where to stay in athens
Where to Stay in Athens: A Practical Guide to Comfort, Convenience, and Culture
Athens is a city that feels larger than life – a living museum, a culinary playground, and a crossroads of history and modernity all wrapped into one frenetic metropolis. With the Acropolis looming like a marble sentinel, the cobblestone streets of Plaka, and the neon glow of Gazi, it’s easy to wonder where the best place to rest your head is. Choosing the right neighbourhood and accommodation type can turn a stressful‑as‑it‑was‑last‑minute flight into a seamless, immersive experience. Below we’ve broken down the Greek capital into the very best areas to stay, ranked them by budget, style, and traveler type, and added insider tips that you won’t find in the standard tourist guide.
1. The Classic Core: Plaka & Monastiraki
Why stay here?
- Proximity to Old Athens – The Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus are all 5–10‑minute walks.
- Historic charm – Cobblestones, neoclassical mansions, and family‑owned taverns give a feel that can’t be duplicated elsewhere.
- Vibrant nightlife and markets – Monastiraki flea market and countless cafés flow into the evening.
| Top spots | Category | Property | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Hotel Grande Bretagne – 5‑Star | €250‑€350 | Rooftop infinity pool, historic rooms, king‑size king‑centred at Syntagma Square. | |
| Boutique | Pension Benaki | €100‑€150 | 3‑stars, homey vibe, Art and History Museum façade. | |
| Budget | Base Hotel Plaka | €70‑€90 | Ro‑scarab roof, neighbourhood vibe, air‑conditioning, free Wi‑Fi. | |
| Hostels | Athens Mani | €15‑€25 (Dorm) | Shared social space, guided walking tours. |
Insider tip: Order a “Greek coffee” in the morning at a local kafeneio, then stroll down Peiraios Street to absorb the city’s pulse before your first big monument.
2. Syntagma—The Political Heart
Why stay here?
- Metro access (lines 1, 2 & 3) – All major districts, islands, and airport shuttle are within a 15‑minute ride.
- Central for shopping – From Aristotelous Avenue’s high‑end stores to Ermou Street’s boutiques.
- Iconic tours – Changing of the guard (Parliament), the National Garden, and the Athens Concert Hall.
| Top spots | Category | Property | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Electra Palace Athens | €190‑€260 | Stairs with a view of the Acropolis, Michelin‑star cuisine. | |
| Mid‑Range | Hotel Athena | €110‑€170 | Rooftop terraces, afternoon tea with panoramic Panagia. | |
| Budget | CitizenBany | €55‑€70 | Rustic décor, 24‑hour bar, walk to Syntagma. |
Insider tip: Purchase a single‑day metro pass (€3) and you’ll have unlimited travel without checking a phone each time.
3. Kolonaki—Elegant & Upscale
Why stay here?
- High‑end shopping & cafés – Designer boutiques, antique shops.
- Friendly to families – Many parks and quiet streets.
- Boutique hotels – Authentic Greek architecture plus modern aesthetics.
| Top spots | Category | Property | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Hotel Metropol | €230‑€320 | Deluxe suites, central location to National Garden. | |
| Boutique | Athenian Hotel | €100‑€180 | 50‑year‑old building, secret garden terrace. | |
| Budget | Mini Hotel | €90‑€120 | Freshly renovated loft, comfortable. |
Insider tip: The quieter lanes—such as Kolonaki 2 or Amiridikou Street—offer a chance to see the soul of Christou Vergo for richer photos.
4. Gazi & Exarchia—The New‑Style Hip Halo
Why stay here?
- Creative & industrial vibe – Art galleries, street murals, boho cafés.
- Entertainment hubs – Bars, clubs, late‑night street food.
- Up‑and‑coming experience – Great for younger travelers or those wanting to see modern Greek nightlife.
| Top spots | Category | Property | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | X® Hotel | €200‑€250 | Stylish open‑plan rooms, rooftop pool, city skyline. | |
| Mid‑Range | House of Muspel | €80‑€130 | Trendy kitchen, art‑inspired decor. | |
| Hostels | The Factory Colonnade | €10‑€22 (Dorm) | Shared kitchen, night‑life focusing. |
Insider tip: Visit the Drymades Street Museum on a Thursday for a free photography tour of the museums’ back alleys.
5. “Old Town” and Culturally Rich Neighborhoods – Kallithea, Adrianou, and Akropolis
Why stay here?
- Museum access – Father of modern Greek experiments, the National Archaeological Museum.
- Less touristy – Good for an authentic slice of Athens life.
- Convenient transport – Syntagma and Aryballe bus lines, bicycle hire shops.
| Top spots | Category | Property | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | 24 Hours Hotel | €70‑€110 | Unique design, free overnight pickup if late flight. | |
| Private Guesthouses | The Vintage House | €60‑€90 | Budget‑friendly, centrally located. | |
| AirBnB | Ancient Agora Flat | €75‑€120 | Modern interior, private balcony and terrace. |
Insider tip: Take a morning walk in the surrounding parking lots to appreciate the architecture of the ancient temples.
6. The Coastal Escape: Islands of Attica
While the exact tourist mantra might revolve around Athens’ acetate heart, staying on a nearby island can provide a relaxed slice of holiday life while still being close enough to take in the Acropolis on a day trip. Popular options:
- Piraeus – The main port; walk to the UNESCO‑designated harbor, dine on fresh seafood.
- Vouliagmeni – Known for the “Sea Bath” and luxury hotels, with beautiful beaches.
- Nea Ionia – Aka “Athens Riviera”; a beach town offering nice hotels and (#) a selection of English‑speaking staff.
| Neighborhood | Sample Property | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Piraeus Hotel | €100‑€150 |
| Vouliagmeni | Hotel Kriton | €200‑€280 |
| Nea Ionia | Villa Asteria | €120‑€170 |
(Travel time: 10‑20 minutes by bus or ferry from the city centre.)
Budget‑Savvy Booking: When, Where, and What to Look For
| Strategy | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Early booking | Lock‑in lower rates in spring or late‑autumn, typically 3–4 months in advance. |
| Midweek stays | Lower rates on Wednesdays & Thursdays because of less demand. |
| Dining pockets | For 5‑star hotels, a budget‑friendly price for dinner versus a night‑capes (like Rosé in Gazi) is a must. |
| Always read cancellation policies | Many hotels are flexible; taxes vary. |
Safety, Transport, and Other Practicalities
- Public transportation is reliable and filling. Purchase a Athina Ticket (valid on metro, bus & tram—€10 for 24‑hr) if you plan on interchanging multiple times a day.
- Door secure – especially in high‑traffic nights; pick‑ups for luxury properties recommended.
- Concentration of tourists – Keep an eye on portable bags and wallets, especially in Monastiraki, Kolonaki and on busy metro platforms.
- Dining – Most modern restaurants will accept credit cards; carry cash for small spots or market stalls.
A Final Caveat
Athens is currently marked by rapidly evolving hospitality standards. The city’s reform package introduced safety protocols that align with EU tourism guidelines—most hotels now offer contact‑less check‑ins, improved cleaning standards, and flexible cancellations. For any traveler, an extra commitment to local etiquette—especially in regards to respecting the quiet intervals in Greek culture—will be rewarded with warm receptions.
Take your time to decide the neighbourhood that matches your personal interest: close to the ancient heart, a basin of modern excitement, a sanctuary of family life, or the tropical calm of a nearby island. Wherever you choose, Athenian living awaits—a blend of marble‑silched skies, spicy souvlaki, and a jazz‑laid rhythm you won’t soon forget.
Safe travels, and may your stay in Athens be as grand as its marble slopes!
