The best areas where to stay in Athens
Tips for Athens neighbourhoods and accommodations
There are many neighbourhoods in Athens, all fascinating, affluent in history and particular in their way. The city offers a wide range of accommodations, from cheap hostels to luxury accommodations and choosing the best one only depends on your needs and what you want to do.
If you are in Athens for tourism and want to discover the ancient sites, the best choice is a central accommodation in Plaka or close to Syntagma Square. In contrast, if you’re going to have some relaxation on the beach or discover the Greek island, you should book your accommodation in the Piraeus area.
Let’s see the best areas and hotels in Athens
1) PLAKA
It’s one of the best choices for your holiday. Walking through its alleys for shopping or just relaxing at one of the thousands of restaurants and cafes along your way is a must.
Located between Syntagma and Monastiraki Square, on the northeast slope of Acropolis, Plaka is the city’s oldest neighbourhood. It was one of the first areas in Athens to be inhabited, and the early settlement is said to be nearly 7000 years old.
Its most famous street is Adrianou, full of shops, restaurants, tavernas, cafes, markets, and museums. This district is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
Plaka is within walking distance to the Acropolis, Temple of Hephaestus, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian Arch, and most ancient sites. In Plaka, you can also see different street artworks made by Oré, Dimitris Taxis, Basek, etc.
Nearest metro stations: Acropolis, Syntagma and Monastiraki.
Recommended accommodations in the Plaka area:
- Adam’s Hotel
- Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel
- Phaedra Hotel
- Dioskouros Hostel
- Plaka Hotel
- Kimon Athens Hotel
Do you want to see more accommodations in the Plaka area? Check here.
2) MONASTIRAKI
Located between two Agorà and next to Hadrian’s library, Monastiraki is a very folkloristic area rich in history. You can see the Byzantine church, the Turkish Mosque and one of the oldest metro stations in Athens.
This area always had an essential role during the ages, being the city’s commercial centre. It is still fascinating and crowded nowadays, especially on Sundays when there is the Flea Market.
This neighbourhood is famous for its souvlaki restaurants, tavernas, wine bars, and it is alive 24/7.
Nearest metro station: Monastiraki.
Recommended accommodations in the Monastiraki area:
Do you want to see more accommodations in the Monastiraki area? Check here.
3) PSIRI
If you are looking for real Greek life and want to experience something typical, this is the right place. Once the old artisan quarter and one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city’s centre, Psiri is one of the best places where you can drink some ouzo or tsipouro accompanied by delicious mezedes.
People come here to get together in its typical bars and clubs so you can taste the local culture. It is full of restored mansions, bars, restaurants, cafes, and a hot nightlife spot.
Psiri is also known for street art, and walking through its narrow streets is fascinating because you can admire incredible murals created by artists like Vasmoulakis, Woozy or Blaqk.
Nearest metro station: Monastiraki.
Recommended accommodations in the Psiri area:
- Athens Center Square Hotel
- Attalos Hotel
- Arion Athens Hotel
- Evripides Hotel
- Athens Lodge
- Cecil Hotel
Do you want to see more accommodations in the Psiri area? Click here.
4) SYNTAGMA SQUARE
The name Syntagma means Constitution and, this square is the most famous in Athens, and all of Greece has a long history. It seems every major event in Greece has either been mourned or celebrated here.
Don’t miss the visit of the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier and Evzones, the elite soldiers who guard the grave and the Palace.
Syntagma is a convenient location for visitors looking for where to stay in Athens because it is a central neighbourhood. It is within walking distance to the main areas such as Plaka, Anafiotika, Monastiraki, etc. Psiri and even Kolonaki.
The main shopping streets branch from Syntagma Square, especially Ermou street, which links the square with the city’s oldest quarters, and it’s plenty of upscale hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
Nearest metro station: Syntagma, Acropolis, Panepistimio, X95 bus to the airport (on the right side of the square).
Recommended accommodations in Syntagma area:
- Arethusa Hotel
- Ermou Suites by Livin Urban
- Metropolis 1 Syntagma
- Electra Hotel Athens
- Pan Hotel
- Omiros Hotel
Do you want to see more accommodations in the Syntagma area? Click here.
5) KOLONAKI
The district stretches out from Syntagma square to the foot of Lycabettus hill, the highest point of Athens. Close to the Benaki Museum, beside National Gardens, Kolonaki is one of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods and one of the most elegant in central Athens. With neoclassical and modernist buildings, Kolonaki is full of restaurants and stores.
Kolonaki is renewed for its restaurants and terraces and its shopping streets, where you can find high-level boutiques and top Greek designers. There are no new constructions here, so the hotels and apartments are typically quite old. Still, Kolonaki is an excellent place if you are looking for quiet, shopping and sightseeing (Kolonaki is around 15 minutes walk from Syntagma square).
Nearest metro station: Evangelismos, Syntagma.
Recommended accommodations in the Kolonaki area:
- Lion Hotel Apartments
- Bohemian Suites Athens
- Achillion Hotel
- Hotel Lozenge
- St George Lycabettus
- Periscope
Do you want to see more accommodations in the Kolonaki area? Click here.
6) PIRAEUS
Located within the Athens urban area, around 12 kilometres southwest of the city centre, Piraeus is the main port of Athens and the largest port in Greece.
Piraeus, which comprises three separate harbours, is worth a visit. The Bay of Zea and Mikrolimano are authentic areas where you can enjoy the sea, history, and a great fresh fish meal.
If you are in Athens for a few days and want to visit the city, it is better to choose accommodation in the city centre. If you plan to discover the Greek Islands, you have to get the ferry, and Piraeus is the right place to sleep.
Nearest metro station: Piraeus.
Recommended accommodations in the Piraeus area:
- Piraeus Dream Hotel
- Phidias Piraeus Hotel
- Triton Hotel Piraeus
- Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel
- Piraeus Port Hotel
- Noufara
Do you want to see more accommodations in the Piraeus area? Click here.
7) Where to Avoid staying in Athens
So as for any other city, there are some areas you should avoid sleeping, even you will find excellent deals, or they are central quarters. Generally, the safety in Athens is good, but always use common sense and be vigilant. In our opinion, you should avoid booking your hotel in a neighbourhood such as Omonoia, Metaxourgeio and near Larissis Station. These three neighbourhoods are central, but they are not that safe at night.
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