When it comes to visiting Athens, there is no shortage of things to see and do. However, choosing the right neighborhood to stay in can greatly enhance your experience of this ancient city. In this article, we will highlight the best areas in Athens for visitors to stay in, including Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Koukaki, Kolonaki, and Psirri. We will also provide insights on the best places for sightseeing, shopping, families, living like a local, dining, nightlife, and short trips.
Plaka: The Neighborhood of the Gods
Plaka is the oldest and one of the best areas of Athens, with a friendly, bustling atmosphere. Though Plaka is one of the most touristy areas, it still bursts with local charm with its cobblestone pedestrian streets, sidewalk cafes, and souvenir shops. It’s very centrally located, in the shadow of the Acropolis, and within walking distance of many of Athens’ top attractions. Most of Plaka is designated for pedestrian use only. Some of the best restaurants and bars in the city are located here, though in general, it’s better to leave Plaka for more authentic dining with better prices. Some of our favorite hotels in Plaka include AthensWas Hotel, Electra Palace Hotel, New Hotel, Ava Hotel and Royal Olympic Hotel.
Monastiraki: Ancient Ruins and Byzantine Churches
Monastiraki is less touristy than Plaka but has a similar vibe with a mix of ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and neoclassical architecture. This buzzing neighborhood also sits at the base of the Acropolis, bordered by the Plaka and Psirri areas. It’s a great area for shopping, dining, and nightlife, centered around the central Monastiraki plaza. On Sundays, street vendors sell flea market style along the sidewalks, though the popular shopping area of the square, open 7 days a week is called The Monastiraki Flea Market. The area is busy all through the day, but Monastiraki really comes alive at night when its sidewalk cafes and rooftop bars open up, many offering stunning views of the Parthenon. Food is outstanding here, with a great mix of casual tavernas and upscale restaurants serving traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Ermou Street is the main shopping street in Athens, with a mix of local boutiques and international brand stores stretching between Monastiraki and Syntagma Square. Our favorite hotels in Monastiraki include A for Athens, and 360 Degrees.
Syntagma: Political and Commercial Hub
Syntagma is the name for the neighborhood surrounding Syntagma Square, Athens’ political and commercial hub. The Hellenic parliament looks out over the square, with an hourly changing of the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Adjacent to parliament is The lovely National Garden, with lots of shade, along with ancient ruins and a botanical garden. The National Historical Museum is just steps away as well. Syntagma is a major transportation hub with a huge, renovated metro station served by 2 train lines and buses that connect to the airport and ferry port. Some of our favorite hotels in this area include Grande Bretagne Hotel and the King George Hotel.
Koukaki: The Trendiest Neighborhood
Increasingly popular, the low-key area of Koukaki is emerging as one of Athens’ trendiest neighborhoods. Koukaki sits at the southern base of the Acropolis. Still largely undiscovered, this area offers plenty of tavernas and cafes situated on its squares and sidewalks, where you’re likely to be the only traveler. Koukaki’s main attraction is the Acropolis Museum. Our favorite hotel in this area is the InterContinental Athenaeum Hotel.
Kolonaki: Luxury Shopping and Chic Dining
Kolonaki is a wealthy neighborhood bordering Syntagma and located on the southern slope of Mt. LYKAVITTOS, the tallest of Athens’ 7 hills with spectacular views out over Athens. A funicular connects Kolonaki to the hilltop peak. Kolonaki is known for luxury shopping, museums, galleries, and chic dining and drinks. Many of its streets are pedestrian-only and brimming with Greek and international designer boutiques, and trendy sidewalk cafés, especially along its main shopping streets. The main street in Kolonaki is lined with neoclassical mansions converted into museums, and galleries dot the neighborhood. Our favorite hotels here include Saint George LYKAVITTOS, Coco-Mat Hotel, Periscope Hotel, and Hilton Hotel.
Psirri: Authentic Dining and Lively Nightlife
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, Psirri sits northwest of Monastiraki and Plaka. Psirri has a long, sketchy history – but is now known for its lively nightlife and authentic dining. This neighborhood is still solidly working class, with many artisan workshops filling all the lanes extending out from its main plaza, Heroes Square. Neoclassical houses that were once abandoned have been renovated and converted into hotels, galleries, tavernas, cafés, clubs, and bars, many with live music. Street art and elaborate murals cover many of the buildings here, and several small shops sell vintage items and original artwork. Psirri is visited less by tourists and more by locals, despite being a short walk to other popular areas. Some of our favorite hotels here include O&B Athens Boutique Hotel, Andronis Athens, and Hotel Perianth.
Piraeus: Main Port of Athens
Piraeus is the main port of Athens, where most of the ferries to and from the islands arrive and depart. People with early morning ferries may consider staying here, but it’s only a 30-minute metro ride from downtown Athens to Piraeus, so it’s highly recommended to stay in Athens. Piraeus is safe with lots of tourists at the port at all hours during high season. The Piraeus area is currently undergoing a renaissance, and many new galleries, restaurants, and shopping are emerging.
Best Places for Sightseeing
Most neighborhoods in Athens have at least a few attractions, whether museums or ruins, but Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods have the most. Both neighborhoods grew up around the ancient heart of Athens and are within short walking distance of the Acropolis. Plaka, Monastiraki, and Koukaki neighborhoods all sit at the base of the Acropolis and face toward the Parthenon. Several hotels, restaurants, and bars in the three areas have views of the Parthenon.
Best Places for Shopping
Monastiraki and Kolonaki are the best neighborhoods for shopping. Monastiraki is the better known and busier of the two, with its 1.5 kilometer-long shopping street Ermou, running all the way through the neighborhood, and with the Monastiraki Flea Market covering a few blocks along Ifestou Street. Kolonaki is a more upmarket neighborhood with its 2 main shopping streets, Voukourestiou and Stadiou, boasting luxury brand boutiques and the high-end department store Attica.
Best Places for Families
Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma are the best areas for families. These areas are all very safe, offer easy transportation, and are walkable to Athens’ best dining and attractions. The farther north you go (away from Plaka and closer to Omonia) the uglier and sketchier the city gets. Stay south of Sofokleous Street to avoid the worst areas, though even these places are pretty safe.
Best Places for Living Like a Local
Koukaki and Kolonaki are wonderful, less touristy neighborhoods in Athens. Koukaki has plenty of local restaurants and cafes, while still offering stunning Parthenon views and easy walking to museums and sights. Kolonaki is a more upscale, residential neighborhood with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and museums; this area is walkable, but since it’s built on a hill, there is a good deal of stairs to navigate in parts.
Best Places for Dining and Nightlife
Monastiraki offers the best mix of quality food and charming atmosphere, with plenty of sidewalk cafes serving locals and travelers alike. Psirri is the nightlife hub of Athens, with tons of bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants all radiating out from its central Hero’s Square (Plateia Iroon).
Best Places for Short Trips
Monastiraki and Syntagma are ideal for short trips of a day or two. Both areas are well-connected by public transportation. Monastiraki Station offers a direct train to Piraeus ferry port and the international airport. Syntagma Station has direct train links to the airport and the major sights of the city.
Where to Stay in Athens
If you’re looking for the best areas to stay in Athens, we highly recommend Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Koukaki, Kolonaki, or Psirri. Each of these neighborhoods offers a great mix of walkability, sights, dining, and easy transportation. Almost all of the Best Hotels in Athens are located in these areas. While Plaka and Monastiraki are the most touristy areas, they still offer plenty of local charm and authenticity. For a more upscale experience, Kolonaki and Syntagma are wonderful options, while Koukaki and Psirri are great for those looking to live like a local or experience the nightlife of Athens.
Conclusion
Athens is a vibrant and exciting city, with a mix of ancient history, modern amenities, and local charm. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, shopping, dining, or nightlife, there is something for everyone in Athens. When it comes to choosing where to stay, we recommend Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Koukaki, Kolonaki, or Psirri. These neighborhoods offer the best mix of walkability, attractions, dining, and transportation, and are home to some of the Best Hotels in Athens. Whether you’re looking to live like a local or experience the luxury of Athens, there is something for everyone in this incredible city.
