Athens is a fascinating city full of attractions, suitable for couples, families, groups of friends and independent travellers. Each neighbourhood has its own personality, so it is good to know them when choosing where to stay in Athens.
Some, such as the Plaka or Kolonaki, lend themselves particularly well to a romantic holiday, while others, such as Psiri or Exarhia, are more suited to younger travellers. Due to its central location and numerous transport links Syntagma is a popular choice among tourists, including families with small children.
The good news is that hotels in Athens are much cheaper than in other European capitals and there is a wide choice of establishments in both the lower-middle and upper price range. This could be the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a stay in a luxury hotel!
Whatever your holiday budget, here is a guide to help you find accommodation in Athens for a dream holiday.
In the heart of the ancient city, Plaka is undoubtedly one of the most charming and touristy districts of Athens. Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this labyrinth of cobbled streets, neoclassical houses and small squares will transport you to an atmosphere of yesteryear.
Staying in Plaka means being in the historical and cultural centre of the city, with easy access on foot to many of the main attractions such as the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Agora and Syntagma Square. The district is dotted with traditional taverns, outdoor cafes, small craft shops and souvenir boutiques.
Despite being a busy area for tourists, Plaka retains an authentic and lively atmosphere. It is particularly atmospheric in the evening, when soft lights illuminate the alleys and the taverns come alive. For those seeking a romantic and picturesque experience, Plaka is an ideal choice.
Pros: Central location, historical charm, romantic atmosphere, proximity to major attractions, wide choice of restaurants.
Cons: High prices, tourist crowds, potential evening noise from locals.
Bordering Plaka, Monastiraki is a lively and colourful district, famous for its quaint flea market and eponymous square. This area is a fascinating mix of cultural influences, where ancient ruins alternate with trendy shops and trendy cafés.
Monastiraki Square is a central landmark, surrounded by souvenir shops, restaurants and cafés. The flea market, open daily but particularly lively on Sundays, is a maze of stalls where you can find everything from vintage clothes to local handicrafts.
Staying in Monastiraki means being in the beating heart of Athenian life, with easy access to both historical attractions and more modern neighbourhoods. The Monastiraki metro station connects directly to the airport and the port of Piraeus, making this neighbourhood particularly convenient for those planning to travel.
Pros: Central location, excellent transport links, vibrancy, shopping, wide choice of venues.
Cons: Crowded, sometimes chaotic areas, some accommodation may be noisy.
Syntagma is the administrative and commercial centre of Athens. This area takes its name from Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), where the Greek Parliament is located with its famous changing of the guard of the Evzones. It is an elegant and well-maintained area with tree-lined boulevards, luxury shops and high-end hotels.
Staying in Syntagma offers an excellent central location, with direct connections to all parts of the city via the main metro station. From here you can easily walk to Plaka, the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum and the National Gardens.
This area is particularly suitable for those looking for comfort and a high level of service. Here you will find some of the best hotels in Athens, fine restaurants and designer boutiques along Ermou Street, the city’s main commercial artery.
Pros: Central location, excellent public transport connections, luxury shopping, quality accommodation.
Cons: High prices, less authentic atmosphere than in other districts, occasional street demonstrations.
Once a working-class neighbourhood, Psiri has been transformed in recent years into one of Athens’ trendiest and most artistic areas. Located northwest of Monastiraki, it is characterised by converted industrial buildings, colourful street art and a bohemian atmosphere.
Psiri is a paradise for nightlife and food lovers. Its streets are filled with trendy bars, innovative restaurants, hipster cafés and live music venues. During the day, you can explore small art galleries, design shops and craft workshops.
Staying in Psiri is ideal for young, dynamic travellers who want to immerse themselves in Athens’ contemporary cultural scene. Despite its lively nature, the neighbourhood is still within walking distance of the main tourist attractions and well connected by metro.
Pros: Young and artistic atmosphere, excellent nightlife, great food, cheaper prices than in Plaka or Syntagma.
Cons: Can be noisy at night, some areas can seem less well maintained.
Kolonaki is Athens’ most chic and exclusive neighbourhood, located at the foot of Mount Lycabettus in the north-eastern part of the city centre. With its elegant streets, luxury boutiques and fine cafés, this area attracts a sophisticated and affluent clientele.
Staying in Kolonaki means immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Athenian high society. Here you will find some of the city’s best restaurants, international designer shops and trendy clubs. The district is also home to important art galleries, museums such as the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art, and access to the funicular to Mount Lycabettus, from where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Pros: Refined atmosphere, security, tranquillity, luxury shopping, gourmet restaurants.
Cons: High prices, less animated at night than other districts.
Located south of the Acropolis, Koukaki is a residential neighbourhood that in recent years has turned into one of the trendiest and most authentic areas of Athens. Less touristy than Plaka, but still close to the main attractions, it offers a more genuine experience of Athenian life.
Staying in Koukaki means discovering a more relaxed and local side of the city. Its quiet streets are dotted with cosy cafés, small family-run restaurants and independent shops. The neighbourhood is within walking distance of the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the National Garden.
Koukaki is particularly popular with travellers seeking a good balance between tourist accessibility and local authenticity. In recent years, the offer of flats and boutique hotels has grown significantly, making this area a viable alternative to more central and expensive areas.
Pros: Authentic atmosphere, good value for money, tranquillity, proximity to attractions.
Cons: Less central than Plaka or Syntagma, more limited hotel offer.
A former industrial district centred around the old gasworks (from which it takes its name), Gazi is now one of Athens’ most vibrant cultural and entertainment hubs. The old gas plant has been transformed into Technopolis, a major cultural centre hosting exhibitions, concerts and events.
Gazi is the heart of Athens’ nightlife, with an incredible concentration of bars, clubs, restaurants and live music venues. The district attracts a young, cosmopolitan crowd and has a strong presence in the LGBTQ+ community.
Staying in Gazi is ideal for travellers who want to immerse themselves in Athens’ contemporary nightlife and culture. The Kerameikos metro station easily connects the district with the rest of the city, and the historic centre is a 15-20 minute walk away.
Pros: Excellent nightlife, young and creative atmosphere, good metro connections, generally lower prices.
Cons: Longer distance to main tourist attractions, potentially very noisy at night.
Exarchia is Athens’ alternative and non-conformist neighbourhood, known for its history of political activism and lively cultural scene. With its colourful murals, independent bookshops, bohemian cafes and busy spaces, this area offers a completely different experience from the rest of the city.
Staying in Exarchia means immersing yourself in a stimulating and intellectual environment frequented by university students, artists and activists. The neighbourhood is home to some of the best small live music venues, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and alternative bars where you can have interesting conversations with locals.
Pros: Authentic and alternative atmosphere, affordable prices, lively cultural scene.
Cons: May be too ‘rough’ for some travellers, occasional political tension, fewer tourist services.
If this is your first visit to Athens, Plaka and Monastiraki are the ideal areas. They will allow you to be in the historical heart of the city, with easy access on foot to major attractions such as the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Agora and the most picturesque neighbourhoods. Syntagma is also a good option, thanks to its excellent public transport connections.
Koukaki and the quieter areas of Plaka are particularly suitable for families with children. They offer a safe and residential environment while maintaining good accessibility to attractions. The area around the National Garden and Zappeion, near Syntagma, is also ideal for families, with large green spaces where children can play.
Psiri and Gazi are the perfect neighbourhoods for those seeking a lively nightlife. Here you will find a plethora of bars, clubs, restaurants and live music venues that stay open late into the night. Even Exarchia, with its alternative atmosphere, offers interesting evening entertainment options, particularly appreciated by a younger, non-conformist crowd.
Exarchia and parts of Psiri offer the cheapest accommodation options in the centre of Athens. Here you will find affordable hostels, family-run guesthouses and flats. Metaxourgeio, a neighbourhood undergoing redevelopment to the northwest of Psiri, also offers inexpensive accommodation, although some areas may be less touristy and well-kept.
Kolonaki and Syntagma are the areas with the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in Athens. Here you will find 5-star establishments with premium facilities, gourmet restaurants and often breathtaking views of the Acropolis or the National Garden. Parts of Plaka also offer luxury boutique hotels in elegantly renovated historic buildings.
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