Best hotels in Athens: where to stay by area

Athens is an ancient yet surprisingly lively city, crowned by the Acropolis and full of tavernas, rooftops and street art, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the charm of Plaka, the nightlife of Monastiraki and Psyrri, the elegance of Kolonaki, the young Athens of Koukaki, the calm of Thissio. The metro and a pedestrian centre link the great sites, so location matters. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Athens, area by area

Plaka

The oldest, most picturesque district, at the foot of the Acropolis, among alleys, small tavernas and neoclassical houses. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants the great sites on foot, with the most atmospheric setting.

• The Acropolis and the Parthenon
• The Ancient Agora
• The tiny village of Anafiotika
• Alleys, small tavernas and traditional shops

For charm and centrality, look for hotels in Plaka.

Monastiraki and Psyrri

The lively heart around Monastiraki Square and bohemian Psyrri, among flea markets, bars and street art. It is the choice for anyone who loves nightlife, rooftops with a view and staying in the thick of it.

• Monastiraki Square with its flea market
• The bars and street art of Psyrri
• The Varvakios central market
• Rooftops with Acropolis views

For nightlife and rooftops, see hotels in Monastiraki.

Syntagma and Kolonaki

Elegant Athens around Syntagma Square and the Parliament, with the exclusive district of Kolonaki. It is the choice for anyone after boutiques, museums and comfort, in a very central, well-served spot.

• Syntagma Square with the changing of the guard
• The boutiques and cafes of Kolonaki
• Mount Lycabettus with its view
• The Benaki Museum and the National Garden

For elegance and shopping, look for hotels in Syntagma.

Koukaki and Makrigianni

Below the Acropolis on the south side, beside the Acropolis Museum, Koukaki is the young, fashionable district, among cafes and bistros. It is the choice for anyone after a local feel, good value and closeness to the sites.

• The Acropolis Museum
• The Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian promenade
• Filopappou Hill with its view
• Cafes, bistros and neighbourhood life

For local style and value, see hotels in Koukaki.

Thissio and Petralona

West of the Acropolis, Thissio and nearby Petralona are green, quiet areas with the finest views of the monuments. It is the choice for anyone after calm, the archaeological promenade and a more residential side.

• The promenade with Acropolis views
• The Temple of Olympian Zeus nearby
• Neighbourhood cafes and tavernas
• Quiet, leafy streets

For calm and views, look for hotels in Thissio.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Athens offers excellent value among European capitals.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 80-170 euros a night.
• A dinner for two with wine: about 35-60 euros; an iced coffee 3-4 euros, a souvlaki 3-4 euros.
• Transport: a single metro or bus ticket around 1.20 euros (90 minutes); a day pass is worth it.
• Tourist tax: Greece's climate resilience fee is charged per room per night, higher in high season (March to October), roughly 1.50 euros for 1-2 star up to 10 euros for 5-star, and lower in winter. It is paid at the property. Verify at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Athens.

Getting there and around

The airport is Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), about 33 km east, linked to the centre by metro line 3 in around forty minutes (a higher fare), or by the X95 bus to Syntagma. In town the metro, tram and buses cover everything and the historic centre is walkable.

A car in the centre is unnecessary and traffic is heavy. With a good location, the great sites are linked by the pedestrian archaeological promenade.

When to go

• April-June: a warm, splendid spring, maybe the best window.
• July-August: very hot, often above 35 degrees, with many heading to the islands.
• September-October: excellent, still-warm weather, ideal for walking.
• November-March: mild, some rain, fewer crowds, lower prices and a reduced fee.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? Plaka or Koukaki, both steps from the Acropolis.

Do I need a car in Athens? No, the metro covers everything and the centre is pedestrian; traffic makes a car awkward.

How much is the tourist tax? The climate resilience fee is per room per night, higher in high season (from 1.50 to 10 euros by category).

How far is the airport? About 33 km, with metro line 3 in around forty minutes or the X95 bus.

Is the city walkable? Yes, the historic centre and the pedestrian promenade link the main sites on foot.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the city and perhaps a day trip to Cape Sounion or Delphi.

The best hotels in Athens

Below is a selection of real hotels in Athens among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.