Athens is one of those cities where ancient history and everyday life sit right next to each other. You can have coffee in a lively square, walk past a 2,500-year-old temple, and end the day at a rooftop bar with views of the Acropolis. Pretty hard to beat.
But Athens is big and its neighborhoods feel very different. Some are perfect for first-time visitors. Others are quieter, more local, or packed with bars and restaurants. The Acropolis might be the star of the show, but there is much more to the city than the sights around it.
There are many great areas to base yourself for your stay. So, to help you decide here is a short neighborhood guide outlining the five best places to stay in Athens.
In this travel guide:
Plaka
Best area for: shopping, restaurants, staying central
We love wandering around Plaka. Sitting directly at the base of the Acropolis, it is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Athens.
The area feels like a living postcard. You get narrow cobblestone lanes, pastel-colored Neoclassical mansions, and pink bougainvillea draping over ancient walls. It is definitely a tourist heavy spot today. However, locals still live here, tucked away in quiet corners like Anafiotika, which looks just like a Cycladic village.
You will constantly bump into major historic sites while walking around. The Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds sit right in the middle of everything. Souvenir shops, craft boutiques, and outdoor seating line every single paved street.
When we need a break from exploring, we always head to To Kafeneio. It is a tiny, rustic taverna set inside a 19th-century building. We usually sit outside on the quiet side street, order a carafe of house wine, and feast on their famous Greek meatballs and baked feta. It feels surprisingly authentic despite the central location.
Best place to stay in Plaka
AthensWas Boutique Hotel. Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 5, Athina 117 42, Greece.
Gazi
Best area for: nightlife, hipster, creativity
Gazi used to be Athens’ main gasworks district, smelling heavily of coal and industrial smoke. Today, those old gas tanks form Technopolis, a massive industrial museum and cultural venue right in the heart of the neighborhood.
It definitely leans more toward a nightlife and entertainment hub than a sleepy residential spot. You will find tourists during the day checking out the industrial brick architecture, but locals take over at night. The central square gets packed as soon as the sun goes down. Hundreds of people gather at the outdoor cafes and cocktail bars.
When we were exploring the quiet backstreets, we stumbled upon Bios. It is an amazing cultural space with a rooftop bar that gives you incredible views of the illuminated Acropolis. Grab a cold drink, sit on one of their deck chairs, and watch the city light up. If you want a quick bite before hitting the clubs, hit up Kanella for some incredible home-style Greek dishes.
The whole area has a vibrant, gritty energy that keeps you awake until dawn.
Best place to stay in Gazi
A Little Taste of Home Guest House. Address: Leoforos Konstantinoupoleos 32, Athens, 11854, Greece.
Psiri
Best area for: central stay, nightlife, quirky
We spent a day exploring Psiri, and it quickly became our absolute favorite spot in Athens. Historically, this area was a working-class hub for leather workers and artisan craftsmen. Decades ago, it had a gritty reputation. Today, it feels like a creative playground.
It sits right next to Monastiraki, making it super accessible. While tourists definitely know about it, the neighborhood manages to keep a heavy local presence. You will find traditional leather repair shops squeezed right between trendy cocktail bars, vintage stores, and massive wall-to-wall street art.
The main action centers around Heroes Square (Plateia Iroon). By day, the vibe is surprisingly relaxed, but it completely transforms at night into a bustling maze of outdoor tavernas and live music.
If you go, grab a table at Karamanlidika on Sokratous Street. It is part charcuterie deli, part taverna. We ordered cold cuts, pastirma, and aged local cheeses right off the counter, paired with a cold local draft. It was easily one of the best meals of our entire trip.
Best place to stay in Psiri
Aparthotel Live in Athens. Address: Ag. Anargiron 5, Athina 105 54, Greece.
Kolonaki
Best area for: luxury, shopping, views
Kolonaki sits at the base of Mount Lycabettus. The area gets its name from a tiny ancient column sitting in the main square.
Today, it is the city’s swankiest high-end neighborhood. You will see designer boutiques, art galleries, and grand neoclassical apartments everywhere. It feels far more like an affluent residential district than a typical tourist hub. Still, visitors flock here for the Benaki Museum and the funicular ride up the hill.
The crowd is a fun mix. Local politicians, artists, and trendy Athenians come here to see and be seen. We recommend grabbing an espresso at Da Capo right on the square. It is an iconic outdoor spot. The seats face outward toward the street, making it the best place in the city for people-watching. For dinner, check out Oikeio. It offers homey Greek dishes in a cozy side-street setting.
The steep hills will test your legs. However, the elegant vibe makes the climb worth every step.
Best place to stay in Kolonaki
Hotel St. George Lycabettus. Address: 2, Kleomenous Str, Athens, 106 75, Greece.
Koukaki
Best area for: trendy, budget-friendly, life like a local
Koukaki sits right at the base of the Acropolis and Philopappou Hill. You get total neighborhood vibes without feeling trapped in a tourist bubble.
Historically, it was a quiet, working-class district filled with retro apartment buildings and neoclassical houses. Now, it is this perfect hybrid. Locals buy groceries next to travelers sipping flat whites on leafy pedestrian streets.
The location is ideal. The spectacular Acropolis Museum is technically right on its edge. Beyond that, the main attraction is just soaking in the street life.
We spent hours sitting outside Little Tree Books & Coffee. It is a cozy little shop where you can read, grab an iced espresso, and eat homemade pastries under the trees. For food, Guarantee is a must. They make legendary custom sandwiches using fresh bread from Takis, the neighborhood bakery. It is laid-back, delicious, and captures the exact energy of the area.
Best place to stay in Koukaki
Hera Hotel. Address: Falirou 9 Acropoli, Athina 117 42, Greece.
Where travel critics stay in Athens
Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Athens? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Athens.
Budget
“This cozy, cheerful and casual boutique hostel, tucked down a tiny urban road in the Psirri district, encourages travelers to meet with lots of communal spaces, including a scenic rooftop bar and restaurant known for its happy hour.” — Telegraph.
Address: Agias Theklas 10, Athens, 10554, Greece.
Mid-range
“The arty and bold New Hotel, designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana, two brothers, is situated near Syntagma and has 79 beautifully designed rooms. The hotel also has an excellent restaurant and the seventh-floor rooftop New Art Lounge and is decorated with contemporary art collected by its Greek-Cypriot owner, Dakis Joannou.” — New York Times.
Address: Filellinon 16, Athina 105 57, Greece.
Luxury
“The grande dame of hotels in Athens sits opposite the Parliament on Syntagma Square and has been a beacon of luxury and sophistication in the city for many years. There are many draws to this 1842-vintage building that used to be a private mansion.” — CNN.
Address: 1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square Str, Athina 105 64, Greece.
FAQ: Athens hotel tips
Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Athens? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Athens hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Athens.
How much does a hotel stay cost in Athens?
The average rate for a 3-star hotel in Athens is around $75 per night. If you’re looking for a 4-star hotel in Athens then it will cost you around $110 per night. For the luxury segment, 5-star hotels, you’d be looking at a cost of around $205 per night.
What is the best budget hotel in Athens?
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Athens, then try Aparthotel Live. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Athens.
What is the best boutique hotel in Athens?
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Athens, then you should book AthensWas Boutique Hotel. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists. Also make sure you read our shortlist of the best boutique hotels in Athens, it’s a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
What is the best luxury hotel in Athens?
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Athens, then go for Hotel Grande Bretagne. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Athens, it’s a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
What is the best hostel in Athens?
If you’re looking for a great hostel in Athens, then you should check out Hostel City Circus. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it’s in a good location. Also make sure you read our shortlist of the best hostels in Athens.
Which Athens hotel offers great views?
The Hilton Hotel offers amazing views of the Acropolis. The Hotel Grande Bretagne also offers great views of Athens.
Which Athens hotel offers the best breakfast?
The early bird catches the worm, if you’re looking for an Athens hotel offering a great breakfast, then go for the AthensWas Boutique Hotel.
Best time to visit Athens
The best time of the year to visit Athens is from April to October. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city.
From April to June, the days are warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. From July to September, the weather is still pleasant, but the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 °F).
October is a great time to visit Athens as the weather begins to cool off, but the days are still mild and sunny. The time of year you visit Athens will also determine the cost of your trip.
From April to June, prices are usually lower than during the peak season of July and August. During this time, you can find cheaper accommodation, flights, and activities.
If you’re looking for a bargain, the best time to visit Athens is from April to June. The peak season in Athens is July and August. During this time, the city is bustling with tourists and the streets are full of life.
This is the best time to soak in the lively atmosphere of Athens and experience the city’s nightlife. However, you should be prepared for higher prices during this time.
Best things to do in Athens
There are plenty of things to do in Athens and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Athens:
Athens Electric Bike Tour
Make easy work of Athens’ busy streets and steep hills by whizzing around the sights on an easy-to-ride electric bike. Glide effortlessly around the hilltop ruins of the UNESCO-listed Acropolis of Athens, pedal around the atmospheric Old Town of Plaka, and explore lively Monastiraki. Price: $57. More info.
Athens: Acropolis Small-Group Guided Tour & Skip The Line
Skip the ticket lines to the Acropolis and see the most famous monuments of Athens. Discover the birthplace of Western civilization and hear fascinating myths of ancient Greece from a licensed guide. Choose between a shared or private tour. Price: $71. More info.
Full-Day Tour & Sailing to Agistri, Moni & Aegina
Enjoy a fantastic day out at sea on a beautiful wooden sailing boat, all along with the mesmerizing Saronic Sea and its islands of Agistri, Moni and Aegina. Price: $133. More info.
Deciding where to stay in Athens
Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Athens above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!
Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Athens
- Koukaki
- Kolonaki
- Psiri
- Gazi
- Plaka
As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Athens is important. Whether you stay in Koukaki, Kolonaki, Psiri, Gazi or Plaka, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.
The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Athens.
Athens overview
| 🏨 Hotel prices: | Medium |
| 🛏 Budget hotel: | $70 |
| 💑 Boutique hotel: | $100 |
| ⭐ 5-star hotel: | $190 |
| 🌎 Best area for first visit: | Plaka |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Kolonaki |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Grande Bretagne |
| 👫 Best boutique hotel: | AthensWas Boutique Hotel |
| 💰 Best cheap hotel: | Still Athens |
| 🎒 Best hostel: | Hostel City Circus |
More Athens tips
Check out our other guides about the best places to stay in Athens:
