Where To Stay In Athens, Greece

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Some of the best areas to stay in Athens Greece are Plaka, Koukaki, Syntagma, Monastiraki and Psyrri. Here’s everything you need to know before you book your hotel in Athens.

Where to stay in Athens Greece

Best areas to stay in Athens

Some of the most popular areas to stay in Athens are Plaka, Syntagma, Acropolis / Koukaki, Monastiraki and Psyrri. These neighborhoods are all central, offering easy access to most of the attractions in Athens, like the Acropolis or the Acropolis Museum.

These neighborhoods are all in central Athens, and very close to each other. Yet, each of them has its own personality, history, and hidden treasures – from small museums to quirky cafes and unique souvenir shops.

I’m Vanessa from Athens and I love helping people who visit Greece! In this article, I’ve provided information on where to stay in Athens Greece, along with the best hotels in Athens. I’ve also included information on the best luxury hotels in Athens with a swimming pool. 

You can use the interactive map below to book your accommodation in Athens!


 

The best hotels in Athens with a pool

Many readers specifically ask for hotels in Athens with a rooftop pool and a view to the Acropolis. I’m listing some of the best here, along with their location. You can read more information about each location right below.

And now, let’s break down the best areas to stay in Athens, one by one, along with more accommodation suggestions.

1. Hotels in Plaka: One of the popular areas to stay in Athens

Spreading out beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is Athens’ oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. Its cobbled streets, neoclassical mansions, and historic churches create a postcard-perfect setting – though parts of it are undeniably touristy. 

Staying in Plaka Athens means being surrounded by history and within walking distance of many major sights and museums. This is especially appealing to short-stay visitors who want to be close to the major attractions. 

Landmarks close to Plaka include the Acropolis and Acropolis museum, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the quirky area of Anafiotika and various minor museums.

Best hotels in Plaka Athens

Best hotels to stay in Athens with a view of the Acropolis

2. Hotels near Acropolis / Koukaki: A great area to stay in Athens

Koukaki is a laid-back, residential neighborhood just south of the Acropolis, popular with travelers who want a central base without the intensity of Plaka. It has a strong local feel, with everyday cafés, bakeries, and tavernas sitting alongside stylish brunch spots and small boutique hotels.

The area is walkable, safe, and well connected, making it ideal for first-time visitors who prefer quieter evenings and a less touristy feel than Plaka.

Nearby landmarks include the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Filopappos Hill, and Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street.

Best hotels in Koukaki Athens

The Tower of the Winds and the Ancient Agora in Athens

3. Hotels at Syntagma: Stay in the heart of Athens

Syntagma Square is the political and civic heart of Athens and one of the most convenient areas with hotels. From here, you can easily walk to Plaka, Koukaki and Monastiraki, or hop on public transport. It’s busy and central, ideal for first-time visitors who want easy access to everything.

Nearby landmarks include the House of Parliament and the Changing of the Guards, the National Garden, the Panathenaic Stadium and several museums. 

Best hotels in Syntagma Athens

Athens Greece - Changing of the Guards

4. Stay in Monastiraki: Experience the vibrant markets 

Monastiraki is one of Athens’ liveliest districts, known for its flea market, shopping streets, and buzzing central square. It’s a great option for travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, with constant movement, nightlife, and easy transport links. The atmosphere is energetic and chaotic in the best way, especially on weekends.

Attractions in this area include Monastiraki Square, the Museum of Modern Greek Culture, Tzistarakis Mosque, the Ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Library.

Best hotels in Monastiraki

  • The Dolli Athens – an exceptional hotel in Athens with a rooftop pool
  • 360 Hotel Athens – a modern, elegant hotel right on Monastiraki square
  • Elite Ermou – great value studios and suites
  • La Divina – a beautiful property a short walk from Monastiraki metro
  • Fresh Hotel – an exceptional hotel with a pool, between Monastiraki and Omonia. 

Athens, Monastiraki Square

5. Stay in Psyrri: Nightlife

The area of Psyrri blends historic character with a strong creative edge. Once working-class, it’s now packed with independent shops and a thriving bar and restaurant scene. During the day it feels relaxed and artsy; at night it turns lively and social. It’s best suited to travelers who enjoy nightlife and a slightly edgy urban feel.

Landmarks in / near Psyrri include the Varvakios food market, the Museum of Illusions and plenty of street art.

Best hotels in Psyrri

  • Okupa – a funky, cosy hotel with a rooftop pool
  • A For Athens – rooms and apartments with wonderful views
  • Bellen – a great new hotel with an outdoor pool 
  • Ivis Hotel – a boutique hotel with a sun terrace, fitness room and garden.

A church close to Psyri Athens

6. Places to stay in Athens – Kerameikos / Gazi

Gazi is Athens’ industrial-chic district, centered around the former gasworks that now house the Technopolis cultural complex. It’s one of the city’s main nightlife hubs, known for concerts, festivals, and clubs. While quieter during the day, evenings are energetic and social, attracting a young, local crowd.

This is a great location for anyone mostly interested in nightlife. Landmarks in this area include the Technopolis cultural complex, the Industrial Gas Museum, and a lot of street art. The ancient site of Kerameikos (closed for works at time of writing) is also nearby.

One of the best hotels in Kerameikos is the NOT Boutique Hotel, which is adult-only.

Street art in Athens Greece

7. An elegant stay in Kolonaki neighborhood

Kolonaki is Athens’ most upscale neighborhood, known for designer boutiques, polished cafés, and cultural institutions. Set at the foot of Mount Lycabettus, it combines refined city living with green spaces and panoramic views. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking comfort, culture, and a more elegant atmosphere.

Landmarks in this area include Mount Lycabettus, the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Byzantine Museum and the War Museum. Syntagma Square is a short walk away.

Cocomat Athens is one of the best hotels in Kolonaki.  

8. Is Omonia Athens a good area to stay?

Omonia Square is a busy central area that reflects Athens’ multicultural and commercial side. It’s recently been revitalized to a degree, but it’s still rougher around the edges, and some of the backstreets aren’t pleasant to walk at night. Regardless, Omonia is well connected and close to major transport routes, and would suit travelers who don’t mind a more urban, lived-in atmosphere.

Attractions near Omonia Square include the National Archaeological Museum, the Varvakios Central Market, and several historic hotels.

Two of the best options around Omonia are Moxy Athens and the Brown Acropol. You might prefer to avoid accommodation located on the backstreets.

Acropolis view from Omonia Athens hotel

9. Hotels in Exarcheia Athens

Exarcheia (also Exarchia or Exarhia) is a small area known for its political activism, counterculture, and strong student presence. It’s full of independent bookstores, alternative cafés, and striking street art, offering a raw and unapologetic side of central Athens. Despite ongoing gentrification it’s not for everyone, but it’s fascinating for visitors interested in contemporary Greek society.

Landmarks in Exarcheia include the National Archaeological Museum, the Polytechnic University and the Athens Trilogy, which consists of three superb neoclassical buildings.

The Zeus Essence Central, the Melia and Colors are three great hotels in Exarchia – but you will also find many apartments in this area.

A building near Exarchia Athens

10. Hotels in Metaxourgio Athens

Metaxourgio is a neighborhood in transition, combining faded neoclassical buildings with bold murals and contemporary art spaces. It has a strong alternative and creative vibe, with galleries, theaters, eclectic cafés and an array of local eateries.

This area is much less touristy than other central districts, and would mostly appeal to travelers looking for a more experimental, local experience. Landmarks include the Municipal Gallery of Athens, several independent theaters and street art.

If you are happy with the location, the two best hotel choices in Metaxourgio are the Stanley, which features a rooftop pool, and the Zeus Wyndham.

A mural in Metaxourgio Athens

Best Hotels in Athens Greece

So there you have it – these are some of the best hotels in Athens Greece. If you’ve stayed in any of those, or any others, I’d love to know what you thought – feel free to leave a comment below!

Also, take a look at these other Athens guides:

Vanessa from Real Greek Experiences

Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens and I like sharing tips for people visiting my country! Follow me on my social media: 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

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