Where to stay in Athens: best areas and neighborhoods

Athens is the cradle of civilization and must be visited at least once in a lifetime to see the Parthenon and all the other unmissable wonders up close. So if you are about to go to the Greek capital and you still don't know where to stay overnight, here is your guide on where to sleep in Athens: tips and the best neighbourhoods to stay.

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Best neighborhoods to stay in Athens

The best area to stay in Athens is the central one: in addition to the neighborhood Syntagma, the nearby neighbourhood Plaka , the oldest and most picturesque in Athens, should also be taken into consideration,. You will have the Acropolis and major attractions within walking distance. Another excellent solution is Monastiraki, or Kolonaki at the foot of Mount Lycabettus, which is one of the most chic neighbourhoods in Athens, ideal for families.

If you want to opt for an area that is a compromise between the modern and the traditional, a great idea is the Psiri neighbourhood, a 10 minute walk from Plaka, perfect for those who love fun and are looking for low cost solutions.
For young people Exarchia is an alternative neighbourhood and university area as the National Technical University is also located here. Another alternative for those on a budget is Koukaki.

Finally, far from the centre but well connected is Piraeus, the port of Athens. This area is ideal if, in addition to visits to the city, you want to relax by the sea or easily reach the different islands of the Attica Region, either with day trips or to stay for several days.

• Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Psiri, Piraeus, Koukaki, Thisio, Kerameikos
• Recommended areas for families with children: Syntagma, Monastiraki, Plaka, Piraeus, Kolonaki
• Recommended areas for young people: Psiri, Exarchia
• Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Athens. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

Not recommended areas: the Metaxourgeio district and the triangle between Sofokleus Street and Omonia Square are the most run-down parts of the city, even if they are central and full of hotels. In the evening the area is not the best and it is not advisable to go out alone.

In a hurry? Here's our favorite Athens Hotels

• 5-Star/luxury: Hotel Grande Bretagne, St George Lycabettus
• Mid-range: Lozenge Hotel, 360 Degrees
• Cheap: Neratzia Rooms, The Frogs_Guest House
• Hostel: Pella Inn Hostel, Nubian Hostel
• House/Apartment: Alto Psyrri Penthouse By K&K, Monastiraki Place

Syntagma, the best for first-timers

The district of Syntagma is the heart of Athens and its square is its central hub, the Greek Parliament is also located here.

From here it is easy to get to other areas, in fact it is served by the metro and by numerous buses (which depart from the sides of the square). On foot, you can reach the Acropolis or the Temple of Olympian Zeus in just 10 minutes. Even the most interesting districts are really "close to hand": the Plaka district is just five minutes away, and Monastiraki and the lively Psiri are just 10-15 minutes away.

The Syntagma neighbourhood is quiet and elegant, especially suitable for families with children. It is also one of the best to stay in if you are visiting the city for the first time.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €25,00 for low-cost accommodation to €334,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Plaka, the best for first-timers and families

Plaka is a very old neighbourhood and its beautiful and unique 19th century neoclassical houses are still almost intact. It is a a very touristy area thanks to the many pedestrian streets, full of bars, clubs and shops where you can buy souvenirs.

In Plaka, in addition to strolling in the evening, you can admire historical places such as the Roman Agora or the Monument to Lysicrates; furthermore Syntagma Square is a stone's throw away and is connected to the other areas by the metro, the reference stop is that of Monastiraki.

It is a neighbourhood perfect for first-time visitors, as everything is to hand! Also ideal for families, as there are numerous services. Obviously, being one of the most central areas, the prices will be higher, but by booking early you can find excellent deals.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €28,00 for low-cost accommodation to €163,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Kolonaki, for luxury lovers

Kolonaki is a very elegant district, perhaps more so than all the others in Athens; it is not a touristy or popular area at all, it is known for hosting the area's economic and intellectual elite. The area is very chic with luxury shops, clubs with splendid terraces where you can have an aperitif and pubs that enliven the nightlife. It is therefore an ideal neighbourhood for families and for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing and luxurious stay!

From the area of Kolonaki you can get to all the main attractions quite easily: taking a pleasant walk you will arrive at Syntagma Square (13 min). The metro stop of reference is "Evangelismos" and it connects the area to all the others in Athens, even the peripheral ones. The hotels in this area are almost all luxury or high-end.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €69,00 for low-cost accommodation to €203,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Monastiraki, ideal for a local experience

At the foot of the Acropolis is the Monastiraki district, which is perfect for tourists who want to experience a taste of the local culture: you will find a crowded and traditional flea market, as well as souvenir shops where you can buy jewellery, antique furniture and much more.

This neighbourhood is characterised by a Turkish influence with its winding narrow streets where you will come across pretty and ancient restaurants where you can try Greek delicacies. Nearby are the Tzisdaraki Mosque, the Greek Folk Art Museum and Hadrian's Library; the underground station of the same name is very particular, a reference point for moving from one point to another in the metropolis, and where the archaeological remains that emerged in the area during the excavations are exhibited.

Being extremely central, it is an ideal place to stay if you are visiting Athens for the first time, and also perfect for families who want to be close to the main attractions and have all services close to hand.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €49,00 for low-cost accommodation to €406,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Psiri, perfect for nightlife

It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the Greek capital. Redeveloped in recent decades, it is now known as the neighbourhood designated for nightlife. Psiri is packed with bars and restaurants that enrich the streets with outdoor tables and chairs. It is hard to ignore the completely restored neoclassical buildings and the narrow, winding streets with quaint shops and taverns.

Psiri is not very well known but it is an excellent choice to spend an interesting evening discovering the more typical and traditional Athens; easy to reach even on foot and very close to Monastiraki. The bus stop of reference is that of Monastiraki, from there the district is just a 3 minute walk away.
Due to its characteristics, it is an ideal neighbourhood for young people and those in search of nightlife who want to party all night, without sacrificing proximity to the centre and the main attractions.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €39,00 for low-cost accommodation to €549,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Exarcheia, nice for young

It is the cultural centre of modern Athens, famous for having been the cradle of the most famous citizen movements of recent years; extremely unique with its graffiti, ancient bookstores and a wide choice of bars and restaurants. Exarchia is one of the few neighbourhoods in Athens that has not been influenced by pro-tourism changes; a bit anarchic and rebellious, among its main attractions is the famous National Archaeological Museum, which houses works of art and emblematic remains of classical Greek culture since its origins.

The neighbourhood is not really suitable for families especially those with small children, it is perfect for couples and young people who want an alternative to districts that are too touristy and crowded. The bus lines that could be useful to you are 622, 608 and 224 and the reference stop is that of Mouseio.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €36,00 for low-cost accommodation to €140,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Koukaki, to stay on a budget

A great area to stay if you're traveling on a low budget is Koukaki, located southwest of the centre, at the foot of Filopappou Hill, where the ancient Monument to Philopappos is located. In its most northeastern part it houses the famous Acropolis Museum of Athens, which makes this area quite touristy, with all amenities close by.

Despite this, it is a low cost district, perfect for those who want to save money, without sacrificing conveniences, such as shops and clubs, and proximity to the main attractions. In fact, the area is served by the M2 metro line and one of the reference stations is "Acropoli".

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €45,00 for low-cost accommodation to €160,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Kerameikos, to stay on a budget

The perfect area for those on a budget, although not quite as central, Thisio and Kerameikos are both quite close to the Monastiraki district and very well connected by the subway.

In Kerameikos you will find accommodation solutions for any budget, there are both hostels that cost a few tens of euros per night, and luxury hotels at relatively low prices. There are no attractions or particular places of tourist interest, but it is perfect for those on a budget. From these areas it will take about 15 minutes by metro to get to the centre, the reference stops are Thisio and Kerameiko.

Furthermore, in the westernmost part is the district of Gazi, one of the liveliest in all of Athens, therefore ideal for those looking for a little fun! It is also a gay friendly neighbourhood, and has many panoramic terraces, art galleries and night clubs.

The average prices here range from around €25,00 per night for cheaper accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Thisio, nice for young

It is the district where the Athenians themselves go to relax with an excellent cocktail at sunset: extremely suggestive and elegant, it is full of nightclubs and bars, which makes it popular with young people!

It is also convenient because it is within walking distance of Monastiraki and Plaka. It gets its name from the ancient temple of Theseus, mythical founder of Athens and in ancient times it arose as the place of engineering companies and blast furnaces. Today, it is a fun filled area with several pedestrian streets, and a small open-air cinema called Cinema Thission in the summer

The Thissio metro station is the most convenient one to use here. As far as accommodation is concerned, consider apartments, ideal mainly for younger people and couples who want to have fun and stay near the centre.

The average prices here range from around €55,00 per night for cheaper accommodation to €140,00 for more expenisive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Piraeus, the best for families and couples

To the south-east of Athens is Piraeus: it could be defined as the port of Athens. It lends itself to visits to the centre as well as to the nearby Greek islands.

The port consists of 3 bays: Kantharos is the main port from which large ships depart; Zea or Pasalimani has a promenade full of restaurants, bars and shops and the Ancient Theatre of Zea and the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus; finally there is Mikrolimano usually filled with fishing boats.

Piraeus is excellent for both families and couples, there are accommodation options within reach of all budgets. In addition, it is the perfect base for anyone who wants to spend more time discovering the beaches and beautiful islands of the Attica Region. Getting to Piraeus is very simple thanks to the M1 metro line (15 min from the centre).

The average prices here range from around €25,00 per night for cheaper accommodation to €170,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Places to stay near Athens

As we have seen, Athens is full of completely different neighbourhoods, with excellent solutions suitable for all budgets and all needs! Staying in or near the centre is the best solution especially if you have little time available.

But if you have already visited Athens, or you mainly want to enjoy other activities besides cultural visits, like beautiful beach days in the summer along the coast, you can consider staying near Athens. Here are some places nearby:

• Glyfada (12 km / 20 min): is located on the coast and is one of the best known seaside resorts. Ideal if you want to enjoy the beach and spend just one or two days in Athens, to which it is connected by metro + bus (about 45 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €40,00 per room
• Salamina Island (25 km / 1 h 10 min): strategic because, in addition to enjoying Athens, you can also relax at the beaches that characterise it, such as Kanakia Beach - Hotels and B&Bs from €45,00 per room
• Rafina (33 km, 34 min): wonderful seaside resort on the east coast of Attica; offers wonderful beaches and the chance to explore this part of Attica, as well as Athens. In addition, several ferries depart to the Greek islands from here- Hotels and B&Bs from €55,00 per room

If you are in Athens for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com

Athens accommodation price map

Booking.com

Cool things to do in Athens

• Visit the iconic Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the ancient Parthenon, a symbol of classical Greece and discover the Acropolis Museum. Get your ticket here.
• Wander through the charming Plaka neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, traditional Greek architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
• Explore Monastiraki Square and its flea market. Find unique souvenirs, antiques, and traditional Greek products.
• Experience the changing of the guard at the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square. The square is also a central hub with shops and cafes.
• Hike or take a funicular to the top of Mount Lycabettus for panoramic views of Athens. It's especially beautiful at sunset.
• Visit a Rooftop Bar: enjoy a drink at one of Athens' rooftop bars. These offer fantastic views of the city and the Acropolis.
• Indulge in delicious Greek cuisine. Try moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, and Greek salads in local tavernas.
• Take a day trip to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon and enjoy the sunset over the Aegean Sea. Book you trip here.

Travel tips

1. Currency: the currency used in Athens is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

2. Hi and bye: greeks are known for their hospitality. It's customary to greet people with a friendly "Kalimera" (good morning) or "Kalispera" (good evening). Be polite and respectful.

3. Tap Water: tap water in Athens is generally safe to drink. Consider carrying a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months.

4. Safety: Athens is a safe city, but it's always wise to be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

5. Language: the official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Greek phrases can enhance your experience.