Where to stay in Athens?

Accommodation in Pláka: Athens' tourist jewel

Located at the foot of the Acropolis, Athens' iconic landmark, Pláka is a small, authentic district. The historic center of Athens, Pláka is a must-see when visiting the Greek city.

To stay here is an excellent complement to the more central districts of Monastiraki and Psiri. Its picturesque setting is a pleasure to stroll through. Its atmosphere sometimes makes us forget that it's right in the middle of the capital. Here, the surroundings are craggy, and it's all about walking.

Bustling with cafés, restaurants and other small stores, it attracts the interest of many tourists, who come in droves. If you go a little deeper into some of the more secluded streets, you'll discover more places where locals meet and where the atmosphere is peaceful.

Pláka isn't served directly by the metro, but it's very easy to get to. Several stations are less than 500 meters away. These include Monastiraki to the northwest, Syntagma to the northeast andAcropoli to the southeast.

It's easy to find accommodation in the district, especially if your budget allows. The district offers a wide range of accommodation, but its tourist appeal means that prices are high. For more affordable accommodation, the Pláka area also offers a wide variety of establishments.

Monastiraki and Psiri: two central districts to stay in the capital

Monastiraki and Psiri are two excellent choices for accommodation in the Greek capital. To get around, these two districts are served by the metro. They are also well placed for those wishing to explore Athens on foot.

The name Monastiraki derives from the monastery in the similarly named square. This was the heart of the district, around which it grew.

Today, it's a lively tourist area that's a pleasure to stroll through. The many restaurants and cafés in the area welcome travelers and locals alike. However, the influx of tourists is less than in the adjoining Pláka district. It enjoys an excellent central location. Monastiraki is equidistant between the city center to the north and the ancient sites of Athens to the south.

What's more, the surrounding area is culturally rich, with many points of interest that once represented the heart of ancient Athens. Nearby are the ruins of Hadrian's Library, the Stoa of Attalus archaeological museum and, above all, the ancient Agora.

Just north of Monastiraki lies Psiri, another central district for accommodation in the Greek city. This one is a little less touristy. Closer to the center but further from the ancient sites of interest, it's still easy to get to, and you can stay within a fifteen-minute walk of them.

Still, it's a lively place, with local fruit and vegetable markets, as well as the unmissable Halles Municipales. Psiri is also renowned for its street art, which can be seen throughout its streets.

For accommodation in Athens, both districts offer a wide choice of establishments. From charming hotels to inexpensive bed-and-breakfasts, the surrounding area is also a great place to stay in the capital. To the north of these districts is Omonia Square. Just a 10-minute walk or a few minutes by metro, you'll find a wide choice of budget accommodation around this square.

To stay around Syntagma Square, the political heart of the country

A great place to stay, Syntagma lies just northeast of Pláka and east of Monastiraki. Although less authentic than the latter, staying in this district means being in one of Greece's most important political centers. The name of the area comes from the large square where the Greek Parliament is located. Tourists flock to this area to watch the changing of the guard in front of Parliament. It's undoubtedly one of the main sights of Athens.

It's a more urban environment, easy to reach on foot. It is served by the Syntagma metro station and is only a 15-minute walk from the center. It's in this direction that you'll find the liveliest side of the area. Cafés, restaurants and, above all, numerous boutiques welcome locals and tourists alike.

You can also enjoy the magnificent setting of the National Garden of Athens, as well as a number of museums to visit. The main ones in this area are the National History Museum and the Botanical Museum.

For accommodation, the area around Syntagma Square offers a wide choice. Although prices are still quite high, they are generally more affordable than in the Pláka and Monastiraki districts.

To stay in Kolonaki, Athens' luxury district

Located to the east of Syntagma Square, behind Parliament, Kolonaki is the capital's chic and sophisticated area. Its name means “little column”, symbolized by the presence of an ancient column in one of the squares.

It's a pleasant place to stroll, more peaceful than the heart of the city. There are plenty of luxury boutiques and high-end restaurants.

On the cultural side, the surrounding area offers a number of interesting sites to visit, including the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. History buffs can also visit the ruins of Aristotle's Lyceum.

In the surrounding area, luxury is the order of the day. That's why the accommodations are also luxurious. It's a great place to stay on a budget. However, if you're traveling with family or friends, it's quite possible to find large apartments with several rooms. This is an interesting alternative if you're looking for accommodation in Kolonaki.

Accommodation in Exárcheia, the city's alternative district

Exárcheia is the alternative sector of northeast Athens. The majority of the anarchist community can be found in this district. Historically, the district has been the source of several notable acts of rebellion. It was in this area that Athenians opposed the period of austerity inflicted on them in 2009. As a result, the area has been the scene of numerous demonstrations and conflicts with the government. Graffiti bearing political messages are widely visible in the streets.

In addition to the Athens Archaeological Museum, the streets of Exárcheia offer numerous bars and restaurants nearby. However, staying here means being quite far from the center's places of interest. In fact, it takes about 30 minutes on foot to reach the city center.

What's more, because of its history, if you're coming to stay with your family, the surrounding area won't be the most suitable. On the other hand, if you're more attracted to the underground and revolutionary side of things, staying here is a great alternative!

Accommodation in Piraeus, Greece's main port

Located in the southwest of Athens, Piraeus is the city's and Greece's first port. The district is about 12 kilometers from the heart of Athens. If you choose to stay here, you'll need 20 to 25 minutes by metro or on foot to reach the center.

Staying in this district can be an interesting choice if it's not your first visit to the Greek capital. Places of interest include the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, the ruins of the ancient theater of Zea and the Hellenic Maritime Museum.

You can also enjoy the beaches surrounding the Port of Piraeus. If Athens is a stopover on your trip to the Greek islands, staying in Piraeus is also of real interest. You can take a boat from Piraeus to many of the islands. Accommodation in the area consists mainly of apartments and very inexpensive hotels.