Where to stay in Athens – a neighborhood guide

The best places to stay in Athens are mainly concentrated in the center of the city, within a short distance from the Acropolis. These areas are generally just walking distance away from each other, which offers a good portion of the heart of the city as attractive accommodation. With so many historical attractions in a vibrant city, Athens is both old and young at the same time. Alternatively, some decide to stay on the coast, aka the so called ‘Athens Riviera’.

Plaka

 

Plaka is the main tourist area and there is good reason for that. The narrow medieval-style streets walk you through ancient sites and ruins and are lined with cafes and restaurants, which makes this whole area ideal for an aimless walk. Owing to Plaka’s popularity among tourists, there are many hotels here offering comfortable accommodation at both low and high prices. Plaka is a relatively quiet area around the Acropolis despite being in the center of Athens and it is walking distance to a lot of popular areas, such as Gazi and Syntagma.

 

Psirri

 

The best of Athens’ bar and club scene is found in Psirri. Psirri is an interesting area, even though it is located in the old part of the city but known for its youth and vibrant nightlife. The sound of laughter, music, and dancing lasts long into the night, which makes this a good place to stay for the younger generation. Trendy restaurants and bars surround the streets while the restored houses and classical Mediterranean architecture remind you of the city’s ever present historical link.

 

Thissio

 

Thissio is a great location. At the foot of the Acropolis, it is close to Plaka and in the heart of the old city. Thissio is full of bars and cafés that take advantage of the clear view of the white-stone Acropolis. Thissio is old fashioned and modern at the same time, with restored neoclassical buildings and the Acropolis overlooking from nearby. Great places to see here are Stavlos – which used to be the royal stables and is now a café and bar with an internal courtyard and terrace – and also the onion-domed National Observatory, which is a mansion from the late 1800’s.

 

Kolonaki

 

The slopes of Mount Lycabettus mark the elegant area of Kolonaki. Kolonaki is the most high-class area of Athens, so you can expect some expensive accommodation. Any accommodation here would be worth the price, however, as most of its streets are for pedestrians only and are full of boutiques, private art galleries and restaurants. Just to the east of Kolonaki and a short walk away is the road Athens has dubbed ‘Museum Mile’, Leof Vasiliss Sofias.