Athens neighbourhoods at a glance
Distances are measured from the city centre. Typical prices are the median nightly rate of hotels nearby.
| Area | Best for | From centre | Typical hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaka & Anafiotika | First-time visitors, Romantic strolls, Photography enthusiasts | 1.3 km | €97 |
| Monastiraki & Psiri | Shopping for souvenirs, Foodies and bar hoppers, Nightlife seekers | 0.9 km | €80 |
| Kolonaki | Luxury shopping, Fine dining, People-watching from cafés | 1.4 km | €132 |
| Koukaki & Petralona | Experiencing local life, Coffee culture, Travelers seeking a quieter base | 2.4 km | €83 |
Plaka & Anafiotika
Nestled on the northern slopes of the Acropolis, Plaka is the picturesque, old town of Athens with cobblestone streets and neoclassical houses. The tiny, whitewashed Anafiotika area within it feels like a Cycladic island village, built by 19th-century stonemasons.
Around Plaka & Anafiotika
- The Tower of the Winds
- The Roman Agora
- Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments
- Numerous small Byzantine churches
Hotels in or near Plaka & Anafiotika
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeMonastiraki & Psiri
A bustling, gritty, and endlessly energetic district centered around Monastiraki Square. Psiri, just west, is a formerly industrial area now packed with innovative restaurants, bars, and artisan workshops, maintaining a raw, authentic vibe.
Around Monastiraki & Psiri
- Monastiraki Flea Market
- Tzistaraki Mosque
- Ancient Kerameikos Cemetery
- Avissinias Square antique market
Hotels in or near Monastiraki & Psiri
Petit budget
Haut de gamme
Milieu de gammeKolonaki
Athens' upscale, chic neighborhood at the foot of Lycabettus Hill. It's defined by designer boutiques, art galleries, sophisticated cafés where locals discuss politics, and a distinctly polished, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Around Kolonaki
- Lycabettus Hill Funicular
- Benaki Museum
- Dexameni Square
- High-end shopping on Voukourestiou Street
Hotels in or near Kolonaki
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeKoukaki & Petralona
The city's trendiest residential areas, beloved by young Athenians and digital nomads. Koukaki is bustling with hip coffee shops and concept stores, while quieter Petralona has a village-like feel with traditional tavernas and quiet squares.
Around Koukaki & Petralona
- Syngrou Fix metro street art
- The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
- Local farmers' markets
- Quaint Petralona squares
Hotels in or near Koukaki & Petralona
Haut de gamme
Luxe
Milieu de gammeHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Plan the rest of your Athens trip
Where to stay in Athens: FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Athens?+
For a first visit, Monastiraki & Psiri is the most central of the areas we cover (0.9 km from the centre). A bustling, gritty, and endlessly energetic district centered around Monastiraki Square.
Where to stay in Athens on a budget?+
Monastiraki & Psiri has the lowest typical hotel price of the areas we compared, around €80 a night. A bustling, gritty, and endlessly energetic district centered around Monastiraki Square.
How much does a hotel in Athens cost per night?+
Typical nightly prices near the areas in this guide range from €80 to €132, based on hotel prices checked on February 4, 2026. Prices change with your dates.
Which Athens neighbourhood suits which traveller?+
Plaka & Anafiotika: First-time visitors, Romantic strolls, Photography enthusiasts. Monastiraki & Psiri: Shopping for souvenirs, Foodies and bar hoppers, Nightlife seekers. Kolonaki: Luxury shopping, Fine dining, People-watching from cafés. Koukaki & Petralona: Experiencing local life, Coffee culture, Travelers seeking a quieter base.