The Ultimate Guide to Where to Stay in Athens in 2024

When planning your trip to Athens, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, choosing the right neighborhood can enhance your experience in this ancient city. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to book your hotel in Athens, highlighting the areas with the best views of the Acropolis, the tastiest street food, and the most exciting nightlife.

The Heart of Athens

Athens is a sprawling metropolis, but for an unforgettable experience, focus on the central section of the city. This area encompasses the charming historical center, famous archaeological sites, and numerous museums. When you’re walking distance from these attractions, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Athens. Proximity to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the lively neighborhoods is key—hence, aim to stay within a designated zone that allows easy access to all these highlights.

Top Neighborhoods to Consider

In Athens, seven neighborhoods stand out as the best options for visitors: Thiseio, Psyri, Monastiraki, the City Center, Syntagma, Plaka, and Makrygianni. These areas not only place you near various attractions but also provide a unique blend of local culture and conveniences. Walking distances are manageable, and each neighborhood has its distinct charm.

Discover Psyri: A Culinary Haven

Psyri is on the list for a reason. This vibrant area is filled with mezedopoleia—small tavern-style eateries where you can indulge in delicious small plates reminiscent of Spain’s tapas. It’s known for its affordability and is a favored spot for locals to enjoy both day and nighttime activities. The nightlife in Psyri is lively, but be mindful that weekends can get a bit noisy. With affordable hotels offering stunning views of the Acropolis, Psyri is a prime choice for travelers seeking both fun and convenience.

Uncover the Charm of Monastiraki

Monastiraki is another fantastic neighborhood, famous for its large square and vibrant flea markets. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to shop for souvenirs without overpaying. Additionally, Monastiraki is home to some of the best rooftop bars in Athens, with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. However, keep your belongings close, as it can be a hotspot for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.

Experience the Bustle of the City Center

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The city center of Athens is characterized by its lively atmosphere, featuring a maze of narrow alleys filled with street food vendors. If you’re a fan of souvlaki, then you absolutely must try the iconic Kostas—its reputation is well-deserved! Though the city center can be slightly pricier, it makes up for it with its incredible culinary options. Just note that there aren’t many hotels with views of the Acropolis here.

Syntagma: The Upscale Shopping District

For a more glamorous experience, Syntagma is where you’ll find upscale shopping along Ermou Street. This area boasts some of the city’s finest five-star hotels, such as the King George Hotel, complete with luxurious rooftop pools showcasing the Acropolis. While the hotels here offer high-end services, expect higher price tags—the cost can range anywhere from €300 to €500 a night.

The Iconic Plaka Neighborhood

No guide to Athens is complete without mentioning Plaka, the city’s most iconic neighborhood. Nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka is known for its quaint streets lined with cafes and beautifully crafted buildings. However, as one of the most touristy spots in Athens, you may find the prices a bit steep, and the food quality can be hit or miss. While some hotels offer views of the Acropolis, they may not be as striking as those in other neighborhoods.

Marvel at Makrygianni

For breathtaking views of the Acropolis, look no further than Makrygianni. This neighborhood is ideally situated near both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, making it a cultural hub for visitors. Though the dining and nightlife options here are limited, you can easily stroll to nearby areas like Psyri or Monastiraki for more activity. If unparalleled views are your priority, hotels in Makrygianni will not disappoint.

Retreat to Thiseio

If you’re seeking a quieter experience, Thiseio is the perfect escape from the bustling tourist crowds. This peaceful neighborhood features a long pedestrian pathway where you can shop for unique handmade souvenirs. Its proximity to Philopappou, a large park ideal for leisurely walks, is a significant draw. The trade-off, however, is that Thiseio lacks vibrant nightlife and dining options, so plan accordingly.

Where to Avoid

While finding the ideal place to stay, it’s just as important to know where to avoid. Omonia is often considered the least desirable area for tourists, with several budget hotels. It’s known for social issues, making visitors uncomfortable. Consequently, it’s advisable to steer clear of Omonia, especially if it’s your first time in Athens.

Recap of the Best Places to Stay in Athens

To sum up, here are the highlights of each neighborhood. Psyri is perfect for authentic taverns and budget-friendly hotels. Monastiraki is ideal for flea markets and stunning rooftop bars. The city center boasts a culinary paradise, while Syntagma caters to luxury shoppers. Plaka offers charm but can be touristy, and Makrygianni is unmatched for views of the Acropolis. Lastly, Thiseio provides tranquility away from the chaos.

Final Thoughts on Your Stay in Athens

Deciding where to stay in Athens can be a delightful challenge, given the options available. If you only plan to explore the city without heading to the beaches, stick to these neighborhoods. Consider your priorities—be it shopping, nightlife, or breathtaking views—to choose the best location for your stay. Wherever you decide to book your hotel, Athens promises an unforgettable experience steeped in history and culture.

Prepare for your journey by checking out the upcoming hotel recommendations to make your Athens vacation truly remarkable!



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41 COMMENTS

  1. Just came back from my first ever trip to Greece! I binge-watched your videos before going! Followed all of your advice. Had an amazing time and hope to return. While in Athens I stayed between Plaka and Syntagma. Perfect location! Also, drove through Omonia (during the day). The main square is in good shape, but the rest is not for the faint at heart (specially the alleys). With so many great hotel options in Athens, there no need to stay in this area. All your recommendations, from Meteora to Santorini were spot on! Every country should have a youtuber like you!

  4. Sadly I bookes too early and didn't saw this video before it. Now I'm in a complete disaster because it's near Omonoia and I can see these drug-activities which me and my partner are scared.

  7. We stayed in omonoia square when we were in athens. We personally had a great experience. Just stick to the 6 main streets (athinias street takes you towards the acropolis) and you'll have a great experience.

  9. I spent three days in Athens last April and my Hotel was located near Larissa Station…the hotel was clean…reasonably priced and had great staff…it was perfect for me…very quiet neighbourhood as there were not many tourists..l found the Athens Metro very easy to negotiate and after a day out sightseeing etc it was always nice to come back to this quiet area…there were not all that many restaurants around but l did find a great local one which l went to every night…also there was a great new supermarket nearby where l stocked up on provisions for my daily outings(drinks snacks etc)…

  10. Followed all of SEBASTIAN'S ADVISE AND RECOMMENDATIONS on our trip to Greece for 10 days and SPOT ON, OUR TRAVEL WAS AMAZING! We stayed in Koukaki neighborhood and the view of the Acropolis is perfect especially at night. This area is about 2-3 minutes walk to Makrygianni (taverns) and Akropolis Metro station where most group tours in Acropolis met. We also stayed in Plaka and the area is great too.

  13. Whatever you do, listen to this amazing guy and don't go in Omonia!! I had the most terrifying experience over there, at night, when some drugged people forced the door to my airbnb…God knows what they wanted to do and we left after they went away, it's dangerous! The rest of Athens, is amazing, i'll definitely go back:)

  14. lol! We stayed at the Parnon Hotel in Omonia for one night last year. The hotel was decent. It was two metro stops away from the Acropolis. But the neighborhood was ghetto! I get enough of that at home in NY. Next time we go to Athens we will stay closer to the Acropolis.

  15. ciao sebastian complimenti per i tuoi video , ho prenotato per 3 giorni una struttura x 2 persone a solonos e ho appena scoperto che per muovermi da li giorno e notte dovro passare per o vicino piazza omonia io non ho problemi ma non vorrei far spaventare la mia compagna, come mi consigli di muovermi in sicurezza?
    la settimana primasaro anche a santorini e ho gia visto molti tuoi video a riguardo grazie e buon lavoro

  24. My grandmother and family live on Bouboulinas 1 when our google it it’s really become distressed on the corner of the Archeological museum so sad. But I love Athens it has my heart always Plaka area is my favorite

  26. Thank you very much for the video, It's our first time in Athens, we are looking to stay in Wyndham Grand Athens for 2 night, it doesn't seem like to be within the 7 areas you recommended in video, but it seems to be close. I am wondering if it's a good area to stay in or not , as I am reading mix reviews. Thank you again

  29. The best areas are Plaka, Monastiraki and Syndagma, and the worst areas are Omonia and the apartments next to the fish market. I do not recommend renting apartments, but rather hotels. All the apartments were stolen at the same time, including money and passports.

  30. No, io non sto in grecia. Io sto viaggiando su una nave del tempo greca. La Grecia ebbe molto a soffrire a causa della degenerazione e della stupidita' del mondo e del tempo. Praticamente un inflazione alle stelle e addirittura il fallimento dello stato greco. Tuttavia la Grecia ebbe sempre armatori fortissimi. Singoli coraggiosi che mai si perdono d'animo. In quanto armatori, per loro e' stato un giochetto da bambini realizzare svariate navi del tempo che solcano i mari e gli oceni. Io mi sono imbarcata su una di queste navi del tempo. Stiamo procedendo verso sinistra lungo le rotte del mediterraneo.

  33. Athens is one of the most polluted cities in Europe. Very noisy, with vehicles everywhere and with very few green areas. It is not pedestrian friendly, it is noisy and packed with thousands of tourists. Choose to visit any other city and don't waste your money on tourist traps.

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