Where to stay in Athens: the best areas, with a walk through each
6 areas compared. Watch the streets before you book.
Most of what visitors come to see in Athens, the Acropolis, the ancient Agora and the old town, lies within a small area at the foot of the sacred rock. Staying close by means you can walk to the sights in the cool of the morning and back in the evening.
These are the six areas most visitors choose between, from the old lanes of Plaka to the beaches of the Riviera. For each you'll find who it suits, who should look elsewhere, what is on foot, and a walk through its streets before you book.
The best areas to stay in Athens at a glance
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaka | First-timers, Romance, History | Neoclassical houses, bougainvillea and lanes below the Acropolis | Walk to the Acropolis; metro at Syntagma and Monastiraki |
| Monastiraki & Psyrri | Nightlife, Food, Budget | A flea market, street food and rooftop bars facing the Acropolis | Metro at Monastiraki (direct line to the airport and Piraeus) |
| Koukaki | Local life, Couples, Value | A residential neighbourhood of cafés, just south of the Acropolis | Metro at Syngrou-Fix and Akropoli; walk to the Acropolis |
| Syntagma | Transport links, Shopping, Short stays | Parliament, the changing of the guard and the main shopping street | Main metro hub; airport metro and buses |
| Kolonaki | Luxury, Shopping, Museums | Upscale boutiques, cafés and Lycabettus Hill | Metro at Evangelismos and Syntagma; walk to the centre |
| Athens Riviera (Glyfada) | Beach lovers, Families, Summer trips | Seaside suburbs with beaches, marinas and beach clubs | Tram to the centre in about 45 to 60 minutes |
1.Plaka
- First-timers
- Romance
- History
Walk through Plaka: video by French Globetrotter on YouTube.
The old town on the slopes below the Acropolis, a maze of pedestrian lanes, neoclassical mansions, little churches and tavernas. The tiny Anafiotika quarter feels like a Cycladic island village in the middle of the city.
Stay here if
- It's your first visit and you want the Acropolis on foot
- You'd like picturesque streets and rooftop views
- You want a safe, central and walkable base
Skip it if
- Touristy restaurants and souvenir shops put you off
- You're on a tight budget
Within a 10-minute walk
Acropolis · Anafiotika · Roman Agora · Tower of the Winds · Hadrian's Library · Lysicrates Monument
2.Monastiraki & Psyrri
- Nightlife
- Food
- Budget
Walk through Monastiraki & Psyrri: video by Tours with LB on YouTube.
The lively market district around Monastiraki Square and the neighbouring old craftsmen's quarter of Psyrri, now full of bars, tavernas and street art. Rooftop bars here have some of the best Acropolis views in the city.
Stay here if
- You want nightlife and great food on your doorstep
- You'd like a direct metro to the airport and the port
- You love markets and busy squares
Skip it if
- You need quiet nights
- Crowded streets and street art would feel too gritty
Within a 10-minute walk
Monastiraki Square · Monastiraki flea market · Ancient Agora · Psyrri bars and tavernas · Varvakios Central Market · Ermou Street
3.Koukaki
- Local life
- Couples
- Value
Walk through Koukaki: video by Travel the Greek Way on YouTube.
A friendly residential neighbourhood on the south side of the Acropolis, with pedestrian streets of cafés, bakeries and tavernas used by locals. The Acropolis Museum and the Dionysiou Areopagitou walkway are a few minutes away.
Stay here if
- You want a local feel close to the Acropolis
- You'd like better value than Plaka
- You enjoy neighbourhood cafés and quiet evenings
Skip it if
- You want nightlife on your doorstep
- You'd like to be right in the old town lanes
Within a 10-minute walk
Acropolis Museum · Dionysiou Areopagitou walkway · Filopappou Hill · Drakou Street · Odeon of Herodes Atticus · Temple of Olympian Zeus
4.Syntagma
- Transport links
- Shopping
- Short stays
Walk through Syntagma: video by POV Freedom on YouTube.
The central square in front of the Greek Parliament, where the Evzones guards change every hour. It's the city's transport hub, with big hotels, the Ermou shopping street and the National Garden next door.
Stay here if
- You want the best transport links, including to the airport
- You'd like a big hotel with a central address
- Shopping on Ermou Street is on your list
Skip it if
- You want a charming, village-like atmosphere
- Traffic and demonstrations around the square would bother you
Within a 10-minute walk
Syntagma Square · Hellenic Parliament and the Evzones · National Garden · Ermou Street · Zappeion · Panathenaic Stadium
5.Kolonaki
- Luxury
- Shopping
- Museums
Walk through Kolonaki: video by The Periegete on YouTube.
Athens's most elegant neighbourhood, on the slopes of Lycabettus Hill, with designer boutiques, stylish cafés and several excellent museums. It's calm, safe and a 15-minute walk from Syntagma.
Stay here if
- You want an upscale, quiet base
- Museums and shopping are priorities
- You'd like to walk up Lycabettus Hill for sunset
Skip it if
- You're on a budget
- You want to be next to the Acropolis
Within a 10-minute walk
Lycabettus Hill · Benaki Museum · Museum of Cycladic Art · Kolonaki Square · Byzantine and Christian Museum · Skoufa Street
6.Athens Riviera (Glyfada)
- Beach lovers
- Families
- Summer trips
Walk through Athens Riviera (Glyfada): video by Wander World 4K on YouTube.
The coastal suburbs south of the city, with Glyfada at their heart: sandy beaches, marinas, beach clubs and shopping streets. It's a great base for combining city sightseeing with a beach holiday in summer.
Stay here if
- You want the beach in the summer heat
- You're travelling with children
- You'd like a relaxed, resort-style stay
Skip it if
- It's a short trip focused on the ancient sites
- You don't want a long tram ride every day
Within a 10-minute walk
Glyfada beaches · Glyfada Marina · Vouliagmeni Lake (a short ride) · Astir Beach · Metaxa Street shops · Coastal promenade
How to choose
For a first visit, Plaka, Koukaki or Monastiraki puts the Acropolis and the old town on foot. Syntagma is the practical hub, Kolonaki the elegant option, and the Riviera is for travellers who want beaches as much as ancient sites.
Getting around
Metro line 3 runs from the airport to Syntagma and Monastiraki in about 40 minutes, and line 1 links Monastiraki with the port of Piraeus for the islands. The centre itself is best explored on foot.
Summer heat
July and August are very hot. Visit the Acropolis early in the morning, and choose a hotel with air conditioning, ideally with a rooftop or pool for evening views.
Where to stay in Athens: common questions
What is the best area to stay in Athens for first-timers?
Plaka, right below the Acropolis, or Koukaki, a quieter neighbourhood on its south side with good value.
Is Monastiraki a good place to stay?
Yes, if you want nightlife, food and a direct metro to the airport and Piraeus. It's busy and loud at night, so ask for a quiet room.
Where should I stay in Athens before taking a ferry?
Monastiraki, on the metro line to Piraeus, or a hotel near the port if your ferry leaves very early.
Where should families stay in Athens?
Plaka or Koukaki, for easy access to the Acropolis and pedestrian streets, or the Riviera for a beach holiday.
Is it worth staying on the Athens Riviera?
In summer, if you want beaches and a resort feel. For a short trip focused on ancient sites, staying in the centre saves a lot of time.
Areas change over time. Check recent reviews and the exact location of your hotel before you book. Hotel links may earn Walking Atlas a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring Athens
The Athens city guide has more 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Athens city guide →