Where to stay in Athens
Most visitors want to be within walking distance of the Acropolis, and fortunately several attractive districts surround it. Others choose seaside suburbs or upmarket Kolonaki. Air conditioning is a must from June to September.
Plaka
Plaka, known as the "neighbourhood of the gods", sits on the north-eastern slope beneath the Acropolis. Its narrow lanes, neoclassical mansions, bougainvillea and tavernas make it the most picturesque area, and the tiny Anafiotika quarter above, built by workers from the Cycladic island of Anafi, feels like an island village. It is very central and safe, but souvenir shops and tourist restaurants dominate some streets, and prices are higher.
Koukaki and Makrygianni
South of the Acropolis, Koukaki is a residential neighbourhood that has become many travellers' favourite base. The Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis's southern entrance are a few minutes' walk, and the pedestrian Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade links it to Thissio. Koukaki has cafés, bakeries and neighbourhood tavernas, plus the Syngrou-Fix metro station on the red line. Many rooftop terraces offer direct Acropolis views.
Monastiraki and Psyrri
Monastiraki is a busy square and flea market district at the foot of the Acropolis, with the Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Library and rooftop bars such as A for Athens and 360 Cocktail Bar. Metro lines 1 and 3 meet here, giving direct access to the port of Piraeus and the airport. Neighbouring Psyrri is a nightlife area with street art, tavernas with live rebetiko music and late bars. These areas are lively and convenient, though noisy.
Syntagma
Syntagma (Constitution) Square faces the Hellenic Parliament, where the Evzones guards change every hour. Large hotels here, including the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne, are well connected to the airport by metro line 3 and the X95 bus. The National Garden is next door, and Ermou shopping street leads to Monastiraki.
Thissio
Thissio, on the western side of the Acropolis, offers some of the best views of the Parthenon from cafés along the pedestrian walkway Apostolou Pavlou. It is calmer than Monastiraki, with an open-air cinema, Cine Thisio, in summer. It is close to the Ancient Agora and Filopappou Hill.
Kolonaki
Kolonaki, on the slopes of Lycabettus Hill, is Athens's upmarket district, with designer shops, art galleries, chic cafés and museums including the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. It is a short walk to Syntagma and offers a more local, affluent atmosphere.
Pangrati
East of the Panathenaic Stadium, Pangrati is a residential area loved by locals for its restaurants, bars and squares such as Varnava. Prices are lower, and you can walk to the centre in 20 to 30 minutes.
Exarchia
Exarchia, the student and anarchist district near the Polytechnic, is full of bookshops, cheap tavernas and political graffiti. It has a strong character but occasional demonstrations and tension with police, so it suits more adventurous travellers.
The Athens Riviera
For a beach holiday combined with city visits, the coastal suburbs of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza offer seaside hotels, sandy beaches and Lake Vouliagmeni, a thermal lake. The tram connects Glyfada and Voula to Syntagma in about 50 minutes, and taxis take 30 minutes outside rush hour.
Booking notes
Greece charges a climate resilience fee per room per night, which was increased in 2025, especially from April to October, and is higher for higher-category hotels. Many central apartments are in older buildings with small lifts. If you plan to take an early ferry, Piraeus hotels or Monastiraki are practical. Book well ahead for Easter (Greek Orthodox), which often differs from Western Easter, and for July and August.
Neos Kosmos and Fix
South of Koukaki, around Fix metro station and the Onassis Stegi cultural centre, Neos Kosmos has newer hotels with lower prices, while being within walking distance of the Acropolis Museum. It suits travellers who want value and quick access to the sights.
Rooftop views
A hotel rooftop with a view of the Acropolis is one of the great pleasures of Athens. Many hotels in Plaka, Monastiraki, Makrygianni and Thissio have roof bars or terraces with sunset views of the Parthenon, and some are open to non-guests. Ask for an Acropolis-view room when booking.
Heat and air conditioning
In July and August temperatures often exceed 35°C. Make sure your accommodation has efficient air conditioning, and consider ground or lower floors in older buildings without insulation.
Port of Piraeus
Travellers catching early ferries to the islands may prefer staying in Piraeus, the main port. It has its own restaurants and the Mikrolimano marina, and metro line M1 and the tram connect it to Athens.
Glyfada
Glyfada, on the coast, has upmarket hotels, beaches and shopping, and the tram links it to the centre.
Summary
First visit and romance: Plaka or Koukaki. Nightlife: Psyrri. Transport: Syntagma or Monastiraki. Upmarket: Kolonaki. Local life on a budget: Pangrati. Beach and city: the Riviera.
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