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Athens is a bit overwhelming when you visit for the first time.
There are so many places and areas to stay in, and it is quite spread out. A lot more than other main cities in Greece like Thessaloniki, which has one main area to choose from, or the smaller towns in Peloponnese like Nafplio.
I’ve visited Athens more times than I can count, sometimes staying with friends and family but mostly staying in hotels and Airbnbs, so these are all based on my own experience, as a visitor travelling for work and leisure.
🥳 FAVORITE HOTELS IN ATHENS AT A GLANCE
⭐ Budget:
- City Circus Athens: Social, well-run, and right in the action. Great if you want central, affordable, and don’t need luxury.
- Attalos Hotel: Old-school but unbeatable for the price. Rooftop Acropolis views do a lot of heavy lifting here.
⭐⭐ Mid-range (Best Overall Value):
- CITYLUXE Suites & Rooms (Kolonaki): Modern, comfortable, excellent bathrooms, and a great location without the chaos.
- Divani Palace Acropolis: The safe luxury choice. Spacious rooms, pool, great breakfast, and consistently reliable.
⭐⭐⭐ Premium / Ultra-Luxury:
- The Dolli at Acropolis: If you want something unforgettable and don’t care about the price. The infinity pool alone makes this a category of its own.
I update articles like this often, so you’re working with the most up to date information on prices and hotels. This article was last checked in July 2026 with updated prices for 2026 for each hotel mentioned.
Where to stay in Athens – My Experience
My experience staying in Athens spans a dozen years and is usually for work, family or friends. For that, I’ve managed to stay in a pretty solid number of hotels in and around the center of Athens.
The following picks are what I would pick for myself, and they cover places I’ve mostly stayed in myself or have seen and would book.
The first thing you’ll notice when visiting Athens, especially if you get up on a hill for a panoramic view, is that it is CHAOTIC.
Don’t expect a nicely organized grid or recognizable borders between areas. This is mostly due to the number of hills in and around Athens, that forces these areas to zig-zag and twist.
The map below highlights some of the best neighborhoods to stay in, while the grey outline shows the general area I recommend sticking to if you want to be within easy reach of Athens’ main attractions.
The Best Areas to Stay in Athens
Plaka
This is what people usually mean when they say “old town.”
They’re looking for small cobblestone streets, very short distances to the main archaeological sites, lots of tavernas and a vibrant and busy atmosphere.
Anafiotika is an area within Plaka (marked on the map in yellow).
It feels a bit like you’re on an island, because it was built by workers from the island of Anafi (near Santorini) during the 1840s-1860s. They moved to the capital to work on construction projects under the reign of King Otto.
The houses were built in the style they knew from home, which is why this part of Athens feels so different from the rest of the city. It’s a wonderful part of the city’s history that you will learn more about if you do a guided tour.
PROS & CONS
👍 Pros
- want very easy access to the Acropolis
- don’t mind narrow, sometimes crowded streets
- like slow walks, browsing, and wandering without a plan
👎 Cons
- One of the most expensive areas to stay
- Can be very crowded, especially in summer
- Tourist-oriented restaurants in some streets
- Limited nightlife compared to Psiri or Monastiraki
- Some hotels are on steep cobbled streets
RECOMMENDATIONS
✨ My Recommendations
- Al Hammam Traditional Baths – One of my favorite experiences in Athens. Traditional hammam treatments from around €40–45, with massages available.
- Flâneur Souvenirs & Supplies – My favorite souvenir shop in Athens. None of the boring souvenir trinkets. You’ll want to buy everything here.
- Third Place: Great specialty coffee, and fun space to sit and relax or do some work.
Where to Stay in Plaka
In this area you are paying for location. You want to be in the heart of Athens and with views to the Acropolis. There are some affordable options as well, but they are generally older hotels or guesthouses that would have you sacrificing some comforts.
If you choose to stay here, expect over $150-$200 a night for something nice.
🔥 BOUTIQUE COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Palaidian Home
From around $240/night
This 4 start hotel is a bit on the luxury side, in a neclassical mansion in the heart of Plaka. They offer deluxe style suites with views of the Acropolis. Great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion. The average rate over the summer at the moment is $350 but off season you can find it for $110.
🔥 BUDGET CENTRAL
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Hotel Phaedra
From around $80/night
This is a great value for money option and you can find rooms for as little as $130 if you book ahead, even during the busy season. The rooms are basic but clean and functional and you still get the same unbeatable view.
Koukaki
Another super central location is Koukaki, and this is personally my go-to area if I need to book a place in Athens.
It sits just on the other side of the Acropolis hill, which gives it a more quiet feel while still keeping everything within walking distance. You’re close to major sights, but without the constant crowds and souvenir shops you’ll find in Plaka.
Koukaki has a mix of cafés, bakeries, restaurants, theaters, and everyday local spots, especially once you move a few streets away from the main roads.
It also has quicker access to the main road of Syggrou if you need to drive to Piraeus or grab a taxi to the airport.
PROS & CONS KOUKAKI
👍 Pros
- central without feeling overly touristy
- lots of cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants
- neighborhoods that feel lived-in rather than designed for visitors
👎 Cons
- some streets can feel quiet in the evenings
- less choice for luxury hotels
- you’ll walk slightly more to reach Monastiraki or Syntagma
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Bel Ray – Perfect for a specialty coffee, brunch or a relaxed morning before exploring the Acropolis.
- Kalamaki Bar – My go-to spot for Greek street food. Their souvlaki and hand-cut fries never disappoint.
- Opos Palia – A fantastic meze-style Greek taverna serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes, perfect for sharing over a bottle of ouzo or wine.
- Tarantino Burgers – If you’re craving a burger instead of Greek food, this is my favorite in the neighborhood.
- Django Gelato – End your evening with what I think is some of the best gelato in Athens.
Where to Stay in Koukaki
All three of the hotels I recommend in Koukaki are places I’ve stayed in and are within about a 5-minute walk of each other and the Acropolis Museum.
🔥 BUSINESS COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Divani Palace Acropolis
From around $200/night
This tends to be the most expensive option on the list with comfortable rooms, a great breakfast, as well as a swimming pool and restaurant. If you book ahead of time, you might also score some very good prices, especially outside peak season.
🔥 BUSINESS COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Herodion Hotel
From around $120/night
Herodion is another solid option, even though I find the rooms noticeably smaller compared to Divani Palace. If prices are similar, I would personally go for Divani Palace. There is no swimming pool here, but they do operate outdoor jacuzzis all year round, which is a nice touch. The breakfast here is excellent. Their budget double rooms for 2026 go as low as $120.
🔥 BUDGET COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Philippos Hotel
From around $110/night
If you want to stay in the area at a better price point, head to Philippos. The rooms are slightly more dated on some floors, but the reception and breakfast/bar area is cozy and welcoming. There’s also a terrace with a good view that you can enjoy in the evening. You can find rooms for as low as $170 for the 2026 season.
Monastiraki and Psyrri
I’ve grouped Monastiraki and Psyrri together because they blend into each other and share a similar energy.
These areas can vary a lot from street to street, but overall they’re known for nightlife, bars, and a younger, more energetic crowd. They’re very central and well connected, but noise can be an issue, often well into the night. Parking is also difficult here, so they’re not ideal if you’re renting a car.
The best way to describe Psyrri is the former alternative neighborhood of artists that has gone mainstream. You get a lot of Airbnbs here, and a lot of rooftop bars as well.
PROS & CONS
👍 Pros
- want to be in the middle of the action
- plan to go out at night
- don’t mind noise and busy streets
- value central location over quiet
👎 Cons
- Can be noisy late into the night
- Busy and crowded almost year-round
- Some streets feel a bit gritty after dark
- Higher chance of pickpockets in busy areas
- Less relaxing if you’re after a peaceful stay
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Kafeneion I Oraia Ellas – One of the most traditional cafés in Athens, with beautiful Acropolis views and a great place for a Greek coffee.
- Buena Vista Social Bar – One of my favorite cocktail bars in the area, with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent drinks.
- A Little Taste of Home – A cozy restaurant serving creative Middle Eastern comfort food with a modern twist.
- Ta Serbetia tou Psyrri – The perfect stop for traditional Greek desserts and syrup-soaked pastries.
Just a short walk away:
- Feyrouz – Delicious Levantine food, especially the pies and wraps.
- Kostas Souvlaki (Agia Irini Square) – One of Athens’ legendary souvlaki spots. Simple, authentic and incredibly popular.
- Hoocut – A modern take on Greek street food using high-quality local ingredients.
- Zisis Fish in a Cone – A fun and affordable place serving crispy fried seafood in paper cones, perfect for a quick snack.
Where to stay in Monastiraki and Psyrri
I’ve stayed in this part of Athens several times and think it’s one of the best bases if you enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for rooftop views, a great-value hotel, or a social hostel, these are the three places I’d recommend first.
🔥 MODERN COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
A for Athens
From around $210/night
One of the aforementioned super popular rooftop bars, that is also a hotel! The rooms here follow the less is more design of newer hotels, with a modern aesthetic and they are highlight due to the view on the terrace, where you’ll be having breakfast every morning! For peak season expect $350 a night.
🔥 BUDGET COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Attalos Hotel
From around $90/night
This is a solid budget option that will keep you happy on all fronts. Location is great with lots of food options, the rooms are basic but not dated, and there is a terrace for your pictures with the Acropolis in the background. For the price, Attalos is a clean, respectable option!
🔥 BUDGET COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
City Circus Athens
From around $40/night
This quirky hostel is a popular choice if you want to be in Psyrri and have an affordable stay. It has a few social spaces, and the rooms are what I would term “good enough”. The main issues you’ll face are noise, as the building does look out to the street and it can be very noisy. There are private and shared rooms to choose from, but do come prepared with towels, soap and the rest. A double room can be as low as $150 this season. I’ve stayed here and would stay again when prices are low.
Kolonaki
Kolonaki is the “upper west side” of Athens. It’s traditionally known for more upscale residences, embassies, and long-established Athenian families.
In practice, what you’ll mostly notice is the price range and the overall calmer, more polished feel.
PROS & CONS KOLONAKI
👍 Pros
- want a quieter, more residential base close to the center
- don’t mind paying more for accommodation and dining
- like cafes, wine bars, galleries, and boutique shopping
- are fine with some uphill walking
👎 Cons
- parts of Kolonaki are steep, especially as you move toward Lycabettus
- it’s less touristy and has less nightlife compared to Monastiraki or Psyrri
- accommodation prices are generally higher than surrounding areas
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Mpirmpilo – My favorite spot for authentic Greek food in Kolonaki. A relaxed atmosphere with excellent small plates and local wine.
- Philos Athens – A beautiful café and concept store that’s perfect for coffee, brunch, or a quiet break from sightseeing.
- Me Kolonaki – One of my go-to places for breakfast or healthy bowls before exploring the city.
Where to Stay in Kolonaki
Kolonaki is elegant, but not all over.
Parts of this area like the streets of Tsakalof, Koukourestiou and Skoufa are where you’ll find boutique and luxury brands.
The southern end towards Syntagma and Benaki Museum are more business oriented, with embassies offices and corporate buildings. I’ve stayed on this side of Kolonaki, closer to the National Garden and Zappeion and it’s my personal favorite. The other end is closer to Licabettus hill and expect a bit more of a steep climb and less Metro access.
🔥 ECO- COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
COCO-MAT
From around $200/night
Prices here are usually around $350 per night, and the hotel is especially well known for its exceptional mattresses and focus on quality sleep. Everything here is designed with comfort in mind, from the natural materials and eco-conscious philosophy to the thoughtfully designed rooms. I usually love COCO-MAT hotels, and if a great night’s sleep is high on your priority list, this one is hard to beat. Only a 10 minute walk from the nearest metro station .
🔥 LUXURY COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
St George Lycabettus Lifestyle
From around $240/night
Just a bit further, St George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel will give you unbeatable views over Athens, an outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, and plenty of space in comfortable rooms. Prices usually sit around $400 per night, depending on season. It’s a great option if the amenities matter more to you than being right in the middle of the action.
🔥 BUDGET COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
CITYLUXE Suites & Rooms
From around $160/night
Great modern option if you want something fresh and close to the center without going full luxury hotel. Rooms start from a bit over $130 for the summer season and are modern, stylish with great bathrooms!
Other Great Areas to Stay in Athens
While the neighborhoods above are my top recommendations for first-time visitors, there are a few other areas worth considering depending on the type of trip you’re planning.
Thissio
If I had to pick another favorite, it would probably be Thissio. Sitting between Monastiraki and Koukaki, it’s one of Athens’ most walkable neighborhoods and has a much calmer atmosphere than Plaka. You’ll still be within minutes of the Ancient Agora, Acropolis and Monastiraki Square, but without quite as many crowds. I also love the pedestrian streets and cafés overlooking the ancient sites.
Thisio is great for digital nomads, or if you need coworking spaces and cheaper apartments for long stays. Make sure to check out Bios for coffee, rooftop cocktails and a cool space to work from.
Exarchia
Exarchia has a completely different energy. It’s known for its student population, independent cafés, bookstores, street art and alternative culture. While it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, many travelers love its creative atmosphere and local feel. It’s also within walking distance of the National Archaeological Museum and well connected by public transport to the rest of Athens.
When I’m in Exarchia, I almost always stop by Bluehaus for a coffee, while Ama Lachei is one of my favorite tavernas in Athens, serving delicious meze in a beautiful courtyard. For traditional Greek home-style cooking, Giantes is another excellent choice. If you decide to stay here, I recommend Colors Hotel Athens, a stylish boutique hotel with spacious rooms that’s just a short walk from Exarchia’s cafés, restaurants and museums. Rooms start at around $150 per night.
Mets
One neighborhood I don’t think gets enough attention is Mets. It sits just southeast of the Acropolis and feels much more open and residential than the historic center. From here you can walk through the beautiful Zappeion Gardens, head into Pangrati for excellent cafés and restaurants, or reach Plaka and Syntagma on foot in around 20 minutes. It’s also right next to the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) and offers easy access to the airport and even Piraeus by taxi. If I were spending a week in Athens rather than a weekend, I’d seriously consider staying here.
The café scene here is fairly small, but Joshua Tree Athens is a great stop for specialty coffee and vegetarian based meals. For a more traditional Greek experience, I really like Olympion, for homemade style dishes like fish soup and meatballs. If you decide to stay here, I’d recommend Monastik Living in Athina, a stylish boutique property with spacious suites and a rooftop overlooking the Acropolis.
What is the most expensive hotel in Athens?
If we’re talking flashiest, grandest, old-money-meets-power-ultra-luxury hotel in Athens, there’s really only one answer.
This is the hotel. The one every politician, royal, celebrity, shipping magnate, and “important person” has stayed in at least once.
It sits right on Syntagma Square, facing the Parliament, and it’s been doing the whole luxury thing since the 19th century.
Many Athens hotels struggle to justify €900+ per night in summer. Plenty are nice, but the amenities don’t always match the price tag.
This one does.
Why it earns the splurge:
Rooftop restaurant with direct Acropolis views (arguably the best in the city)
Indoor and outdoor pools
Proper spa and wellness center
Impeccable service that feels old-school, not try-hard
Rooms that feel genuinely grand, not just “expensive-modern”
If we’re talking boutique, ultra-luxury, design-forward, and genuinely eye-watering prices right in the heart of Athens, then the crown goes to:
This is a different kind of luxury than the Grande Bretagne.
Grande Bretagne = historic, grand, old-money, power-hotel luxury
The Dolli = intimate, curated, ultra-boutique luxury with shockingly good Acropolis views
Why The Dolli stands out:
- Voted #1 Best Hotel in Greece at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards
Direct, unobstructed Acropolis views from the pool and restaurant
Museum-level interiors (it’s a restored neoclassical mansion)
Tiny room count, very private, very controlled atmosphere
Prices that can easily exceed Grande Bretagne in high season, especially for suites
Both places will set you back… a fair bit of money. The Dolli has a limited number of rooms, some of which are quite small in size that start at $1.4. If you want to experience Athens in the off season, you’ll be able to book for half the price.
The Grande Bretagne rooms start at just under $1k as well during the summer season.
Short on time? Top Greece recommendations
📲 Best eSIM for Greece: The easiest way to stay connected in Greece is with an eSIM you install before departure. I’ve tested several options. Use my code BACHELOR10 for 10% the plan from Simbye. They are really well priced.
🚖 Airport Tip: Skip waiting for a taxi and book your Athens airport transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups. For under $50 you’ll have peace of mind and comfort. This guide Athens to City Centre will give you all the options
🏺 Best THINGS TO DO: Greece has a ton of interesting cultural sights, here are some ideas of my favorite things you can plan in regions that you might not know about:
50+ Amazing Things to Do in the Peloponnese (By Region and Interest)
30+ Things You Can do in Crete Island in Greece (Read Before you Book)
How to Get from Piraeus Port to Aegina Island (2026 updated)
Best Rated Food Tours in Athens (and Suggestions from a Local)
⛴️ Ferry tickets: There are a lot of ferry providers but I prefer Ferry Scanner for their simple UI.
