Where to stay in Athens: the best areas for your trip

In short: for a first visit, stay in Plaka or Koukaki, at the foot of the Acropolis. For nightlife, Monastiraki and Psyrri; for convenience, Syntagma; for upscale, Kolonaki. Before a very early ferry, a night in Piraeus. A terrace with an Acropolis view is one of the great pleasures of Athens.

Understanding Athens in two minutes

The historic centre is built around the Acropolis. At the foot of the rock lie Plaka and Anafiotika to the north, Koukaki and Makrygianni to the south, near the Acropolis Museum. To the west are Thissio and its pedestrian walkway; to the north-west, Monastiraki and Psyrri. To the east is Syntagma Square, the heart of the city, then the elegant Kolonaki district, below Lycabettus. The port of Piraeus and the Athens Riviera with its beaches are to the south. The metro links the airport, the centre and Piraeus.

The right area for your trip

First visit: Plaka

The oldest neighbourhood in Athens, with cobbled lanes, neoclassical houses and tavernas, sits at the foot of the Acropolis. Everything is on foot: the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki, Syntagma. Very touristy by day, it becomes charming in the evening.

Calm and close to the Acropolis: Koukaki and Makrygianni

South of the rock, near the Acropolis Museum, Koukaki and Makrygianni are more residential and quieter, with cafés, restaurants and many apartments. Ideal for couples or a longer stay.

Nightlife: Monastiraki and Psyrri

Around the Monastiraki flea market, the atmosphere is lively day and night; nearby Psyrri is packed with bars, restaurants and music. Perfect for going out, less so for early nights.

Practical: Syntagma

The Parliament square and a metro hub (direct line to the airport), Syntagma is very handy for a short stay, a few minutes’ walk from Plaka.

Upscale and shopping: Kolonaki

Boutiques, galleries and elegant cafés below Lycabettus: Kolonaki is Athens’ chic district, slightly away from the ancient sites but well connected.

Views and calm: Thissio

Along the pedestrian walkway around the Acropolis, Thissio offers superb views of the rock and a calmer atmosphere, with café terraces.

Ferries and beaches: Piraeus and the Riviera

Piraeus, Greece’s main port, is handy the night before an early ferry to the islands. Further south, the Athens Riviera (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni) lets you combine city and beach.

Getting to Athens

From Athens International Airport, the metro (line 3) runs to Syntagma and Monastiraki, and express buses serve Syntagma and Piraeus. For timetables and fares, check the official websites. A private transfer takes you straight to your hotel, handy if you arrive late.

Our booking tips

1. Check for air conditioning: summers are very hot in Athens.
2. Look for a terrace with an Acropolis view: it’s one of the highlights of a stay, especially at sunset.
3. Allow for the climate resilience fee, charged per night in tourist accommodation; the amount depends on the season and category (see our guide Travel in Greece).
4. Combine Athens and the islands: 2 to 3 nights in the city, then the ferry.
5. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.

Once you’re there

To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Athens. The areas and useful services are on our Athens page.