Athens is one of those cities that surprised me in the best way – it’s a place where ancient landmarks sit steps from modern boutique hotels, rooftop pools overlook the Parthenon, and each neighborhood has it’s own distinct personality. Whether you’re looking for those classic postcard views, quiet and cozy streets, or a lively base for exploring the city, Athens has a hotel scene that can fit every style and budget.
Because the city is so walkable, where you stay truly shapes your experience. Plaka will put you in the center of the historic heart of the city, Monastiraki offers rooftop bars and that nightlife energy, Koukaki gives a local, residential feel, and Psiri mixes artsy charm with easy access to the must-see spots.
Trying to figure out where to stay in Athens yourself? I pulled together my favorite places to stay across the city — from luxury stays to affordable boutique spots — plus tips on picking the right area for you, how to get around, and what to expect when in Athens.
Planning your own Greece trip? Check out my complete Greece Travel Guide or dive into more Athens coverage with my Athens Travel Guide and 36 Hours in Athens Itinerary.
Table of Contents
Quick Deets: Best Areas to Stay in Athens
Here’s a quick overview at the best neighborhoods in Athens and how they compare.
| NEIGHBORHOOD | BEST FOR? | VIBE? |
|---|---|---|
| Plaka | First-timers, sightseeing | Charming, historic, walkable |
| Monastiraki | Nightlife, rooftop views | Lively, energetic, metro-connected |
| Koukaki | Local feel, quieter streets | Residential, trendy cafés, Acropolis-adjacent |
| Psiri | Foodies, creatives, nightlife | Artsy, colorful, buzzy |
How to Choose the Right Athens Neighborhood
Because Athens is so walkable, your neighborhood matters more than your exact hotel. Here’s what each main neighborhood is known for so you can choose the vibe you are looking for:
- Plaka
- Perfect for your first trip to Athens. It’s super charming and right under the Acropolis — think cobblestone alleyways, souvenir shops, and some of the best photo spots in the city.
- Monastiraki
- If you’re looking for a high-energy neighborhood with incredible views, stay in Monastiraki. It has the best rooftop bars, metro access is easy, there’s tons of shopping, plus tons of hotels with terraces that have Acropolis views.
- Koukaki
- A more local, relaxed neighborhood that’s still super central, with stylish boutique hotels, bakeries, wine bars, and quieter streets.
- Psiri
- A mix of local and creative energy, filled with street art, craft cocktail bars, cool cafes, and some of Athens’ best nightlife. We stayed here and absolutely loved the vibe!
Best Hotels in Athens (By Neighborhood)
Now that you understand the differences between each neighborhood’s feel, I’ve pulled several of my top hotel picks across each neighborhood by budget level. If you’re looking for a splurge, I’ve included luxury stays, but if you’re looking for a budget stay, I’ve got you covered, too!
Cost Guide:
- $$$$: Luxury hotel stays $500+/night
- $$$: High-end stays $300 – $500/night
- $$: Mid-range hotels $150 – $300/night
- $: Budget stays under $150/night
Plaka
If it’s your first time in Athens, Plaka is hard to beat. This charming, historic neighborhood sits right under the Acropolis and feels like a step back in time with its cobblestone alleys and neoclassical homes. You’ll be surrounded by cafés, local shops, and views of the Parthenon around nearly every corner. Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but it still feels warm and authentic. Plaka hotel prices lean a bit more mid-range and up, but there are still a few budget options in the area.
WHERE TO STAY:
- $$$$: A77 Suites – An ultra-luxury boutique hotel with spacious rooms, marble finishes, and private terraces just steps from the Acropolis.
- $$$: Palladian Hotel – An elegant, design-forward hotel that mixes historic charm with modern comfort in the heart of Plaka.
- $$: 99 Adrianou – Trendy and in a great area, this hotel has trendy minimalist rooms that overlook the busy Adrianou Street.
- $: Metropolis Hotel – An affordable option with cozy rooms and a rooftop terrace with picture-perfect Acropolis views.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is a mix of old and new – where flea markets, rooftop bars, and ancient ruins all blend together. You’ll find some of the best hotel views of the Acropolis here, plus it offers easy access to the metro and all the major sites. It’s lively both day and night, making it perfect if you want to be right in the middle of the action. There’s also a great range of hotel pricing, with really chic options at budget pricing to luxury pricing.
WHERE TO STAY:
- $$$$: Electra Rhythm Hotel – A sleek and modern luxury hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop pool, and incredible Acropolis views.
- $$$: The Zillers Boutique Hotel – A chic boutique hotel with a beautiful rooftop restaurant and panoramic balconies that perfectly frame the Parthenon.
- $$: Athenian Foss – Hotel with stylish rooms blending industrial design and cozy details, located right near Monastiraki Square.
- $: Nur Edge Aparthotel – A great budget-friendly option with clean, modern rooms, plus it’s a convenient location close to the metro.
Koukaki
Looking for something a little quieter but still central? Koukaki is a great option just South of the Acropolis. It’s filled with laid-back wine bars, bakeries, and stylish boutique hotels. And, you’ll still be able to walk everywhere, but without the heavy crowds that fill Plaka and Monastiraki.
WHERE TO STAY:
- $$$$: Anthology of Athens – This luxurious yet intimate stay is filled with contemporary suites, local artwork, and a rooftop lounge overlooking the city.
- $$$: COCO-MAT Athens BC – Sustainable luxury meets design hotel, complete with a rooftop pool, Acropolis views, and serene interiors.
- $$: Neoma – This sleek and modern hotel features a small pool, bright rooms, and a peaceful location near Filopappou Hill.
- $: Acropolis Magenta – A vibrant, budget-friendly option with colorful rooms and an easy walk to top attractions.
Psiri
If you want to experience Athens’ artsy side, Psiri is the place to be. This lively neighborhood sits just northwest of Monastiraki Square and is packed with street art, hidden bars, cozy tavernas, and a constant buzz of energy at all hours of the day into night. It’s one of the city’s oldest districts, but today it feels young, creative, and full of personality — the kind of place where you can grab meze at a traditional taverna, then wander into a craft cocktail bar or live music spot just a few doors down.
This is where we stayed when we visited, and we found it to be perfect for what we needed. We were walking distance to all of the major attractions, while feeling a bit of the more local vibes.
WHERE TO STAY:
- $$$$: Monument Hotel – A refined boutique hotel blending neoclassical architecture and luxurious design, just a short stroll from Monastiraki.
- $$$: The Foundry Suites – Industrial-chic hotel with loft-style suites, private terraces, and a hidden rooftop garden.
- $$: Apollo Palm Hotel – Stylish modern stay with warm tones, great value, and an easy walk to Psiri’s best bars.
- $: Acropolis Grid Hotel – Budget-friendly and central, this hotel has comfortable rooms with clean design in a great location.
So What’s the Best Place to Stay in Athens?
Across all the neighborhoods in Athens, here are my overall hotel picks in Athens!
- Best Budget: Nur Edge (Monastiraki)
- Best Luxury: Anthology of Athens (Koukaki)
- Best Value: Apollo Palm (Psiri)
- Best Views: The Zillers (Monastiraki)
- Best Neighborhood Vibe: The Foundry Suites (Psiri)
Practical Tips for Booking Hotels in Athens
- Book early for May–October, especially if you want a rooftop pool or Acropolis view.
- Check if your hotel is on a quiet street — nightlife areas can be lively till late, and you’ll want to get good sleep when traveling.
- Rooms in historic buildings tend to be smaller — if that’s a dealbreaker, make sure to check the square footage of the rooms.
- Many hotels include luggage storage, which is perfect if you have a late ferry or flight and still want to explore.
- Metro access is convenient and easy to follow, but most of the main attractions are all highly walkable.
- Rooftop balconies with views of the Acropolis are a huge perk — even if there’s no pool, the views alone are worth the splurge.
Why You’ll Love Staying in Athens
Athens is really more than just a gateway to the islands — it’s a destination that’s worth taking the time to explore. With walkable neighborhoods, incredible food, warm locals, and a hotel scene that truly has something for everyone, it’s the perfect blend of ancient charm and modern energy. Whether you’re staying right next to the Acropolis or in the heart of Athens’ creative district, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this city.
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