Where to stay in Athens

Packed full of history, culture, and a whole lot of diverse neighbourhoods, I know from experience that figuring out where to stay in Athens can be quite the challenge!

When planning a trip to the Greek capital, you’ll quickly find that there are a few different neighbourhoods to choose from, and the one that’s best for you will vary depending on your budget, travel style, and interests.

The good news is that once you know what kind of trip you’re having, it will probably be quite obvious where the best area will be. You may need to pay a bit more to be central, but lots of people think it’s worth it to be close to the best things to do in Athens.

Do you want to be in the thick of all the action and surrounded by historic monuments? Are you searching for somewhere a little more local?

With so much to consider, I’ve lined up all the top neighbourhoods to help you decide where to stay in Athens for your next visit.

• Plaka: A favourite among first-timers, Plaka is Athens’s oldest neighbourhood and is steeped in history.
• Psiri: Psiri is the cool, hip sibling to areas like Plaka, as it’s a mecca for nightlife and live music without being far from the centre.
• Kolonaki: If you’re looking for a stylish and upmarket part of Athens that still feels authentic, Kolonaki is for you.
• Koukaki: A little more laidback than Kolonaki but bursting with charm and a local vibe, Koukaki is ideal for families.
• Metaxourgeio: Metaxourgeio is quite the hidden gem, but this artsy neighbourhood is a trendy and affordable place to stay.
• Piraeus: As it’s a little further outside the city, Piraeus has fewer tourists and is home to a major ferry port.

Before I go into more detail about the best areas to stay in Athens, have a look on the map and you’ll see where they’re all located (Piraeus is missing because it’s so far from the centre, but it’s off to the southwest).

Now, let’s have a look in more detail at the options for where to stay in Athens, and some of the best properties in each of them.

Plaka

Sitting at the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka is among the most touristy parts of Athens, yet the narrow cobblestone streets and old-school architecture have somehow retained their charm.

A string of Athens’s most famous attractions are within walking distance of the neighbourhood, along with a lengthy array of restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops.

There are plenty of metro stations that enable you to get just about anywhere in the city, though you’ll likely find yourself travelling on foot for the majority of your stay, especially if it’s your first visit.

Because Plaka is one of the best places to stay in Athens, it is usually both crowded and expensive. But you at least get great quality for the price, with some amazing accommodation options with views of the Acropolis.

It’s a really good option if it’s your first time in Athens and you want to make the most of your stay (and don’t mind spending a bit more for a couple of nights).

• Central Hostel: Also with an ideal central location, it has clean and comfortable beds but is probably better for short stays.

• Mythodea Athens Suites: Centrally located, the clean and spacious apartments have fully equipped kitchenettes and balconies.
• Acro&Polis: There’s a stunning view from the terrace, and the owner is very helpful.

• Sweet Home Hotel: Mixing classical décor with modern elements, it’s a stylish property with a fantastic view and breakfast included.
• New Hotel: There’s a funky design and a cool rooftop bar, plus it’s a really convenient location to visit the city’s top attractions.

• Electra Metropolis: With three restaurants, two swimming pools, and a top-floor restaurant, this is a larger hotel with a great view.
• Electra Palace Athens: Walking distance to most attractions, there’s a rooftop pool and restaurant, plus breakfast is included.

Psiri

Walk around 15 minutes west of Plaka, and you’ll find yourself in Psiri, an ultra-hip neighbourhood that always has something going on.

Thanks to its central location, getting around by walking or taking an occasional metro is a breeze. Even though you’re still really close to the main attractions, it doesn’t feel nearly as overrun with tourists like Plaka does.

The stellar nightlife is among Psiri’s biggest selling points, so you’ll definitely find some hostels and hotels aimed at the younger crowd here. But that’s not all Psiri has to offer.

Delightful food, live music, and street art are all features of this trendy hotspot, along with quirky coffee shops and boho-inspired boutiques, making this one of the coolest areas to stay in Athens.

Because of the bars, clubs, and backpackers they can attract, I wouldn’t recommend this as the first choice for families. But there are some lovely boutique hotels here for couples.

• City Circus Athens: Set in a neoclassical building, this funky hostel has a cool design, a rooftop terrace, and a bar-restaurant.
• Safestay Athens Monastiraki: Within walking distance of the main attractions, you’ll get stunning views of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace where breakfast is served.

• Pella Inn Hostel: It’s just a short walk to local attractions, restaurants, and bars – or you can just stay in at the rooftop bar!
• Evripides Hotel: There are panoramic views over the Acropolis, it has a gym and sauna, and you’ll even get a free breakfast on the rooftop garden.

• Moon And Stars Athens: The themed rooms are rather cool, there’s a rooftop pool and terrace, and the location is close to everything.
• MiraMe Athens Boutique Hotel: The whole focus of this stylish hotel is food, so make sure you try the excellent restaurant!

• Apollo Palm Hotel: Even though it’s centrally located, the location is quiet, with a garden and terrace and a relaxing interior.
• Ivis 4 Boutique Hotel: The design is understated but the modern rooms are really comfortable and the staff are super friendly.

Kolonaki

Upmarket without being pretentious, I think Kolonaki is one of the best Athens neighbourhoods to stay in if you’re looking for a touch of luxury.

It’s a bit further out from the centre, but the metro will get you to Plaka in about 20 minutes, while there are nearby hotspots like Lycabettus Hill, an incredible viewpoint for gazing at the Acropolis.

When it comes to hotels, you’ll find some top ones here, as well as fine dining eateries, sophisticated bars, and designer stores. If you fancy something a little different for your evening entertainment, catch a show at the Athens Concert Hall.

Although Kolonaki is a gorgeous part of Athens, there are very few accommodation options for budget-conscious travellers.

• Kolonaki Square Executive Apartment: Walking distance from good restaurants, its got a nice interior and is well-equipped with modern amenities.
• Tsakalof 10 View Central Apartment: The location is quiet but still central, it’s cosy and clean and also has a beautiful view.

• The Modernist Athens: In the former Canadian Embassy, there’s mid-century detailing and minimalist Danish design, with quality furnishing and a fabulous breakfast included.
• Hotel LozengeShila Athens: Set in a central location with nice views, the interior has a vintage feel but mixed with modern amenities.

• Bohemian Suites Athens: The spacious rooms have high ceilings and a chic design, with a nice courtyard, great staff, and a free breakfast.
• Oniro City: The beds are really comfortable, plus you’ll find the staff are very helpful.

Koukaki

Koukaki is one of my favourite places to stay in Athens. It’s laidback, a short walk from many of the key tourist attractions of Athens, and has some superb eateries.

One of the best things about Koukaki is how authentic the entire area is, despite being less than a 20-minute walk from the Acropolis and a 15-minute metro ride from the Theatre of Dionysus.

You won’t find many other tourists here, which also means that you’ll see more local, affordable prices here in terms of both food and accommodation. Keep your eyes peeled for the traditional Greek tavernas while you’re here, as some of the best in the city are found in Koukaki.

The relaxed vibe here makes it suited to families or visitors who aren’t looking for late-night partying. I think it’s also good for slightly longer stays.

• Elegant Acropolis: A lovely three-bedroom apartment that’s great for families, with a convenient location for sightseeing, a balcony with city views, and an indoor play area for kids.

• Cohort Koukaki: With a delightful blend of modern and traditional design elements, it’s in a quiet neighbourhood, offering comfortable rooms and great service.

• The Athens Gate Hotel: The rooftop bar and restaurant have beautiful views for a drink or (included) breakfast, but some of the rooms have an even better vista!
• Divani Palace Acropolis: The natural colours and classic furnishing create a lovely interior design, while the rooftop terrace and private balconies have breathtaking views.

Metaxourgeio

If you’re on a tight budget, Metaxourgeio is one of the best parts of Athens for accommodation.

As somewhat of an up-and-coming neighbourhood, I think Metaxourgeio is going to become increasingly popular over the next few years, so now is the perfect time to check it out before the secret’s out.

It’s well-connected to the city centre, but also has some nearby sights itself, like the Municipal Gallery of Athens and the National Archaeological Museum. Parts of it feel quite cool and artsy, but there are also parts that feel a bit rundown and are probably best avoided at night.

Overall, though, you’ll find decent budget hotels as well as local restaurants, some cool cafes, and street art.

This is also where the main train station of Athens is, so it could be a convenient area if you’ve got an early/late train to places like Corinth or Meteora.

• Athens Hawks: In a central location, the spacious hostel has a large shared lounge and cool rooftop bar, with evening entertainment a lively vibe.
• Iconic Athens Hostel: Close to a metro station and some of the city’s popular attractions, there are nice common areas, some touches of nature indoors, and breakfast is included.

• Navitas House: The beds are comfortable and the staff are friendly at this central location with modern amenities.
• B21Residence: It’s got a great location near shops, cafes and public transport, plus the rooms are a decent size for the price.

• Dave Red Athens: With a contemporary design, the hotel has a convenient location, a relaxing rooftop terrace with views, and a free breakfast.
• NYX Esperia Palace Hotel: Funky and modern, you’ll find two swimming pools, a gym, and a sauna among the great range of facilities.

• The Pinnacle Athens: The bright rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows offering city views, while the beautiful interior has features like velvet pillows and curtains, decorative fireplaces, and original artworks.
• Wyndham Grand Athens: The rooftop, with pool, bar, and restaurant, has an incredible panoramic view, while the welcoming rooms are tastefully decorated.

Piraeus

The last place I want to mention is Piraeus, the main port of the region, and a city in its own right. (Although it’s still connected by the Athens metro and may just feel like a suburb of the capital to you.)

If you’ve got a few days sightseeing in the city centre planned, this is not where to stay in Athens. But if you’ve just got a night or two before or after a cruise or ferry trip, then it could be the most convenient option!

Piraeus has a totally different vibe from Athens and it is a really nice area, with water views and cool restaurants and vibes. So, if you do choose to stay here, you’ll be able to find something nice – plus you’re only about 30 minutes from areas like Plaka.

What I love about it, though, is being able to walk from a hotel to a morning ferry to head to nearby islands like Hydra, or even further to Santorini or Mykonos. If you’re jumping off a cruise for just one night, it saves the hassle of heading into the centre of town just for accommodation..

• Lilia Hotel: Close to the port if you’re catching a ferry, it also works for longer stays with a nice balcony, nearby public transport, and free breakfast.
• Piraeus City Hotel: The bed is comfortable, it’s well located in the centre of the port city, and the staff are really helpful.

• Mitsis N’U Piraeus Port: Another beautiful modern hotel, the rooms are really comfortable and the restaurant is excellent.

• The Alex Monte Kastella: For a more contemporary feel, I prefer this stylish hotel with an enormous terrace offering gorgeous views across the water.