Athens is an all-time classic destination; everyone should certainly visit. It isn’t only about its history, museums, or archaeological sites, but also about the neighborhoods, the entertainment, and the chance to be next to the Aegean sea. It is a quintessential stop on your island vacation. Here are our recommendations of where to stay in Athens written by a local Athenian!
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Where to Stay in Athens
Athens is no small city, so to make it more digestible we’ve broken it down into three areas. Each area is perfect for a different traveler so read through the details and chose the one best for you as you narrow down where to stay in Athens!
The Center of Athens
Above all, Athens is known for its great ancient history. Thousands of people visit the center of Athens every year to admire its museums and archaeological sites. Not only this, but nowadays Athens is one of the ideal destinations because the present converges with the past, and modern markets offer you luxury shopping while the nightlife never stops.
In addition, beautiful neighborhoods can be found during your tour. You will certainly have the opportunity to come in touch and get to know the Greek way of living in smaller or bigger neighborhoods.
Of course, don’t hesitate to talk to people as everyone is happy to give you the instructions or the information you 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, near the city center.
Why I love the Center of Athens:
- It is always really lively
- Wherever you are in the center of Athens, you may see neoclassical buildings, and ancient monuments
- Wandering cats will certainly steal your heart
- A lot of tarace cafes are there 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:
Check out 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 Decoration
A luxury hotel located in front of Acropolis hill. You can enjoy the view, having your breakfast by the pool, and indulge in gourmet Greek cuisine. Moreover, it is really close to the new Acropolis museum and to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Royal Olympic Hotel
€€€ | 5 Star | Decadent Rooms | Traditional Cuisine
Royal Olympic Hotel offers traditional Greek dishes at the hotel’s roof garden. Moreover, the swimming pool offers you some cool moments during your summer holidays, and the rooms feel royally posh. You will have a stunning view from your room or the roof garden that overlooks the temple of Zeus.
NJV Athens Plaza
€€€€ | 5 Star | Modern Decoration | Family Friendly
In front of the Syntagma Square in Athens, the NJV Athens Plaza is one of the best luxury hotels that offers comfortable rooms with cool decor. You can also taste Mediterranean dishes at your 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 | Roof Garden
Divani Caravel Hotel offers unique rooms and suites, plus a spa on the hotel terrace. Above all, its exceptional view will mesmerise you while you enjoy your cocktail on the roof garden at night. 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-designed hotel with comfortable suites for both families or 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.
Electra Metropolis
€€€€ | 5 Star | Luxurious | Rooftop Pool
If you need a luxury vacation in front of the great Parthenon monument, then Electra Metropolis is your best bet for where to stay in Athens. You can indulge in spa treatments, the rooftop pool, or 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
A hotel housed in the former embassy of Canada, this urban hotel is one of the most luxurious spots in Athens, near Kolonaki. The rooms come in many sizes and have an urban-club feel with custom lighting and furniture. They love to use local goods and food as often as possible too.
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
Above all, Piraeus is the central Port of Greece. It is a great historical region as well as the center of Athens history. That is to say, Piraeus was first inhabited in 3,000 BC! It is amazing to walk in a region like this. However, nowadays, Piraeus is a busy city where you can go shopping, having coffee or lunch, and celebrate with its nightlife.
If you decide to spend your holidays in Piraeus, you will have a great time and a variety of different activities to do. In Piraeus, you’ll also find the famous Piraeus Municipal Theater—a neoclassical building built in 1895, which is the highlight of Piraeus and a popular meeting point. However, if you wish 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 choices either for lunch/dinner, or nightlife
- It is next to the sea
Attractions to Piraeus
- Piraeus Municipal Theater
- Mikrolimano
- Castella
- Nautical Museum of Greece
Best restaurants in Piraeus
Best hotels in Piraeus:
Below are our recommendations for where to stay in Athens in the Piraeus area.
The Alex
€€€ | 4 Star | Modern
A modern hotel in Castella Hill is certainly one of the most beautiful hotels in Piraeus. This hotel 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
A modern and minimally designed hotel that offers some healthy benefits such as a sauna and gym. 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 that has a warm and friendly environment and offers a beautiful view of the marina. It is located near to the shopping center of Piraeus which is the ideal place for having a great nightlife experience. 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 is certainly a great option if you desire to spend your evening walking along the sea. It’s not the flashiest hotel on our list, but it’s great for budget travelers who want a view.
Glyfada & Vouliagmeni
Glyfada and Vouliagmeni are two nearby areas located in the southern suburbs of Athens—about 15 to 25 minutes away. Moreover, they are 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 will never get bored here, and you’ll have easy access to the center of Athens since there are plenty of means of transport.
In these regions, especially in Glyfada, you can find anything you want, such as a lot of commercial shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Finally, you will get to experience authentic Greek neighborhoods, 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
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 | Sea Access | Yoga classes
Enjoy a Mediterranean-American breakfast and an authentic Greek dinner cooked with organic products. Then enjoy some yoga classes or use the steam bath, sauna, and indoor pool. If you also want to enjoy the Greek sea, it’s only a few steps away from your room.
Somewhere Boutique Hotel Vouliagmeni
€€€€ | 5 Star | Offers Vegan Breakfast | Boutique
This hotel is perfect for staying at the Athenian Riviera. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner all cooked with fresh, local products. Guest especially love that some suites have a private outdoor hot tub.
Divani Apollon Suites
€€€€ | 5 Star | Tennis Court
Divani Apollon Suites is equipped with a gym, swimming pools, and a restaurant that offers tasty dishes for lunch and dinner. Not to mention the tennis court too! It’s located close to Glyfada, so you may choose walk in this cosmopolitan area and enjoy a breezy cocktail drink.
Glyfada Riviera Hotel
€€€€ | 5 Star | Luxurious | Family-Friendly
If you wish for some luxury during your holidays, this is a great option in Glyfada. This hotel is close to the center of Glyfada and steps from the beach. They have numerous bars and restaurants on-site, a spa, plus babysitting services for families.
Sea View Hotel
€€€€ | 4 Star | Chic & 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
A great hotel in the center of Glyfada and in front of the sea, Emmantina offers numerous luxurious amenities. For example, a swimming pool and bar, big gardens, and even a playground for children, plus a full American buffet or a Greek breakfast.
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