Where to Stay in Athens

Greece › Athens › Best Areas
Updated: September 30, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Athens Hotels: My Favorites

• Best 5-Star Hotel: Grande Bretagne – classic luxury on Syntagma Square and my favorite hotel in Athens.
• Best 4-Star Hotel: Electra Palace – Plaka location, rooftop pool, and Acropolis views.
• Best 3-Star Hotel: A for Athens – unbeatable Monastiraki location and excellent rooftop view.
• Best Budget Hotel: Phaedra – simple, clean, and wonderfully located in Plaka.
• Best for Families: Ava Hotel & Suites – large suites with kitchenettes near the Acropolis.
• Best for Couples: Gatsby • AthensWas
• Best Airport Hotel: Sofitel – directly across from the terminal.
• Best Ferry-Port Hotel: Port Square – best for early Piraeus ferries.
• Best Beach Resort: Four Seasons Astir Palace – the top luxury resort on the Athens Riviera.

Where to Stay in Athens: Quick Answers

• Best area for first-timers: Plaka. Charming, central, walkable, and close to the Acropolis. It is touristy and expensive, but still my favorite base for a first visit.
• Best area for a short stay: Syntagma or Monastiraki. Both have excellent metro connections for the airport, Piraeus, and the main sights.
• Best area for nightlife and restaurants: Psiri and Monastiraki. Central and lively, but not ideal for light sleepers.
• Best calmer central area: Koukaki. Close to the Acropolis Museum, with better local restaurants and less tourist traffic than Plaka.
• Best upscale city neighborhood: Kolonaki. Excellent for dining, shopping, and museums, but hillier and less convenient for ancient sightseeing.
• Best beach base: Athens Riviera. Good for a resort stay, not for a quick sightseeing trip.
• Best ferry-port base: Piraeus. Stay here for a very early ferry or late ferry arrival. Otherwise, stay in central Athens.

The Best Areas to Stay in Athens

Athens is not just a one-night stop before the Greek islands. I tell people to spend at least 2 to 3 days in Athens if their schedule allows. One night is better than nothing, but it usually means you see the Acropolis, have one dinner, and leave just as the city starts to make sense.

For most visitors, I recommend staying in the historic center around the Acropolis: Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Psiri, Koukaki, Makriyanni, or Thiseio. You can walk to most of the major sights and have plenty of restaurants nearby.

For a first visit or short stay, do not get too clever. Stay central and walkable. A cheaper hotel well outside the center usually costs more in time and hassle than it saves in money.

Eating at my favorite gyro place in Monastiraki.

Athens Layout in a Nutshell

The easiest way to understand central Athens is to put the Acropolis in the middle. Plaka wraps around its north and east, with Monastiraki and Thiseio to the north and west. The Acropolis Museum, Makriyanni, and Koukaki are immediately south. These neighborhoods form the main sightseeing area, and you can walk between all of them fairly easily.

Just beyond this inner core are Psiri, immediately north of Monastiraki; Syntagma, east of Plaka; and Kolonaki, beyond Syntagma toward Lycabettus Hill.

Central Athens looks bigger on a map than it feels on foot. From one side of this inner core to the other is about a 20-minute walk. The main complication is hills, steps, cobblestones, and uneven sidewalks.

Athens is not a uniformly pretty city. Ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, neoclassical houses, apartment blocks, street art, rooftop bars, bakeries, and tavernas are often packed into the same few blocks. Plaka and Thiseio are the prettiest areas; Monastiraki and Psiri are busier and grittier; Syntagma is more modern and commercial; and Kolonaki is more upscale and residential.

My wife and I catching the direct metro train to the ferry port from Syntagma.

Athens Neighborhoods: Quick Comparison

• Plaka: Best overall for first-timers. Historic, central, and easy for sightseeing. More expensive and touristy than most other areas.
• Monastiraki: Best for rooftop bars, nightlife, transport, and a busy central location. Often noisy.
• Syntagma: Best for luxury hotels, airport access, and short stays. Practical rather than charming.
• Psiri: Best for restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Fun but gritty and noisy in places.
• Koukaki: Best for a calmer central stay near the Acropolis Museum, with good cafes and restaurants.
• Kolonaki: Best for upscale shopping, restaurants, and museums. Hilly and less convenient for the Acropolis.
• Makriyanni: Excellent for the Acropolis Museum and south entrance to the Acropolis.
• Thiseio: Quiet and central, close to the Ancient Agora and Filopappou Hill, but with fewer hotels.
• Athens Riviera: Best for beaches, pools, and resorts. Poor choice if sightseeing is the priority.
• Piraeus: Best for early ferries and late ferry arrivals, not for sightseeing.

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5 Things to Know Before Booking an Athens Hotel

• 1. Stay central, especially on a first visit.
  Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Psiri, Koukaki, Makriyanni, and Thiseio all work well. Do not stay in the suburbs just to save money. You will lose too much time getting in and out of the center.
• 2. Check the exact street, not just the neighborhood.
  Athens changes quickly block by block. A hotel “in Monastiraki” might be perfect, or it might be loud until 2am. Rooms on busy streets such as Ermou and Athinas can be convenient but noisy. Light sleepers should look for side streets, courtyard-facing rooms, and good soundproofing.
• 3. Acropolis views are not all equal.
  Some hotels have wonderful Acropolis views from the rooftop only. Some rooms have a real Acropolis view, others have a partial side view, and a few require leaning over a balcony. If the view matters, book the exact view room category and confirm whether the view is from the bed, balcony, terrace, or hotel roof.
• 4. You probably do not need to stay in Piraeus.
  I recommend a Piraeus hotel for very early ferries, late ferry arrivals, or a simple overnight between connections. For a mid-morning or later ferry, I prefer staying in central Athens and going to the port in the morning.
• 5. Do not choose your Athens hotel around the airport.
  Stay in central Athens unless you have a very early flight, a late-night arrival, or a tight connection. In those cases, the Sofitel Athens Airport is directly across from the terminal.

Best Places to Stay in Athens

Enjoying the hot tub on our room’s private deck at the Gatsby Athens.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Athens:
  Grande Bretagne is my favorite hotel in Athens and the best choice for classic luxury in the center. King George is right next door and slightly smaller. Conrad Athens The Ilisian, opened in 2026 after a huge renovation and transformation of the former Hilton Athens, has large rooms, extensive wellness facilities, and one of the best outdoor hotel pools in central Athens. It is in Ilisia, east of Kolonaki, so not as convenient for walking to the Acropolis as Grande Bretagne. Four Seasons Astir Palace is the best resort in the Athens area, but it is on the Riviera, not in the city center. One&Only Aesthesis is nearly as luxurious, with a beautiful seaside setting in Glyfada and easier access to central Athens.
• Best Boutique Hotels in Athens:
  The Dolli is my favorite high-end boutique hotel near Plaka and Monastiraki, with a spectacular rooftop and excellent Acropolis-view rooms. Gatsby is fun and romantic. AthensWas has an excellent location near the Acropolis Museum. xenodocheio Milos, NEW Hotel, Shila, and Gem Society are also good choices.
• Best Cheap and Midrange Hotels in Athens:
  Phaedra Hotel is basic but perfectly located in Plaka. A for Athens is great value for the location and rooftop views, though Monastiraki Square can be noisy. Athens Center Square is affordable and convenient beside the Central Market. Belle Epoque Suites is a good midrange choice between Syntagma and Monastiraki. Acropolis Vision is my favorite value pick in quieter Thiseio.
• Best Hotels for Families:
  Ava Hotel & Suites is my top pick because many rooms are apartment-style suites with kitchenettes and the Plaka location is excellent. Athena Pallas has larger room options in the city center. Four Seasons Astir Palace is best if you want pools, sea, and resort space and do not need to be close to the ancient sights.

Best Places in Athens For…

• Best place in Athens for first-timers: Plaka
  Plaka sits below the Acropolis, has the prettiest streets in central Athens, and puts you within walking distance of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Acropolis Museum, Syntagma, and Monastiraki. It is touristy and expensive, but I still think it is the best choice for most first visits.

At the National Archaeological Museum.

• Best places for sightseeing: Plaka, Makriyanni, Syntagma, and Monastiraki
  Plaka is best for atmosphere, Makriyanni for the Acropolis Museum and south Acropolis entrance, Syntagma for transport and the National Garden, and Monastiraki for the Ancient Agora and metro connections.
• Best places for shopping: Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Kolonaki
  Monastiraki is best for casual shopping, souvenirs, sandals, and the so-called flea market. Ermou Street runs between Monastiraki and Syntagma and is the main high-street shopping drag. Kolonaki is better for boutiques, galleries, and designer shops.

My family and I during a food tour of central Athens.

• Best places for families: Plaka, Syntagma, Koukaki, and Makriyanni
  Plaka is the most convenient for walking to sights and meals. Syntagma is excellent for transport and taxis. Koukaki and Makriyanni are calmer and close to the Acropolis Museum. I would avoid choosing a cheaper hotel north of the Central Market unless you know the exact block.
• Best places for restaurants and nightlife: Psiri, Monastiraki, City Center, and Koukaki
  Psiri is my pick for bars, live music, tavernas, and late dinners. Monastiraki has the easiest rooftop-bar scene. The blocks around Agias Irinis Square have excellent cocktail bars and restaurants. Koukaki is better for a quieter dinner and local cafes.

My wife and I at the Grande Bretagne, with the Parliament Buildings and Panathenaic Stadium visible in the background.

• Best places for a local feel: Koukaki, Thiseio, and Kolonaki
  Koukaki has the best combination of central location and neighborhood restaurants. Thiseio is quieter and greener. Kolonaki is more upscale, with better shopping and museums but more hills.
• Best places for short trips: Syntagma and Monastiraki
  Syntagma has the easiest airport bus and metro access. Monastiraki has direct metro access to the airport and Piraeus and is steps from the Ancient Agora, Plaka, and Psiri.

Athens Transport Tips for Choosing a Hotel

• Metro Line 3 is the most useful line for visitors.
  It connects the airport with Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Piraeus, making Syntagma and Monastiraki especially convenient for flights and ferries.
• Metro Line 1 is useful for Piraeus ferries.
  It connects Monastiraki and Thiseio with Piraeus.
• The X95 airport bus is best for Syntagma.
  It runs 24 hours between Athens Airport and Syntagma Square. It is cheaper than a taxi but can be slow in traffic and is less pleasant with lots of luggage.
• The X80 Piraeus express bus is seasonal.
  It operates from May to October between Piraeus, the Acropolis, and Syntagma. Check the current schedule before relying on it for a ferry.
• You can tap a bank card or phone on Athens public transport.
  Contactless Visa and Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay work on OASA metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus services. For the metro, tap at the gates when entering and exiting.

Staying in Plaka

The pedestrian-friendly streets of Plaka.

Plaka is the best area to stay in Athens for most first-time visitors. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city, wrapped around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and has the most attractive streets in central Athens. If someone asks me where to stay for a first Athens trip and gives me no other information, I say Plaka.

Pedestrian lanes, neoclassical houses, small squares, shops, cafes, and tavernas fill the neighborhood. The Acropolis, Roman Agora, Tower of the Winds, Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Acropolis Museum are all walkable from most Plaka hotels. Anafiotika, tucked between Plaka and the Acropolis, is a tiny maze of whitewashed lanes and steps.

Plaka is touristy. Some restaurants are mediocre and overpriced, and hotel rates are high for the room size. But for a short first visit, the convenience is hard to beat.

Who Should Stay in Plaka

• First-time visitors who want the easiest base for sightseeing.
• Families who want to walk to sights and meals.
• Travelers with 2 or 3 nights who want to minimize logistics.

Plaka Tradeoffs

• Hotels are expensive and rooms can be small.
• Restaurants on the busiest lanes can be touristy.
• Pedestrian streets can mean a short luggage walk from your taxi.
• Upper Plaka and Anafiotika have steps and slopes.

The Best Hotels in Plaka

• The Dolli – My favorite luxury boutique choice on the Plaka/Monastiraki border, with a spectacular rooftop and excellent Acropolis-view rooms.
• Ava Hotel & Suites – Best Plaka hotel for families. Spacious suites, many with kitchenettes, near the Acropolis Museum.
• Electra Palace Hotel – Best classic 4-star in Plaka, with a rooftop pool and Acropolis views from the roof. Not every room has a view.
• A77 Suites – Romantic boutique suites in a restored neoclassical building. The top suites have private outdoor space and hot tubs; book the exact category you want.

Staying in Monastiraki

The 18th-century Tzistarakis Mosque sits in Monastiraki next to the metro station and steps from the Monastiraki Flea Market.

Monastiraki is my favorite area for travelers who want a busy central location, rooftop bars, shopping, and easy transport. It sits between Plaka, Psiri, Thiseio, and the Ancient Agora, so almost everything a first-time visitor wants to see is walkable.

Monastiraki Square has the metro station, Tzistarakis Mosque, Hadrian’s Library, and a direct view toward the Acropolis. Ermou Street runs east toward Syntagma, while Ifestou Street and the “flea market” lanes run west toward Thiseio. The flea market is mostly shops and restaurants during the week, with more street vendors on Sundays.

Metro Line 3 runs directly to both the airport and Piraeus, and Line 1 also runs to Piraeus. The downside is noise, especially around the square and rooftop bars.

Who Should Stay in Monastiraki

• Travelers who want nightlife, rooftop bars, casual food, and easy sightseeing.
• Short-stay visitors who want direct airport and Piraeus connections.
• Travelers who do not mind a busy, noisy city center.

Monastiraki Tradeoffs

• Noise can be a problem, especially near the square.
• Some side streets are gritty.
• Hotels with rooftop bars can be noisy even on higher floors.

The Best Hotels in Monastiraki

• The Dolli – Best luxury boutique hotel in the area, on the Plaka/Monastiraki border.
• A for Athens – My favorite value pick in Monastiraki. Directly across from the metro with one of the best rooftop views in Athens. Book a quieter room if noise matters.
• 360 Degrees – Excellent location directly on Monastiraki Square, with a popular rooftop bar.
• Muse Urban Suites – Apartment-style suites near the square, useful if you want more space than a standard hotel room.

Staying in Syntagma

The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square.

Syntagma is the most practical area to stay in Athens. It is not as charming as Plaka or as fun as Monastiraki and Psiri, but it is central and excellent for transport.

Syntagma Square is home to the Greek Parliament and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The National Garden is next door, Plaka is a short walk away, and Ermou Street runs west toward Monastiraki. Grande Bretagne and King George are both directly on the square.

Syntagma has Metro Lines 2 and 3, direct airport access on Line 3, the X95 airport bus, and easy taxi access. It works especially well for short stays and travelers who value easy logistics.

Who Should Stay in Syntagma

• First-timers who want central convenience and easy airport access.
• Luxury travelers who want Athens’ best classic hotels.
• Short-stay visitors with flights, ferries, or tight logistics.

Syntagma Tradeoffs

• Less atmospheric than Plaka or Thiseio.
• Traffic and demonstrations can occasionally affect the square.
• Rooms facing busy streets can be noisy.

The Best Hotels in Syntagma

• Grande Bretagne – My favorite hotel in Athens. Classic luxury in the best Syntagma location. Some rooms and suites have Acropolis views, but not all.
• King George – Right beside Grande Bretagne, but smaller and quieter in feel.
• Athens Capital Center Hotel – MGallery Collection – Modern 5-star hotel with a rooftop pool just off Syntagma Square.
• Electra Metropolis – Central hotel with a rooftop pool and excellent Acropolis views from the roof.
• NEW Hotel – Design-focused hotel between Syntagma and Plaka.
• Ergon House – Central hotel built around an excellent food market, with Ermou Street and Plaka close by.
• Sweet Home Hotel – Small, charming, and good value between Syntagma and Plaka.

Staying in Kolonaki

View over Kolonaki toward the Acropolis from St. George Lycabettus Hotel.

Kolonaki climbs the lower slopes of Lycabettus Hill east of Syntagma. It has boutiques, galleries, museums, cafes, wine bars, and some of the best high-end shopping in Athens.

I like Kolonaki for repeat visitors and travelers more interested in restaurants, shopping, and museums than being directly beside the ancient sights. The Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, Byzantine and Christian Museum, and War Museum are nearby.

The tradeoff is the hills. Kolonaki is walkable to Syntagma and Plaka, but less convenient for the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. If your hotel is high up the hill, take a taxi with luggage.

Who Should Stay in Kolonaki

• Repeat visitors interested in museums, restaurants, galleries, and shopping.
• Couples who prefer Kolonaki nightlife to the busier scene around Monastiraki and Psiri.
• Travelers who do not mind hills or occasional taxis.

Kolonaki Tradeoffs

• Hilly, especially with luggage.
• Less convenient for the Acropolis and Ancient Agora.
• Fewer good budget hotels.

The Best Hotels in Kolonaki

• Conrad Athens The Ilisian – The best luxury hotel near Kolonaki, though technically in Ilisia, just east of the neighborhood. Large rooms, extensive wellness facilities, and one of the best outdoor hotel pools in central Athens.
• St. George Lycabettus Hotel – The best-known Kolonaki hotel, with rooftop views and a pool. Choose it for Kolonaki and the views, not for instant access to the Acropolis.
• Coco-Mat Hotel – Comfortable and very well located for Kolonaki cafes and shops.
• Periscope Hotel – Small modern hotel in the heart of Kolonaki.

Staying in Psiri

Cafés and a mural at Plateia Iroon (Heroes Square) in the heart of Psiri.

Psiri is one of the best areas to stay for restaurants and nightlife. It sits just northwest of Monastiraki, close enough to walk to the Ancient Agora, Plaka, and Acropolis, but feels much less touristy.

Psiri has a working-class and countercultural history, and workshops and old warehouses still sit among murals, tavernas, bars, and boutique hotels. Plateia Iroon is the center of the action.

I like Psiri for couples and friends who go out at night. I would not choose it for very light sleepers or families wanting quiet evenings.

Psiri Tradeoffs

• Can be noisy late into the night.
• Some streets are gritty, especially during the day before bars and restaurants open.
• Not my first choice for families with young kids.

The Best Hotels in Psiri

• Monument Hotel – Beautiful small hotel in a restored listed building on Kalamida Street. One of the best choices in Psiri if you want a quieter, more upscale hotel but still want the restaurants and bars outside your door.
• iFeel Athens – Spacious boutique rooms in one of the best Psiri locations.
• Ivis 4 – Stylish, comfortable, and slightly removed from the busiest Psiri streets.
• Mona – Small design hotel with distinctive rooms and a romantic atmosphere. Better for couples than travelers wanting a conventional full-service hotel.
• The Foundry – Large suites and an excellent rooftop garden.
• O&B – Good location on the quieter Psiri/Thiseio side of the neighborhood.
• 18 Micon Str. – Small hotel in the heart of Psiri, best for travelers who want to be close to the nightlife.

Staying in the City Center

The Holy Church of Saint Irene with the Acropolis above, seen from Perianth Hotel.

The blocks between Syntagma, Monastiraki, Psiri, and Akadimia are packed with hotels, coffee shops, cocktail bars, restaurants, and small boutiques. Agias Irinis Square and the Central Market are the main reference points.

This area works well if food and nightlife matter more than staying in Plaka. You can walk easily to Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Psiri. Around the Central Market, exact location matters more: streets that are busy during the day can feel very different late at night.

Who Should Stay in the City Center

• Travelers who want restaurants, cocktail bars, and boutique hotels.
• Repeat visitors who do not need to stay beside the Acropolis.
• Travelers comfortable with a busy central neighborhood.

City Center Tradeoffs

• Less attractive than Plaka and Thiseio.
• Some streets around the Central Market are scruffy.
• Noise varies considerably by street and room position.

The Best Hotels in the City Center

• xenodocheio Milos – Excellent high-end hotel near Syntagma with one of the better hotel restaurants in central Athens.
• Gatsby – One of my favorite hotels for couples, with an excellent central location.
• Perianth Hotel – Boutique hotel directly on Agias Irinis Square.
• Gem Society – Comfortable and central, with good value for the location.
• Belle Epoque Suites – Good midrange option between Syntagma and Monastiraki.
• Athens Center Square – Affordable hotel beside the Central Market and about a five-minute walk from Monastiraki metro.

Staying in Koukaki

View over Koukaki from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Koukaki is one of my favorite areas for staying central without being surrounded by the heaviest tourist traffic. It sits south of the Acropolis and Filopappou Hill, close to the Acropolis Museum, south Acropolis entrance, Makriyanni, and Plaka.

Koukaki has cafes, tavernas, bakeries, apartment-style hotels, and small boutique properties. It is especially good for families and repeat visitors who want a quieter evening but still want to walk to the major sights.

Koukaki covers a larger area than many visitors realize. I prefer hotels near the Acropolis Museum, Dionysiou Areopagitou, Drakou Street, or the Syngrou-Fix and Akropoli metro stations. Farther south and west, the location becomes less convenient for sightseeing.

Koukaki Tradeoffs

• Less picturesque than Plaka.
• Few true luxury hotels.
• Some hotels are farther from the Acropolis than they appear on a quick map search.

The Best Hotels in Koukaki

• Acropolis View Hotel – Simple, good-value hotel with a strong location and rooftop Acropolis views.
• Cohort Koukaki – Good for friends and families, with larger and more flexible room configurations than most small hotels.
• Divani Palace Acropolis – Large full-service hotel near the Acropolis and upper Koukaki.
• Athenaeum Intercontinental – Big international hotel with more facilities and space, but a less convenient sightseeing location than upper Koukaki.

Staying in Thiseio

A typical street in Thiseio.

Thiseio is a quiet central neighborhood west of Monastiraki and north of Filopappou Hill. It is close to the Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus, Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian street, and the Acropolis walking route.

I like Thiseio for travelers who want to stay in the historic center without the crowds and nightlife of Monastiraki and Psiri. It is excellent for evening walks and access to Filopappou Hill and the Ancient Agora. There are fewer hotels here, but several very good small properties.

Thiseio is not as convenient for the airport as Syntagma or Monastiraki, but Metro Line 1 is useful for Piraeus.

Thiseio Tradeoffs

• Fewer hotels and full-service options.
• Less nightlife than Psiri or Monastiraki.
• Some streets are hilly or cobbled.

The Best Hotels in Thiseio

• Acropolis Vision – My favorite Thiseio pick. Quiet, central, and excellent for walking around the Ancient Agora and Acropolis.
• La Divina – Twelve-suite hotel in a restored neoclassical building on Adrianou Street. Some suites have Acropolis or Ancient Agora views, and several have private jacuzzis.
• Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel – Small hotel with a quiet location and easy access to the historic center.
• Hotel Thissio – Best for being right on the pedestrian promenade, with excellent Acropolis views.

Staying in Akadimia

The Academy of Athens, namesake of the Akadimia neighborhood.

Akadimia sits north of Syntagma and west of Kolonaki. It is central and less touristy than Plaka or Monastiraki. The Academy of Athens, University of Athens, and National Library buildings are here, with museums, shopping, and cafes nearby.

I like this area for repeat visitors who want a small hotel between Syntagma and Kolonaki and do not need to stay directly below the Acropolis.

The northern edge toward Omonia and Exarchia changes quickly. For a first visit, I prefer the blocks closer to Syntagma, Kolonaki, and Panepistimio.

Akadimia Tradeoffs

• Less atmospheric than Plaka, Monastiraki, or Thiseio.
• Less convenient for the Acropolis than Makriyanni or Plaka.
• Exact location matters toward the northern edge.

The Best Hotels in Akadimia

• Shila – One of the most distinctive small hotels in Athens, in a restored neoclassical residence.
• Monsieur Didot – Small hotel in a restored neoclassical building on a quiet street near Kolonaki.
• Academias Hotel – The best full-service luxury choice in the area, with a pool, spa, and useful location between Kolonaki and Syntagma.

Staying in Makriyanni

Cafés line the tree-shaded pedestrian street, Dionysiou Areopagitou, in Makriyanni.

Makriyanni is immediately south of the Acropolis beside the Acropolis Museum. It is one of the best locations for sightseeing, with easy access to the museum, south Acropolis entrance, Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street, Plaka, Koukaki, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

It is calmer than Monastiraki or Psiri and works especially well for first-time visitors who want to be close to the Acropolis without staying in Plaka. Hotel choice is smaller, so the best properties can book up early.

Makriyanni Tradeoffs

• Fewer hotels than Plaka or Syntagma.
• The best locations can be expensive.
• Restaurants on the busiest pedestrian streets tend to be touristy.

The Best Hotels in Makriyanni

• AthensWas – My favorite luxury boutique hotel in Makriyanni, right on Dionysiou Areopagitou and close to the Acropolis Museum.
• Athens Gate – Excellent location with rooftop views of both the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Rooms vary, so book the exact view category if that matters.

Staying on the Athens Riviera

Popular Vouliagmeni Beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and a lifeguard on duty.

The Athens Riviera is the coast south of central Athens, including Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Anavyssos, and Sounio. Stay here for beaches, pools, sea views, and resorts. Do not stay here if your main goal is efficient sightseeing in central Athens.

You can visit the Acropolis from the Riviera, but traffic can be slow and taxis add up. For a first Athens visit of 2 or 3 nights, I would stay central. The Riviera makes more sense for a longer trip, honeymoon, summer resort stay, or a night or two by the sea at the end of a Greece trip.

Lake Vouliagmeni, Glyfada restaurants, beach clubs, marinas, and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio are the main attractions. A rental car is not essential in Glyfada or Vouliagmeni but helps farther down the coast.

Athens Riviera Tradeoffs

• Not convenient for quick Acropolis sightseeing.
• Traffic between the Riviera and central Athens can be slow.
• Many of the best organized beaches charge admission.
• Winter and shoulder-season stays are much quieter.

The Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera

• Four Seasons Astir Palace – Best hotel on the Athens Riviera and my top beach-resort choice near Athens. Expensive, but excellent.
• One&Only Aesthesis – High-end resort in Glyfada with easier access to restaurants and central Athens than resorts farther down the coast.
• The Margi – Smaller luxury hotel near Vouliagmeni, good for couples who do not want a huge resort.
• The Roc Club – Stylish boutique hotel in Vouliagmeni with sea views, a pool, and an excellent location for beaches, restaurants, and Lake Vouliagmeni.
• Vincci EverEden – Good beach-resort value in Anavyssos. Better with a car.
• Grand Resort Lagonissi – Large luxury resort farther down the coast. Choose it for the resort, not for sightseeing in Athens.

Staying in Piraeus (Ferry Port)

A view over Mikrolimano Marina from The Alex.

Piraeus is the main ferry port for Athens and the departure point for many ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, and other islands. It is not where I recommend staying for a normal Athens visit.

Stay in Piraeus if you have a very early ferry, arrive late by ferry, or simply need one night between connections. Otherwise, stay in central Athens and go to the port in the morning. From Monastiraki or Syntagma, the metro is straightforward. With luggage, kids, or a very early ferry, I prefer a taxi or pre-booked transfer.

If you do stay in Piraeus, know your ferry gate. The port is huge, and a hotel that looks “next to Piraeus port” can still be inconvenient for your departure gate. The Port Square is best for immediate port and metro access. The Alex is the best upscale hotel in Piraeus, but it is in Kastella near Mikrolimano, not directly at the ferry gates.

Piraeus Tradeoffs

• Not the best base for seeing Athens.
• The immediate port area is functional rather than attractive.
• Always check your ferry gate, not just the distance to “Piraeus Port.”

The Best Hotels in Piraeus

• The Port Square – Best hotel for ferry logistics. Right by the port and metro, ideal for early departures.
• The Alex – Best upscale Piraeus hotel, with a much nicer setting near Kastella and Mikrolimano. Not as convenient for every ferry gate.
• Triton Hotel Piraeus – Good budget choice for a simple night near the port.
• Maryflower Premium Apartments – Apartment-style accommodation with useful space for families and groups.

Summary: My Favorite Hotels in Athens

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

Read More

• Athens Travel Guide
• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera