Where to stay in Athens in 2026?
Best areas and neighborhoods
Where to stay in Athens?
Best areas to stay in Athens
Athens is a city full of history and millennia-old monuments, and fortunately, many of them are located close to one another. If you choose accommodation in the right area, you will be within walking distance of the most popular attractions. This is especially helpful for any first-time visitors, as you won’t have to stress over public transportation. Read this guide to find out which are the best areas to stay in Athens and what you can do in each area. We also cover areas to avoid and discuss the advantages of staying near the Acropolis.
Plaka
Plaka is located on the northern slope of the Acropolis, so you’ll be right in the heart of Athens! You can find baths built by Turks here, Byzantine churches, restaurants, and cafes. The Acropolis is right above, so you will have it as your backdrop during the entire stay. There is also the Museum of Greek Folk Art and the Canellopoulos Museum, where you can explore 6,000 years of Hellenic history. Continue exploring Plaka by visiting Anafiotika, a neighborhood designed like a Greek island village. Originally settled by people from Anafi (a Greek island), Anafiotika offers a unique island atmosphere right in the center of Athens.
If you stay in Plaka, you can simply walk to popular attractions:
- Acropolis and Acropolis Museum – 5 minutes away
- Monastiraki Square and the Roman Agora – 5 minutes away
- Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora – 10 minutes away
Keep in mind that the Acropolis is the most visited monument in Athens and often gets very crowded. That’s why we recommend buying a skip-the-line Acropolis ticket – it will save you an hour of waiting!
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square (‘syntagma’ meaning constitution) is where the Parliament Building is located. In front of it is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can see the Evzones here, soldiers whom you will easily recognize by their clothes – look for the pom-poms on their shoes! You can watch the changing of the guard and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city, as a lot of people usually gather here. Another highlight of Syntagma Square is the nearby metro station, which displays artifacts discovered during construction work on the square. For those who like shopping, go for a stroll on Ermou Street.
If you choose this area to stay while in Athens, we recommend staying at the Grand Bretagne Hotel. It is a 5-star hotel built in the 19th century to serve as accommodation for Heads of State. It offers views of the Acropolis!
Don’t spend your holidays in lines! Book our Acropolis skip-the-line tickets!
ONE TICKET - 7 SIGHTS
Acropolis Pass and Combo Ticket
Make the most of your trip to Athens with a convenient combo pass. This ticket grants you access to the iconic Acropolis and up to 5 other ancient landmarks around the city. You can walk through the remains of the Ancient Agora, stand inside the Roman Agora, and see the impressive Temple of Olympian Zeus. The pass allows you to skip the regular ticket lines and manage your entries easily using a dedicated mobile application. Choose the option that fits your travel plans and see the best historical sites in Athens at your own pace!
SKIP THE LINE
Acropolis Museum Ticket
Book this ticket and explore the symbol of ancient Greek civilization and a must-see attraction for every visitor to Athens - the Acropolis Museum. See the famous Parthenon Frieze and other impressive sculptures and learn all about them through an audio guide. Acropolis Museum tickets are selling fast, so book them now and start exploring!
Kolonaki
Kolonaki is a neighborhood known for shops, cafes where you can relax, and fine dining restaurants. There are high-end stores in Kolonaki, and stores where you can purchase items made by Greek designers. You can also take a cable car to Lycabettus Hill afterward or hike if you’re up for a challenge. We recommend climbing up because you can see Athens and all the way to the sea! You can also find art galleries here. Visit the Museum of Cycladic Art and learn more about ancient Greek culture. The only downside to staying in Kolonaki is that it is a more expensive part of Athens!
Koukaki
Finally, Koukaki is a neighborhood where you can find souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants. It is a good option for those looking for a more relaxed visit, away from the crowds that gather in places such as Plaka. Stop by the National Museum of Contemporary Art or the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum. Afterward, choose one of the many bars and shop for some handmade jewelry and ornaments.
PRO TIP
If you plan to stay a couple of days in Athens and visit all the famous attractions, consider getting the Athens City Pass. It offers skip-the-line access to over 30 attractions and can save you up to 60% compared to buying individual tickets!
Which areas to avoid in Athens?
Some areas you should avoid when choosing where to stay in Athens are:
- Omonoia Square
- the area around the Archaeological Museum
- Metaxourgeio
- Exarcheia
- Victoria Square
- Athens Railway Station (also known as Larissa Station)
- Agios Eleftherios
Pickpockets are particularly active in Victoria and Omonoia, as well as in the metro and metro stations. It’s advisable not to keep your phone or wallet in your pockets and to watch your bag carefully. Keeping your bag in front of you is a good precaution. In areas like Omonoia Square and Metaxourgeio, you might even see drug users. Exercise regular precautions, such as avoiding being alone at night or walking through isolated streets. Also, be cautious of taxi scams; using trusted apps to call a taxi is recommended!
Is it worth staying near the Acropolis?
It is definitely worth it to stay near the Acropolis when visiting Athens! This central location provides easy access to not only the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum but many other attractions. These include Plaka, the Roman Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Being close to these monuments means you can save money on transportation since you won’t need to travel far to reach the main attractions from your accommodation.
Get ready for your Athens visit!
Now that you know where to stay in Athens during your holiday, it’s time to plan your visit. Find out the best time to visit, what to pack, and the opening hours of attractions. Read our Acropolis visiting guide to learn all you need to know!
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30+ attractions
Athens Pass
Get the all-inclusive Athens City Pass to save money and time and explore Athens fully. Select from a 2- 5 day Pass and get priority entrance to the Acropolis Hill. You can choose from over 30 sights and attractions in Athens. Enjoy a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour through the city streets, learn about Athens's history, and cruise to the islands.
Greek myths & legends
Athens Mythology Tour
On the Athens Greek Mythology Tour, you will visit the sites where mythology meets history. Your guide will take you to the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Acropolis, and the ancient Agora. Don't miss an opportunity to discover the origins of Greek myths and their role in everyday people's lives. Book this tour now!
Expert guide
Acropolis Guided Tour
Book this skip-the-line guided tour of Athens’s most iconic monument - the Acropolis. Your knowledgeable tour guide will take you on a journey through history. Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, and hear fascinating stories and myths of Ancient Greece. End your guided tour of the Acropolis with free time to further enjoy this incredible landmark at your own pace.