We’ve been to Athens several times—first as a couple and most recently as a family with our daughter. Especially in the beginning, it wasn’t easy to find a nice place to stay in Athens. After all, Athens is a lively, bustling metropolis, and not every accommodation lives up to what it promises on hotel booking sites.
Party music until 4 a.m. in Psyrri, annoying neighbors with the TV blaring in a supposedly top-notch hotel on Monastiraki Square, mopeds racing down a side street in Koukaki. Athens is no easy place to find a hotel. Tom & Ella
After six visits to Athens, we know exactly which neighborhoods are worth it and which ones to steer clear of. In this post, we’ll share our personal Athens hotel recommendations and help you find the right accommodation for your city trip.
For a short trip to Athens, it makes sense to stay in the city center. In the neighborhoods of Monastiraki, Plaka, Psyrri, Thiseio, and Koukaki, you’ll even find suitable accommodations with views of the Acropolis. The most exclusive hotels in Athens are located in the heart of this city of 5 million, near the Ermou shopping street and Syntagma Square. Provided, of course, that you have the necessary funds. 🙂
We’ll show you which neighborhood suits you best and give you tips on where it’s worth staying in central Athens and which neighborhoods you should avoid. For each neighborhood, you’ll find recommendations for apartments in addition to our hotel tips.
Athens Map: This map includes all of Athens’ highlights, 64 must-see spots, insider tips, and shopping, 4 beaches & bays, as well as personal recommendations for 34 restaurants & cafés. Ideal for vacation planning and navigating the city. Compatible with smartphones, tablets, and PCs/Macs. Click here to use it now: Go to the Athens Map
Which Athens neighborhood is right for you?
In a nutshell: For families and couples seeking peace and quiet, we recommend Plaka, Thiseio, or Koukaki. For night owls and shoppers, Psyrri and the area around Ermou Street are the best choices. If you want to be right in the thick of things, you’ll be in good hands at the Athens hotels in Monastiraki. You can save the most by staying outside Athens’ city center, though this does mean you’ll have to factor in travel time by metro or bus. We recommend the neighborhoods of Ampelokipi, Pangrati, or Kallithea.
⚠️ Where you shouldn’t stay in Athens: Athens’ city center is mostly safe, and we’ve always felt comfortable at night in the neighborhoods we recommend around the Acropolis. But as in any big city, there are areas we don’t recommend for staying overnight: Omonia (visible drug scene in the side streets), Vathi/Viktoria (poorly lit, deserted after dark), and Metaxourgio (up-and-coming during the day, unpredictable at night).
Exarchia is often praised as a hip alternative neighborhood, but it is also the center of Athens’ autonomous scene. Burned-out cars and demonstrations are not uncommon. Our Greek friend George, who has spent his entire life in Athens, strongly advises against staying there overnight. A daytime visit is fine, but we wouldn’t recommend it as a place to stay in Athens.
#1 Hotels in Monastiraki
Monastiraki is Athens’ iconic neighborhood and the beating heart of the city. The square of the same name at the foot of the Acropolis has been the city’s commercial center for centuries, and the metro station is right next to it—we always use it when we want to explore the highlights outside the city center. Every Sunday, the famous flea market takes place here, and the rooftop bars on Monastiraki Square offer iconic views of the Acropolis.
But Monastiraki is also the most crowded neighborhood of Athens. Pushy street vendors, restaurants aggressively soliciting customers, and people, people, people. In the summer, tourists jostle through the narrow alleys, and it can get really exhausting. Winter is a major exception: From November through March, Monastiraki is highly recommended as a place to stay. That’s when you can experience its authentic charm, without any crowds.
Advantages of staying in Monastiraki
🟢 Best metro connections in all of Athens
🟢 Short distances to almost all attractions
🟢 Huge selection of restaurants and rooftop bars
🟢 Especially recommended in winter (Nov.–Mar.)
Disadvantages of staying in Monastiraki
⚪ Extremely crowded and noisy in the summer
⚪ Pushy street vendors and restaurant touts
⚪ Can be stressful for families with small children
360 Degrees Hotel
€€ | This hotel with modern rooms is located right on Monastiraki Square in the heart of the Old Town. Good value for money and a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the illuminated Acropolis from the hotel terrace.
➲ Book the 360 Degrees Hotel (Booking.com)*
A77 Suites by Andronis
€€€ | Very tasteful suites between Monastiraki and Plaka, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. Good breakfast, attentive service, and a dreamy penthouse suite with a whirlpool and views of the Acropolis.
➲ Book A77 Suites (Booking.com)*
Athens Woo Suites
€€-€€€ | Stylish boutique hotel near Ermou Street with outstanding service and beautiful suites. Breakfast on the rooftop terrace with views of the Acropolis is a highlight. One of the highest-rated hotels in Athens.
➲ Book Athens Woo Suites (Booking.com)*
Beautiful apartments in Monastiraki:
#2 Hotels in Plaka
For us, Plaka is the most beautiful neighborhood in downtown Athens. Almost entirely car-free, it’s both sophisticated and historic—like a village in the middle of the big city. Pastel-colored mansions adorned with bougainvillea, narrow alleys filled with taverns and cafés, and the Acropolis towering above it all. Plaka is ideal for families and couples who enjoy a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.
Make sure your Athens hotel is near the Acropolis, meaning in the western part of Plaka. It’s quiet there, and you’ll be just a short walk from the Temple Mount. In contrast, the eastern part of Plaka borders National Highway 91 (partly eight lanes wide), which sees traffic day and night—without soundproof windows, this can turn into a nightmare. By the way: The enchanting mini-neighborhood of Anafiotika above Plaka, with its Cycladic alleyways, has no accommodations—understandably, the locals don’t want to lose their treasure to tourists.
Advantages of staying in Plaka
🟢 Most beautiful neighborhood with historic charm
🟢 Almost completely traffic-calmed
🟢 The Acropolis is just a few minutes’ walk away
🟢 Ideal for families and couples
Disadvantages of staying in Plaka
⚪ Higher prices than in other neighborhoods
⚪ Eastern part borders a noisy main road
⚪ Some alleys are lined with souvenir shops
AthensWas Design Hotel
€€-€€€ | Modern design hotel directly across from the Acropolis Museum on the Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade. Elegant rooms with balconies, excellent breakfast with panoramic Acropolis views on the rooftop terrace. Prime location!
➲ Book the AthensWas Design Hotel (Booking.com)*
Plaka Arch Suites
€€ | Cozy boutique hotel in the heart of Plaka, just a few minutes’ walk from the Acropolis Museum and Hadrian’s Gate. Spacious rooms with balconies, friendly staff, and breakfast included.
➲ Book Plaka Arch Suites (Booking.com)*
Farmaki Residence
€€ | Luxurious aparthotel in a fully renovated building in the heart of Plaka. Tasteful decor, fully equipped kitchen, and a private rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Perfect for families and longer stays.
➲ Book Farmaki Residence (Booking.com)*
Beautiful apartments in Plaka:
#3 Hotels in Koukaki
Koukaki is the underrated neighborhood south of the Acropolis and one of our insider tips for where to stay. The Acropolis Museum is practically just around the corner, yet far fewer tourists find their way here than to Plaka or Monastiraki. Koukaki is a classic residential and commercial district, where a small grocery store sits next to a trendy café, and the daily life of Athenians unfolds on the balcony across from your hotel.
In the morning, Yia Yia waters her flowers with the garden hose, children play on the sidewalk, and in the evening, neighbors sit together on their doorsteps. If you want to experience the real Athens off the beaten path yet still be just five minutes from the Acropolis, Koukaki is the perfect place for you. Koukaki is a great choice for families, because it’s noticeably quieter here than in the neighborhoods north of the Acropolis.
Advantages of staying in Koukaki
🟢 Authentic Athens away from the crowds
🟢 Acropolis Museum right nearby
🟢 Good value for money
🟢 Quiet and family-friendly
Disadvantages of staying in Koukaki
⚪ Fewer restaurants and bars nearby
⚪ No nightlife of its own
Acropolis View Hotel
€-€€ | Small hotel offering arguably the best value for money for an Acropolis view. Modern rooms, friendly staff, and a rooftop terrace with a spectacular panoramic view of the Parthenon. The Acropolis metro station is just a 5-minute walk away.
➲ Book the Acropolis View Hotel (Booking.com)*
Coco-mat Athens BC
€€-€€€ | Elegant 5-star hotel from the renowned Greek Coco-mat Group, just a few steps from the Acropolis metro station. First-class breakfast featuring Greek specialties, a spa area, and a wonderful restaurant. Known for its legendary, comfortable Coco-mat beds.
➲ Book Coco-mat Athens BC (Booking.com)*
Beautiful apartments in Koukaki:
💰 Save money on Athens hotels: Athens isn’t cheap; prices starting at €200 per night are standard in the city center. It sounds crazy, but you can often find good hotel deals in Athens during the height of summer. Greeks flee to the countryside and islands in August, the city center empties out, and some aparthotels lower their prices significantly. The catch is that it gets unbearably hot amid the concrete and sun-baked archaeological sites. If you can handle the heat and want to save money, you can snag some real bargains in August.
#4 Hotels in Thiseio
When we visit Athens, we’re almost always drawn to Thiseio (also known as Thissio). This charming neighborhood west of the Acropolis offers, in our opinion, the most peaceful atmosphere of all the city’s districts, yet it doesn’t feel left behind. The long pedestrian street Apostolou Pavlou runs right past the ancient Agora, and the cozy cafés along the promenade invite you to linger for hours. Another eye-catcher is the old observatory on nearby Nymphes Hill.
Every evening, street performers, musicians, and vendors transform this beautiful Athenian neighborhood into an open-air stage, giving Thiseio a timeless charm—almost like a mini-Paris at the foot of the Acropolis. Thiseio is our personal favorite place to stay in Athens for families and anyone who prefers a relaxed yet central location.
Advantages of staying in Thiseio
🟢 The quietest neighborhood in central Athens
🟢 Beautiful cafés and restaurants with views of the Acropolis
🟢 Promenade with street performers in the evening
🟢 Perfect for families and couples seeking peace and quiet
Disadvantages of staying in Thiseio
⚪ Smaller selection of hotels than in Plaka or Monastiraki
⚪ Slightly further from Syntagma Square and the National Garden
Hotel Thissio
€€ | A small boutique hotel located directly on the northwest side of the Acropolis with spectacular views of the Temple Hill. Modern rooms in a minimalist style, some with balconies and direct panoramic views of the Acropolis. The on-site restaurant on the rooftop terrace is worth a visit for the view alone.
➲ Book Hotel Thissio (Booking.com)*
Acropolis Vision
€-€€ | Charming little hotel on a quiet side street, just a few minutes’ walk from the Thiseio metro station and Monastiraki Square. Clean, modern rooms and a rooftop terrace with a rooftop bar and fantastic views of the Acropolis. Good value for money given the central location.
➲ Book Acropolis Vision (Booking.com)*
La Divina
€€-€€€ | A true gem: La Divina is housed in a restored neoclassical building that once served as a concert hall in honor of Maria Callas. 12 spacious suites with views of the Acropolis, some with a private hot tub on the terrace. Part of the Greek Aria Hotels Group. Located directly on the Adrianou pedestrian zone.
➲ Book La Divina (Booking.com)*
Beautiful apartments in Thissio:
- Greece U Around Athens Thissio Suites* – tested by us!
- AIONION RESIDENCES by K&K*
#5 Hotels in Psyrri
Psyrri (also spelled Psiri) is a young neighborhood that has transformed in recent years from Athens’ former slum into an absolute hotspot. Graffiti and street art on every building wall, plus countless bars, clubs, and restaurants with live music. The famous Pittaki Street, home to the Instagram-worthy café “Little Kook”—which is transformed into a fairy-tale world with countless decorative items depending on the season—is a real photo opportunity.
As a couple, we loved Psyrri on our first trip to Athens: hanging out in the cocktail bars well past midnight, strolling through the illuminated alleys, enjoying the vibrant nightlife. As a family with a toddler, however, things look quite different. When your child can’t fall asleep because of all the bar music and you can only save yourself with earplugs, Psyrri quickly loses its appeal. For young couples and night owls, Psyrri is highly recommended; for families, not so much.
Advantages of staying in Psyrri
🟢 Athens’ best nightlife and bar scene
🟢 Street art and creative art everywhere
🟢 Still affordable despite its central location
🟢 Short walk to Monastiraki
Disadvantages of staying in Psyrri
⚪ Noisy until the early hours of the morning
⚪ Not suitable for families with small children
⚪ A bit run-down in places during the day
Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel (formerly Cloud 9)
€€ | Affordable aparthotel on the border of Psyrri and Thiseio with tastefully decorated rooms. Reasonable price, cool owners, delicious breakfast, and within walking distance of the nearest metro station. Our tip for anyone who likes style and enjoys a long night out.
➲ Book the Moon & Stars Hotel (Booking.com)*
The Foundry Suites
€€-€€€ | Stylish aparthotel in the heart of Psyrri. The lovingly designed loft-style suites exude industrial chic. Large rooftop terrace with a view of the Acropolis. Ideal for couples and design enthusiasts who want Athens’ nightlife right on their doorstep.
➲ Book The Foundry Suites (Booking.com)*
Beautiful apartments in Psyrri:
#6 Hotels on Ermou Street & Syntagma Square
Ermou Street is Athens’ main shopping thoroughfare, connecting Monastiraki Square with Syntagma Square. Here, international fashion chains line up alongside local boutiques. It’s very bustling during the week, but things quiet down a bit on the weekends, and Sundays are actually the most relaxed. It’s a modern neighborhood, more suited to city dwellers than backpackers.
Surrounding Syntagma Square, home to the Parliament building and the famous changing of the guard, are the city’s most expensive hotels, where celebrities and politicians also stay. If you want to treat yourself to something special and enjoy an urban, comfortable stay, you’re in good hands here. Thanks to its close proximity to the National Garden with its lush vegetation and large playground, the Syntagma district offers a welcome change of pace even on hot days.
Advantages of staying on Ermou Street / near Syntagma
🟢 Best shopping location in Athens
🟢 Selection of luxury hotels
🟢 Excellent metro connections (Syntagma)
🟢 Surprisingly quiet on Sundays
🟢 Close to the National Museum and National Garden
Disadvantages of staying on Ermou Street / near Syntagma
⚪ Highest prices in the city
⚪ Very busy and noisy during the week
⚪ Less authentic, more urban-modern
InnAthens
€€ | Chic hotel on the edge of the Plaka district, not far from Syntagma Square. Modern rooms, a quiet courtyard, helpful staff, and a very good breakfast buffet. Best value for money in this area.
➲ Book InnAthens (Booking.com)*
Hotel Grande Bretagne
€€€€ | It’s not exactly cheap, but if you’re looking to treat yourself—whether for your honeymoon or silver anniversary—this is the place to be. Opened in 1874, this historic hotel right on Syntagma Square is Athens’ most famous hotel. Opulent rooms, a legendary rooftop pool with views of the Acropolis, and first-class service. A truly exceptional experience!
➲ Book the Hotel Grande Bretagne (Booking.com)*
Beautiful apartments around Ermou and Syntagma:
💡 Help with planning your Greece vacation: Not sure where to start or how to go about planning your trip to Greece? No problem—take advantage of our years of experience with trips to Greece and let us help you. We’ll advise you on all your questions and concerns, even via video chat. Book your consultation here: Greece Trip Planning
Hotels in Piraeus
The Port of Piraeus is the gateway to the Greek islands. If you want to catch an early morning ferry to the Cyclades or other islands, you should consider staying overnight right in Piraeus. This saves you the stressful transfer from downtown Athens at 5 a.m. Piraeus is now a city in its own right with over 160,000 residents and has its own unique charm, especially around the idyllic Mikrolimano harbor with its fish taverns.
Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel
€€-€€€ | Chic city hotel not far from the Port of Piraeus with tasteful, spacious rooms and a simple but good breakfast. From here, you can reach the ferry terminals in just a few minutes on foot. Tested by us and found to be very good!
➲ Book the Athenarum Portus (Booking.com)*
Phidias Piraeus Hotel
€-€€ | A solid hotel in a quiet neighborhood of Piraeus. The rooms are simple but clean and functional. A good breakfast and a convenient shuttle service to the port make the Phidias a reliable choice for the night before your ferry. Also tested by us!
➲ Book the Phidias Hotel (Booking.com)*
The Alex Hotel
€€-€€€ | A good 4-star hotel in eastern Piraeus near the picturesque Kastella neighborhood. Some rooms offer a sea view, and from the rooftop terrace you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Athens. Fair prices for the comfort provided.
➲ Book The Alex Hotel (Booking.com)*
Hotels in Rafina & near Athens Airport
The port of Rafina, located in the eastern part of the Attica Peninsula, is the region’s second-most important ferry port. Ferries depart from here to the northern Cyclades (including Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos). For anyone with a very early flight or arriving in Athens late at night, it’s worth staying overnight near the airport. ATH Airport is about 30 minutes from Rafina.
Hotel Avra
€€ | A solid 4-star hotel right on the port of Rafina with a free airport shuttle. The comfort is absolutely sufficient for a night before the ferry trip. Good restaurant and beach in the immediate vicinity.
➲ Book Hotel Avra (Booking.com)*
Air Suite
€€ | Modern apartment in Spata, just 6 minutes from Athens Airport. High-quality amenities with a fully equipped kitchen. Ideal for a relaxing night before departure or upon late arrival.
➲ Book the Air Suite (Booking.com)*
→ Here you’ll find more useful articles and Athens travel tips:
FAQs about Athens Hotel Tips
In which neighborhood should I stay in Athens?
For first-time visitors, we recommend Plaka or Thiseio; both neighborhoods are right next to the Acropolis and are largely traffic-calmed. If you’re looking for nightlife, Psyrri is the perfect spot. Koukaki, south of the Acropolis, is our insider tip for anyone who wants to experience authentic Athens off the beaten path. We generally advise against staying in outlying neighborhoods like Exarchia or Omonia.
How expensive are hotels in Athens?
Compared to other European capitals, Athens is still relatively affordable. You can find a good 3-star hotel or apartment in the center starting at around 70 to 90 euros per night. For an upscale 4-star boutique hotel, you’ll pay between 120 and 200 euros. Luxury hotels on Syntagma Square start at 250 euros and up. Budget-conscious travelers can still find apartments for under 80 euros in Koukaki and Psyrri, even during peak season.
Is a hotel with a view of the Acropolis worth it?
Absolutely, at least for one night! Admiring the illuminated Parthenon in the evening from your own rooftop terrace is one of the most beautiful moments of a visit to Athens. Many hotels in Monastiraki, Thissio, and Koukaki offer rooftop terraces with panoramic views of the Acropolis without breaking the bank. The Acropolis View Hotel in Koukaki or the Hotel Thissio are good examples of affordable Acropolis views.
How far in advance should I book a hotel in Athens?
During the high season from May to October, we recommend booking at least two to three months in advance, especially for popular boutique hotels and accommodations with Acropolis views. During the low season from November to March, you can still find good deals at significantly lower prices even at the last minute. A tip: Through Booking.com*, you can book many hotels with free cancellation and secure your desired dates early on.
Where is the best place to stay if I have to catch an early ferry?
If your ferry departs early in the morning from Piraeus, save yourself the stressful transfer from downtown Athens and stay right in Piraeus. From the Athenarum Portus or Phidias Hotel, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal. For ferries departing from Rafina (e.g., to the Northern Cyclades), we recommend the Hotel Avra right at the port, which even offers a free airport shuttle.
Which neighborhood is best for families with children?
Based on our own experience with our daughter, we recommend Thiseio, Koukaki, or the quiet side of Plaka. These neighborhoods have limited traffic, are family-friendly, and are still centrally located. We advise against Psyrri for families with small children; the bar music there goes on until the early morning hours, and getting any sleep without earplugs is nearly impossible. Apartments with kitchens are often a better choice for families than traditional hotel rooms.
Do I need a hotel near a metro station?
Athens’ city center around the Acropolis is so compact that you can reach almost everything on foot. It takes just 10 minutes to walk from Monastiraki Square to the Acropolis. A nearby metro station is still convenient if you want to reach the airport, the Athens Riviera, or the port of Piraeus. The Monastiraki, Acropolis, and Thiseio stations are all located in the heart of the recommended neighborhoods.
Is Athens safe to stay in?
We’ve always felt safe in downtown Athens, both day and night, and haven’t experienced any unpleasant situations so far. You can move around without worry in the neighborhoods we recommend around the Acropolis. As in any big city, of course, don’t display valuables openly and keep an eye on your bag in busy places like Monastiraki. We have deliberately avoided certain outlying areas with a less-than-stellar reputation.
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