Sleeping in Athens: the best places to stay to discover the city
Planning your trip to the Greek capital and wondering where to stay in Athens? Between historic districts, trendy areas and residential sectors, the city offers a multitude of accommodation options to suit all travel styles and budgets. Whether you’re looking for the authenticity of picturesque alleyways, proximity to archaeological sites or nightlife, each area of Athens has its own personality. Here’s our complete guide to the best areas to stay in Athens, so you can make the most of your stay in the cradle of Western civilisation.
See also the Athens guide :
- Visit Athens in 1 day: 29 things to do and see on foot
- Immerse yourself in the Acropolis of Athens: advice and practical information
- Top 10 things to do in Athens
- The 10 most beautiful beaches around Athens
- Visit the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens
- Top 12 culinary specialities in Athens
- Top 7 best hotels in Athens
- 10 must-see hidden treasures in Greece
1. Plaka, the historic district not to be missed
Nestling at the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka is undoubtedly the most picturesque and touristic district of Athens. Nicknamed the “Quarter of the Gods”, this maze of cobbled streets and colourful neoclassical houses offers a unique atmosphere, combining old-world charm with the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade. It’s the ideal place to stay when visiting Athens for the first time.
The pedestrianised streets of Plaka are full of traditional tavernas, craft souvenir shops and small cafés where you can stop and watch the local life. The district is also home to several remarkable archaeological sites, including the ancient Agora and the Tower of the Winds. Staying in Plaka means being within walking distance of the Greek capital’s main monuments, making it a very convenient choice for visiting Athens.
The atmosphere is particularly pleasant in the evening, when the terraces come alive and street musicians create a festive and authentic atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Athens for a total immersion in ancient history, Plaka remains an obvious choice, despite slightly higher prices than elsewhere.
2. Monastiraki, the vibrant heart of Athens
Adjacent to Plaka, Monastiraki is the perfect neighbourhood if you love urban excitement and unexpected discoveries. This lively area takes its name from the small Byzantine church that dominates its central square. This is where the authentic pulse of Athens beats, with flea markets, street food stalls and eclectic boutiques.
The famous Monastiraki flea market is a treasure trove for bargain-hunters, selling everything from antiques and vinyl records to vintage clothes, handcrafted jewellery and unusual objects. Monastiraki Square also offers a breathtaking view of the Acropolis, particularly photogenic at sunset. Staying in this part of Athens means you can take advantage of the excellent metro links and be right in the heart of the city.
The adjacent streets are full of small restaurants serving Greek specialities at very affordable prices, particularly Adrianou Street with its many tavernas. For those wondering where to sleep in Athens at good value for money, Monastiraki represents an excellent compromise between centrality and liveliness, while remaining slightly cheaper than Plaka.
3. Syntagma, the modern, central district
Syntagma is the administrative and commercial heart of Athens, centred around its famous square where the Greek Parliament stands. Sleeping in Athens in this district offers a more modern and cosmopolitan experience, while remaining perfectly connected to the historic sites. Syntagma Square is also the scene of the changing of the guard of the Evzones, a traditional spectacle that takes place every hour.
The Syntagma district boasts elegant urban planning, major shopping streets such as Ermou Street, and numerous hotels of all categories. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the city, with its main metro station serving the airport and all areas of Athens. The adjacent National Gardens provide a welcome oasis of greenery after cultural visits.
Download the audio tour to discover Athens on foot and on your own
To make the most of your stay in the Greek capital, let our audioguided Athens itinerary take you to 29 major places of interest. Whether you’re staying in Syntagma, Plaka or another district, this intelligent itinerary allows you to visit Athens on your own, with fascinating audio explanations of each site. Download the Navaway app and explore the city at your own pace!
Accommodation in Syntagma is particularly suited to business travellers and those looking for modern facilities with quick access to transport. The area is also very safe, even late at night, thanks to the large police presence around Parliament.
4. Koukaki, the authentic residential area
Located just south of the Acropolis, Koukaki has become a favourite area for travellers in search of authenticity. This quiet, residential area offers an attractive alternative to the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade, while remaining within walking distance of the main sites. It is without doubt the best place to stay in Athens if you want to live like an Athenian.
The Makriyanni district, part of Koukaki, is home to the famous Acropolis Museum and offers spectacular views of the sacred rock. The streets of Koukaki are lined with bohemian cafés, family-run tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine, and small craft shops. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade.
Accommodation in Koukaki offers the advantage of generally lower prices than in the historic centre, as well as an excellent quality of life. The area is also very well served by the metro, with Syngrou-Fix station providing quick access to all points of interest. For those looking for a peaceful and authentic place to stay in Athens, Koukaki is the obvious choice.
5. Thissio, the bohemian district with a view of the Acropolis
Thissio (or Thisseio) is one of the most charming and pleasant neighbourhoods in Athens. Located at the foot of Philopappos Hill, this pedestrianised area offers breathtaking views of the Acropolis, particularly from Apostolou Pavlou Street. Sleeping in Athens at Thissio is a romantic and authentic experience in a privileged setting.
The area is known for its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, with its many cafés and restaurants with shady terraces. It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll, when the illuminated Acropolis is reflected in the neoclassical facades. Thissio is also home to the ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.
The area attracts a varied clientele: couples looking for romance, families enjoying the peace and quiet, and young bohemians seduced by the artistic atmosphere. Staying in Thissio combines tranquillity with proximity to the centre, with a metro station directly linking Piraeus and the beaches. It’s an excellent choice for those wondering where to stay in Athens to enjoy an exceptional setting while remaining central.
6. Psiri, the trendy and festive district
Psiri (or Psyri) is Athens’ avant-garde district, the epicentre of the city’s nightlife and alternative art scene. Once a working-class neighbourhood of craftsmen and labourers, Psiri has undergone a spectacular metamorphosis in recent years to become one of the capital’s trendiest areas. Staying in Psiri will immerse you in contemporary and creative Athens.
The streets of Psiri are an open-air street art museum, where every facade becomes a canvas of expression for local and international artists. The area is packed with innovative cocktail bars, fusion restaurants, live music clubs and underground art galleries. The atmosphere is electric, especially at weekends, when Athenians pack the terraces and the party goes on until the early hours.
Despite its festive side, Psiri retains an authentic character with its traditional tavernas and small craft workshops. The district lies between Monastiraki and Kerameikos, just a few minutes’ walk from the historic centre. Staying in Psiri is particularly suitable for young, dynamic travellers looking for a place to stay in Athens where they can enjoy the nightlife while staying in a central, authentic district.
7. Kolonaki, the chic and elegant district
Perched on the slopes of Mount Lycabetta, Kolonaki is Athens’ most upmarket and sophisticated district. This chic enclave attracts the capital’s intellectual and cultural elite, as well as travellers in search of elegance and refinement. Sleeping in Athens at Kolonaki offers a luxurious experience in a green and prestigious setting.
The district is notable for its tree-lined avenues, international designer boutiques, contemporary art galleries and chic cafés, where Athens’ golden youth congregates. Kolonaki is also home to several first-rate museums, including the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art, which will greatly enrich your cultural visit to the city.
Kolonaki’s restaurants offer Greek gourmet cuisine with a twist, as well as top-quality international cuisine. The district also offers exceptional panoramic views of Athens from the heights of Lycabette, which can be reached by funicular. Accommodation in Kolonaki is suitable for travellers on a comfortable budget looking for a refined atmosphere. It is also an excellent choice for those wishing to combine culture, luxury shopping and gastronomy during their stay.
8. Exarchia, the university and alternative district
Exarchia is the most politically committed and alternative neighbourhood in Athens. A historic bastion of the student and anarchist movements, this area around the Polytechnic University attracts a young, intellectual and anti-establishment population. Sleeping in Exarchia offers an immersion in rebellious, underground Athens.
The district is packed with independent bookshops, art cinemas, budget bars and authentic taverns frequented by the locals. The atmosphere is unique, combining artistic creativity, intellectual debate and political activism. The walls of Exarchia are covered in political frescoes and committed graffiti, reflecting the neighbourhood’s spirit of protest.
Although Exarchia sometimes has a bad reputation due to its turbulent past, the area has calmed down considerably and now offers an authentic and fascinating experience. Accommodation in Exarchia is ideal for travellers who are curious, open-minded and looking for an Athens off the beaten track. Prices are very affordable and the atmosphere is friendly, provided you accept a certain distance from the more touristy areas.
9. Gazi, the converted industrial district
Gazi embodies the urban renaissance of Athens. A former industrial district dominated by the disused gasworks (hence its name), Gazi has been transformed into a dynamic cultural and entertainment hub. The industrial site has been converted into the Technopolis cultural centre, which hosts exhibitions, concerts and festivals throughout the year. Staying in Athens at Gazi means staying in one of Athens’ liveliest nightlife districts.
The area attracts a cosmopolitan clientele with its trendy clubs, lounge bars, fusion restaurants and gay-friendly scene. The atmosphere is resolutely modern and international, while retaining a touch of authenticity with a few traditional tavernas. Gazi is close to Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery, creating a striking contrast between ancient history and modernity.
Accommodation in Gazi is particularly suited to night owls and those who enjoy a lively nightlife. The area is very well served by the metro (Kerameikos station), providing easy access to the historic centre. For those looking for a place to stay in Athens in a modern and festive environment, Gazi is an attractive option, even if the atmosphere can be noisy in the evenings.
10. Metaxourgeio, a neighbourhood in the throes of change
Metaxourgeio is the hottest district in Athens at the moment, a symbol of the capital’s creative gentrification. Long neglected and considered unsavoury, this area has undergone a spectacular transformation in recent years, driven by artists, art galleries and cultural entrepreneurs. Sleeping in Metaxourgeio in Athens means taking part in the creative energy that is reshaping the face of the city.
The district is characterised by neo-classical buildings undergoing renovation, contemporary art galleries, alternative cultural spaces and trendy boutique cafés. Rue Avdi has become the main artery of this renaissance, lined with innovative restaurants and cocktail bars. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan and avant-garde, attracting a population of creatives, expatriates and curious travellers.
Metaxourgeio nevertheless retains a raw authenticity, with its traditional shops and long-standing residents rubbing shoulders with newcomers. Accommodation in Metaxourgeio offers the advantage of prices that are still affordable for a central district, located between the National Archaeological Museum and Kerameikos. It’s an excellent choice for travellers looking for a place to stay in Athens, in an area that is changing, vibrant with creative energy yet remaining authentic.
In conclusion, choosing where to stay in Athens depends above all on your priorities and your travel style. If you’re looking for historical charm and close proximity to ancient sites, Plaka and Monastiraki are the natural choice. For a more authentic, residential experience, Koukaki and Thissio offer an excellent balance between tranquillity and centrality. Lovers of nightlife and an alternative atmosphere will turn to Psiri, Gazi and Exarchia, while those looking for a more upscale experience will prefer Kolonaki. Finally, Metaxourgeio represents the creative and changing face of contemporary Athens. Whichever district you choose, the most important thing is to make the most of your stay in this fascinating city, where ancient history and modernity come together in harmony. To make the most of your visit, don’t forget to download our audio-guided itinerary for visiting Athens, which will help you to discover the 29 places of interest in the Greek capital that are not to be missed, whichever district you decide to set down your bags in.
FAQ – Where to sleep in Athens
Where is the best place to sleep in Athens with your family?
Koukaki is ideal for families thanks to its quiet, residential atmosphere, its many parks and green spaces, and its proximity to the Acropolis Museum. The area also offers many family-friendly tavernas and spacious accommodation at reasonable prices. Thissio is also an excellent alternative, with its safe pedestrian streets and magnificent views of the Acropolis.
Where to stay in Athens for the first time?
For a first visit, Plaka is the best choice. This historic district at the foot of the Acropolis is within walking distance of all the major sites and offers an authentic atmosphere with its picturesque alleyways. Syntagma is also an excellent option, thanks to its central location, excellent metro links and the wide range of accommodation available.
Which areas to avoid when staying in Athens?
It is generally advisable to avoid the Omonia district, especially at night, due to the less safe atmosphere and the concentration of homeless people and drug addicts. The area immediately around the square can be a bad place to be after dark. Some outlying areas away from the centre, such as Agios Panteleimonas and certain parts of Exarchia, can also present safety problems, although the situation is gradually improving.
Where to stay in Athens to enjoy the nightlife?
Psiri is undoubtedly the party district par excellence, with its bars, clubs and restaurants open late. Gazi also offers a vibrant nightlife, particularly around the converted former industrial site. For a more alternative, underground vibe, Exarchia offers a number of low-cost bars frequented by students and artists. Metaxourgeio is also emerging as a new hub for trendy nightlife.
Which district to choose on a small budget?
Koukaki and Exarchia offer the best value for money accommodation in Athens. These areas offer affordable accommodation while remaining well connected to the historic centre. Metaxourgeio, although undergoing gentrification, is still reasonably priced. Avoid Plaka, Monastiraki and Kolonaki, which command the highest prices because of their central location or high status.
Are Athens’ districts well served by transport?
Yes, Athens has an excellent metro network serving all the main districts. Key stations include Syntagma (lines 2 and 3), Monastiraki (lines 1 and 3), Akropoli (line 2 for Plaka and Koukaki), Thissio (line 1), and Kerameikos (line 3 for Gazi). The metro runs from 5.30am to midnight on weekdays and until 2am at weekends. Buses and trams complete the public transport network.
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