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

Updated: 9 November, 2024

If you are planning a trip to Athens, this guide is for you. I tell you which are the best areas to stay in Athens, in safe, central and charming neighborhoods. I have also included areas that you should avoid, all based on my experience of living in Greece.

In addition, I recommend hotels for all budgets in each neighborhood and at the end of the article I leave you a map with each area marked.

In case you don't have time to read the whole article, my favourite hotel for its excellent value for money is the Cityzoe Athens . If you are looking for something more affordable, the Ermoo Athens is the best option.

Hotels in Athens with Acropolis View

The Acropolis of Athens is the most important monument in Greece and due to its location on top of the hill it is beautiful to see at any time of the day.

If you are looking for a unique experience, don't miss staying in one of the Hotels with views of the Acropolis of Athens to enjoy this impressive monument even from your window.

1-hotel-grande-bretagne-terrace

Recommended Hotels in Athens with Acropolis View:

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Best Areas to Stay in Athens

1. Plaka: History and Ancient Charm

Plaka is the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in Athens, known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its narrow cobbled streets.

temple-of-zeus-in-athens2

This is the best area to stay in Athens to immerse yourself in history, as it is surrounded by ancient ruins, small museums and craft shops. Plaka is a very safe, mostly pedestrian area with numerous traditional tavernas and cafes with outdoor terraces, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. I love it!

The best thing about Plaka is that you'll be just a few minutes' walk from some of the city's most important sites, such as the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis Museum.

Recommended Hotels in Plaka:

2. Syntagma: The Heart of Athens

Syntagma is a central and lively area, known for hosting the Greek Parliament and the famous Syntagma Square, where you can watch the traditional changing of the guard.

This neighborhood is the political and commercial center of the city, full of shops, restaurants and well connected to public transportation, even from the Athens airport.

changing of the guard athens

This is definitely the best neighborhood to stay in Athens if you want to be close to everything and move around the city easily. From here you can walk to Plaka and Monastiraki and enjoy attractions such as the National Garden and the Zappeion.

Recommended Hotels in Syntagma:

3. Monastiraki: Culture and Leisure

Monastiraki is one of the most vibrant and touristic neighborhoods in Athens, famous for its second-hand market, souvenir shops and a wide range of bars and restaurants.

Here you will find a unique mix of old and new, as the neighborhood is packed with ancient ruins such as Hadrian's Library, as well as nightlife and cultural activities. This is my favorite neighborhood, where I almost always stay when I go to Athens.

monasteriaki-athens

This is an excellent neighbourhood to stay in Athens if you want to be surrounded by constant movement and entertainment, as you can easily explore the historical sites from here. It is also well connected to the Athens airport metro.

Recommended Hotels in Monastiraki:

4. Psiri: Alternative and Modern

Psiri is the bohemian neighbourhood of Athens, with an artistic and young atmosphere, with murals, hipster cafes, bars and alternative restaurants. This area used to have a bad reputation, but it has long since changed and is now very popular with young locals and travellers looking for a less touristy and more authentic atmosphere.

psirri-square

Here you can enjoy the Athenian nightlife and get to know the alternative side of the city. It is a good option for where to stay in Athens if you are interested in a local and less conventional experience.

Recommended Hotels in Psiri:

5. Kolonaki: Exclusivity and Elegance

Kolonaki is the exclusive neighbourhood of Athens, full of luxury shops, art galleries and chic cafes. It is an ideal area if you prefer sophisticated accommodation with a quieter atmosphere.

The area is beautiful, it is located on the slopes of Lycabettus Hill which will give you good panoramic views of the city. It is the best place to stay in Athens if you are looking for comfort, tranquility and to be surrounded by an elegant atmosphere.

Recommended Hotels in Kolonaki:

6. Koukaki: Local Environment

Koukaki is a neighbourhood that, despite its proximity to the Acropolis, is a quiet residential area, ideal for an authentic and less touristy experience. Here you will be very close to the Acropolis Museum and the Plaka district, so you can visit the historical sites without the hustle and bustle of the centre.

acropolis-museum

Koukaki has gained popularity in recent years and is an excellent choice of where to stay in Athens if you prefer a local atmosphere and character. Also, as it is less touristy, it is ideal for finding a good cheap hotel in Athens.

Recommended Hotels in Koukaki:

7. Piraeus: Port of Athens

Piraeus is the main port of Athens and an excellent choice for accommodation if you plan to visit the islands by ferry on your route through Greece. Also, if you are looking for cheap accommodation in Athens, Piraeus can be a good alternative.

boat-in-piraeus

Although it is well connected to the centre of Athens and the airport via the metro, this area is quite far from the historic centre. Therefore, I would not recommend it for a first visit to the city. The best reason to stay here is if you have an early morning ferry and want to be close to the port.

Recommended Hotels in Piraeus:

❌ Areas of Athens to Avoid

Athens is a fairly safe city if you take away the pickpocketing part as in any big city. Although there are some areas that you are better off avoiding when looking for a place to sleep in Athens, they are the following:

  • Omonia: The whole area around the square up to Sophokleous Street has improved in recent years, but it can still be a bit rough, especially at night. I have walked through it at night and didn't see anything dangerous, however, it is known for prostitution and drug addiction. For this reason, it is not the best area of Athens to stay if you are looking for a safe place. During the day you will not have any problems.
  • Metaxourgeio: It is a developing area, with similar problems to those of Omonia, especially the dark alleys. During the day it is quieter. Although some travelers find it interesting, mainly because of its cheap prices, it may not be the safest or most comfortable option.
  • Exarchia: This is the anarchist district of Athens that the government has been trying to "clean up" for years, which is why there are sometimes violent encounters with the police. This is where many students live because of the low prices, but if you can afford it, avoid staying in Exarchia. In the districts I recommended above there are cheap accommodations, where you will gain peace and security.

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Recommendations for staying in Athens

  • Cheap accommodation: For a cheap trip to Athens, choose areas like Monastiraki or Psiri, which offer budget options and plenty of local life. Koukaki is also a quieter alternative.
  • Degraded look:Some alternative areas of Athens such as Monasteriaki or Psiri can give a run-down feel that disappoints many tourists and even creates discomfort. If this is your case, Syntagma may be a better option.
  • Connection with the Airport and Port: If you are looking for a practical area to get to the airport or the port, nothing like Syntagma or if not Monasteriaki.
  • Boat to the islands:If you plan to visit the Greek islands by ferry, staying in Piraeus the night before can be a practical option, especially if your boat leaves very early.
  • High season: If you are travelling during peak season, especially during the summer months, book several months in advance.
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Map of Areas to Stay in Athens

Final Thoughts

These are the best areas to stay in Athens. I hope they help you find the best one for your trip and enjoy this city full of history and culture to the fullest.

In this Greece guide on your own you can continue reading the rest of my articles.

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! 😘

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