Athens, the cradle of democracy and the muse of Western civilization, is without doubt one of the oldest frequently inhabited cities in Europe. Residence to the long-lasting Acropolis, with its hilltop of millennia-old constructions and ruins looming over this metropolis of three million individuals, Athens is without doubt one of the most-visited locations on the continent.
However there’s extra to Athens than the Acropolis. The truth is, this bustling Greek capital has a slew of nice neighborhoods to discover, each with its personal distinct taste and character, each vibrant and buoyant in its personal approach.
Whereas I don’t love Athens, the extra time I spend right here, the extra I heat as much as it. It’s big, with so much to supply — irrespective of your curiosity or finances.
That can assist you benefit from your journey (and save each money and time), I’ll present you precisely the place to remain in Athens, so you possibly can choose the very best neighborhood primarily based in your pursuits and journey model.
However earlier than I get into the specifics, let me reply some frequent questions I get requested:
What’s the very best neighborhood for finances vacationers?
About 25 years in the past, Psyrri was a form of no-go zone, a neighborhood of ramshackle buildings and not-particularly-nice streets. However all that’s modified. Immediately it’s one among my favourite neighborhoods, a enjoyable nightlife-centric district with a youthful vibe.
What’s the very best neighborhood in Athens for households?
Kolonaki is quiet and subdued sufficient {that a} household can base themselves right here and received’t have to fret an excessive amount of about road noise. There are additionally a handful of museums right here too.
What’s the very best neighborhood in Athens for first-time guests?
The world round Syntagma Sq. (simply exterior of Plaka) is full of inns, retailers, and subway and bus strains. It’s a very good place to base your self and get oriented to Athens if it’s your first time right here. Plaka itself can be a sensible choice.
What’s the very best neighborhood in Athens for partying?
For those who’re seeking to get together the nights away, Gazi is the place to kick-start your revelry!
What’s the finest neighborhood in Athens general?
For those who spend even a day in Athens, ending up in Plaka appears inevitable. Situated on the base of the Acropolis, its limestone streets are flanked by enjoyable bars and taverns serving up conventional Greek fare.
So, with these questions answered, right here’s a breakdown of every neighborhood, with prompt lodging for every, so you already know precisely the place to remain in Athens:
Athens Neighborhood Overview
- The place to Keep for Avenue Artwork
- The place to Keep for Peace & Quiet
- The place to Keep for Nightlife
- The place to Keep for All the pieces
- The place to Keep for Partying
- The place to Keep for Households
The place to Keep for Avenue Artwork: Exarcheia
Gritty and salt of the earth, Exarcheia, north of the Nationwide Archeological Museum, has a extremely energetic vibe, as college students swarm the place. It’s additionally traditionally dwelling to town’s anarchist set. The once-bare partitions of Exarcheia at the moment are bathed in road artwork, a lot of it intriguingly political. It’s additionally one of many extra reasonably priced locations to remain in Athens.
Finest Locations to Keep in Exarcheia
- BUDGET: Nubian Hostel Athens – With murals and paintings in each room, this hostel suits proper in with the neighborhood’s artsy vibe. There are combined and female-only dorms, in addition to personal rooms, frequent areas, and a yard patio. There’s additionally day by day free breakfast and a free pleased hour with wine each night time.
- MIDRANGE: Dryades & Orion Lodge – Hugging a hilly park, this chill lodge has rooms with views of the Acropolis. Plus, it has a beautiful roof backyard through which to look at the sundown whereas sipping a glass of wine.
- LUXURY: Colours Lodge Athens – With spacious rooms (that embrace desks), Colours presents vivid, cheery lodging with free Wi-Fi, rainmaker showers, cozy bathrobes, and a tasty breakfast.
The place to Keep for Peace and Quiet: Kifissia
Sedate and prosperous, Kifissia is within the north of Athens. It’s well-liked with households and {couples} who wish to reside on the quiet aspect of issues. Purchasing alternatives abound right here, as there’s a legion of upscale boutiques, and the restaurant scene is tranquil and complicated. Many of the lodging choices in Kifissia are on the periphery of the neighborhood.
Finest Locations to Keep in Kifissia
- BUDGET: Lida Lodge – With majestic mountain views, sizzling tub, and complimentary breakfast, Lida is a comfy midrange spot on the periphery of Kifissia (true finances lodging is just about non-existent right here). Rooms are comfy sufficient, with free Wi-Fi and large-screen TVs.
- MIDRANGE: Pines Lodge – The Pines’ giant rooms are engaging: their hardwood flooring, subdued hues, and soundproof home windows make for a soothing keep. For the warm-weather months, every room has a strong AC. Breakfast is at all times included.
- LUXURY: The Kefalari Suites – This 4-star boutique lodge within the coronary heart of Kifissia is housed in a superbly restored Nineteenth-century, neoclassical mansion. You may count on trendy luxurious facilities although, together with marble loos, personal terraces/balconies, and a rooftop terrace full with a sizzling tub.
The place to Keep for Nightlife: Psyrri
Bars and diminutive meze eating places are awash in Psyrri (generally spelled Psiri). It’s a enjoyable, vibrant neighborhood with a variety of verve. So carry your dancing sneakers. As soon as a moderately sedate, working-class a part of city, Psyrri is now among the finest locations to gravitate to at night time for consuming, consuming, and debauchery. It’s in all probability my favourite place within the metropolis to spend time.
Finest Locations to Keep in Psyrri
- BUDGET: Pella Inn Hostel – Just some minutes’ stroll from the Monastiraki metro station, Pella has personal rooms with and with no personal lavatory. Rooms have lockers, and a few even have balconies. There are female-only dorms too.
- MIDRANGE: Athensred – This property has all of the perks of a midrange lodge: a pleasant location close to plenty of enjoyable bars and eating places, free Wi-Fi, rooms with giant flat-screen TVs, and pleasant service.
- LUXURY: Lotus Inn – The spacious rooms of the Lotus Inn are bedecked with hardwood flooring, plus-sized TVs, and upscale tub merchandise. Some have balconies with views. There’s a sizzling tub on the premises too, in case you really want to chill out after a day of exploring.
The place to Keep to Sightseeing: Plaka
Plaka, positioned proper underneath the Acropolis, is unavoidable for those who’re in Athens for longer than a couple of hours. Sure, each different vacationer and customer (and a few locals) will probably be there too, which is why some individuals would possibly keep away from it. But it surely’s additionally an space the place limestone-paved streets are flanked by enjoyable bars, cafés, and eating places. It’s one other one among my favourite locations in Athens.
Finest Locations to Keep in Plaka
- BUDGET: Pupil & Travellers Inn – This hostel smack-dab in the midst of Plaka is your basic backpacker hostel, with 4-8-bed dorms and its personal bar for assembly individuals. The dorms are fundamental however cozy, and it’s essentially the most reasonably priced place to remain within the space.
- MIDRANGE: Athens Middle Sq. Lodge – True to its title, that is within the heart of completely every little thing, with nice views of the Acropolis from many rooms, in addition to the rooftop terrace. Rooms have flat-screen TVs and air con, and a day by day buffet breakfast included within the room price.
- LUXURY: Plaka Lodge – Snug and pleasant, the Plaka Lodge is within the coronary heart of the neighborhood. Rooms boast flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and balconies — some with stellar views. The American-style buffet breakfast is complimentary.
The place to Keep for Partying: Gazi
Gazi is dwelling to Technopolis, an enchanting industrial museum and cultural hub housed inside an mid-Nineteenth-century erstwhile gasworks plant. When the solar goes down, the neighborhood turns into abuzz with power, as bars, cafés, and eating places rev up. A lot later, nightclubs pump till the wee hours of the morning.
Finest Locations to Keep in Gazi
- BUDGET: Iconic Athens Hostel – This hostel is comfy, clear, and reasonably priced. It has a shared lounge and terrace, and room choices embrace small and huge dorms, together with female-only ones.
- MIDRANGE: Priamos Erato Lodge – This property presents a very good variety of perks for the value: every room has a balcony and comes with free Wi-Fi, soundproof home windows, and plush bathrobes. Visitors have entry to the recent tub too!
- LUXURY: Athenaeum Eridanus Luxurious Lodge – This smooth, minimal lodge simply blocks from Gazi has luxurious facilities, like marble loos, LCD TVs, and a buffet breakfast, in addition to a totally outfitted health club with a steam tub. There’s additionally a rooftop bar and restaurant, plus a tranquil interior courtyard.
The place to Keep for Households: Kolonaki
Upscale, clear, and protected, Kolonaki is a beautiful oasis. It’s additionally dwelling to a number of nice museums. Along with being a wonderful base for households, vacationers who love to buy until they drop will like Kolonaki: the district is famend for its upscale garments and jewellery boutiques, shoe shops, and artwork galleries.
Finest Locations to Keep in Kolonaki
- BUDGET: Greek Gastronomy Middle Flats – Don’t let the title idiot you. Or get you too hungry. This multiroom property presents comfy personal rooms and dorms for finances vacationers. Some rooms have kitchenettes.
- MIDRANGE: Coco-Mat Lodge – Rooms on this design-friendly spot within the coronary heart of Kolonaki are outfitted with TVs with worldwide channels, free and quick Wi-Fi, espresso machines, and upscale tub merchandise. It’s positioned simply steps away from nice eating places and bars too.
- LUXURY: St. George Lycabettus – The ultra-spacious rooms listed below are fashionable and comfy. Many have balconies; some boast panoramic views of the Acropolis. Rooms and in-room loos are accented with marble; the rooms even have AC, minibars, and super-fast Wi-Fi.
