Best Area to Stay in Athens, Greece

If I had a euro for every time someone asked me “Where’s the best area to stay in Athens?” I could afford a Golden Visa by now. People are always sliding into my DMs or cornering me at family dinners for Athens advice. What to do, where to eat, and, most importantly, where to stay.

And honestly, I get it. Athens is a massive, buzzing city that can feel equal parts awe-inspiring and overwhelming. Ancient ruins stare you down at every corner, bustling squares are packed with street performers and souvlaki stands, and then there are quieter local neighborhoods where you can hear old men Greekly debating politics louder than the church bells.

I’ve been coming to Athens multiple times a year since 2021, and at this point, I know the city better than some locals. I have my go-to everyday coffee spot, I’ve walked these neighborhoods more times than I can count, and I’ve actually stayed in every single one of the areas I’m about to recommend (I’ve even stayed in the areas I don’t recommend on this list).

These are the same four neighborhoods I’d recommend to my best friend, my aunt, or even that one annoying cousin who still thinks Santorini is the only Greek island worth visiting… not just some random areas I found cause the Google AI thing recommended them.

So, if you’re wondering where you should base yourself on your Athens trip, here’s my list of the best areas to stay in Athens, broken down with honesty and personal experience.

1. Plaka: My Number One Choice

If someone asks me the number one best area to stay in Athens, my answer is always the same: Plaka. I don’t care if it’s your first time in Greece or your 100th trip back, it’s the one place I’ll recommend again and again.

Plaka is Athens’ oldest neighborhood, built right on top of the ancient residential area, and it still feels like you’re walking through history every time you step outside. The cobblestone streets are lined with neoclassical houses, bougainvillea spilling over balconies, and more tavernas than you’ll know what to do with.

The reason I love Plaka so much is because it’s ridiculously central and historical. You’re basically living in the shadow of the Acropolis (and yes, plenty of hotels and rentals here have incredible rooftop views). It’s safe, lively, and easy to move around in. You’ve got shops, cafés, and restaurants within a short walk no matter where you stay, and you’ll never be more than a ten minute stroll from a jaw dropping piece of history.

One of my favorite Athens memories is walking through Plaka late at night, the Acropolis glowing above me while street musicians played down one of the alleyways. Even with the tourist crowds during the day, the area has a certain magic that hits differently when the sun goes down. That’s why I tell literally everyone who asks me where to stay in Athens, Plaka is the safest bet, the most beautiful option, and the easiest way to feel like you’re actually in Greece the second you arrive.

2. Syntagma: For the Convenience

If Plaka is Athens’ old soul, then Syntagma is its efficient, slightly more chaotic middle child. I always recommend it as the best area to stay in Athens if you’re looking for pure convenience. Syntagma is the city’s central square, home to the Parliament building, the changing of the guards (those pom-pom shoes are real and they take it very seriously), and the hub for both metro lines and buses, including the one that goes straight to the airport.

I once stayed right on Ermou Street, which is basically Athens’ version of a catwalk for shopping bags. Staying here meant I could hop on the metro, grab a taxi, or even walk to iconic neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki without really breaking a sweat. It’s also the go to meeting point for most city and day tours, which makes it perfect if you don’t want to spend half your trip navigating to a faraway meeting point.

Compared to Plaka’s winding cobblestone lanes, Syntagma feels more modern and polished. It has wide squares, government buildings, and high street shops. It’ might not be as charming as the historic center, but the location can’t be beat. Between the easy airport access, endless restaurants, and proximity to major archaeological sites, it deserves its spot as my number two recommendation.

3. Monastiraki: An Energetic Mix

If you want your trip to Athens to feel like a sensory overload (in the best way), Monastiraki is the spot. I’d call it the best area to stay in Athens if you’re into markets, nightlife, and rooftop bars with views of the Acropolis that will make you forget how overpriced your cocktail is. The square is colorful, chaotic, and buzzing at nearly all hours. It’s the kind of place where you can wander into a flea market, get lost in the side streets, and suddenly find yourself staring at a 2,000 year old ruin sandwiched between two souvenir shops.

Now, full transparency: Monastiraki gets mixed reviews. I’ve recommended it to friends and some loved it, others thought it was a bit too gritty. Yes, you’ll want to keep an eye out for petty crime (it’s one of the busiest metro hubs in the city, after all), but I’ve personally stayed here multiple times without issue.

The location is undeniably convenient. It’s a central metro stop with direct connections to the airport and Piraeus port, which is perfect if you’re planning to island hop. And I have to mention the food… Monastiraki is home to Tylixto Greek Wrap, which I will argue to my dying breath has the best souvlaki in Athens.

So, don’t let the graffiti or rough around the edges vibe scare you off. Monastiraki is fun, lively, and packed with energy. It’s where you go if you want your evenings filled with rooftop bars, street food, and a nightlife scene that goes until sunrise. I rank it as my number three recommendation, not quite as charming as Plaka or as polished as Syntagma, but an experience all its own.

4. Akadimia/Kolonaki: The Local Feel

Last but not least, I’m offering up Akadimia and Kolonaki, which I’m grouping together because they’re neighbors and honestly give off the same vibe. If Plaka is tourist central and Syntagma is the polished hub, then Akadimia/Kolonaki is where you go when you want to feel like you actually live in Athens.

These areas are quieter, more residential, and a refreshing break from the tour groups marching through Plaka in matching hats. Many travelers overlook them, but they absolutely deserve a spot in the conversation about the best area to stay in Athens.

When I stayed solo in Kolonaki for a week, I loved how peaceful it felt. It’s known as one of the safest parts of the city, partly because of its proximity to Parliament, where armed guards are always patrolling (although I’ll never forget the time a group of them made a “pspspsps” noise at me like I was a cat walking by. Truly one of the more bizarre, yet harmless moments of my travels).

Akadimia, on the other hand, is closer to the National Library and Academy, giving you that more academic/residential feel, while Kolonaki leans bougie with high-end shops and stylish cafés. Neither is as central as Plaka, but that’s kind of the point. You’re away from the chaos without being so far that you can’t get to the Acropolis in under 20 minutes.

I rank these areas fourth because they don’t have the same immediate wow factor as Plaka, Syntagma, or Monastiraki. But for repeat visitors, budget travelers, or anyone who prefers evenings in quiet cafés over late nights at rooftop bars, they’re an excellent choice. You’ll feel like a local, sleep well at night, and still have plenty of restaurants and shops at your doorstep.

Bonus: Areas I Don’t Recommend

Now that we’ve covered my top four picks for the best area to stay in Athens, let’s talk about where I wouldn’t book a hotel. Because while Athens is an incredible city, not every neighborhood is a winner for visitors.

Omonia
Okay, budget travelers, I hear you. Yes, Omonia has cheap hotels. But there’s a reason they’re cheap. On my very first trip to Athens in 2021, I stayed in Omonia for a couple nights, and while I personally didn’t run into anything dramatic, there were definitely moments where I clutched my bag a little tighter.

The area has a reputation for being less safe, especially at night, with petty crime and sketchy activity still lingering despite some recent improvements. It’s also a bit of a hike from the Acropolis and other main sites, so in my opinion, it’s not worth the stress just to save a few euros.

Piraeus
Piraeus is the city’s main port. This is where you’ll catch your ferry if you’re heading out to the islands, and for that purpose, it’s great. But as a base for exploring Athens? Not so much. It’s far from the center, meaning you’ll need to metro or taxi back and forth constantly.

While Piraeus has been cleaned up in recent years, there are still streets that feel rough around the edges, and overall, it doesn’t have the same charm or walkability as neighborhoods like Plaka or Syntagma. My advice is only stay here if you’ve got an early ferry and want to roll out of bed straight onto the boat. Otherwise, pick a more central spot and just commute to the port when it’s time to island hop.