Where to Stay in Plaka

Updated: April 28, 2025
Greece › Athens › Plaka Hotels
By Santorini Dave

Questions? Email me:
dave@santorinidave.com

My Favorite Athens Hotels

• 5-star: Grande Bretagne
• 4-star: Electra Palace
• 3-star: Phaedra • A for Athens
• 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

The Plaka neighborhood is my favorite area to stay in Athens.

The Best Hotels in Plaka

The Dolli is a luxury hotel on the border of Plaka and Monastiraki, steps from trendy bars and restaurants.

• Ava Hotel
• Electra Palace Hotel
• A77 Suites
• Phaedra
• The Dolli (Monastiraki/Plaka)
• AthensWas (Makriyanni/Plaka)

The 3-star Phaedra Hotel on a busy pedestrian thoroughfare in the Plaka.

Staying in Plaka

• Perfect for First-Timers: Hands down, Plaka is the best neighborhood to soak up Athens if it’s your first visit – it’s the historic heart!
• Location, Location, Location: You’re literally right under the Acropolis, with ancient sites like the Agoras just steps away. Can’t beat it.
• Incredibly Charming Atmosphere: Think picturesque, winding cobblestone streets, beautiful neoclassical buildings draped in bougainvillea, and tiny hidden squares.
• Walk Everywhere Easily: Most of Plaka is pedestrian-only, making it a dream to explore on foot and wander safely day or night.
• Tons of Tavernas & Cafes: You’ll be spoiled for choice with endless places to eat and drink, from traditional tavernas to lovely cafes – many with outdoor seating.
• Shopping Paradise: Find everything from souvenir shops and local crafts to jewelry stores nestled along the charming lanes.
• Feels Very Safe: It’s one of the safest areas in Athens to wander around, even late in the evening.
• Anafiotika’s Island Vibe: Discover the unique Anafiotika area within Plaka – tiny, whitewashed houses that feel like you’ve stepped onto a Cycladic island.
• It Gets Busy: Be aware, as the most popular spot, it can get crowded, especially during peak season, and hotel prices might reflect the prime location.
• Good Hotel Selection: A great variety of places to stay, especially smaller boutique hotels. Many of my favorite Athens hotels are located here.
• Book Accommodation Early: Given Plaka’s enduring popularity, especially for first-time visitors, it’s wise to book your hotel or apartment several months in advance, particularly for travel during the peak season (spring through fall).
• Utilize Nearby Metro Hubs: While you’ll walk within Plaka, take advantage of the easily accessible Monastiraki and Syntagma Metro stations for efficient travel to/from the airport and the Piraeus ferry port.
• Acropolis Strategy: Pre-purchase Acropolis timed-entry tickets online well in advance via the official Hellenic Heritage site to skip ticket lines and guarantee entry, essential during peak season (April-October). Remember water, sunscreen, and a hat – shade is minimal atop the hill.
• Plan Other Key Sites Logically: Group nearby explorations from Plaka: visit the easily accessible Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Arch together, perhaps continuing to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Allocate a separate 2-3 hours for the world-class Acropolis Museum (book tickets ahead here too), ideally after visiting the Acropolis itself for better context.

The Ava Hotel in the Plaka, with Hadrian’s Arch in the background.