Where to Stay in Athens, Greece

Traveling to Greece and passing through the capital? If so, here is the ultimate guide on where to stay in Athens. Experience the variety atmospheres the capital has to offer: friendly Koukaki, the urban part near Syntagma, the central residential area of Thissio, or the quiet local neighborhood of Elliniko close to the seafront.

In this article you’ll get a brief overview of the different areas with tips on things to do and see in Athens, and of course, our suggestions on where to stay in Athens  including the best hotels for different budgets.

The majority of the places listed here are linked to the online site of Booking.com that we use for arranging our accommodation in Europe. If you book your accommodation in Athens through any link of this article, we’ll get a small commission with no extra cost to you, which will help us to run this website and bring more awesome content for you.

Now, time to explore the city, its districts and some of the best hotels in Athens!

Where to stay in Athens

Koukaki

This residential quiet area in the southeast of Athens is one of travelers’ favorite neighborhoods in the city because of its serene atmosphere, pedestrian friendly sidewalks, and streets full of small cafes and local Greek restaurants. The area is defined as the new hip district of Athens, so you might want to hurry to stop by before it becomes too commercial.

Our top pick > Herodion Hotel

where to stay in Athens

This is THE place to stay in Athens if you’re looking for some extraordinary treatment, immaculately elegant rooms with super comfy beds, modern facilities, and a great buffet breakfast. The Herodion Hotel is only a few minutes walking from the Acropolis Museum. It features a lovely terrace garden with two hot tubs. You can grab a drink or enjoy some afternoon chess in the winter garden. Highly recommended if you’re looking for some luxury during your stay in Athens. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Hera Hotel
Excellent central location with the views of Acropolis. Some of the suites feature a terrace and a bathtub. A boutique style hotel with buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > NLH FIX | Neighborhood Lifestyle Hotels
Very bright, modern and elegantly decorated suites with a kitchenette. Clean, centrally located, with very friendly staff. Check the latest price.

Budget > Koukaki Home
Great option if you prefer staying in a small apartment in the center. The place has a small kitchenette, a lounge with a sofa, a washing machine and ironing facilities. Check the latest price.

Things to do and see in Koukaki

• Visit the Acropolis Museum
• Have a dinner in one of the small local tavernas
• Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art

Thission

Thission is kind of an extension of the Monastiraki neighborhood. It’s less crowded though, with a nice pedestrian zone, and more cafes and restaurants have appeared here after the area became more popular among tourists. Only a few minutes walking from the Phillipapou Hill and the Acropolis.

Our top pick > Live in Athens

where to stay in Athens

When the young spirit of locals gets creative, good things happen. Live in Athens, is a small chain of short stay apartments in various locations around Athens. This loft apartment was crafted to feel like your home away from home.made with the aim to make you feel warm while you’re away from home. The place has a very bright bedroom with a double bed, private bathroom, a small kitchen with basic equipment, a lounge, and a huuuge terrace with some spectacular sunrise views of the Acropolis.

What makes Live in Athens special is that the apartments are located in the heart of the historical center, so all major attractions are reachable within a short walk, and at the same time you’ll be able to stay in a residential building where local Athenians live. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Acropolis Luxury Apartment
Stylishly furnished with modern furniture, soft colors, spacious and very clean 2, 3 or 5-bedroom apartment. Some of them offer a hot tub, all of them have an equipped kitchenette or kitchen. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Phidias Hotel
Located right at the pedestrian zone of the street of Apostolou Pavlou that leads to the Acropolis. Very simple rooms, clean, with breakfast included. Pets allowed. Check the latest price.

Budget > Art Capsules
Excellent value for a bed in a dormitory or a private double bedroom in the center of Athens. A terrace, a shared kitchen, 2 swimming pools available, too. Check the latest price.

Things to do and see in Thission

Climb up to Philopappos Hill and get a view of Athens and Acropolis.
 Go for an Alternative Athens Street Art Tour (the meeting point is from Thission metro station).

where to stay in Athens
One of the fantastic graffiti works you’ll see during the tour.

Head to the Hill of the Nymphs to get some rare views of Athens.
Check the daily craft market near the Thission metro station.
If you visit Athens in summer time, visit the outdoor Cinema Thission (it’s open from April to September, depending on weather conditions).

Monastiraki

One of the major shopping districts in Athens. Every Sunday there is a flea market, and you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops and fashion boutiques, too. The side alleys near the Monastiraki square fill the air with the delicious aroma of fresh food, especially around lunch time and in the evening, when lots of tourists come to dine here. Fear not, you’ll be able to find many local tavernas tucked between the busy streets.

Our top pick > The Stanley

best hotels in Athens

Stanley Hotel features a pool on their rooftop, they’ve got 2 restaurants, and 2 bars which includes an open-air bar. Their room’s decors have modern decoration with earth theme colors, air-conditioned with free WiFi, satellite TV, and a balcony. Check the latest price.

Luxury > 360 Degrees
Very central, with tasteful design, large rooms, and a nice terrace with panoramic view of the Acropolis and the city. (Serves delicious breakfast!)  Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Metropolis Hotel
A simply furnished 2-star hotel in the center of Athens with breakfast served on a rooftop terrace.
Offers family rooms. Check the latest price.

Budget > Pella Inn Hostel
Great budget option for backpackers. You can stay in a private room or in a dormitory, with private or shared bathroom. Check the latest price.

Things to do and see in Monastiraki

Embrace the night life of Monastiraki square.
 Take a stroll through the ancient Hadrian’s Library.
 Visit the Stoa of Attalos which used to be the major shopping center of Agora.

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Plaka

If you’re trying to avoid touristy areas during your travels, make an exception here. The area might get packed with tourists, but not if you come here before 9 am. Get lost in the labyrinth of Plaka’s alleys and neoclassical buildings, and have an early coffee at one of outdoor tavernas.

Our top pick > Altar Suites

Excellent value for the money. Clean, located in a safe area, and you can walk to the Acropolis in just 15 minutes. Minimalistic design with soothing colors. They offer double rooms and suites. Check the latest prices.

Luxury > Ava Hotel and Suites
Spacious and elegant rooms with a private terrace or balcony. If you prefer to prepare your own food, there is a fully equipped kitchenette at your disposal. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Athos Hotel
Athos Hotel is situated near the picturesque area of Plaka. Public transport is just walking distance and historical monuments are just a few steps away. Their rooms are air-conditioned, with high speed internet connection and features a mini-bar. Each have balconies that offer an enchanting view of the Acropolis. Check the latest price.

Budget > Kimon Hotel Athens
Decorated with travel-style memorabilia, very simple, yet comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel has a rooftop garden. Great location near major historical attractions in Athens. Check the latest price.

Things to do and see in Plaka

Climb up to the Acropolis.
Get a glimpse of Greek history while walking among the ancient stone pillars of the Parthenon.
Take a stroll through Anafiotika, the cluster of houses located above Plaka on the slopes of the Acropolis. To get there, walk the stairs between the Byzantine church of St Nicholas and Kouklis. Eventually you’ll arrive to the road leading you to the Acropolis.

Kolonaki

An old neighborhood of Athens which is now considered very trendy. It’s filled with cafes, boutiques, and classy restaurants where socialites come to eat, since many foreign embassies are located here. At the same time, it’s a popular residential area.

Our top pick > Coco-Mat Hotel Athens

best hotels in AthensA fantastic choice for when you just need a break from the chaos of the city. Beautiful interior, tastefully designed luxury rooms with fully equipped kitchen and a lounge. The larger suite features an amazingly bright dining area. Check the latest price.

Luxury > St George Lycabettus
This is the place to pamper yourself in the Kolonaki neighborhood in Athens. Each floor of the hotel features a different theme. You can relax in a Hamman spa, at an outdoor rooftop pool, or enjoy a workout at a gym. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Athinais Hotel
Located at the center of Athens, just 5 minutes walk from the Metro. Their rooms are elegantly designed with balconies. Rooms are air-conditioned, with WiFi, satellite LCD TV, and a minibar. Check the latest price.

Budget > There are no low budget options in the area.

Things to do and see in Kolonaki

Climb up to the Lycabettus Hill to get the best view of Athens.
Visit Benaki Museum and see an impressive collection of Greek & Islamic art.
Come and see over 110,000 volumes of Greek history, literature and art from Antiquity through modern times at the Gennadius Library.

Syntagma

Located in the center of Athens, famous for the Syntagma square which is the main transport hub of the city, and a meeting point for locals and expats. The square is recognized also because of the mass protests that happened here, right in front of the Greek Parliament.

Our top pick > Athens Heart Design Studio

This place is just splendid. Opened in 2017, with modern and very cozy furniture. There is a kitchen, one bedroom, and a bathroom. Very tasteful design, bright and spacious room that can comfortably accommodate four people. Check the latest price.

Luxury > InnAthens
A design hotel with all you need to feel good: high quality mattresses, clean rooms, excellent breakfast and a lovely courtyard to relax and have a glass of wine. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Athens Syntagma Studio
A very good option if you want to stay in the city center for more than a night. The apartment is pretty big, it features a bedroom, a working table, and an equipped kitchen with washing machine. Check the latest price.

Budget > Small Funny World Athens
Great hostel atmosphere, central location, and a clean dormitory. The hostel has a small kitchen in case you fancy preparing some food yourself. Check the latest price.

Things to do and see in Syntagma

Watch the Changing Guards ceremony at the The Presidential Mansion in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier situated below the Hellennic Parliament.
Relax in the beautiful Botanical Garden.
Visit the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Psiri

An alternative, bohemian area with stylish tavernas, street art, and vibrant night life. Don’t get intimidated by the rough image of the streets and graffiti walls in Psiri. The area is safe and very alive from the late afternoon and obviously, through the night.

Our top pick > City Circus Athens

Where to stay in AthensFunky design in the private rooms, simple furniture in dormitories, clean rooms with very comfortable beds, and a nice rooftop terrace. You can pick either a bed in a dormitory, a twin or double room, or a studio in the loft. The price includes breakfast. Check the latest price.

Luxury > A for Athens
Big rooms with huge windows, hardwood floors, modern design, and a panoramic terrace with beautiful views. Fabulous breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > 18 Micon Str.
A new, stylish hotel equipped with handcraft furniture. Minimalistic decor, industrial style windows, and very tastefully decorated bathrooms. Check the latest price.

Budget > Pella Inn Hostel
Situated in the heart of shopping streets and restaurants. They offe dormitory or double rooms, both with shared and private bathrooms. Very simple, but worth the value. Check the latest price.

Things to do and see in Psiri

Psyri doesn’t offer as much sightseeing as the other areas in Athens, but it’s very close to the neighborhoods of Thissio and Monastiraki, where you’ll find more attractions (see the tips above).

However, when in Psyri, dine at one of traditional tavernas or grab a healthy lunch at the Fallafellas or at the Pera: Oriental Street Food restaurant next to it.

Ellinikos

A southern area of Athens, very close to the beachside. The neighborhood is well connected to the city by metro and buses, and it’s easy to reach the airport, too. It’s a quiet residential area where you won’t find any tourist attractions, but you can experience a local life of Athenians.

Our top pick > Veggie Garden

best places to stay in Athens

Veggie Garden is a real homestay, where you’ll share a house with locals, Majka and Dimitris. There is a room on the ground floor with a small patio and entrance to a big terrace garden with lemon trees. It is cozy, super clean, as well as the bathroom. You will get a kettle and a fridge to store some food if needed. All rooms for guests are separated from the rooms of the family, with a private bathroom and Wi-Fi.

The metro station is about 5 minutes walking from the house. You’ll find some restaurants and a grocery shop within 10 minutes of walking. If you don’t feel going out, you can pre-book a delicious Greek dinner prepared by Majka for an extra charge of 12 euros.

The homestay might be a bit far from the city center, but if you’re looking for a more local experience in Athens and a safe residential area, check out this place, where they welcome foreign travellers. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Sea View Beach Penthouse
Very stylishly decorated and spotless luxury accommodation that features a huge terrace, one bedroom with fully equipped kitchen, all in bright colors. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Hotel London
A hotel just 2 minutes away walk from the beach. They’ve got rooms where light and air freely comes in. A lounge bar and an a la carte menu is available on site. A buffet breakfast is served each morning. Check the latest price.

Budget > Ikaros Hotel
Simply furnished and only a couple of minutes walking from the beach. Breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Piraeus

Piraeus is the main port of Greece, and is an integrated part of Athens. Located only 12 km from the capital, it is very easily accessable to the center of Athens by train, subway, or a bus. You don’t come to Piraues for sightseeing, but you can chill out on a beach. In case you arrive to the Greek port too late, or you want to catch an early morning ferry, there are plenty of options for places to to stay in Piraeus.

Our pick > Phidias Piraeus Hotel

Where to Stay in AthensFresh design with simple, yet modern furniture, super comfortable and clean rooms with breakfast included. You’ll find a kettle and a small fridge in the room. A free shuttle to the port is provided by the hotel. Check the latest prices

Luxury > Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel
The only 5-star hotel in Piraeus. Elegant decor, spacious rooms, a bathroom with a bath tub, and a few suites have a seating area. Quality bath amenities and breakfast included. The hotel features a gym, too. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Noufara
Located only 5 minutes from the port and about 10 minutes from the beach. Clean rooms with private bathrooms, breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Budget > Lux Hotel
A good choice when you need to stay overnight in Piraeus before heading to/from Athens. Very basic rooms with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and optional breakfast for extra $5 USD. Check the latest price.

Hopefully you’ve found this guide to where to stay in Athens useful and now have a better idea where to look for a hotel in the city.

Read more articles from Greece:

Greece Beyond the Beaches: the Undiscovered Epirus

Meteora, Greece: a Spiritual and Natural Wonder of the World

Things to Do in Athens, Greece: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems

where to stay in Athens

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3 thoughts on “Where to Stay in Athens, Greece”

  1. Chaitali Patel

    I am baffled at how detailed this post is! Its a real find for anyone planning on travelling to Athens. Thank you for sharing this.

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