7 Areas to Stay in Athens + Hotels (and Where Not to)

by

This article may contain affiliate links.

Updated: 18 January, 2025

Planning a trip to Athens? This guide is perfect for you. I share the best neighborhoods to stay in Athens, focusing on safe, central, and charming areas. I’ve also included spots you might want to avoid, all based on my experience living in Greece.

Plus, I recommend hotels for every budget in each neighborhood, and at the end of the article, you’ll find a map marking each area.

If you’re short on time, my top pick for its excellent value is Cityzoe Athens. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, go for Ermoo Athens.

Hotels in Athens with Acropolis View

The Acropolis is Athens’ most iconic landmark, located on top of the hill and breathtaking at any time of day.

For an unforgettable experience, stay at one of the hotels with Acropolis views — you’ll get to admire this incredible sight right from your window.

1-hotel-grande-bretagne-terrace
  • Save

Recommended Hotels in Athens with Acropolis View:

✅ Friendly Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off!

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Athens

1. Plaka: History and Ancient Charm

Plaka is Athens’ oldest and most picturesque neighborhood, often called the “Neighborhood of the Gods” because of its proximity to the Acropolis and its charming cobblestone streets.

temple-of-zeus-in-athens2
  • Save

It’s the ideal area if you want to dive into history, with ancient ruins, small museums, and artisan shops all around. Plaka is also incredibly safe and mostly pedestrian-friendly, making it a joy to explore. Plus, there are plenty of traditional taverns and cozy outdoor cafés where you can relax after sightseeing. I love spending time here!

The best part? You’ll be just a short walk from major landmarks like the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis Museum.

Recommended Hotels in Plaka:

2. Syntagma: The Heart of Athens

Syntagma is a vibrant, central neighborhood best known for the Greek Parliament and the iconic Syntagma Square, where you can catch the traditional changing of the guard.

This area is the city’s political and commercial hub, packed with shops, restaurants, and excellent public transportation options, including direct connections to Athens airport.

changing of the guard athens
  • Save

It’s the perfect place to stay in Athens if you want to be close to everything and explore the city with ease. From here, you can walk to Plaka and Monastiraki or visit landmarks like the National Garden and the Zappeion.

Recommended Hotels in Syntagma:

  • €€€ King George: Classic luxury in a fantastic location.
  • €€ Amalia Hotel Athens: Comfortable rooms and with views to the National Garden.
  • €€ Rob Venture: Modern and well-located to explore the city.
  • € Ermoo Athens: Affordable and well located on a pedestrian street.

3. Monastiraki: Culture and Nightlife

Monastiraki is one of Athens’ most vibrant and tourist-friendly neighborhoods, famous for its flea market, souvenir shops, and a wide variety of bars and restaurants.

This area offers a unique blend of old and new, with ancient ruins like Hadrian’s Library sitting alongside a buzzing nightlife and plenty of cultural activities. It’s my favorite neighborhood and the one I usually stay in whenever I visit Athens.

monasteriaki-athens
  • Save

It’s a great area to stay if you want to be in the middle of the action. From here, you can easily visit historical sites, and the metro connection to Athens Airport makes getting around simple.

Recommended Hotels in Monastiraki:

  • €€€ The Zillers: Boutique hotel with spectacular views.
  • €€ A for Athens: Rooms and terrace with stunning views of the Acropolis.
  • €€ Plaka Hotel: Well located in the historic heart, ideal for families.
  • € Metropolis Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with panoramic terrace.

🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this Booking link to get 15% off your stay.

4. Psiri: Alternative and Trendy

Psiri is Athens’ bohemian neighborhood, known for its artistic vibe, with colorful murals, hipster cafés, alternative bars, and unique restaurants. While it once had a rough reputation, it’s now a trendy hotspot popular with young locals and travelers looking for a more authentic experience.

psirri-square
  • Save

This area is perfect if you’re after Athens’ vibrant nightlife and a more unconventional side of the city. It’s a great place to stay if you want to soak up the local atmosphere and try something a little different.

Recommended Hotels in Psiri:

5. Kolonaki: Exclusivity and Elegance

Kolonaki is Athens’ most exclusive neighborhood, known for its luxury boutiques, art galleries, and chic cafés. If you’re after sophisticated accommodation and a quieter, refined atmosphere, this is the perfect spot.

This area is located at the base of Lycabettus Hill, with stunning panoramic views of the city. It’s perfect if you're looking for comfort, tranquility, and a touch of elegance during your stay in Athens.

Recommended Hotels in Kolonaki:

  • €€€ Coco-Mat: Luxury in every detail.
  • €€€ Oniro City: Elegance and comfort in Kolonaki.
  • €€ Sir Athens: Boutique accommodation with unique design.

6. Koukaki: Local Vibes

Koukaki is a quiet, residential neighborhood near the Acropolis, offering a more authentic and less touristy experience. You’ll be within walking distance of the Acropolis Museum and Plaka, making it easy to explore the historic sites without the busy atmosphere of the city center.

acropolis-museum
  • Save

This area has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a neighborhood with character and a laid-back, local vibe. Plus, because it’s less touristy, you can find some great budget-friendly hotels here.

Recommended Hotels in Koukaki:

7. Piraeus: Port of Athens

Piraeus is the main port of Athens and a convenient place to stay if your trip includes taking a ferry to the islands. It’s also a good option for budget-friendly accommodation in Athens.

boat-in-piraeus
  • Save

Although well-connected to the city center and airport by metro, Piraeus is quite far from the historic heart of Athens. For first-time visitors, I wouldn’t recommend staying here. However, if you have an early ferry to catch, being close to the port can save you a lot of hassle.

Recommended Hotels in Piraeus:

❌ Areas to Avoid in Athens

Athens is generally safe, though pickpocketing can be an issue in busy areas. Still, there are a few neighborhoods you should avoid when looking for a place to stay:

  • Omonia: While Omonia Square and the surrounding area have improved in recent years, it can still feel a bit unsafe, especially at night. I’ve passed through at night and didn’t experience anything alarming, but this area is known for prostitution and drug activity. It’s fine during the day, but not the best choice for a safe stay in Athens.
  • Metaxourgeio: It is a developing area that faces similar challenges to Omonia, especially in its darker alleyways. It’s quieter during the day, and some travelers choose it for its budget options, but it may not be the safest or most comfortable place to stay.
  • Exarchia: Known as the anarchist neighborhood of Athens, Exarchia has ongoing tensions with the police due to government efforts to “clean it up”. While many students live here for the affordable prices, it’s better to avoid staying in this area. The neighborhoods I’ve recommended earlier have budget-friendly options that are much safer and more pleasant.

👍 My two cents: If you want to stay connected in Greece, 🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Greece. Click on that links for a 5% discount.

Tips for Staying in Athens

  • Budget accommodation: For a budget-friendly trip, consider neighborhoods like Monastiraki or Psiri, which have affordable options with plenty of local character. Koukaki is another great choice if you’re after a quieter vibe.
  • Degraded appearance: Some areas like Monastiraki or Psiri might feel a little worn down, which can be unsettling for some visitors. If that sounds like you, Syntagma could be a better fit.
  • Airport and port access: If you are looking for easy access to the airport or port, Syntagma and Monastiraki are your top picks.
  • Ferries to the islands: If you plan to catch a ferry to the Greek islands by ferry, staying in Piraeus the night before is a smart move, especially if you have an early departure.
  • Plan ahead for high season: If you’re visiting during the high season, especially in summer, be sure to book your accommodation several months in advance.
odeon-in-athens
  • Save

Map of Areas to Stay in Athens

Final Thoughts

These are my top recommendations for neighborhoods to stay in Athens. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect base for your trip so you can fully enjoy this city packed with history and culture.

For more travel tips, check out my Greece travel guide with plenty of articles to keep exploring!

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Athens and Greece

Leave a comment