Greece › Athens › Cheap Hotels
Updated: October 21, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Cheap Hotels in Athens
- Best Overall: Phaedra Hotel
- Best Value: Athens Center Square
- Best Location & Rooftop Bar: Attalos
- Best in Koukaki: Marble House
- Best Hostel: Athens Backpackers
My wife and I enjoying cheap and delicious gyros in Monastiraki. Athens is one of the best cities in Europe for eating well on a budget, with plenty of great souvlaki and gyro shops just steps from the main sights.
Plaka, Monastiraki, and Koukaki are the best areas to look for cheap hotels in Athens. Plaka is my favorite for first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere. Monastiraki has more restaurants, bars, and excellent metro connections to the airport and Piraeus ferry port. Koukaki is quieter and often offers better value, especially for longer stays.
Hotels around Omonia Square and the Central Market can be cheaper, but some surrounding streets are gritty, particularly after dark. I generally recommend paying a little more to stay in Plaka, Monastiraki, or Koukaki. Athens hotel prices vary considerably by season, with spring and early autumn often more expensive than winter.
The Best Cheap Hotels in Central Athens
1. Phaedra Hotel
In the heart of Plaka and the best-located budget hotel in Athens. The Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and many of Athens’ best restaurants are within walking distance. Rooms are simple, but the location is excellent. My top recommendation for travelers who want an inexpensive hotel in the nicest part of central Athens.2. Attalos Hotel
One of my favorite affordable hotels in Athens. Just a few minutes’ walk from Monastiraki Square and metro station, with a rooftop bar offering excellent Acropolis views. Rooms are comfortable and straightforward, and the location is hard to beat for restaurants, sightseeing, and airport or ferry connections. The surrounding streets are busy, but this is an excellent choice for travelers who want to stay central without spending too much.
3. Athens Center Square Hotel
One of the best-value hotels in central Athens, with a rooftop terrace and excellent Acropolis views. Monastiraki Square is about a 10-minute walk away, and the Athens Central Market is steps from the entrance. The downside is the location. The surrounding streets are gritty, especially after dark. A good choice if price matters more than the immediate neighborhood.4. Marble House
Simple, inexpensive guesthouse in Koukaki, a quieter neighborhood with good local restaurants and cafes. The Acropolis Museum is about a 15-minute walk away. Rooms are basic, and some have shared bathrooms, so check carefully when booking. A good choice for budget travelers who prefer a residential neighborhood to the busier streets around Monastiraki.
5. Plaka Hotel
Excellent central location between Plaka and Monastiraki, with a rooftop bar and Acropolis views. Rooms are comfortable, and family accommodation is available. Monastiraki metro station, restaurants, and shopping are all nearby. Usually more expensive than the simplest budget hotels, but worth considering if you find a good rate.6. Athens Backpackers
My favorite hostel for budget travelers in Athens. Excellent location near Acropoli metro station and the Acropolis Museum, with dormitory accommodation and private-room options. Particularly good for solo travelers, though couples should compare private-room prices with nearby budget hotels before booking.
7. Hotel Adonis
Straightforward budget hotel in Plaka with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Acropolis. The location is excellent for walking to the main sights, restaurants, and Syntagma Square. Rooms are fairly basic, but it’s a good alternative to Phaedra when prices are competitive.
8. Acropolis House
Traditional hotel in an older building in Plaka, about a 5-minute walk from Syntagma Square and the National Garden. Rooms are simple and have more character than those at a typical modern budget hotel. A good choice for travelers who prioritize location over modern facilities.
9. Art Gallery Hotel
Small, inexpensive hotel in Koukaki, near Syngrou-Fix metro station and about a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis Museum. Rooms are simple, and the surrounding neighborhood has plenty of good restaurants and cafes. Worth considering if you want a central location without paying Plaka prices.
10. The Athens Version Luxury Suites
Comfortable suites near Monastiraki Flea Market and the Ancient Agora, with Acropolis views from the rooftop terrace. Some rooms have kitchen facilities, making this a good option for longer stays. More expensive than a basic budget hotel, but worth checking for deals.Great Midrange Hotels in Downtown Athens
These hotels generally cost more than the budget options above, but offer better rooms, rooftop views, or additional facilities. If the price difference is small, they’re worth considering.
1. A for Athens
One of my favorite hotels in central Athens and worth the extra money for many travelers. Directly on Monastiraki Square, with a popular rooftop bar and some rooms overlooking the Acropolis. Monastiraki metro station has direct connections to the airport and Piraeus ferry port. Restaurants, bars, and shopping are just outside the entrance. Ask for a quieter room if street noise is a concern.2. 360 Degrees Hotel
Excellent hotel directly on Monastiraki Square, with a popular rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the Acropolis. Comfortable rooms and suites, some with views. Similar location advantages to A for Athens, though the square can be noisy late into the evening.3. 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel
Retro-style hotel in Psirri, a short walk from Monastiraki Square. Colorful rooms and a convenient location for restaurants, bars, and shopping. Breakfast arrangements may involve the sister property, 360 Degrees Hotel. A good alternative to staying directly on the square, though Psirri also has plenty of nightlife.4. Evripidou Suites
Small boutique hotel with spacious rooms and suites near the Central Market, about a 10-minute walk from Monastiraki. Some rooms accommodate families or small groups. A good option for travelers who want more space without paying luxury-hotel prices. The surrounding streets are less polished than Plaka.5. Hera Hotel
Comfortable boutique hotel near the Acropolis Museum and Acropoli metro station. Some rooms have Acropolis views, and the hotel has a rooftop restaurant. A good choice for travelers who want a quieter location near Plaka and the Acropolis. Usually more expensive than the budget hotels above.
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We are staying in Athens in early April and then taking the morning Blue Star ferry to Santorini. Do we need to buy ferry tickets in advance?
It doesn’t hurt to buy in advance, but it’s not necessary for April. I’d recommend getting to Piraeus (the ferry port) about 30 to 40 minutes before the ferry departs and buy at the Blue Star ticket kiosk (it’s located directly across from the metro station; you can’t miss it). The Santorini ferry departs a 1-minute walk from the ticket booth.