Where to Stay in Athens: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

You’ve planned to visit Athens for your next trip and you’re wondering where to stay?

Indeed, choosing the perfect accommodation can be tricky with considerations like budget, location, and ease of transportation. Especially if you don’t know the city well!

As I know Athens very well, I have compiled a list of the best hotels in Athens for you, organized by neighborhood.

Whether you’re after a central hotel, a place to stay near the Acropolis or in the modern part of the city, you’re sure to find the perfect option for your stay.

For each area, I will also tell you more about the best places to visit and nearby attractions.

With my recommendations, you can book your dream Athens hotel right now and ensure an unforgettable trip!

And at the end of this article, you will also find my selection of budget hotels in Athens as well as my list of the best places to stay in Athens if you’re travelling with family.

So, which Athens neighborhood and hotel should you choose for your visit?

Let’s find out!

My Favorite Hotels in Athens

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels to stay in Athens, if you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

You just need to click the hotel name to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Athens to visit on foot: Amazon Hotel, ideally located to visit the 3 main neighborhoods!
• Where to stay in Athens near the Acropolis: Electra Metropolis for the luxury version or Phaedra Hotel if you’re on a budget
• Best 5-star hotel in Athens: The Dolli at Acropolis, splendid!
• Where to stay in Athens on a budget: City Circus Athens
• My favorite hotel in Athens for a family trip: Attalos Hotel
• Best place to stay in Athens for couples: Gatsby Athens for its very romantic ambiance

In Plaka District

Plaka is the oldest district (and probably the most famous!) district of Athens.

Very touristic, it’s often called the “Neighborhood of the Gods”, due to its proximity to the Acropolis. It’s built at the foot of this iconic monument of the Greek capital!

With its paved streets, Plaka is especially charming. There, you will find some of Athen’s must-see attractions, and the numerous traditional taverns and shops contribute to create a friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to have a drink and enjoy a meal at any time of day.

For me, Plaka is the best district to stay in Athens!

I recommend this district for your stay in Athens:

• For its central location, perfect if yo uwant to visit the city on foot
• If you enjoy lively neighborhoods
• To be close to Athens’ most important monuments

Athens’ old town is the perfect place to discover:

• The Acropolis of Athens, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s one of the most visited sites in all of Greece.
• The Acropolis Museum, where all the artifacts discovered at the Acropolis are housed
• The Roman Agora: ruins of the ancient public square and central market of Athens
• The pedestrian streets and their shops.

Here are my top hotel picks in Athens’ historic center

• Phaedra Hotel: Located just a few meters from the entrance of the Acropolis. Basic but bright and functional rooms starting at 110€, with breakfast available for an extra 7€. Strong points: the view of the Acropolis, in the heart of Plaka, and the rooftop terrace. This hotel in the center of Athens offers a great value for money.
  
• Amazon Hotel: A short walk from the main archaeological sites. Modern and comfortable double rooms starting at 160€, breakfast included. Strong points include the varied breakfast with plenty of Greek products, the ideal location for exploring Athens on foot, and a very friendly welcome. An excellent choice for staying in the old town of Athens.
• Central Hotel: Located in a quiet street in the Plaka district. Spacious double rooms with comfortable bedding starting from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop with its beautiful Acropolis view, the welcoming staff, and the location.
• Electra Metropolis: A 5-star hotel just 200 meters from Syntagma Square and 600 meters from the Acropolis. Spacious double rooms with large windows starting from 270€, breakfast included. Strong points: the perfect location, the Acropolis view from the rooftop terrace, the quality of meals, and the pool. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Athens!
• The Dolli at Acropolis: This 5-star hotel is in a stunning building, just a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis. It offers stylish rooms with minimalist but elegant decor from 830€, breakfast included. Strong points: the infinity pool with a view of the Parthenon, the beauty of the place, and the kindness of the staff. One of the most beautiful luxury hotels to stay in Athens!

In Monastiraki and Psiri districts

These two central neighborhoods are situated next to each other and right next to Plaka.

Monastiraki and Psiri are the trendy and lively districts of Athens.

They feature numerous shopping streets, a stunning view of the Acropolis, and you will be close to the archaeological sites.

Psiri is also very lively at night, as it’s becoming a hotspot for party-goers. So don’t forget to grab a drink at Iroon Square, a hub of bars and nightclubs when staying in this area!

This neighborhood is ideal for your stay in Athens:

• If you want to stay in a central area
• If you’re looking for a vibrant and festive environment with lots of bars
• To be close to the archaeological sites of the historic center
• To go shopping

In Monastiraki and Psiri, you shouldn’t miss:

• The famous Ancient Agora, home to the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the country
• Monastiraki Square, where you’ll find lots of small shops arranged like a souk
• Ermou Street, the city’s main shopping avenue
• The street art murals in Psiri.

Where to Stay in the Monastiraki and Psiri Districts of Athens?

• Evripides Hotel: Located 400 meters from Ermou Street and 500 from Monastiraki. Rooms with simple and comfortable decor starting at 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the magnificent view of the Acropolis from the rooftop, the location for exploring Athens on foot, the warm welcome.
• Royalty Hotel Athens: Located 20 meters from Monastiraki Square. Modern, spacious, and well-equipped double rooms starting from 150€, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop and its view, very friendly staff, the ideal location. You’ll be charmed by its central prime location.
• 360 Degrees: Situated right on Monastiraki Square. Large, modern rooms with some vintage touches starting from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: its location in the heart of the city, the metro station right outside the hotel, the view over Athens, the bar/restaurant on the rooftop terrace. A great hotel to stay in Athens for a weekend!
• The Residence Aiolou Hotel & Spa: Just a 2-minute walk from Ermou Street. Bright rooms with a sleek style starting from 195€, breakfast at 20€. Strong points: the Spa with jacuzzi, sauna, and hammam, well-located, lovely staff.
• Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel: This 5-star hotel is a 5-minute walk from Monastiraki Square. It offers rooms with contemporary decor starting at 200€, breakfast included. Strong points: the comfort, attentive staff, room automation technology, the beautiful design of the bathrooms. It’s the best hotel for a luxury stay in Monastiraki!

In Syntagma District

Right in the heart of the city, Syntagma is a very central district in the modern side of Athens.

The main highlight here is the large Syntagma Square, meaning “Constitution Square” in Greek. In this district, you will find numerous museums and several high-end hotels.

Not to be missed in Syntagma district:

• The changing of the guard at Syntagma Square, which occurs every hour, day and night.
• The National Garden and the Zappeion Park
• The Numismatic Museum: dedicated to coins, it’s one of the most significant in the world, with a collection of over 500,000 items.

Where to Stay in Syntagma, Athens?

• The Marblous Athens: Just behind Syntagma Square. Double rooms with a beautiful modern design starting at 180€, breakfast included. Strong points: close to other tourist districts, homemade breakfast served in-room, attentive staff. The perfect hotel for a comfortable stay in Athens!
• Elia Ermou Athens Hotel: A 10-minute walk from the Acropolis. Contemporary and cozy double rooms starting from 225€, breakfast included. Strong points: the quality of the services, the view of the Acropolis from the bar, the excellent breakfast.
• Gatsby Athens: This 5-star hotel is just 5 minutes walk from the National Garden and offers rooms and suites starting at 320€, breakfast included. Strong points: the hotel’s design, the excellent à la carte breakfast, close to the center but on a quiet street, the very attentive staff. A great option for a romantic stay in the modern part of Athens!
• NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens by Leonardo Hotels: Next to Ermou Street, this luxury hotel welcomes you in rooms with a graphic and colorful design starting from 380€, breakfast included. Strong points: the Spa with an indoor pool, the outdoor pool with a view of the Parthenon, the unique decor, thoughtful touches. Simply my favorite luxury hotel in Syntagma!

In Kolonaki District

Kolonaki is a fashionable district located on the southern slope of Mount Lycabettus.

There you’ll find numerous upscale boutiques and stores. It’s the perfect place:

• For shopping at luxury outlets
• If you’re looking for a fashionable and trendy area
• For dining at Athens’ most modern restaurants.

Must-see places in the Kolonaki district:

• Lycabettus Hill, offering a superb view of the city
• The Benaki Museum: a remarkable art museum set in a neoclassical mansion
• The Museum of Cycladic Art and its beautiful collection.

The Best Hotels in the Kolonaki District

• CITYLUXE Suites & Rooms: Located between Syntagma Square and Mount Lycabettus. Double room starting from 125€. Strong points: brand new, magnificent bathroom, tastefully decorated.
• Project 3 Urban Chic Hotel: Located a 10-minute walk from the center. Double room with urban/industrial design from 180€, breakfast included. Strong points: in a quiet neighborhood, the delicious breakfast with Greek specialties and homemade dishes, the staff is lovely. One of the best choices for a stay in Kolonaki district!
• Hotel Lozenge: Just steps away from luxury shops. Rooms starting from 210€, breakfast included. Strong points: very friendly staff, perfect location, very comfortable bedding.

Close to Athens’ Ports

Staying near one of the two ports of Athens for one night is a good idea if you plan to continue your journey in Greece by visiting one of the Greek islands.

This is where the ferries that will take you to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, or Mykonos depart from.

If your ferry leaves early in the morning, and since it’s better to be at the port a bit in advance, I recommend booking a night at a nearby hotel to ensure you don’t miss your boat.

The ports are not located right next to Athens.

Depending on your destination, you will leave from:

• The Port of Piraeus, 10 km to the south of the city
• The Port of Rafina, 30 km to the east of Athens.

The Best Accommodations in Piraeus

• Noufara: Located a 5-minute walk from the port. Double room starting from 80€, breakfast for 8€.
• Piraeus City Hotel: Just 50 meters from the port. Modern and comfortable double room starting from 100€, breakfast for 11€.

Our Selection of the Best Hotels at Rafina Port

• Hotel Avra by Smile hotels: Located 200 meters from the port. Spacious double room, some with sea views, starting from 140€.

Where to Stay in Athens on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here’s a selection of affordable places to stay in Athens:

• Bedbox Hostel: This hostel is located 300 meters from Monastiraki Square and 700 meters from the Acropolis. Dormitory beds starting from €28 per night. Strong points: the location, the super friendly staff, the cleanliness. It’s an excellent choice for budget-friendly accommodation in Athens!
• Karma Athens: Located in the Plaka district. Double rooms starting from €85. Strong points: great location, courtyard with comfortable seating and shade, comfort, and a view of the Acropolis from the terrace. The best option for affordable central accommodation in Athens!
• City Circus Athens: Situated in Monastiraki. Double rooms starting from €100. Strong points: very friendly staff, nice rooms, superb location.

Staying in Athens With Family

• Athens Studios: Just 10 minutes walk from the Acropolis. Studios that can accommodate up to 4 people from €180, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop, the staff’s friendliness, the cleanliness. I highly recommend this place for a budget-friendly family stay in Athens.
• Attalos Hotel: Located in the Psiri district. Spacious family rooms starting from €190, breakfast at €9. Strong points: location in the heart of Athens, terrace and its view, comfort of the rooms. This hotel offers a great value for money if you plan to stay in Athens with family!
• Athens Starlight Hotel: Located in Monastiraki, this hotel offers quadruple rooms starting from €200, breakfast included. Strong points: situated in a quiet street, renovated and well-equipped rooms.
• Gaia Athens: Located next to the Agora. Family rooms with a kitchenette starting from €200, breakfast included. Strong points: the staff is super nice, perfect location near restaurants, metro, and attractions; homemade breakfast.

What is the Best Hotel in Athens?

If you’re looking for the best hotel in Athens, I can only recommend The Dolli at Acropolis.

For something a bit more affordable while still in the luxury category, you should also consider booking a night or more at Electra Metropolis or NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens by Leonardo Hotels.

Where to Stay in Athens: A Summary of the Best Hotels

To give you a better idea of the hotels to stay in Athens, I’ve put together a table summarizing all the ones I’ve mentioned in this article. You can sort them by price or by district!

Greece travel guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
• The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions

• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
• Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!

• Road trip in Greece – The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days.

• Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit

Cyclades (Greek islands)

• The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions

• Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
• Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades

• Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
• Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
• Naxos: Top 10 things to do
• Paros: The 10 best places to visit
• Santorini: The definitive guide
• Tinos: The 10 best things to do

Dodecanese

• Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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