Best Areas To Stay In Athens City Center
If luxury is not your first priority, but you are looking for the best area to stay in Athens, its a good idea to try to get your head around the different Athens neighborhoods.
Unlike other cities, its not as easy as it sounds. Athens was built without a real plan, and the streets are a maze even locals get lost!
As a rule of thumb, I would suggest it’s easier for first time visitors to Athens to stay near the Acropolis. Take a look at the map below, complete with price guide.
Where to stay in Athens may depend on a few things:
- Is this your first time in Athens?
- Are you in Athens for a night or two, or are you staying longer?
- Do you want to experience the touristy side, a more local, or perhaps an alternative side?
- Are you interested in ancient sites, upmarket shopping, or partying and nightlife?
Answers to these questions will determine the ideal area to stay in Athens.
Best Places To Stay In Glyfada
midrange
Palmyra Beach Hotel With a chic outdoor pool surrounded by charmingly rustic brick walls and trailing ivy, Palyrma Beach Hotel is a good option for those wanting to stay close to the sea. True to its name, theres a beach just steps from the hotel. There are a variety of stylish rooms on offer, all with sleek, on-trend furniture and minimalist decor. The spacious restaurant serves a range of different dishes, whilst guests also have use of a fitness center.
Sea View Hotel Sea View Hotel boasts a gorgeous, grassy garden with its own outdoor swimming pool and shaded areas for guests to relax with a book. The hotel is a boutique style affair: lots of houseplants, natural wood, earthy colors, and design-led furnishings make for a stylish stay in the city. This is a relaxing place to stay and is well located close to Glyfadas shopping street. Its just a short walk from the seafront, too.
Air Bnb Style Apartments And Holiday Homes In Athens
Though I don’t work with Air BnB I do have a number of that style apartment that you can book through my Athens Apartments page through Booking.com. I recommend this over Air BnB because with most properties you don’t payin advance and have a free cancellation policy. Your credit card is used just to hold your booking which means if you need to cancel you don’t have to send emails back and forth to get your refund because you were never actually charged. I also have a page for Apartments and Villas Outside Athens for those who want to stay on the beach or just outside of the city.
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Best Places To Stay In Plaka
luxury
Electra Metropolis A world of elegance and style awaits at this 5-star hotel. Located just steps from Syntagma Square, the crowning glory of the Electra Metropolis is its stunning rooftop area featuring both a pool and a restaurant, with views of the Acropolis. Enjoy sunset cocktails at the bar overlooking the city. The rooms are modern, decorated in blue and white, and come well equipped some even feature private balconies. The hotel lobby is a grand affair, complete with a skylight atrium.
Electra Palace Athens The Electra Palace Athens features sophisticated rooms that display a classic yet modern sense of style, with wooden furniture and elegant bathrooms. Theres a beautiful rooftop pool and sundeck which faces the Acropolis. Guests can enjoy a fresh Greek breakfast in the morning, whilst evening meals at the rooftop restaurant offer up a Romantic atmosphere. Getting around Athens is made easier thanks to the nearby metro station, too.
budget
Kolonaki Where To Stay In Athens For Luxury And Shopping
If you are coming to Athens to shop, this posh area with designer shops and boutiques will be right up your alley. Kolonaki is located northeast of the Acropolis.
In addition, youll find Athens world-renowned art museums here. For example, the Benaki Museum contains a vast collection of the highest-quality Greek art from throughout its history. Or shop for high-quality souvenirs in its shop.
A walk up Lycabettus Hill will give you a great workout and a birds eye view of all the streets in Athens. If climbing is too difficult, you can also take a funicular to the top to see the great views.
Youll love the fantastic energy on Tsakalof Street. Go for a coffee during the day or a cocktail at night. It buzzes at all times of the day.
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Things To Do In Syntagma
- Explore the vibrant area of Anafiotika for island culture in the centre of Athens, perfect for lovers of street art
- Throw a coin in the fountain and make a wish
- Take a free tour of the Parliament House
- Catch some tranquillity and visit the ruins at the National Garden’s, once the King’s Palace Gardens
- Shop on the Valaoritu Pedestrian Street which joins with the square
- Browse the ancient relics at the Numismatic Museum and the National Historic Museum
- Take a look at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Best Hostel In Athens: Nubian Hostel
This brand-new Athens hostel is far from your old, dilapidated dorm. Each funky bunk is decorated with urban artwork and even the social area has some impressive designs on the walls.
The sunny terrace and team of friendly staff endeavor to make the hostel a social and welcoming place to meet new people and relax in total comfort.
And speaking of comfort, Nubian provides cozy and private-feeling dorm beds. Plus, every floor has a kitchenette!
For more hostel inspiration, check out our top 20 list!
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Exarchia Neighborhood Artsiest Neighborhood In Athens
Exarchias history of political riots once put off tourists coming to the area. But with anarchy comes change and creativity, and today Exarchia is where the cool kids hang out.
Its a busy and chaotic area but second-timers to Athens will already be accustomised to the hustle and bustle of the city. Contemporary art spaces, street art and speciality coffee bars are popping up everywhere, much to the excitement of 20 and 30-something travellers.
More importantly, Exarchia feels vibrant. Creativity hangs in the air while tourists and locals stir their morning coffee and make plans for the day.
Best Hotel In Psyri: 360degrees Pop Art Hotel
Arty types will love 360Degrees. Adding a splash of colour to your ocean of plain hotels, this venue boasts minimalist style and a little touch of marble.
Youll tuck into a tasty continental breakfast each morning, sip cocktails at the retro-inspired bar and have access to 24-hour reception. To summarize, youll be well looked after from start to finish!
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Why Stay In Syntagma
Syntagma is the new city centre and one of the most popular places to stay in Athens.
Syntagma is not without its history the square itself is one of the most important political points in Athens today and in the past, with numerous protests, celebrations, and even uprisings battles through history having being held here.
Even today, if there’s some sort of political demonstration or big event, it will happen here.
Dominating the square is the beautiful Parliament House building, the focus of power in modern Greece.
Usually, the area has a very relaxed vibe and the square is lined with cafes, restaurants with terraces, and wine bars to enjoy.
For a fashionable nightlife scene, Karytsi square is the place to be and it brings people from all over Athens to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere – this in itself makes the area ideal for young people who come to Athens wanting to make the most of their nights as well as their days.
Beloved by visitors and locals alike and with a wide range of accommodation options, this is an ideal choice for people who like an energetic and modern pace of life close to everything Athens has to offer.
Best Places To Stay In Syntagma
luxury
Hotel Grande Bretagne Impressively situated opposite Constitution Square and the Houses of Parliament, this truly is a grand hotel set inside a historic, palatial building. Classic rooms are exquisitely decorated, with patterned tiled floors, ornate furnishings, and beautiful marble bathrooms. Some rooms feature balconies that look out at the Acropolis. Guests will be able to watch the famous changing of the guards at Parliament from here, too. Theres a spa with a variety on offer an indoor pool for utmost relaxation. You can dine on fine Mediterranean cuisine with views of the Acropolis.
midrange
Electra Hotel Athens The simple sophistication of this newly renovated hotel makes for a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. But the luxury doesnt stop at the aesthetics theres also a pillow menu for guests and large beds for extra comfort. Staying here means taking breakfast at the rooftop restaurant and enjoying Mediterranean cuisine in the evenings at a more romantic restaurant. From the rooftop, you can enjoy views of Parliament, Syntagma Square, and the Acropolis.
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The Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Athens
In this first section, we will take a look at the best places to stay in Athens for tourist purposes. This includes the best area to stay in Athens if youre visiting Athens to discover museums and archaeological sites and the best areas for restaurants, nightlife, and even shopping.
We will also tell you about the most convenient metro stations that you need to keep in mind to visit each of these Athens districts.
It’s All Happening At To The Zoo
Got time between flights? Looking for something to do after seeing the Acropolis? Go to the zoo! The Attika Zoological Parkopened in May of 2001 and after the Acropolis it is probably the most interesting place in Athens. If you have a layover in Athens before your flight to the islands or home, why sit around and look at stressed people when you can see one of the happiest collections of animals in the world. The zoo in Spata is one of the most humane and is the third largest bird collection in the world! It is a short ride from the airport and if you are traveling with kids it is a surefire way to keep them happy and interested in what would normally be wasted time. For more information see theAthens Zoological Park Page
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Things To Do In Kolonaki
- Walk up Lycabettus Hill for a bird’s eye view of Athens
- Drink a coffee or go for a cocktail on the buzzing Tsakalof Street
- Visit the neoclassical Benaki Museum for Greek Art and beautiful souvenirs
- Explore more Greek art at the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art
- Step back in time at the Byzantine and Christian Museum which features historical artwork and sculptures
The Best Areas To Stay In Athens: Top Districts And Hotels
Sheltered by the goddess Athena, the Glorious City is a vibrant and colorful metropolis, the epicenter of what was once the most civilization advanced civilization on this planet. In this post, we will talk about the best areas to stay in Athens, Greece.
Athens is located in the southwestern part of Greece, on a peninsula that stretches southeastward into the Aegean Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, it has been continuously inhabited for millennia.
Today, Athens is a cosmopolitan city, a result of the mixture of different cultures, full of history, lively and colorful.
Athens Metropolitan Area is the main commercial, political, and tourist center in Greece.
The capital of Greece can be reached by plane, train or even by boat from other cities in the Mediterranean.
Athens has many places to visit and excursions to make given the high historical and artistic wonders. It is known for its archaeological remains, with wonders such as the Parthenon.
As for culture and leisure, Athens is famous for its classical theater, as well as lively nightlife and delicious cuisine.
Plaka and Monastiraki are considered Athens core, popular due to their food and market scene, they are also where most tourist sights and attractions are located.
This is a guide with the best areas to stay in Athens, Greece.
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Where To Stay In Kolonaki
St George Lycabettus
Set in the upmarket Kolonaki district, the lifestyle hotel St George Lycabettus features a breakfast room overlooking the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the Saronic Gulf. Taste gourmet Mediterranean flavours at La Suite Lounge Restaurant and indulge yourself at the rooftop pool or AegeosSpas and Gym. Each floor features its own theme and exhibition of Greek culture, while rooms are individually decorated. Most rooms have private balconies with breathtaking Acropolis and Athens views.
Oasis veranda under columns.Kolonaki embassy area.
Located 350 yards from Kolonaki Square in Athens, this air-conditioned apartment features free WiFi. The Acropolis is 1.1 miles away. The unit is equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom with autonomous heating and air conditioning units. Towels and bed linen are provided at Oasis veranda under columns.
Central new Kolonaki apartment
Central new Kolonaki apartment is set in the upmarket Kolonaki district of Athens, 350 yards from Dexameni Square and a 5-minute walk from Byzantine Museum. This apartment provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi access.
Where To Stay In Athens Near The Airport
If you have an early morning flight or are arriving late at night, consider booking a hotel near Athens’ international airport, which is about 35 minutes by car from the city center. One good luxury option is the Sofitel Athens Airport. The property is just across the street from the airport. It offers contemporary rooms, 24-hour food service, and a spa.
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Kolonaki Where To Stay In Athens With Family
Kolonaki is an Athens neighborhood known for upscale shopping, designer boutiques and trendy cafes. You can also find fine dining with global cuisines in Kolonaki. While this is more upscale and modern than more traditional areas of Athens, such as the Plaka, if you are looking to experience the finer side of Athens, Kolonaki is a great place to stay.
With a large concentration of office buildings, Kolonaki can feel a bit like a business district, but youll still find bustling streets lined with sidewalk cafes. Located next to Lycabettus hill, you can catch a funicular in Kolonaki and explore the summit for 360-degree views of Athens. There are also two metro stations in Kolonaki which will whisk you away to other parts of the city.
Gazi Great Place To Stay In Athens For Nightlife
A rival to Psiri for nightlife, Gazi has a dual personality. During the day it is post-millennial art, design, and techno neighborhood. At night, its wilder side shines late through the night.
Technopolis is based here. This is a one-time gasworks that was converted into a multi-use arts and entertainment center. You will find countless bars, restaurants, and dance clubs here in and around the Technopolis. The streets are alive with the celebrations of partiers long past dark.
Gazi lies within the Kerameikos district, so it uses both names interchangeably. There is also an ancient world Greek/Roman cemetery here that was utilized through the 500s AD .
This spot offers great peace for walks and a little museum. The name Kerameikos stems from the long-time connection to industry. The area got its name from potters who established themselves here more than 3,000 years ago.
Gazi more recently acquired its name from the gasworks that the city abandoned back in the 1970s and turned into an unusual center for revels.
There are a variety of places to eat and stay here. Besides franchise restaurants and overcrowded bistros, Kanella offers a modern styled taverna that provides typical Greek specialties along with the copious amounts of alcohol. It is home cooking styled food.
You could also spend a fortune at the two-Michelin star restaurant the Funky Gourmet. It is modern cuisine at its best.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ATHENS IN GAZI
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How Many Days Do You Really Need In Athens
Athens is a city of more than 4 million people and it will be quite naive to think that you can explore all of its neighbourhoods and areas in a few days.
So, here is my suggestion for Athens:
- If you are heading to one of the greek islands , this is your first time in Greece and you only include Athens because your flight doesnt go directly to an island then you only need to stay 2 nights in Athens. You will then see the basics like Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki and Syntagma Square and thenyou will be off to a marvellous sunny island!
- If you really want to dive into the history of Greece and Athens while visiting more areas and neighbourhoods then I suggest you stay at least 4 nights in Athens. You will then be able to visit less touristic areas, visit more hidden museums and also take a ride to the marvellous Athens Riviera seaside areas
- If you are really NOT interested at all in visiting museums, archaeological sites, cultural events and you cant wait for the time you will be next to a pool or a beach bar then DO NOT STAY AT ALL in Athens. Yes, itd be nice to spend a few days there but you will be bored to death and at the end it will feel like a waste of time since you will only have limited time in Greece in total. You should rather spend more days at an island or any oher beach side resort.
There is amazing street art everywhere n Athens