. The small roof terrace offers stunning Acropolis views without the luxury price tag.
- Luxury: The Dolli at Acropolis – Pure elegance and the hottest spot in town right now. The rooftop infinity pool is the ultimate “honeymoon” feature.
- Mid-Range: 360 Degrees – Right on the square with industrial-chic vibes. Famous for its rooftop bar and excellent soundproofing.
- Budget: Living Culture Apartments – Unbelievable value steps from the nightlife. Clean, modern, and surprisingly quiet.
- Apartments: Ciel Suites Athens – Stylish, renovated suites right on the main shopping street. Feels like a private home with hotel perks.
Psiri (The Cool, Alternative Cousin)
Best For: Younger travelers, nightlife lovers, and foodies.
Ten years ago, this was a rough area. Now? It’s arguably the coolest place to be. It’s full of graffiti, artisan leather shops, and incredible late-night food.
The Vibe: Hip, edgy, and alive until 4 AM.
Things to do here:
- Rooftop cafes – Attic Urban Rooftop – This was our favorite spot for a sunset drink. It has swings (yes, actual swings!) and a boho vibe that feels super relaxed. The view of the Acropolis from here is incredible, especially when the city lights start twinkling.
- Little Kook – You have to see this to believe it. It is an “over-the-top” fairytale cafe where the decorations spill out onto the entire street. They change the theme seasonally (Alice in Wonderland, Halloween, Mary Poppins), and the staff wear elaborate costumes. It is pricey and intense, but worth walking by just for the photos!
- Go pubcrawling – Since Psiri is the nightlife capital, this is the best place to join an organized pub crawl. If you are solo or just want to meet people, these tours are huge here. They usually hit 3-4 bars and skip the lines at the clubs, which saves a lot of hassle on weekends.
Where to eat:
- Bandiera – A fantastic traditional tavern. Reasonably priced, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere that feels like a proper Athenian night out.
- Karamanlidika – A bucket-list “deli-restaurant.” You eat incredible cured meats (pastirma) and cheeses right inside a butcher shop. Unique and delicious.
- Αισώπου Μύθοι – Aesopou Fables – “Modern Greek” done right. It’s more polished than a rustic tavern, perfect for a relaxed, high-quality dinner on a cute pedestrian street.
- Nissos Seafood Tavern – Fresh fish without the “tourist trap” prices. Tucked away and simple, it’s the place for amazing grilled squid and catch-of-the-day.
- Juan Rodriguez Bar – Amazing decor and cocktails. It looks like a colonial Caribbean mansion exploded inside an Athenian bar. Great energy and even better drinks.
Where to stay:
- Our Pick: The Residence Christokopidou Hotel & Spa – An absolute oasis in the busy city. Features a rare indoor heated pool and hammam plus a rooftop bar with killer views.
- Luxury: Ivis 4 Boutique Hotel – Stunning and secluded. Known for its beautiful “secret garden” restaurant, massive mural art, and incredible made-to-order breakfast.
- Mid-Range: BED in Athens – Minimalist, clean, and cool loft-style rooms. Located right on the edge of the action with a great chill-out roof terrace.
- Budget: UrbanStay – An “aparthotel” that offers great value. Simple and clean with the perks of a hotel (on-site cafe/bar) in a dead central location.
- Apartments: City Life Athens Apartments – Massive value with full kitchenettes and big balconies. Note: It’s in the heart of the nightlife, so great for night owls but bring earplugs!
Syntagma (Convenience & Luxury)
Best For: Luxury travelers and those who want easy airport access.
When people ask where to stay in Athens for pure convenience, Syntagma wins. It is the central transport hub (the airport bus and metro both stop here).
The Vibe: Corporate and grand. It’s home to the Parliament and the Changing of the Guard.
Things to do here:
- Watch the Changing of Guards Ceremony – Happens in front of the Parliament building every hour on the hour. The soldiers (Evzones) wear traditional uniforms with pom-pom shoes. Tip: The “Big” ceremonial change with the marching band happens on Sundays at 11:00 AM, but arrive early to get a view!
- National Gardens of Athens – Located right behind the Parliament, this is the best place to escape the noise and heat. It’s a massive green oasis with duck ponds, turtle pools, and shaded paths.
- Take the bus to the National Archeological Museum – ince Syntagma is the main transport hub, this is your jumping-off point. Catch the bus (or a quick taxi) from here to the museum in Exarcheia to see the “Mask of Agamemnon” and the Antikythera Mechanism.
- Holy Catholic Cathedral of Saint Denis the Areopagite – A stunning basilica slightly hidden away on Panepistimiou Street. It’s a peaceful contrast to the Orthodox churches you see everywhere else, with incredible colorful frescoes inside.
- Academy of Athens – Part of the famous “Neoclassical Trilogy” on Panepistimiou Street. You can’t go inside usually, but the architecture (with statues of Plato and Socrates) makes it arguably the most beautiful building in the city for photos.
Where to eat:
- Athena ‘s Cook – Cozy and personal. Great moussaka and a rare selection of Greek microbrewery beers.
- GB Roof Garden – Fine dining on the 8th floor. Expensive, but the Acropolis view is unbeatable for a romantic night out.
- Bairaktaris Syntagma Square – Legendary and chaotic. The classic spot for greasy, delicious gyro pita surrounded by photos of famous politicians.
- Tzitzikas & Mermigas – A local favorite “neo-taverna.” You must try the Mastihato (chicken in mastiha sauce) – it changed our lives.
Where to stay:
- Our Pick: Nur Aparthotel Athens – Sleek and modern right off Ermou Street. The highlight? Some rooms come with a private jacuzzi – perfect for recovering after a long walk.
- Luxury: Hotel Grande Bretagne – The undisputed king of Athens hotels. Butler service, high tea, and a bucket-list rooftop view.
- Mid-Range: Ethereal Athεns – Minimalist and calming. Despite being on the main shopping street, the soundproofing is incredible.
- Budget: GK Niki by GK Properties – A rare central budget find. Clean, simple, and located on a street famous for its food options.
- Apartments: Aria Acropolis Suites – Located on the 9th floor, these self-contained suites offer some of the best panoramic skylines in the city.
Koukaki (The Local Secret)
Best For: Travelers who want a “neighborhood” feel but still want to be close to the sites.
Located just south of the Acropolis, this area has become very trendy recently. It’s less “tourist trap” and more “brunch with locals.”
The Vibe: leafy streets, pedestrian walkways, and orange trees.
Things to do: It’s right next to the Acropolis Museum, so it’s a perfect base for history buffs.
Where to eat:
- KARMINIO – All Day Eatery – Our brunch go-to. It’s modern, fresh, and their pancakes are a highlight. Great for a lazy start to the day.
- Dyo Dekares I Oka – A proper neighborhood spot. It serves excellent mezedes (tapas) and is always full of locals, which is the best sign.
- O Lolos – Classic Greek tavern vibes. It’s famous for its honest, hearty food and friendly atmosphere. A great place to eat like a real Athenian.
- Neratzia Cafe Bistro – Stylish and relaxed (located under the hotel we recommended). The perfect spot for a quiet morning coffee or a light, high-quality lunch.
Where to stay:
- Our Pick: Neratzia Rooms – A stunning boutique spot right on a pedestrian street. It sits above a fantastic bistro (great breakfast!) and feels incredibly stylish and local.
- Luxury: Divani Palace Acropolis – A 5-star classic. It has a rooftop pool with Parthenon views, but the coolest part? They have ancient ruins preserved right in the hotel basement.
- Mid-Range: Acropolis Hill Hotel – Tucked into the greenery of Philopappos Hill. It’s quiet, modern, and has a small pool – a rare find for this price range in the center.
- Budget: Marble House – A legendary family-run hotel in a quiet cul-de-sac. It’s simple, spotless, and the hospitality makes you feel like family.
- Apartments: Rastoni Acropolis Uniquely Located Stylish Apartments – The name says it all. These are beautifully designed, spacious, and located on a peaceful street just minutes from the museum.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
- Metro vs. Taxi: Athens traffic is no joke. If you stay in Syntagma, Monastiraki, or Plaka, you can take the Metro (Line 3) directly from the airport. It’s cheap, safe, and reliable.
- Noise Levels: Athens is a loud city. If you are a light sleeper and choose to stay in Psiri or Monastiraki, bring earplugs. This is another reason we preferred Plaka (specifically the side streets) – it was much quieter at night.
- Safety: All the central areas mentioned above are generally safe. Just be “street smart” in Monastiraki square and on the Metro, as pickpockets can target tourists there.
Final Verdict
So, where to stay in Athens?
If you want the full, romantic Greek experience where you can sip coffee on a balcony looking at the Parthenon, stick with Plaka. It was the perfect home base for us.
But if you want to party, head to Psiri. If you want luxury, go to Syntagma.
Wherever you choose, just remember that Athens is a city best explored on foot. Pick a central hotel, pack comfortable shoes, and get ready to fall in love with this chaotic, beautiful city.
