Known as the capital of Greece, Athens has a compact city center with diverse neighborhoods. This can make it overwhelming when it comes to choosing where to stay in Athens especially for a first-time visitor.

In order to give you the best Athens neighborhood guide, we partnered with Athens expert Marisa Feyen. Having lived in Athens for over a year, Marisa has explored many different neighborhoods in Athens and shares the best of what she has learned in this article. Whether you are looking for the best 5-star hotels in Athens or budget accommodation, this guide will show you the best areas to base yourself on your next trip to Athens, Greece.

Best Places to Stay in Athens, Greece

There are several areas to choose from in Athens. Some, like Syntagma Square, are in the heart of the city while others are just a metro ride or a short walk away from most main attractions.

Your budget and travel style will determine the ideal area for you. To simplify your choice, here are my recommendations:

Where to Stay in Athens for First-timers?

Plaka and Syntagma are the top places to base yourself if you are visiting Athens for the first time.

What is the best area to stay in Athens on a budget?

Gazi is the best area if you are on a budget. It offers a great selection of hotels and is only a 20-minute walk to the main attractions.

Where is the best place to stay in Athens for families?

Kolonaki is the perfect area if you have kids. With great museums and shopping streets, it is safe and quieter than other neighborhoods.

Where to stay in Athens for Nightlife?

Psyri is known as the nightclub district of Athens. If you want to experience vibrant Greek nightlife, this is where you should stay.

Best Areas to Stay in Athens Greece

In a Hurry? Check out the Best Hotels in Athens. Here are recommendations for the top hotels across Athens.

• Best 5-Star Hotel in Athens: Hotel Grand Bretagne
• Best Mid-range Hotel in Athens: Herodion Hotel
• Our Newest recommendation from our latest Athens Visit: Astor Hotel
• Best Budget Hotel in Athens: Evripides Hotel

1. Syntagma Square – Where to Stay in Athens for First-timers

Known as the heart of the city, Syntagma Square is the most central place in Athens. Day or night, there is always a buzz here.

This is one of the most popular areas for first-time visitors because it is accessible from pretty much anywhere in the city.

Syntagma Square is the most important square in Athens.

Many major events in its modern history occurred here – from political demonstrations to celebrations.

Visit the Greek Parliament Building, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the original marble Olympic Stadium (Panathenaic).

Syntagma also offers many great restaurants and trendy bars to keep you entertained all night long.

Where to Stay in Athens Near Syntagma Square

Luxury

• Hotel Grand Bretagne – An ultra-luxury hotel with a rooftop restaurant/bar/pool offering the best view in Athens and a full-service spa.

Mid-Range

• Emporikon Athens Hotel – Ideal for exploring, with some rooms offering Acropolis or Lycabettus Hill views.

Budget

• Hotel Adonis – Conveniently located near Plaka, boasting a roof terrace with outstanding views of Athens and the Acropolis.

Things to See Near Syntagma Square

Parliament Building – Previously the palace of King Otto, it now houses Greek democracy.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – The changing of the guard ceremonies are a popular attraction (Top of every hour, with a large ceremony on Sundays at 11 AM).

Panathenaic Stadium – The venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896, also featured events in the 2004 Olympics.

National Gardens – A public space perfect for walks or finding peace and quiet in the center of Athens.

Anafiotika – Experience an island vibe in the city center, home to islander descendants bringing charm to Athens.

2. Koukaki – Athens Neighborhood for a Local Experience

This neighborhood south of the Acropolis has a local vibe. If you seek a walkable area where everyday Athenians live and hang out, Koukaki is ideal.

Key attractions include the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Many pedestrian zones exist here, allowing for nearly car-free walking around the Acropolis.

The heart of this neighborhood is the pedestrian street Drakou, where you can enjoy coffee or meals with locals.

Further southwest is Olympiou, another pedestrian street with extensive tavernas and ouzeries showcasing traditional greek food.

Where to Stay in Athens Near Koukaki

Luxury

• Divani Palace Acropolis – 5-star luxury hotel with a rooftop restaurant that boasts one of the best views in Athens.

Mid-Range

• Herodion Hotel – Designer boutique with a modern rooftop restaurant/bar and outdoor jacuzzis featuring Acropolis views.

Budget

• Athens Studios – Affordable accommodation near the Acropolis Museum, offering studios or apartments in a convenient location.

Things to See in Koukaki

Acropolis – Home to Athens’ most famous monument, the Parthenon, alongside the Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheum, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Acropolis Museum – This museum ranks among the best worldwide, notable for a to-scale recreation of the frieze surrounding the Parthenon.

Filopappos Hill – Offers magnificent views of Athens, the Aegean Sea, and the Acropolis, making it excellent for a walk.

Temple of Olympian Zeus – Remnants of the largest temple in ancient Greece, constructed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian.

National Museum of Contemporary Art – Set in a refurbished 1893 brewery, it hosts contemporary exhibitions featuring Greek and international artists.

3. Kolonaki – Where to Stay in Athens for Luxury and Shopping

For those coming to Athens to shop, this upscale area features designer shops and boutiques that will delight shoppers. Kolonaki is situated northeast of the Acropolis.

In addition, it hosts Athens’ renowned art museums. For instance, the Benaki Museum provides a vast collection of high-quality Greek art spanning its extensive history.

A hike up Lycabettus Hill will offer an excellent workout and spectacular views of the city. Alternatively, you can take a funicular to the summit for breathtaking sights.

You’ll love the vibrant atmosphere on Tsakalof Street, perfect for coffee during the day or cocktails at night.

Top Hotels Near Kolonaki

Luxury

• Saint George Lycabettus – Luxury hotel featuring a rooftop pool bar with panoramic views, a fitness center, and a full-service spa.

Mid-Range

• Coco-Mat Hotel – A designer hotel featuring a roof garden/restaurant with city views, homemade breakfast, and complimentary bicycle rentals.

Budget

• Athinais Hotel – A comfortable hotel situated in a neighborhood with limited budget accommodation options. Great location.

Things to See Near Kolonaki

Lycabettus Hill – Offers views extending to the port of Piraeus and the Aegean Sea, accessible by either a hike or a funicular.

Benaki Museum – A stunning collection of artifacts from ancient, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern eras, offering a fantastic gift shop for quality souvenirs.

Museum of Cycladic Art – Home to the world’s largest collection of Cycladic art, providing essential insights into ancient islander life.

Byzantine and Christian Museum – Features artworks from the era when Greek culture dominated the eastern Christian world.

4. Metaxourgeio – A Great Central Location in Athens

My affection for Athens blossomed after an evening in the vibrant Metaxourgeio. Historically a working-class neighborhood, it experienced decline in the 70s. Today, immigrants and artists take advantage of the affordable rents here.

This influx has birthed an artsy vibe, complete with numerous art galleries, trendy restaurants, and cafes. The cultural center of Metaxourgeio is Avdi Square, which comes alive in the evening when bars and cafes fill with patrons.

The finest hotels typically reside on Karaiskakis Square, adjacent to the metro stop.

It’s a short 10-minute walk to Avdi Square from Karaiskaki Square. Here, you can immerse in art galleries like the Municipal Gallery of Athens, Rebecca Camhi Gallery, Breeder Gallery, and the Vamiali Gallery, along with abundant street art.

Stay in Metaxourgeio for an alternative locale. It’s still a transitional neighborhood, but its charm might not suit everyone.

Best Hotels in Metaxourgeio

Luxury

• Wyndham Grand Athens – A luxury hotel featuring a rooftop pool/bar offering full views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, along with a spa and fitness center.

Mid-Range

• Novus City Hotel – A stylish hotel with a rooftop pool and bar, providing views of the Acropolis. Great value for its offerings.

Budget

• Hotel Katerina – Comfortable stay with an excellent location near the metro.

Things to See in Metaxourgeio

National Archaeological Museum – This world-renowned museum features artifacts dating back to 7000 B.C., including rare bronze statues, the Mask of Agamemnon, and classic-period sculptures.

Avdi Square – A park-like square that thrives in the evening, home to my favorite cafes, bars, and restaurants on the perimeter.

Gazi – A lively nightclub and bar area, formerly a 19th-century gas plant known as Technopolis, now hosts cultural events, a weekly artisan market, and a museum, lit in red and purple at night.

Exarchia – An edgy neighborhood with a storied history of clashes with law enforcement, featuring vibrant graffiti and street art, generally safe despite its reputation.

5. Psyri – Where to Stay in Athens for Nightlife

Psyri’s streets fill with people at night, all while remaining close to sights like Thissio and Monastiraki Square. It is the perfect locale for anyone who desires proximity to the heart of the action after dark.

This area carries an anti-establishment air, rooted in its history as a haven for dissenters, which offers a quirky charm due to recent gentrification bringing in artisan shops and bars.

Nearby attractions include Monastiraki Square and its famed flea market, Athens Central Market, and Thissio.

Best Hotels Near Psyri

Luxury

• O&B Boutique Hotel Athens – A 4-star hip hotel featuring a restaurant/bar; suites include private terraces with Acropolis views.

Mid-Range

• 18 Micon Street – A new modern boutique hotel located centrally in Psyri, with some rooms boasting large balconies.

Budget

• Evripides Hotel – Affordable hotel featuring a breakfast terrace with views of the Acropolis, making it a fantastic choice on a budget.

Things to See in Psyri

Monastiraki Square – One of the city’s central squares, known for its array of souvlaki joints, known as Souvlaki Row (note: better souvlaki can be found elsewhere), along with a 12th-century Byzantine church.

Monastiraki Flea Market – Famous for its antiques, books, jewelry, artworks, and small appliances.

Athens Central Market – A sensory experience where you can buy produce, fish, and meet butchers at work, including the sight of whole animals hanging.

Library of Hadrian – Ruins of a 2nd-century A.D. Roman-era cultural center with only a few pillars remaining today.

Monastiraki Metro Station – Be sure to check the excavation inside the station, revealing ruins unearthed during the Blue line extension’s construction.

Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds – Built by the Romans, this area mainly features ruins, yet the Tower of the Winds remains intact.

Ancient Agora – This area marks the birthplace of democracy, with excavations uncovering sparse remains and the well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos.

Thissio – Located west of the Ancient Agora, this neighborhood offers stunning Acropolis views along with a beloved outdoor cinema.

6. Plaka – The Best Place to Stay in Athens

This area has transformed over the years, becoming increasingly popular with tourists. I recommend it for first-time visitors due to its central location and proximity to various attractions.

Known as the Old Town of Athens, the Plaka neighborhood lies at the base of the Acropolis. Its colorful buildings, narrow pedestrian streets, and rich cultural history make it one of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in Athens. Although a bit touristy, it retains its old-world charm.

As Plaka is centrally located, accommodation options tend to be slightly more expensive compared to other areas.

Where to Stay in Plaka

Luxury

• Electra Metropolis Hotel – This 5-star hotel offers incredible rooms and stunning Acropolis views, along with an exceptional rooftop restaurant.

Mid-Range

• New Hotel – Ideally situated near Syntagma Square, this modern hotel boasts great rooms and an excellent restaurant.

Budget

• Hotel Phaedra – Located centrally, this hotel offers affordability and cleanliness, plus free Wi-Fi and close proximity to the metro.

Things to See in Plaka

The Acropolis: Given Plaka’s position at the foot of this ancient ruin, don’t miss visiting it.

Parthenon: An impressive temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena.

Temple of Olympian Zeus: This half-ruined temple features 104 tall columns, offering an awe-inspiring structure worth a visit.

Visit Museums: If museums pique your interest, Plaka features several, including the Museum of Popular Musical Instruments and Frissiras Museum, among others.

7. Gazi – Best Place to Stay in Athens on a Budget

While Gazi may not sit in the heart of Athens, most main attractions are just a 15-20 minute walk or a quick ride away via public transit. Consequently, it stands out as the ideal area for budget-conscious travelers.

Here, you can enjoy more value for your money compared to districts like Plaka and Syntagma. Gazi centers around Technopolis, an old gasworks transformed into a cultural and museum hub, frequently hosting engaging cultural and musical events.

Where to Stay in Gazi

Luxury

• 47 Luxury Suites – Featuring great rooms, centrally located, and boasting a friendly staff to meet your luxury needs.

Mid Range

• The House – Close to the metro, this hotel features a blend of old charm and new influences, with only 9 rooms exuding character.

Budget

• Chameleon Hostel – This is a perfect, clean, and affordable accommodation option for those exploring Athens on a budget.

Things to See in Gazi:

Technopolis: An old gas plant transformed into a cultural center, this venue hosts live shows, exhibitions, and more.

Stroll the Mural-Filled Streets: Gazi is now a hotspot for street art; wander around to discover talented local artists.

Gazarte: A popular bar that offers splendid views of the Acropolis.

Athens Quick Tips

Athens Metro is both affordable and user-friendly.

Purchase tickets available at all metro, tram, and suburban railway stations. Many kiosks also sell tickets. The same ticket applies for all public transport modes.

A five-day pass for unlimited public transportation is only €9.

• This excludes transfers to/from the airport: A one-way metro ticket to/from the airport costs €10, while an Express Bus ticket is €6.
• A 3-day tourist pass covering all transportation options AND roundtrip airport transfers is only €22.

Plan Your Athens Trip

Athens uses the Euro – $1 USD = .85 Euro. For the most current conversions, check the XE Currency Converter App. Dress in layers and pack versatile clothing as Athens can be extremely hot with intense sun. Bring sunscreen and a hat for skin protection.

Athens is a city you could visit time and again, filled with rich history, incredible food, and friendly people. This is your guide to explore the best neighborhoods in Athens and all they offer. So lace up your walking shoes and start discovering the ancient city of Athens!