Where To Stay In Athens – A Complete Neighborhood Guide

 

I have shared tips on things to do in Athens including Greek Itinerary which includes Santorini and Mykonos. Below I will share where to stay in Athens including the best neighborhoods to stay in Athens.

The many beautiful and diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character, from the glamorous neighborhoods of Kolonaki and Kifisia to the Bohemian Exarchia and pretty neighborhood of Plaka.

 

Whatever your style, Athens has something to fit everyone’s style of travel. From budget travel to luxury stays. Whether you want a simple hotel stay to those that come packed with a rooftop pool, bar and views of the Acropolis.

So for those of you wondering What is the best neighborhood to stay in Athens, or planning a trip to Athens, this is a post for you! Each of the neighborhoods offer amazing hotels and rental homes in Athens.

 

 

The Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Athens

 

Getting around In Athens is super easy with the well connected public transport network of metros, buses, trams and taxis. Making it easy to stay and experience life in Athens whether you choose to stay in the city center of Athens or choose to stay in the southern suburbs of Athens.

You don’t have to stay right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Below is an extensive list of the best areas to stay in Athens. Whether you are looking for the best area to stay in Athens for tourist or nightlife or easy access to the ferries to Greek islands.

 

Where to stay in Athens at a glance:

• The best area to stay in Athens city center: Plaka, Thiseio, Kerameikos, Makrygianni, Monastiraki and Psyrri.
• The best area to stay in Athens for shopping: Kolonaki
• The best place to stay in Athens for sightseeing: Near Monastiraki Square
• The best affordable places to stay in Athens: Exarchia
• The best area to stay in Athens for families:  Kifisia

 

Plaka Neighbourhood

One of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. This is an Athenian neighborhood also known as the neighborhood of the Gods. Plak sits under the shadows of the Acropolis Hill. It features beautifully restored neoclassical houses, cool Greek tavernas serving delicious meze, cafes, souvenir shops and little shops with art, clothing, and handmade items.

This is one of the best neighborhoods in Athens made for strolling in. One of the best and safe area to stay in Athens. If are looking for best area to stay in Athens for sightseeing then this is up there. You can cute churches and mosques here as well as the Roman Agora can all be found here.

Places of interest in Plaka: Monument of Lysicrates and Roman Agora

 

Best Hotels In Plaka

• Budget: Dioskouros Hostel, Phaedra Hotel, Kimon Athens Hotel
• Mid-range: Omiros Hotel, Adrian Hotel, Central Hotel
• Luxury: Electra Palace Athens, Electra Metropolis, Grand Hyatt Athens, Kyria Boutique House
• For more hotels in Plaka click here.

 

 

Monastiraki Neighborhood

Due to the market in Monastiraki Square, this neighborhood is also known as the big bazaar of the city. Above Monastiraki Square, you have the Acropolis staring back at you. This neighborhood is also where you can find one of Athens’ busiest shopping streets with everything from electronics to apparel and books.

Close by you have Mitropoleos Street filled with restaurants and local shops. You can get a taste of the world famous Greek Souvlaki and gyros pita right from these streets. If you are a lover of vintage items, check out Ifaistou Street which hosts a flea market every Sunday. Alleyways upon alleyways filled with bargains.

 

Monastiraki neighborhood is great for everyone but nearby streets like Avissiynia Square is a favourite hangout spot for the young crowd. So if you are looking for cool places to stay in Athens with a great young crowd. Head for this Area. There are plenty of rooftop cafes and bars and of course amazing views of the Acropolis as you relax with a drink in hand.

 

Places of interest in Monastiraki: Access to Acropolis and proximity to Syntagma Square where you can see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek Parliament Square. Nearby you also have Ermou Street, one of the busiest shopping spots in Athens. Historic sights like the Cathedral of Athens and Agio Eleftherios can also be found here.

 

Best Hotels In Monastiraki

• Budget: Tempi Hotel, Kimon Athens Hotel
  
• Mid-range: Plaka Hotel, Metropolis Hotel
• Luxury: Emporikon Athens Hotel,  The Zillers Boutique Hotel , 
• For more hotels in Monastiraki click here.

 

 

Kolonaki Neighborhood

Love shopping, food and bars and anything on trend then Kolonaki is the place to stay in Athens. Known for is expensive and luxury shops of luxury global brands offering infinite shopping opportunities.

 

If you want to hang out with cool and chic locals or want a spot of luxury living then head to Kolonaki Square. Stroll through Patriarhou Loakeim Street and mingle in the trendy cafes. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth check out Sweet Alchemy Patisserie by Stelios Parliaros on  Irodotou Street. 

 

Places of interest in Kolonaki: Luxury shopping streets

 

Best Hotels In Kolonaki

• Apartments: Dimokritou 4 Apartment, Athenian apartment in Kolonaki, Cozy studio downtown Athens/Kolonaki
• Luxury Hotels: Academia of Athens, Autograph Collection,  St George Lycabettus, Lion Hotel Apartments
  
• For more apartments and hotels in Kolonaki click here.

 

Thiseio Neighborhoods

This is one of the most lively neighborhoods in Athens. Plenty of cafes, restaurants that are open almost all hours of the day. If you want to stay in a neighborhood rich with history then it doesn’t get any better than Thiseio where you and in close proximity to Ancient Agora, Hill of the Muses, Temple of Hephaestus and cemetery of the ancient city. The neighborhood also provides amazing views of the Parthenon and the amazing Athenia skyline.

 

Places of interest in Thiseio: Ancient Agora and many historical sights in Athens.

 

Best Hotels In Thiseio

• Apartments: Apartment under Acropolis at Thissio, Thiseio Big Apartment,  Ancient Agora Apartments
• For more hotels and Apartments in Thiseio click here.

 

 

Makrygianni Neighborhood

Located on the south side of the Acropolis. Another neighborhood rich with history, this is where you will find Hadrian’s Gate and the road leading up to the Athenian Agora area and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Nearby you also have the Theatre of Dionysos, one of the world’s oldest theatre.  Makrygiannis is another neighborhood that is center of Athens with plenty of easy access to nightlife, restaurants, sights and museum. There is a variety of things to do in every direction of the neighborhood. 

 

Places of interest in Makrygianni: Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate.

 

Best Hotels In Makrygianni

• For hotels in Makrygianni click here.

 

 

Anafiotika Neighbourhood

Anafiotika is one of those beautiful neighborhoods in Athens that will make you think you are on a Greek island somewhere. A Cycladic breath in the city center so to speak.

It’s a little hidden gem in Athens. It’s not accessible by car and the architecture resembles the Greek island of Anafi. Many of the builders that came to refurbish the Kings Palace came from Anafi island and left a little bit of the island in this part of Athens.

 

Here you will also find the second-oldest distillery in Europe opened in 1909. It now operates as a small bar serving a selection of liqueurs.

 

Places of interest in Anafiotika: Remnants of island living.

 

Best Hotels In Anafiotika

• For hotels in Anafiotika click here.

 

 

Psyrri Neighbourhood

This is the Bohemian neighborhood of Athens. You get a feel of artsy and bohemian vibes. One of the best areas to stay in Athens for nightlife is Psyrri with plenty of ouzi bars and restaurants. The area is a perfect combination of old and new creating one cool amazing spot in the city with lots of hidden alleyways.

 

If you are into retail therapy when you travel this is Psyrri is also a great place to stay in Athens for shopping. There are plenty of cool and fun shops with up and coming talented designers, plenty of artisan shops. For those that want something unique, there are workshops that sell everything from sandals, old vinyl, second and books and everything in between.

 

Places of interest in Psyrri: Amazing nightlife with cool and trendy cafes and bars. Plenty of live music in tavernas and restaurants. 

 

Best Hotels In Psyrri

• Budget: Cecil Hotel, Evripides Hotel
• Mid-range: 14 Reasons Why, Attalos Hotel, Arion Athens Hotel 
  
• Luxury: O&B Athens Boutique Hotel, Lotus Inn, St. Bjur Suites
• For more hotels in Psyrri click here.

 

Exarchia Neighbourhood

Exarchia neighborhood is another chilled out area of Athens that draws the Bohemian types and youthful crowds. Here you will find plenty of cafes, clothing shops, second hand stores, cozy cafes, book shops, and really lively and cool taverna. If you are looking for the best affordable places to stay in Athens then head to Exarchia neighborhood.

 

If you have been to London’s Shoreditch, this neighborhood is reminiscent of that. The neighborhood’s streets and walls are adorned with cool graffiti and street art. Every Saturday there is a local street market where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers. If you like me, love apartment rentals when you travel this is a great place for that. 

 

In my post on things to do in Athens at night, I mentioned that you should not miss out on live performances, well Exarchia is where you will find a couple of venues that host live concerts.

 

Places of interest in Exarchia: Live concerts and entertainment hubs. An Club, a legendary place for underground, hardcore metal rock. Kokki Cafe can also be found here –  a popular meeting point for local writers, journalists and actors. 

 

Best Hotels In Exarchia

• Budget: Dryades & Orion Hotel, Alter Athens
• Mid-range: Museum Hotel, Exarchion Hotel
• For more hotels in Exarchia click here.

 

 

Piraeus Neighbourhood

Piraeus might be a name that is familiar to you if you have read my posts on how to get from Athens to Santorini by ferry or how to get from Athens to Mykonos as well as many other Greek islands. Piraeus neighborhood is where you will find the most important port in Greece. Many ferries leave from here, in addition to the hovercrafts heading to Attica’s islands.

 

If you want to experience local living and hang hour with Athens’ working class the this is the neighborhood to stay in. Here you will also find Pasalimani, a harbour that is home to stunning luxury yachts, cafes and bars.

If you want to do something romantic check out the little port with pretty fishing boats and charming tavernas by the sea.  For amazing views head to the hill of Profitis Ilias to take in the views of the Saronic Gulf as well as the church on the top.

 

To experience the best food of the neighborhood, head to Mikrolimano which also features great nightlife. There is also a large local market, the Central Food Market where you can find everything from fresh fish, cheeses, meats, fruit, vegetables, and other Greek staples.

 

Places of interest in Piraeus: Saronic Gulf and Piraeus port. Municipal Theatre of Piraeus, the Archeological Museum and Maritime Museum, the ancient Theatre of Zea, the churches of  Agios Spyridonas and Agia Triada can all be found here.

 

Best Hotels In Piraeus

• Budget: Piraeus Dream Hotel, Faros II, Anita Hotel
  
• Mid-range: Faros I, Triton Hotel Piraeus, The Park Hotel Piraeus
• Luxury: Efplias Hotel Apartments, Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel
• For more hotels in Piraeus click here.

 

 

Kifisia Neighbourhood

This neighborhood is located in the northern suburb of Athens. If you want to see how the rich lists of Athens live then head to this neighborhood. This is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Athens. You can also find affordable places to stay here too. Kifisia also has Alsos Kifisias, a lovely park perfect kids.

 

This is one of the best areas to stay in Athens for families. The local park features trees, bushes, a mini lake and 2 fountains. If you also want a bit of adult lifestyle nearby is the neighborhood of Nea Erythrea which has become a hotspot for nightlife with bustling nightlife so you can experience family life as well as the nightlife without having to venture too far.

 

Places of interest in Kifisia: Natural History Museum – Gaia Centre.

 

Best Hotels In Kifisia

• Budget: Hotel Chris, Hotel Des Roses
  
• Mid-range: Coco-Mat Hotel Nafsika, Pines Hotel, Kefalari Suites
• Luxury: Theoxenia Palace, Semiramis, Theoxenia House Hotel
• For more hotels in Kifisia click here.

 

 

Glyfada Neighbourhood

If you want to be in Athens but also experience the beaches in Athens then this is the neighborhood to stay in. Glyfada is located 14km from the city center of Athens and offers great nightlife, shopping and beaches of course. 

You can find everything from malls, cinema complexes, luxury hotels and cool marinas. This is also where you will find many American Expat communities due to the fact that this neighborhood used to host an American military base. 

 

Places of interest in Glyfada: International Luna Park – an amusement park open from 5pm to 1am.

 

Best Hotels In Glyfada

• Budget: Hotel Ikaros, Blue Sky
• Mid-range: Hotel London, Kreoli Hotel,  Four Seasons Hotel
  
• Luxury: Glyfada Riviera Hotel, Palmyra Beach Hotel,  Emmantina Hotel
• For more hotels in Glyfada click here.

 

 

So have you been to Athens, planning a trip to Athens? Which one do you think is the best area to stay in Athens for tourists?

 

Also See:

• The Perfect Travel Guide For Santorini
• Things To Do In Athens At Night
• The Best Places To Stay In Santorini With Caldera Views
• How To Get From Athens To Mykonos
• A 3-Day Santorini Itinerary

 

 

Pin To Your Pinterest Board