There’s much more to Athens than its history, museums, and archaeological sites. This all-time classic destination has interesting neighborhoods, great entertainment, and is close to the Aegean sea. It’s a quintessential stop on your island vacation. In this guide, written by a local Athenian, we share our top recommendations of where to stay in Athens.
Where To Stay in Athens
Athens is not a small city, and narrowing down where to stay can be a challenge. In this guide, we’ve broken the city into three areas—each with its own charms and perfect for different types of travelers. Read on to discover which area is best for you and recommendations for accommodation options in Athens.
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The Center of Athens
Above all, Athens is known for its ancient history. Thousands of people visit the center of Athens every year to soak up the history of its museums and archaeological sites. But the greek capital is by no means stuck in the past. It’s an incredible destination where the past converges with the present.
With modern markets offering you luxury shopping and a nightlife that never stops, this vibrant city has a lot to offer the modern traveler. You just have to know where to go and where to stay. Athens has many beautiful neighborhoods—large and small—that will give you plenty of opportunities to get to know the Greek way of life today.
Of course, don’t hesitate to talk to the friendly local people—they will be happy to help you out with any information you may need, even if they can’t speak English very well. It’s what we call “The Greek Filoxenia” or “friend to a stranger.” Without further ado, here are our recommendations for where to stay in Athens’ city center.
Why I love the Center of Athens:
- It’s always really lively
- Wherever you are in the center of Athens, you’ll see neoclassical buildings and ancient monuments
- Wandering cats will certainly steal your heart
- There are lots of terrace cafes to enjoy your coffee
Attractions in the Center of Athens:
- The Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum
- Ancient Agora
- Lycabettus
- National Museum of Contemporary Art
- Plaka
Best restaurants in the Center of Athens:
See our comprehensive article on the best restaurants in Athens and bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it.
Best hotels in the Center of Athens:
Below are the best hotel choices in the center of Athens.
Divani Palace Acropolis
€€€€ | 5 Star | Acropolis view | Classic Decor
This luxury hotel has a prime location close to Acropolis hill with incredible views. Enjoy your breakfast by the pool and indulge in gourmet Greek cuisine. Also, it’s really close to the new Acropolis museum and to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Royal Olympic Hotel
€€€ | 5 Star | Decadent Rooms | Traditional Cuisine
At the Royal Olympic Hotel, you can explore traditional Greek dishes in the hotel’s roof garden, cool off in the heat of summer in the swimming pool, and retreat to the decadence of your beautiful hotel room. From your room or the roof garden, you’ll have a stunning view overlooking the temple of Zeus. It’s a luxurious experience of the Greek capital.
NJV Athens Plaza
€€€€ | 5 Star | Modern Decoration | Family Friendly
Opposite Syntagma Square, the NJV Athens Plaza is one of the best luxury hotels. It offers comfortable rooms with cool decor and the chance to taste Mediterranean dishes at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We love the location in the Kolonaki area where you’ll find luxury shopping and delightful cafes.
Divani Caravel Hotel
€€€€ | 5 Star | Rooftop Pool | Spa | Three Restaurants and Two Bars
Divani Caravel Hotel offers unique rooms and suites, a spa on the hotel terrace, and a rooftop pool with Acropolis views—you’ll be mesmerised by the exceptional views while you enjoy evening cocktails on the rooftop. The hotel is located in a very central part of Athens, just meters away from the National Gallery.
AthensWas Design Hotel
€€€€ | 5 Star | Modern Greek Cuisine | Rooftop Bar
AthensWas Design Hotel is a modern hotel with impeccable design and comfortable suites for both families and couples. Moreover, you have the opportunity to try modern Greek cuisine at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Every room or suite has a balcony for a relaxing morning breakfast. The hotel is located in the heart of the city—right opposite the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum.
Electra Metropolis
€€€€ | 5 Star | Luxurious | Rooftop Pool | Fantastic Views
If you need a luxury vacation right next to the great Parthenon monument, then Electra Metropolis is the place to stay in Athens. You can indulge in spa treatments, cool off in the rooftop pool, or take a sunset yoga session. This hotel is located in the very center of Athens, near the metro station.
The Modernist Athens
€€€€ | 4 Star | Ultra Modern | Urban Club Vibes
Housed in the former embassy of Canada, this urban hotel is one of the most luxurious spots in Athens, near hip Kolonaki. The rooms come in many sizes, including family rooms, and have an urban-club feel with custom lighting and furniture. The hotel has a restaurant and they love to use local goods and food as often as possible too. There is even a 24-hour fitness center for anyone looking to keep up with their workouts on vacation.
Check Out Our Best Athens Tours
Top Rated Tour
Skip the Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum
Towering above the modern city of Athens, explore the ancient forum home to the relics of Classical Greece. From the world’s oldest theatre to the iconic Parthenon, the Acropolis is a beacon of civilization and philosophy. Head back in time to the time of Plato and Socrates on this Skip-the-Line tour.
(5)
Starting at €80
Likely to Sell Out
Athens “Locals” Food Tour in Monastiraki
Explore the gastronomic world of Athens through the city’s central market. Enjoy homemade pastries, authentic wines, cheeses, honey-soaked donuts and much more. Your local guide will lead you through the best spots in the lively Monastiraki neighborhood for a delicious experience in Athens.
(8)
Starting at €68
Piraeus
Piraeus is the central Port of Greece. Also, it’s at the center of Athens history, having been first inhabited in 3,000 BC! It is amazing to walk in a region with such historical importance. Nowadays, Piraeus is a busy city where you can go shopping, have coffee or lunch, and enjoy its lively nightlife.
If you decide to spend your holidays in Piraeus, you’ll have a great time with plenty to do. You’ll find the famous Piraeus Municipal Theater—a neoclassical building from 1895, which is the highlight of Piraeus and a popular meeting point. However, if you want to visit some other places, you have easy access thanks to the train station.
Why I love Piraeus:
- It is a lively city
- Ideal for shopping
- A lot of options for lunch, dinner, and a night out
- It’s next to the sea
Attractions in Piraeus:
- Piraeus Municipal Theater
- Mikrolimano
- Castella
- Nautical Museum of Greece
Best restaurants in Piraeus:
- Varoulko Seaside Restaurant: €€€ | Michelin Star—Explore a unique Greek seafood culinary experience in a beautiful seaside setting.
- Arlekinos Restaurant: €€ | Traditional Food—A popular local spot to stop for a bite to eat while walking around the center. Try some pita bread, tzatziki, and a kebab.
- Istioploikos: €€ | Great Location—This casual and hip restaurant right by the water is a great place to spend an evening and try typical Mediterranean cuisine.
Best hotels in Piraeus:
Below are our recommendations for where to stay in Athens in the Piraeus area.
The Alex
€€€ | 4 Star | Modern | À La Carte or Vegetarian Breakfast | Pet Friendly
This modern hotel in Castella Hill is certainly one of the most beautiful hotels in Piraeus. It offers guests a seaside view in a glamourous area. The exterior may not look like much, but the rooms, service, and view make up for it.
Gallery Residence 26
€€€ | 3 Star | Modern | Terrace | Fitness Center
The Gallery Residence 26 is a modern and minimally designed hotel that offers guests the perks of a sauna and gym, as well as a continental breakfast. Above all, it is located close to the center of Piraeus and Mikrolimano and to the port.
Lilia Hotel
€€ | 2 Star | All-Day Bar | Marina Views
We love this hotel in the Mikrolimano area for its warm and friendly environment and beautiful views of the marina. It’s located near the shopping center of Piraeus, which is the ideal place to go for a great night out. Every room has a private balcony too.
Scorpios Sea Side Hotel
€€ | 2 Star | Sea View | Budget Friendly
The Scorpios Sea Side Hotel is an ideally-located hotel because it sits on the edge of the Themistokleous coast. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to spend their evenings walking along the seafront. It’s not the flashiest hotel on our list, but it’s great for budget travelers who want a lovely view of the sea.
Glyfada and Vouliagmeni
Glyfada and Vouliagmeni are two nearby areas located in the southern suburbs of Athens—about 15 to 25 minutes away. And the best part is that they’re next to the sea. These areas are the ideal location for a summer vacation if you want to stay in Athens and have some tours as well. Most importantly, you’ll never get bored here! The center of Athens is easily accessible as there is plenty of local transport.
In these regions, especially in Glyfada, you’ll find everything you need from great shops to cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Not to mention that you’ll get to experience what it’s like to live in an authentic Greek neighborhood, no matter which hotel you choose.
Why I love Glyfada – Vouliagmeni:
- Easy access to the sea
- Lovely commercial shops
- Numerous choices of cafes and restaurants
- Amazing nightlife
Attractions to Glyfada:
- ARCHELON Association for the Protection of the Sea Turtle
- The Blender Gallery
- Glyfada Beach
- Saints Constantine and Helen Orthodox Metropolitan Church
Best Restaurants in Glyfada:
- Yi: €€ | Vegan—A beautifully decorated vegan restaurant with equally beautiful dishes.
- Mezze Glyfada: €€ | Traditional Greek Cuisine—Try the calamari in this lovely seafood restaurant that uses the freshest ingredients.
- O Proedros: €€ | Outdoor Seating—This is a local favorite serving traditional Greek dishes in large portions. Try the kebab here.
Best Hotels in Glyfada – Vouliagmeni:
Below are the best hotel choices in Glyfada and Vouliagmeni as you decide where to stay in Athens.
The Margi
€€€€ | 5 Star | Close to Beach | Yoga classes
Best of all, the beach is just a quick five-minute walk from the Margi. Also, enjoy a Mediterranean-American breakfast and an authentic Greek dinner cooked with organic produce. Then enjoy a yoga class or use the steam bath, sauna, and indoor pool.
Somewhere Boutique Hotel Vouliagmeni
€€€€ | 5 Star | Boutique | Sea and Garden Views | Close to Beach
This beautifully decorated hotel is perfect for staying on the Athenian Riviera. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner all cooked with fresh, local products with vegan options. Guests especially love that some suites have a private outdoor hot tub. Rooms have gorgeous views of the surrounding gardens and sea. And the beach is just one minute away.
Divani Apollon Suites
€€€€ | 5 Star | Tennis Court | Close to Beach
Divani Apollon Suites has pretty much everything you could want: it’s a two-minute walk from the beach, has a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant that offers tasty dishes for lunch and dinner. For the more active, it has a gym and a tennis court. It’s located close to Glyfada, so you can easily take a walk in this cosmopolitan area and enjoy a breezy cocktail drink.
Glyfada Riviera Hotel
€€€€ | 5 Star | Luxurious | Family Friendly | Restaurant and Bar
If you’re looking for some luxury during your holidays, this is a great option in Glyfada. This hotel is close to the center of Glyfada and close to the beach. They have numerous bars and restaurants on-site, a spa, plus babysitting services for families.
Sea View Hotel
€€€€ | 4 Star | Chic and Serene
Sea View Hotel is a great option mostly because it is close to Glyfada Beach. However, it also offers a beautiful swimming pool if you wish to spend your mornings or afternoons in the hotel. You’ll love the Mediterranean à la carte menu too.
Emmantina Hotel
€€€€ | 4 Star | Family Friendly | Central Location | Close to Beach
A great hotel in the center of Glyfada and on the seafront, Emmantina offers numerous luxurious amenities: a swimming pool and bar, big gardens, and even a playground for children. Enjoy a full American buffet or a Greek breakfast.
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