Where To Stay In Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece, with a population of around four million. It is a city visited by millions of people each year, many coming to see ancient sites such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Agora, while others to enjoy shopping and the nightlife. Whatever your reason for vising Athens, it is a fascinating city with the ancient contrasting with the modern.

Some spend a couple of days in Athens, using it as a starting point before heading to one or more of the beautiful Greek Islands. However, you are doing yourself an injustice if you don’t spend more time in the city. There are over 80 museums, art galleries, archaeological sites, traditional and international restaurants, hundreds of cafes and bars and eclectic nightlife.

Athens has the coast on one side and mountains on the other. Just 40 minutes from downtown Athens, you can hike through the beautiful countryside. The Athenian Riviera is just 16 km (9.9 miles) away. Have we whetted your appetite? The next step is deciding where to stay in Athens. It won’t surprise you that there are hundreds of hotels and guest houses in Athens, ranging from budget to luxury. It can be overwhelming when confronted with such a choice, so we have picked five of the most popular districts in Athens and chosen some hotels to suit all budgets.

Where To Stay In Athens

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is the heart of the city.

You may have heard it mentioned on the news as here you will find the Greek Parliament building. It is also the place where rallies and demonstrations are held.

Don’t worry, this doesn’t happen very often.

You don’t need to hire a car if you are staying in Syntagma Square.

In fact, you don’t need a car in Athens at all as it has an excellent metro system as well as trams and buses. Anyway, Greek city driving is crazy, so it is best avoided.

Syntagma Square is within walking distance of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

It is also close to museums, shops, restaurants, and bars.

You can take a free tour of the Parliament building if you book in advance and watch the Changing of the Guard outside.

Pros Of Staying In Syntagma Square

• Syntagma Square is close to archaeological sites and museums.
• It is close to the Ermou Street shopping centre.
• Restaurants, cafes and bars are within walking distance.

Cons Of Staying in Syntagma Square

• It is very busy in the summer months.
• Rallies and demonstrations may be held here occasionally.

Places To Stay In Syntagma Square

Luxury – Xenodocheio Milos

This five-star hotel offers a luxurious stay. The rooms all have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom. Some have terraces with a city view. 24-hour room service is offered.

Breakfast is included in your stay and is served a la carte in the stylish restaurant. The food is top notch, and the service is excellent.

If you need to wear off the extra calories, the hotel provides a fitness centre and a spa for a little pampering.

Xenodocheio Milos offers a paid shuttle service from the airport so you can relax at the hotel without worrying about negotiating the metro on your first day.

The hotel is within walking distance of the Acropolis and many museums, including the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the City of Athens, and the Jewish Museum.

It is also close to the Ermou shopping centre so you can shop ‘til you drop.

Mid-Scale – Belle Epoque Suites

The highlight of this hotel is the view of the Acropolis from the rooftop. It is a view dreams are made of and is certainly a worthy photographic opportunity.

The rooms are well-equipped so you will want for nothing. They have air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a minibar, a TV, free Wi-Fi, and a safety deposit box. Some rooms have a city view.

The hotel has a restaurant and bar and a la carte breakfast is offered at an extra charge. If you fancy a change, there are other restaurants close by.

The hotel is in a prime location, only 183 m (600 feet) from the city centre.

You can walk from here to the Acropolis and to several museums, including the Museum of the City of Athens and the Museum of Natural History.

Budget – Electra & Myrto Apartments

If you are looking for a reasonably priced place to stay in central Athens and have the freedom not to be tied down to restaurant mealtimes, try the Electra & Myrto Apartments.

They are self-catering and all rooms have a fully-equipped kitchen and dining area. You will be free to prepare your own meals or visit nearby cafes or restaurants.

The rooms have everything you want, including air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.

You are only six minutes from the Ermou shopping centre and close to the Acropolis and museums. The Roman Agora is just 450 m (1476 feet) away.

Plaka

Plaka is often called the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’ because it is situated at the base of the hill where the Acropolis and Parthenon are situated.

It is a beautiful district with narrow labyrinth streets, Byzantine temples, and neoclassical architecture.

Because of this, it is usually busy in the summer months, but if you visit in the off-season, you can enjoy the ambience without the crowds.

Of course, from here, you can walk to the Acropolis, but there are plenty of attractions in Plaka itself.

Visit the Frissiras Museum, where you will need to spend a few hours, as there are over 3000 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and engravings created by European artists.

The interactive Hellenic Children’s Museum is also in Plaka and is a great place to take the whole family.

Don’t go to Plaka without visiting the tiny settlement of Anafiotika right next door.

You will be transported to an Aegean island with whitewashed buildings and narrow streets.

Pros Of Staying In Plaka

• It is one of the most beautiful districts in Athens.
• You are close to archaeological sites and museums.
• There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes in Plaka.

Cons Of Staying In Plaka

• It is very busy in the summer months.
• Because the bars stay open ‘till late, it can be noisy.

Places To Stay In Plaka

Luxury – Electra Palace Athens

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay with a ringside view of the Acropolis.

This hotel has a stunning rooftop pool where you can relax in a lounge chair and gaze at the view like a rockstar.

Mid-Scale – 360 Degrees

This hotel gets its name because of the 360-degree panoramic view from the rooftop restaurant and bar.

You’ll have spectacular views of the Acropolis and the city from here.

It is a photographer’s paradise and a wonderful place to enjoy a cocktail.

You can start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast with vegan and vegetarian options.

The rooms are stylish and offer air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom.

From the hotel, you can walk to the Acropolis but it’s a steep walk uphill, so you will need a certain level of fitness.

It is, however, a scenic walk, and you have the journey back to look forward to, which is, of course, downhill!

You are also close to the Roman and Ancient Agora of Athens and some museums, including the interactive Museum of Illusions.

If you want to shop, head to the shopping area of Ermou Street, which is just three minutes away on foot.

Mid-Scale – Ipeltlame-Avissinias Boutique Apartments

If you want freedom and privacy, these self-catering apartments will suit you down to the ground.

Each apartment has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

They have city views and a terrace for you to enjoy a cooling drink at the end of a hot day. What more do you need?

However, if you want any help or advice, the hosts are always available to answer any queries. You will find that they are helpful and professional.

You can walk to the Acropolis from the apartments. The Temple of Hephaestus is just 200 m (656 feet) away, and the Roman Agora, is 350 m (1148 feet) away.

The Museum of Illusions can be reached in a couple of minutes. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby if you want to eat out.

You are only a two-minute walk from Monastiraki Metro station, so exploring the rest of the city is easy.

Budget – Phaedra Hotel

This budget hotel is in a prime location just 200 m (656 feet) from the Acropolis Metro Station, next to the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis is just 850 m (2788 feet) or a 10-minute walk away.

The hotel is small and family-owned; you can expect a warm welcome. They will give you advice and tips about where to go and what to do.

There is a rooftop terrace where you will have panoramic views of the Acropolis and enjoy breakfast for a small fee.

The rooms offer all you could expect from a more expensive hotel. They are all air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a private bathroom. Some rooms have a balcony.

Eating out is easy as the nearest restaurant is just 20 m (65 feet) away, and there are plenty of other restaurants, cafes and bars in the area.

Koukaki

Koukaki is a southeastern district of Athens and is often overlooked by tourists, which is a pity as it is a very eclectic neighbourhood.

However, this makes it easier to enjoy the charm without the tourists.

Koukaki is hip with its themed coffee shops, bouzouki bars, cocktail bars, independent art galleries, international restaurants and traditional Greek tavernas.

Young and old Athenians gather in the squares and piazzas to enjoy a coffee or an ouzo meze. It is a great place to watch the world go by.

Koukaki is close to museums and archaeological sites as well as the Philloppous Monument, an ancient Greek mausoleum and monument dedicated to the Roman Emperor, Philoppous, who lived in the first century.

It is situated on a densely wooded hill where you can explore a touch of country in a crowded city.

You will find other exciting secrets here, such as Socrates’ prison and the church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris.

Pros Of Staying In Koukaki

• It’s not very touristy so you can mingle with the Greeks.
• It has eclectic coffee shops and cocktail bars.
• International restaurants as well as Greek tavernas.

Cons Of Staying In Koukaki

• It is quieter than many districts in Athens, so if you are looking for wild nightlife, this isn’t the palace for you.

Places To Stay In Koukaki

Luxury – Noble Suites

This elegant hotel is close to the Acropolis and other attractions, such as the Odeum of Herodes Atticus.

Several restaurants are within walking distance, and a cafe/bar is just 30 m (98 feet) away.

The rooms have exquisite marble bathrooms, air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a coffee machine.

They have a seating area and a terrace where you can enjoy a cooling drink before dinner.

The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but you are provided with a breakfast box in your room with delicious food made from fresh local ingredients.

The staff are helpful, polite, and friendly, and are all too happy to give you recommendations about what to do during your stay.

If you want to explore more of Athens, the hotel is minutes from the metro station.

Mid-Scale – Herodian Hotel

Like many hotels in Athens, the Herodion Hotel has fantastic views of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular.

Even better, one of its restaurants, Point A, serves Mediterranean cuisine with Greek influences and where you can sip a cocktail before dinner while watching the sunset over the Acropolis.

Another selling point is the sun loungers and two hot tubs on the roof terrace.

The hotel also has an indoor restaurant called Atrium, where you are served an included American breakfast.

The rooms are elegant and equipped with air conditioning, a TV, safety boxes and a minibar.

A bonus is that the windows are soundproof, so if there’s rowdy behaviour on the streets, you will be blissfully unaware of it.

The Acropolis metro station is just 200 m (656 feet) away from the hotel, so it is easy to explore the rest of the city.

Budget – Marble House

Marble House is in a good position 300 m (984 feet) from the Acropolis and within walking distance of the Syngrou-Fix metro station.

The beautiful district of Plaka is just two stops away with its narrow streets and museums.

The hotel is family run and you can be assured of a warm welcome.

You will be given a city map and any questions will be answered. The staff can even arrange a car rental if you plan to go outside the city.

The rooms are colourful and fitted with iron beds, a fan, free Wi-Fi, a safe, and a fridge.

Some rooms are ensuite, while others have shared bathrooms. Many of the rooms have a patio or balcony with views inland.

The Athens Riviera

The coastal region of Athens was mainly used by Greeks wanting to escape the city’s oppressive heat.

However, in recent years, tourists have begun to discover its delights.

You can have the best of both worlds if you stay in one of the coastal suburbs.

Not only can you spend your days taking in the rays and enjoying the sea, but there is a good public transport system which will take you to the centre of the city so that you can explore the archaeological sites and museums.

The main suburbs are Gyfalda, Voila, and Faliron, but they are really just extensions of the city.

All have shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. Faliron is closest to Athens’s city centre.

Just south of Faliron, you will come to Alimou Marina in Kalamaki, the largest marina in Europe.

If you enjoy looking at yachts, this is the place to go and dream about what it would be like to be a millionaire.

Gyfalda is the centre of coastal Athens and has a massive shopping centre where you can shop ‘til you drop after a day on the beach.

Swimming is good at Voula, Vari, Varkiza, and Vouliagmeni. You could almost believe that you are on one of the Greek islands.

Pros Of Staying On The Athens Riviera

• You can enjoy beach life but are also not far from the centre of Athens.
• There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
• It isn’t as busy as central Athens except in August when the Athenians flock to the beaches.
• It is cheaper than central Athens.

Cons Of Staying On The Athens Riviera

• You will need to use public transport or hire a car to visit archaeological sites and museums.

Places To Stay On The Athens Riviera

Luxury – Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Blow the budget on this uber-luxurious resort-style hotel and live royalty on the Athenian Riviera.

This 5-star palace hotel has eight restaurants and bars that serve Greek, Latin American and Italian cuisine.

There’s an impressive spa complex with a hammam, pools and fitness centre. There’s also a private beach to swim and sunbake.

Mid-Scale – Azur Hotel, Vouliagmeni

The Azur Hotel is 100 m (328 feet) from Vouliagmeni Beach and only 500m (1640 feet) from the suburb’s centre and its restaurants, cafes and bars.

Vouliagmeni Lake is 1.93 km (1.2 miles) away. The waters are fed by the sea and underground springs, offering a unique thermal spa experience.

The hotel has a lovely sun terrace and a seasonal swimming pool, so you don’t even have to go to the beach to get some sun.

There is a restaurant, Qinque, where you can have an included buffet breakfast. Enjoy a cocktail at the bar before going in for dinner.

The rooms are elegantly furnished and boast a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, a TV, room service, and a minibar.

All rooms open onto a balcony, some looking out towards the Aegean Sea.

If you feel extravagant, splash out on a room with a private pool. It will be the height of decadence.

Mid-Scale – Sea View Hotel, Glyfada

The Sea View Hotel is just 150 m (492 feet) from the closest beach, Asteras Beach.

The nearest restaurant is 200 m (656 feet) away, but you do not need to leave the hotel if you don’t want to, as there is a sophisticated restaurant serving delicious Greek and international fare.

Here you can have your buffet breakfast. There is also a cafe bar where you can enjoy a cocktail after dinner.

The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, so you don’t even need to go to the beach.

The rooms are comfortable and have air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and a private bathroom. They have views of the sea, the garden, or the swimming pool.

Budget – Villa Orion Hotel, Voula

If you are looking for a reasonably priced hotel, you won’t go far wrong choosing the Villa Orion Hotel in Voula.

It is just 350 m (1148 feet) from Voula Beach and just 50 m (164 feet) from the bus and tram stops so that you can easily get into the centre of Athens.

The hotel has a bar and a garden where you can enjoy a continental buffet breakfast. There isn’t a restaurant on-site, but plenty of restaurants and cafes close by.

The rooms are tastefully decorated and have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a private bathroom. For a little extra, you can get a spa bath or a hydromassage shower cabin.

Psiri

Psiri is a small district in central Athens that is vibrant and filled with street art.

If you are looking for a bit of nightlife, this is the place to stay, as bars stay open until the early hours, and young people flock to Iroon Square. Here you can bar hop to your heart’s delight.

There are unusual shops and art galleries in Psiri and you can easily wander around the district for a day and still not see everything. However, the district is close to museums and archaeological sites if you are interested in history.

Pros Of Staying In Psiri

• It is a vibrant district.
• There are plenty of bars and restaurants staying open until late.

Cons Of Staying In Psiri

• It can be noisy at night.

Places To Stay In Psiri

Luxury – Ivis 4 Boutique Hotel

The Ivis 4 Boutique Hotel has a lovely restaurant open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, high tea and dinner.

Breakfast is a la carte, continental or American. The food in the restaurant is traditional Greek and there are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

If you fancy a change, you are only 10 m (32 feet) from the nearest cafe and 20 m (65 feet) from a restaurant.

The hotel also offers a fitness centre, a garden, a terrace and a bar.

The rooms are elegant and sophisticated, with air conditioning, a desk, a coffee machine, a TV, free Wi-Fi, a safety deposit box, a private bathroom, and a balcony where you can enjoy an early evening drink in the privacy of your own room. There is 24-hour room service.

The hotel is close to The Museum of Illusions and the Islamic Art Museum.

Mid-Scale – Jason Inn

This hotel has a seasonal rooftop restaurant with views towards the Acropolis. The Acropolis is only 900 m (2952 feet) away.

At the restaurant, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast or the hotel can provide breakfast in your room or on the go.

The rooms are modern and have air conditioning, a private bathroom, a TV, a minibar, free Wi-Fi and a coffee maker.

A 10-minute walk will take you into Athens Old Town, or you can walk 100 m (328 feet) to the nearest metro if you want to go further afield.

Budget – Selina Athens Theatrou

This hotel, which is just 500 m (1640 feet) away from The National Theatre of Greece, is value for money.

It has a lovely rooftop terrace, a restaurant, a bar, a cinema room and a fitness centre.

You can see the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace.

There are both private and shared rooms for up to eight people. They all have air conditioning, and a free continental breakfast is included in your stay.