The 37 Best Hotels in Athens

Updated: December 2, 2025
Greece › Athens › Best Hotels
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com

My Favorite Athens Hotels

• 5-star: Grande Bretagne
• 4-star: Electra Palace
• 3-star: A for Athens
• Budget: Phaedra
• For Families: Ava
• For Couples: Gatsby • AthensWas
• Best Pool: Four Seasons
• Acropolis View: Electra Palace
• Airport: Sofitel
• Ferry Port: Port Square
• Beach Resort: Four Seasons

Athens Hotels – My Advice

• Athens is a great city. I love it. You might have heard it is ugly (and some areas are), but there is much to see within the walkable central area. It has the Acropolis and my two favorite museums in Greece: the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. From April to November, the streets are packed with locals and tourists, lively tavernas, and hip bars. Athens can easily fill two full days of quality sightseeing. I recommend staying for at least 2 or 3 full days.

My wife and I exploring the Plaka in Athens.

• Where to Stay in Athens: My favorite neighborhood (and what I recommend for most first-time visitors) is the Plaka. Neighboring Monastiraki is also great. Both are walking distance to dining, shopping, the Acropolis, and other top historical sites. To combine city sights with a dreamy beach, consider a stay on the Athens Riviera.
• Athens throbs with tourists from May to October, and doubly so during the summer months of July and August. Book hotels early for the best prices.
• Most ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, and the Greek Islands leave between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. from the Piraeus ferry port. When catching a morning ferry, I like to stay near the Monastiraki metro station, which has quick, direct trains (Line 1 or Line 3) to Piraeus Port. It costs just €1.20. If you plan on taking a taxi to the port, it doesn’t matter where you stay in the city center.
• Good hotels close to Monastiraki Station: A for Athens • Hotel Adrian • Plaka Hotel • 360 Degrees

The good-value Hotel Adrian is a two-minute walk from Monastiraki Station, for direct trains to both Piraeus ferry port and Athens International Airport.

• Taxi Costs: Taxis between the airport and downtown hotels have a fixed flat rate: €40 during the day (5:00 am to midnight) and €55 at night. From downtown hotels to the Piraeus ferry port, the fare is on a meter but typically costs €25 to €30 during the day.
• I don’t like staying near Omonia Square or in Piraeus (ferry port). These areas are about as safe as anywhere in the historic center, but they are gritty, somewhat ugly, and farther from attractions. There are better places to stay in Athens.
• My favorite restaurant in Plaka is Psarras (Fisherman’s Taverna) – a magical location on the steps below the Acropolis with fantastic traditional Greek dishes.
• My favorite bar in central Athens is Baba Au Rum – a friendly spot for classic and signature cocktails made with high-quality spirits, fresh herbs, and homemade sodas.
• Best Tours in Athens – There are several great tours in central Athens. I particularly like the Original Greek Food Tour for a delicious introduction to the city.

The Best Hotels in Athens

• We’ve visited, toured, or stayed at just about every hotel in downtown Athens. If you need help picking a place to stay, email me at dave@santorinidave.com.

See Also

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Best Hotels for Families in Athens
• Athens Maps

1. Grande Bretagne – Syntagma Square

This is one of my favorite hotels in Europe. Situated on Syntagma Square across from the Hellenic Parliament building – in the center of the action and walking distance to nearly all major attractions. This stunning 5-star hotel boasts two heated swimming pools (one on the rooftop and one in the spa), and an array of rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, many with views of the Acropolis or Mt Lycabettus. The Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar is worth a visit even if you’re not a guest, with a fine-dining Mediterranean menu and sumptuous wine selection. A luxury spa, two more restaurants, a cocktail bar, and cigar lounge complete the experience here.

2. Four Seasons Astir Palace – Athens Riviera

Stunning resort on a private peninsula on the coast south of Athens. The property boasts three private beaches with golden sand, ten restaurants and bars, a kids club, and three swimming pools (an adults-only pool, a heated all-ages pool, and tranquil pool in the spa). An array of activities for kids, teens, and adults includes water sports, boat excursions, cooking classes, helicopter tours, wine tastings, and much more. All rooms and suites have king-size beds and private balconies or terraces. Set just ten minutes to the shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Glyfada, twenty minutes to the airport, and thirty minutes into central Athens. A free shuttle bus takes you to Glyfada or Lake Vouliagmeni.

3. King George Hotel – Syntagma Square

Luxurious hotel with an award-winning Greek restaurant on its rooftop, Syntagma Square at your door, shops all about, and Plaka and Acropolis a short walk away. Rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms, many with bathtubs, and several with private balconies. The Penthouse Suite offers two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private terrace with Acropolis views, and an outdoor swimming pool. Its signature Tudor Hall restaurant serves seasonal Greek fare in a refined setting with both indoor and outdoor dining tables and expansive views.

4. The Dolli – Monastiraki

Exceptional new 5-star boutique hotel in the heart of the tourist corridor. Comprising 46 luxuriously-appointed rooms in a preserved historic building from 1925, The Dolli features incredible Acropolis views from the rooftop infinity pool deck and many suites, plus a rooftop restaurant and pool bar and refined library bar. The hotel’s excellent selection of original art (with works by Picasso and Cocteau) and rare books gives you a head start on the museum experience, and it’s well-located for all Athens attractions on busy Mitropoleos Avenue in Monastiraki – though all is calm and quiet once you step inside.

5. xenodocheio Milos – City Center

Upscale boutique hotel opened in partnership with world-renowned restaurant, estiatorio Milos. Set in a gorgeous neoclassical building, rooms and suites all feature marble bathrooms, dining tables, gourmet minibars, and in-room fine dining menus. Family rooms sleep up to four guests and the largest two-bedroom suite sleeps up to six. Gastronomy is king here, with a branch of estiatorio Milos serving their signature Mediterranean dishes, along with an oyster bar and wine cellar. Their Milos on the Sea yacht dining experience is a must. A rich breakfast is always included. Located on trendy Kolokotroni Street in the City Center, just steps from the Old Parliament building (now the National Historical Museum) and a short walk to Syntagma Square.

6. Gatsby Hotel – City Center

Flirty, playful, and provocative, Gatsby is an upscale boutique hotel in a revitalized Art Deco building. Rooms and suites all come with a juliet balcony or terrace, an after-sex room service menu, and a “dare” button which summons a surprise delivery straight to your door. Cool Corner Suites add soaking tubs in the bedrooms, while the Gatsby Party Suite boasts an outdoor jacuzzi. Mediterranean comfort food is served all day in their leafy green restaurant; breakfast is always included. A warm, jazz-era-inspired bar serves signature cocktails throughout the day, while the rooftop lounge offers Acropolis views and a fireplace in winter. Great location near the National Historical Museum at the Old Parliament and just a short walk to Syntagma Square.

7. AthensWas Hotel – Makriyanni

Five-star boutique hotel on a pedestrian-only street steps from Plaka. The hotel offers two outstanding restaurants: Sense (contemporary Mediterranean fare, Greek wines, and cocktails on the rooftop) and Modern (casual, Greek comfort foods; May to October only). Rooms and suite are spacious, stylish, and comfortable, and a great breakfast is always included.

8. Ava Hotel & Suites – Plaka

Family-friendly, all-suite boutique hotel in the Plaka neighborhood near Hadrian’s Arch. Suites are spacious and sleep two to four guests; most have a kitchenette and a balcony or terrace, many with stunning views of the Acropolis, Zeus Temple, or the Arch. Daily breakfast is included in the room rate.

9. NEW Hotel – Syntagma

Design-forward, five-star hotel with a spa. NEW Hotel features an all-day Greek restaurant and bar on the rooftop, plus a welcoming Mediterranean bistro known for its fabulous weekend brunches. Rooms and suites feature oversized windows, eye-catching art, and pillow menus; all but the junior suites offer private balconies. Just steps from Syntagma Square and the National Garden.

10. Ergon House – Syntagma

Delightful foodie hotel with a farm-to-table restaurant and rooftop bar, plus a fresh market with a butcher, baker, fishmonger, deli, greengrocer, and wine collection. Their vertical orchard climbs up the atrium walls with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce grown onsite. Each floor of the hotel offers a fully equipped communal kitchen, while their private kitchen hosts weekly cooking classes, daily private cooking lessons, and wine tastings on request. Rooms and suites feature a carefully crafted minibar featuring Ergon’s own line of products, cocktails by The Clumsies, and complimentary breakfast daily. Family Rooms sleep up to four adults plus one child. A fantastic home base less than a five-minute walk to Syntagma Square and Kolokotroni Street and under 10 minutes to the National Historical Museum and the National Garden.

11. A for Athens – Monastiraki

This hotel offers what I consider the single best view in Athens from its legendary rooftop bar, coupled with an absolutely unbeatable location. Situated directly on the vibrant Monastiraki Square, it puts you at the nexus of everything – the Plaka, Psiri, the Ancient Agora, and the Acropolis are all just minutes away on foot. The Monastiraki metro station is steps from the front door, providing a direct, no-transfer train line to both the Athens Airport and the Piraeus ferry port, making arrivals and departures incredibly easy. The main draw here is the multi-level rooftop bar and cafe, which has a jaw-dropping, front-and-center view of the Acropolis. It’s a hugely popular spot day and night, and worth visiting for a drink even if you’re not a guest. Rooms are modern, clean, stylish, and very good value; a few have private balconies and direct Acropolis view. The breakfast buffet is one of the best I’ve had in Greece and is served at nearby sister hotel 360 Degrees.

12. Electra Palace Hotel – Plaka

Sophisticated, four-star property with a wellness center, courtyard garden, year-round indoor pool, and seasonal outdoor pool with bar service. The Roof Garden restaurant offers upscale Mediterranean fusion fare, while the lobby bar serves light bites and cocktails. Rooms feature marble bathrooms, many with private patios or balconies, and some with sofabeds to sleep a third guest. Beautiful grounds in a great location with shops and restaurants only steps away.

13. A77 Suites – Plaka

All-suite, luxury, small hotel in the heart of Plaka. Set in a 19th-century neoclassical building, its 12 suites are all tastefully decorated and boast marble bathrooms with double vanities; a free, fully-stocked minibar (replenished daily); and a dream-themed nightly turndown service. Breakfast is included in the rates, and in-room dining is available until 11 pm (drinks until midnight). Fun perks and experiences include cycling to a nearby picnic spot, bespoke walking or driving tours, and an in-room fashion service, with clothing from their curated boutique. Ideal location surrounded by restaurants, shops, and just steps from the northern side of the Acropolis.

14. iFeel Athens – Psirri

Tiny luxury hotel (just six suites) in the stylish Psirri neighborhood, known for its restaurants and nightlife. Rooms feature eclectic decor and spacious walk-in showers. Elegant and Executive Suites have private terraces and claw-foot bathtubs; the split-level Elegant Suite also boasts a view of the Acropolis. Its open-air cafe serves Greek and international dishes all day with an especially great brunch, inventive cocktails, and an excellent wine list.

15. Electra Metropolis – Syntagma

Landmark, modernist hotel built in 1959 on top of the 5th-century B.C. ruins of Themistocles’ Wall and around the tiny 16th-century A.D. Church of Agia Dynami. Contemporary luxury creates a wonderful contrast to ancient Acropolis views. Highlights include a rooftop pool, indoor spa pool, wellness center, and excellent dining. A wide variety of rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms with walk-in showers or shower/bathtub combos; many offer private balconies or Acropolis views. Fantastic location just two blocks from Syntagma Square and a short walk to the National Historical Museum and the Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods.

16. Coco-Mat Hotel – Kolonaki

A perfect night’s sleep is certain here. Owned by the renowned Greek mattress company, Coco-Mat’s rooms and suites all come with their signature sleep system: two layers of handmade mattresses; two layers of mattress toppers; and natural, sustainably-sourced linens, duvets, and pillows – all customizable to suit each guest’s preferences. Facilities and amenities include a rooftop bar with amazing views, an all-day restaurant, honesty bar, herb garden, and complimentary wooden bicycles. A great value hotel in a classy, cafe-filled neighborhood. Near many restaurants and shops, with major museums, Plaka, and Acropolis all within a 25-minute walk.

17. Monsieur Didot – Akadimia

Infinitely charming boutique hotel with six rooms and suites set in a late neoclassical mansion. Accommodations are individually designed, each with a unique perk: one with a private marble balcony, one with a sunny private veranda, and one with a hidden door inside a bookcase, and more. All feature rainfall showers, a terrace sitting area, and complimentary in-room breakfast, and all but one have king-size beds. Located on a quiet street in Akadimia at the base of Mt Lycabettus, bordering upscale Kolonaki and artsy Exarcheia. Walking distance to all major attractions.

18. Ivis 4 Boutique Hotel – Psirri

Contemporary boutique hotel with a with an all-day Greek restaurant and bar, a garden patio, and vibrant graffiti murals. All rooms and suites have private balconies with garden or city views and walk-in rain showers, many with sofa beds and space for up to four guests. The smallest room, the Acropolis Terrace Suite, more than makes up for its size with its large private terrace and sweeping views over the city toward the Acropolis and Mt Lycabettus. The restaurant is outstanding, with an especially nice breakfast and brunch service, signature cocktails, and patio seating surrounded by lush greenery. Excellent location in Psirri, near shopping on Ermou Street, the Temple of Hephastus, and the Ancient Agora.

19. The Gem Society Boutique Hotel – City Center

Trendy boutique hotel with a playful vibe, full-service spa, and Mediterranean restaurant. Set in a neoclassical building (formerly a bank) with vault doors, an Art Deco staircase, jewel-tone palette, and brass and marble accents. Accommodations run the gamut from efficiently cozy double rooms to airy suites with soaking tubs, private terraces, and space for six guests. Muse Bistro is a highlight of the hotel, offering complimentary a la carte breakfast, farm-to-fork all-day dining, and signature cocktails. The spa boasts a hammam, jacuzzi, and couples’ treatment room. Excellent City Center location near the Athens Central Market, National Historical Museum, and myriad dining and nightlife spots.

20. Academias Hotel – Akadimia

Urban luxury hotel with a wellness center and rooftop gastrobar. Academias features sophisticated design in its rooms and suites, all with marble bathrooms, Illy espresso makers, and king-sized mattresses (Executive Room beds can be split into twin-size beds). Facilities include a 24-hour gym, posh day spa, and an indoor, heated pool. NYX Rooftop serves an Asian-fusion menu with wine and sake cocktails, while Symposium Restaurant offers a Greek and international breakfast spread. Plato Lounge Bar in the lobby offers a casual menu of light fare all day and an emphasis on gin-based drinks. Chic location near the landmark Academy of Athens, the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, and the Old Parliament.

21. Mona – Psirri

Luxurious yet unrefined, Mona is an art-focused boutique hotel with plenty of character. Set in a 1950s factory and designed with respect to the original architecture, rooms and loft suites feature industrial pipes and raw walls with decades of layered paint paired with velvet drapes, sheer cotton curtains, freestanding soaking tubs, and indulgent bedding. Top-tier suites add kitchenettes and private terraces. Room 16 includes an emperor-size bed; others are queen or king-size. Breakfast is complimentary and served daily in the Living Room until 1 pm. Cocktails, wine, and pop-up music parties are held throughout the summer on the Rooftop, while the Underground speakeasy space hosts DJ, art, wine, and food events. Hip location in Psirri next to Bad Tooth bar and music venue and just a few meters to Monastiraki Flea Market and Hadrian’s Library.

22. The Margi – Athens Riviera

Timelessly chic boutique hotel with a pool and spa just a few steps from the beach. A second, heated pool is tucked away in a zen-like spa. Onsite restaurants and the poolside bar serve Greek and Mediterranean cuisine using ingredients sourced from their own organic farm (tours and activities at the farm are also on offer). All rooms, suites, and the villa include private balconies or terraces and 24-hour room service. Beautifully situated a few meters from Vouliagmeni and Astir Beaches, within a five-minute walk of gourmet and casual restaurants, about a 20-minute walk to the thermal springs at Lake Vouliagmeni.

23. Grand Resort Lagonissi – Athens Riviera

Lavish resort spread over sixteen sandy beaches with a pool, spa, water sports center, and outdoor cinema. Most rooms include a private garden, outdoor jacuzzi, or heated pool; top-tier rooms add private gyms. Family-friendly perks include babysitting service, kids menus in the restaurants, and a kids’ club for ages four to twelve years old. A rich buffet breakfast is always included in the rate; opt for the “dine around” package to add a set lunch or dinner daily. The resort’s seven restaurants offer a range of fine and casual options including Greek, Italian, and Nikkei menus – in house, on the beach, or under the stars.

24. Acropolis Vision – Thiseio

Comfortable, good value hotel in quieter Thiseio. This charming neoclassical residence has been restored to house guest rooms and suites with hardwood floors, lofty ceilings, and updated bathrooms. The rooftop terrace, shared by all guests, looks out to the Acropolis. Located on a lovely pedestrianized thoroughfare overlooking the Ancient Agora (but easily accessible by taxi), only a 10-minute walk to Monastiraki Square and the Acropolis Slopes.

25. Belle Epoque Suites – City Center

Lovely midrange boutique hotel with 17 rooms and suites that pair historic design with modern amenities. The shared rooftop balcony has Acropolis views and their gorgeous attached restaurant is an excellent choice for any meal or a quick cocktail. You’re spoiled for choice, though, as great restaurants abound in this part of town, which is also convenient to the city’s best museums and shopping.

26. St George Lycabettus – Kolonaki

Comfortably elegant five-star hotel at the foot of Mt Lycabettus with incredible views over Athens and the Acropolis. If you don’t spring for a view room (you really should), you can enjoy the panorama from the rooftop restaurant and swimming pool. Families may take advantage of the kids’ playroom and cartoon screenings in the hotel’s theater on Saturdays and Sundays.

27. Shila – Akadimia

Romantic, all-suite boutique hotel with a roof garden and library lounge. Each of its six atmospheric, art-filled suites blends bohemian style with contemporary comforts: Deco-era wooden furnishings, vintage fabrics, and antiques plus iPads, Bluetooth speakers, and smart TVs. Two suites come with private garden patios, while four have private balconies. The spacious balcony suites accommodate up to four guests with lounge areas that can convert into a second bedroom. Breakfast is included and served directly to each suite. Situated on a pedestrian-only street, just a short walk to the Benaki Museum, hiking on Mt Lycabettus, and high-end shopping and dining in Kolonaki.

28. Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel – Thisieo

Polished boutique hotel built in a Deco-era toymaker’s workshop with a private roof terrace with views toward the forested side of the Acropolis and Nymphs Hill. All five rooms and suites include rain showers, coffee and tea facilities, and complimentary breakfast; one has a private balcony and another has direct access to the rooftop. Private tours for two are on offer using the hotel’s vintage Fiat 500. Located on the edge of Thisieo and Psirri, less than five minutes on foot to the Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus, the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, and the Archaeological Site of Kerameikos.

29. The Foundry Suites – Psirri

Hip boutique hotel set in a former type foundry and print shop. Each of the twelve spacious suites and lofts is individually designed in a refined, industrial style with mid-century modern furnishings. All feature Coco-Mat beds, turntables, high ceilings, and hardwood floors – most with full kitchens, one with a private terrace and Acropolis view. What you will not find here is a TV. The Roof Garden offers a casual green space to unwind with Acropolis and city views, plus a seasonal bar serving cocktails and pizza; a wine cellar features small-batch Greek wines and beers from local microbreweries. Situated in vibrant Psirri, near the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art and the Ancient Agora.

30. La Divina – Monastiraki

An inspired blend of old and new, La Divina hotel offers just 12 rooms and suites within the onetime Odeon Athenaeum music hall, dedicated to the opera singer Maria Callas. The storied stone walls of the original building are accentuated by ambient lighting and paired with marble baths and modern brass fixtures. The Jacuzzi Suite features a spacious private outdoor terrace, and the bi-level Spa Suite has an indoor jacuzzi and roomy walk-in shower. Located on pedestrianized Adrianou Street, lined with great restaurants and looking out over the Ancient Agora to the Acropolis.

31. Athenaeum InterContinental – Koukaki

Rooms are huge and some have amazing views of the Acropolis. The swimming pool is great. The hotel is located a 20 minute walk from Plaka and a free shuttle bus runs guests to the main tourist spots every 30 minutes. There’s also a tram and metro station nearby to take you to Syntagma Square. If location is of prime importance then this might not be your place, but the hotel itself is a great choice.

32. Grecotel Pallas Athena – Omonia

Family-friendly, 4-star hotel with a play area and connecting rooms. Rooms, suites, and lofts all feature bespoke decor, either one-of-a-kind graffiti murals or elegant, minimalist style. Dining is excellent at their Greek-Mediterranean restaurant with an especially wonderful hot and cold breakfast buffet. Located near Kotzia Square, just a 3-minute walk to the Central Market and less than a 10-minute walk to Plaka and shopping at Ermou Street and the Monastiraki Flea Market.

33. The Alex Monte Kastella – Piraeus

The best hotel in Piraeus. The Alex is an upscale boutique hotel in the hilltop Kastella neighborhood. The rooftop restaurant, Nest, is a gem, serving a refined version of Greek comfort food with a seasonal menu and their own wine label. Rooms are pet-friendly and all feature a rainfall shower; some add balconies or sofa beds for a third guest. Breakfast is always included in the room rate, as well as unlimited coffee and juice in the Lobby Bar all day. Half-board is optional. Just a short walk to restaurants and cafes at Mikrolimano marina and the basketball stadium, and less than a 10-minute drive to the ferry port.

34. Vincci EverEden – Athens Riviera

Luxury hillside resort above a private beach with two outdoor pools, a spa with a heated pool, and a water sports center with scuba diving. All rooms and suites have balconies or terraces, some add private outdoor pools or jacuzzis, and residences add kitchenettes. The resort offers complimentary use of the hammam and sauna in the spa, as well as free fitness classes daily in their 24-hour gym. Kid-centric amenities include a playground, a floating water park in the sea, a kids pool, and lifeguards at all pools and the beach. Choose between the bed and breakfast or half-board packages. The resort sits at the quieter south end of the Athens Riviera. Renting a car will make a stay here more convenient.

35. Perianth Hotel – City Center

Luxury boutique hotel with a wellness center and Italian restaurant. This design-forward hotel features an Art Deco exterior and an interior filled with contemporary Greek art. Rooms and suites all have balconies and king-sized beds, some with views of the Acropolis. The Penthouse Suite boasts a private rooftop jacuzzi and pool. Excellent location in the City Center, just a short walk to the train station, several excellent bars and restaurants, and shopping on Ermou Street.

36. O&B Athens Boutique Hotel – Psirri

Welcoming boutique hotel with great Acropolis views and an excellent buffet breakfast. Rooms and suites tend toward the cozy side, though the Grand Superior Family Room and the Grand Acropolis View Luxury Suite offer plenty of space for up to four guests. Just a one-minute walk from Thiseio Metro Station, ten minutes from the Acropolis, and two minutes from the Monastiraki Flea Market.

37. Athens Capital Center – Syntagma

Great MGallery-branded hotel featuring a rooftop terrace with an infinity pool bar and views to the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. Guest rooms are dressed in a sophisticated palette of ivory, walnut, deep blue, and dark gray, and boast marble bathrooms with rainfall shower heads. Most room types accommodate 2 guests, but Superior King and Executive King rooms sleep 4. Great central location adjacent to Syntagma Square and metro station.

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Plaka Hotels

The pedestrian-only streets of Plaka are filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Plaka is my favorite neighborhood in Athens. Yes, it’s very touristy but it also has a lively and friendly vibe. It’s a pedestrian-friendly warren of ancient streets nestled at the base of the Acropolis (the one must-see attraction in Athens). Plaka is filled with restaurants, tourist shops, and hotels. Sites include the Tower of the Winds, Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, Hadrian’s Arch, the Jewish Museum of Greece, and the Museum of Greek Folk Art.

The Best Hotels in Plaka

• Electra Palace Hotel
• A77 Suites
• Ava Hotel
• Plaka Hotel
• All Hotels in Plaka

Monastiraki Hotels

Monastiraki Square and the Monastiraki metro station.

Monastiraki directly borders Plaka and has a similar feel. The neighborhood is a little less touristy and has more antique, arts, crafts, and clothing shops than Plaka. Sites here include the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Stoa of Attalos, Hadrian’s Library, and the Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments. It’s also home to a large Flea Market every Sunday morning. The area is served by the Monastiraki station (lines 1 and 3). Line 1 is a direct route to Piraeus Ferry Port and Line 3 heads directly to both the Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport, making Monastiraki a great choice if you have an early ferry or plane to catch.

The Best Hotels in Monastiraki

• The Dolli
• 360 Degrees
• Muse Urban Suites
• A for Athens (technically in Psirri, but right across from the Monastiriki metro station – great if you have to catch an early morning ferry from Piraeus)
• La Divina
• All Hotels in Monastiraki

Syntagma Hotels

The King George Hotel on Syntagma Square.

The business and tourist hub of Athens. In Syntagma you’ll find 5-star hotels, restaurants, shopping, banks, airline offices, and the Greek Parliament buildings. The National Historical Museum is located in the old Parliament building on Stadiou street and the National Garden offers a cool and shady retreat from the sweltering Athens’ summers.

The Best Hotels in Syntagma

• Grande Bretagne
• King George
• New Hotel
• Ergon House
• Athens Capital Center
• All Hotels in Syntagma

Psirri Hotels

Colorful Navarchou Apostoli Street in the quirky Psirri neighborhood.

A diamond in the rough, Psirri is the neighborhood for hip bars, live music, and local authentic dining. This recently revitalized area is popular with locals and travelers alike with its artisan workshops and eclectic style.

The Best Hotels in Psirri

• iFeel Athens
• Ivis 4
• Mona
• The Foundry
• O&B
• All Hotels in Psirri

Makriyanni Hotels

View over Makriyanni toward the sea, as seen from the Acropolis near sunset.

Swanky little neighborhood on the south side of the Acropolis, home to the Acropolis Museum. Neoclassical mansions, artisan shops, rooftop restaurants, and sidewalk cafés abound. The wide pedestrian street, Dionysiou Areopagitou, forms its northern border and runs from Filopappou Hill in the west all the way to Zeus’ Temple in the east.

The Best Hotels in Makriyanni

• AthensWas
• Athens Gate
• All Hotels in Makriyanni

City Center Hotels

The Old Parliament building is now home to the National Historical Museum.

Energetic and cosmopolitan, the City Center is always abuzz with creative dining, street food, boutiques, galleries, and cocktail bars along Kolokotrini Street and Agia Irini Square. The main attractions here are the Central Market and the National Historical Museum set in the Old Parliament building, now a museum.

The Best Hotels in the City Center

• xenodocheio Milos
• The Gem Society
• Gatsby
• Perianth Hotel
• Belle Epoque Suites
• All Hotels in the City Center

Kolonaki Hotels

View over Kolonaki toward the Acropolis, as seen from Mt Lycabettus.

A residential neighborhood northwest of Syntagma Square that’s filled with upscale shops, restaurants, boutique hotels, and cafes. Sites include the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and National War Museum. It’s walking distance from here to Plaka and the Acropolis.

The Best Hotels in Kolonaki

• St. George Lycabettus Hotel
• Coco-Mat Hotel
• Periscope Hotel
• All Hotels in Kolonaki

Thiseio Hotels

The National Observatory and Agia Marina Church sit on Nymphs Hill in the Thiseio neighborhood

A green oasis in the city, the Thiseio neighborhood sits on the northern slope of lush Filopappou Hill with views of the Acropolis rising from the foliage below (most other areas show the Acropolis from a rockier angle). Here you’ll find National Observatory of Athens, the oldest research center in Greece (both pictured above). Formerly a working-class neighborhood, now popular spot for weekend brunches, nature walks, and sunset vistas from its numerous hillsides.

The Best Hotels in Thiseio

• Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel
• Acropolis Vision
• Hotel Thissio
• All Hotels in Thiseio

Koukaki Hotels

The Koukaki neighborhood at the base of Filoppapou Hill.

Like Plaka and Monastiraki, the Koukaki area sits at the base of the Acropolis and looks up at the Parthenon. It’s an easy walk from here to Plaka and Syntagma, but the area has a more local, less touristy feel. There are many restaurants and cafes on the streets and squares around the neighborhood.

The Best Hotels in Koukaki

• Acropolis View Hotel
• Athenaeum Intercontinental
• Divani Palace Acropolis
• Cohort Koukaki
• All Hotels in Koukaki

Akadimia Hotels

Luxury shopping on the pedestrian-only Voukourestiou Street.

A quiet neighborhood just a short walk to Athens’ most popular attractions. Akadimia is home to the Athenian Trilogy: a complex of three Neoclassical buildings – the Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library (AKA Vallianeio Megaron) – commissioned after Greece won its independence. Luxury shopping can be found on stylish Voukourestiou street (above), which continues into the Kolonaki area.

The Best Hotels in Akadimia

• Shila
• Monsieur Didot
• Academias
• All Hotels in Akadimia

Athens Riviera Hotels

View from the north end of Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera.

Offering the best of both worlds – sunny beach resorts plus reasonable accessibility to the Acropolis – the Athens Riviera is a long stretch of Blue Flag beaches and glitzy marinas south of the city. Attractions here include the natural thermal waters at Lake Vouliagmeni and the ancient Temple of Poseidon perched above Cape Sounio. Beach clubs, nightclubs, shopping, and dining are all on offer here.

The Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera

• Four Seasons Astir Palace
• The Margi
• Vincci EverEden
• Grand Resort Lagonissi
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Piraeus Hotels (Ferry Port)

The view of the Piraeus ferry port from a balcony at The Port Square Hotel.

The port city south of Athens where the ferries arrive and depart for the islands. There’s not much here for tourists besides the ferries, but if you need to catch an early ferry staying here is an attractive option (but I would still recommend staying in the city of Athens). In high season there are always tourists milling about the area near the port and the metro station, so you need not fear an early morning departure or a late-night arrival. It’s about 30 minutes by metro (on line 1 or line 3) from downtown Athens to the port. From the airport to the port, it takes about an hour on line 3. The Port Square is the best hotel at the ferry port, right across the footbridge to the port and next to the train station with routes to central Athens and the airport. The Alex is the best luxury hotel in Piraeus, set on a hilltop overlooking the natural harbor of Mikrolimano, about two km from the ferries.

Recommended Hotels in Piraeus

• The Alex
• The Port Square
• Triton Hotel Piraeus
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• Phidias Piraeus Hotel
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