Athens is a city that has actually been developed, dominated, developed as well as dominated throughout background. The dominating society would certainly construct the city up in its very own picture just to have component of it took down when the city dropped once more. This ups and downs of structure as well as messing up have actually left a unique modern tapestry behind. It’s really a city to lay eyes on.
A brand-new young society is currently dominating Athens quietly. You’ll locate graffiti-lined roads marketing anti-capitalist literary works in the darkness of looming old structures. This brand-new society is making little bits of Athens in its very own picture, however the old websites as well as background of the city are left unblemished.
Athens’s leading areas
© OpenStreetMap © MapTiler © TouropiaCommemorate the lengthy background of Greece by day and after that event deep right into the evening. Take seaside walks eying at private yachts and after that look into some acid rock in the anarchist area. Athens is a city of extremes with whatever in between as well as it is all mirrored in its areas. Select the appropriate area for you when you see The City Of The Violet Crown.
© Szczepanski / DreamstimeThe Plaka is the earliest community in Athens. You’ll locate it beneath the Castle as well as the community extends completely to Syntagma. 2 major pedestrian roads compose the Plaka — Kydathineon as well as Adrianou — as well as the crossway of both is usually considered the facility of the area.
The whole community is led with rock as well as the majority of the old community’s roadways are off restrictions to autos. Although, you’ll still need to keep an eye out for the periodic mobility scooter or delivery van. The lovely roads are lined with dining establishments, coffee shops as well as stores.
The Plaka is popular as a visitor location many of the dining establishments as well as stores deal with the anticipated customers. You’ll need to dig a little much deeper on the food selection to locate something genuine as well as you’ll need to take care to stay clear of mass-produced ornaments in the stores. Yet if you search in the appropriate areas, you’ll locate real food, handcrafted fashion jewelry as well as some unbelievably creative mementos.
Finest Places to Remain In Plaka
high-end
Electra Metropolitan area – A globe of beauty as well as design waits for at this 5-star resort. Found simply actions from Syntagma Square, the crowning magnificence of the Electra Metropolitan area is its spectacular roof location – including both a pool and a restaurant, with views of the Acropolis. Enjoy sunset cocktails at the bar overlooking the city. The rooms are modern, decorated in blue and white, and come well equipped; some even feature private balconies. The hotel lobby is a grand affair, complete with a skylight atrium.
Electra Palace Athens – The Electra Palace Athens features sophisticated rooms that display a classic yet modern sense of style, with wooden furniture and elegant bathrooms. There’s a beautiful rooftop pool and sundeck which faces the Acropolis. Guests can enjoy a fresh Greek breakfast in the morning, whilst evening meals at the rooftop restaurant offer up a Romantic atmosphere. Getting around Athens is made easier thanks to the nearby metro station, too.
budget
Adrian Hotel – This modern, purpose-built hotel features a marble spiral staircase leading to bright and airy rooms decorated with houseplants and chic soft furnishings. Some rooms at the Adrian Hotel boast balconies overlooking the buzzing streets below. Views of the Parthenon can be enjoyed from the rooftop terrace – perfect for evening drinks. The Monastiraki Flea Market and the ancient Agora are just a few minutes’ by foot from this affordable hotel. It may be centrally located, but it’s a calm environment away from the tourist crowds of the surrounding streets.
© Brigida Soriano / DreamstimeThe Monastiraki and Psiri neighborhoods are right next to each other in the heart of Athens. These districts offer you first-hand experiences with some of Greece’s most prized sites as well as stunning views of the Acropolis.
You’ll find the Stoa of Attalos, the Ancient Agora and the ruins of the Hadrian’s Library in Monastiraki. The bustling neighborhood attracts visitors from all over the world so the streets are lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. But you’ll find the most authentic souvenirs at the famous Monastiraki Flea Market.
Psiri, just to the north of Monastiraki, is a well-known hub for nightlife. Head to the vibrant Iroon Square to visit one of the neighborhood’s many tavernas, live music venues and clubs. You’ll find off-beat souvenirs in shops covered with graffiti as you navigate the maze of bars. This small piece of Athens is known to stay up late.
Best Places to Stay in Monastiraki & Psiri
midrange
The Zillers Boutique Hotel – Highly polished parquet floors, ornate ceilings, and chandeliers are just some of the sumptuous details of this boutique hotel. Set in a historic building, The Zillers Boutique Hotel has seamlessly combined its period features with on-trend modern comforts and design. Each room even comes with the complimentary use of a smartphone, which makes exploring Athens that much easier. The hotel restaurant and bar boast fabulous views of the city. The bustling Adrianou Street is nearby, as is the ancient Agora.
budget
Attalos Hotel – A great location for those wanting to get around the city using public transport, this 3-star hotel is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the nearest metro station. It’s also within easy walking distance of many of Athens’ top sights, such as the National Archaeological Museum and the Temple of Zeus. The rooms at Attalos Hotel are small and compact but airy and bright, with light wood floors and white walls. There is a roof garden where guests can enjoy a drink with a view in the evening.
Athens Center Square Hotel – Each of the rooms at Athens Center Square Hotel has been individually designed; even the corridors on each floor are different colors. The rooms are simple but smartly contemporary. There’s a delicious Greek breakfast buffet served up every day, plus there’s a bar and cafe on the rooftop – complete with a vista of the Acropolis and the Athens skyline. The Ermou shopping district is just a few paces from here, and so is a metro stop. Despite being central, the hotel is a quiet, calm place to stay.
A six-foot column stood in the center of a barren square before a single house was built in this neighborhood. The column’s name was Kolonaki and that’s where this district got its name. This expensive neighborhood has now built itself beautifully into the southern slopes of the Lycabettus hill.
Take a stroll through this upscale neighborhood and you’re likely to see signs of wealth. Whether it’s a Rolex on the wrist of a man sitting at a cafe or the Louis Vuitton logo sewed into the side of a walking woman’s purse, Kolonaki will not let you forget its opulence. Needless to say, Kolonaki is where you’ll go for high-end shopping.
Besides the opulent shops and incredible people watching, you’ll find a nice collection of museums in Kolonaki. The Benaki Museum is an incredibly preserved neoclassical manor house that boasts a fine collection of art which is just a short walk from another fine collection at the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art.
Best Places to Stay in Kolonaki
luxury
St George Lycabettus – This large hotel is a decidedly luxurious affair, providing a world of comfort and relaxation for guests visiting historic Athens. The various rooms on offer feature everything from sleek, modern design to simpler rooms decked out with handpicked artwork. There’s a Mediterranean restaurant onsite that serves up a range of delicious dishes. A large rooftop area with a swimming pool as well as cocktail bar (boasting a daily happy hour) offers fantastic sights of the city. This 5-star hotel is located at the foot of Mount Lycabettus, with the funicular railway nearby.
midrange
Hotel Lozenge – This is a gleaming, modern hotel that’s all about sleek, urban interiors. There’s a stylish and spacious restaurant with a living wall here, as well as pavement side terrace seating. The rooms are neutral, minimalist, and decorated with wood floors – some even have open-plan bathrooms. Furnishings throughout are design-led. You can hire a bike from the hotel to pedal around Athens.
© Markara77 / DreamstimeA popular uprising rocked Greece back in 1843. The people, with the military at their backs, demanded that the first King of Greece sign a constitution. Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is named after the historic document. The square is a major part of Greece’s political history and you may even witness a protest or march during your visit.
The Parliament Building sits near the square which is lined with cafes. The area bustles with energy every day. It’s a great place to people watch with a coffee at an outdoor cafe when the weather is nice. But the neighborhood is more than just a historic landmark.
Two historical museums, the Numismatic Museum and the National Historic Museum, are worth a visit for ancient relics. The Valaoritou pedestrian street takes you right to the square and is lined with chic cafes and authentic restaurants. And the fashionable Karytsi square is the hub of nightlife in the area.
Best Places to Stay in Syntagma
luxury
Hotel Grande Bretagne – Impressively situated opposite Constitution Square and the Houses of Parliament, this truly is a grand hotel set inside a historic, palatial building. Classic rooms are exquisitely decorated, with patterned tiled floors, ornate furnishings, and beautiful marble bathrooms. Some rooms feature balconies that look out at the Castle. Guests will be able to watch the famous changing of the guards at Parliament from here, too. There’s a spa with a variety on offer an indoor pool for utmost relaxation. You can dine on fine Mediterranean cuisine with views of the Acropolis.
midrange
Electra Hotel Athens – The simple sophistication of this newly renovated hotel makes for a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. But the luxury doesn’t stop at the aesthetics; there’s also a pillow menu for guests and large beds for extra comfort. Staying here means taking breakfast at the rooftop restaurant and enjoying Mediterranean cuisine in the evenings at a more romantic restaurant. From the rooftop, you can enjoy views of Parliament, Syntagma Square, and the Acropolis.
© Sergio Simoes / DreamstimeIf you can peel your eyes off the nearby Acropolis and can stay away from the touristy Plaka, you can enter the kaleidoscope of the Koukaki neighborhood. You’ll get an undeniably local experience in this often overlooked piece of Athens.
Koukaki is a sleepy place in contrast to the nearby Plaka neighborhood, but the district has a welcoming urban village feel. The restaurants and cafes are less populated but serve up more traditional Greek dishes. Make sure to visit the Trii Ark Hub after a quiet coffee to support the work of local artists.
Stroll down the uneven sidewalks of the pedestrian Georgaki Olympiou Street running from Koukaki Square. You’ll be under the shade of bitter orange trees as you peruse local shops, cafes and restaurants. Then head over to the magnificent National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum to round out your laidback day in Koukaki.
Best Places to Stay in Koukaki
luxury
Divani Palace Acropolis – True to its name, the Divani Palace Acropolis is a luxurious, grand place to stay. Everything about this place is subtle and sophisticated, with toned down, tasteful interiors. The beds are enormous. There’s an elegant rooftop restaurant with amazing, up-close views of the Acropolis. Another restaurant can be found inside the hotel, plus there’s a sleek hotel lounge to recline in. There’s a free shuttle bus from here to Syntagma Square, but also a metro station just 500 meters from the doorstep.
midrange
Herodion Hotel – The Herodion Hotel is a stylish hotel just mere meters from the New Acropolis Museum, amongst other sights. Incredible views of the Acropolis can be had from this 4-star hotel – especially from the restaurant in the evening as the iconic sight is wonderfully lit up. There is a sun terrace and garden where guests can relax. Rooms at this 4-star offering are beautifully appointed and done in a multicolored palette that compliments the surrounding landscape. Some of the rooms feature views of the ancient Acropolis.
Dimitris Kamaras / FlickrExarchia is the edgy part of Athens. You’ll stroll down streets covered in politically charged graffiti while the shops hawk anarchist books, rare vinyl records and wicked guitars. It’s the neighborhood you’ll enter when you want to hear some alternative live music while sipping on a heavy alcoholic beverage.
But the image of this anarchistic neighborhood belies the food culture. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Athen’s most rock-and-roll district. The crowd in Exarchia is decidedly younger, and their youthful energy sometimes boils over with local authorities. You just might find yourself in the middle of an anti-capitalist march in Exarchia.
The US State Department has issued a warning for travel to Exarchia in the past, but that was for one very specific politically charged incident. You should feel safe in the neighborhood and it’s worth visiting for the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Vox, the city’s oldest theater, and Strefi Hill.
Where to Stay in Exarchia
budget
Best Western Hotel Museum – This 3-star hotel is a simple, clean and comfortable choice for those looking for an unfussy, affordable stay in the historic capital of Athens. It’s a good choice for seeing what the city has to offer. Nearby, guests can find the Epigraphical Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and there’s a metro station close by, too. There’s a delightful breakfast buffet every morning. Rooms at this hotel are classic and cozy; some even have their own balconies with city views.
© Vitaliybilyak / DreamstimeGlyfada is a southwestern suburb of Athens that stretches from Hymettus Mountain to the Saronic Gulf. It’s a fairly affluent place that has earned the nickname Hellenic Hamptons. The coastal border of the neighborhood is right in the heart of the Athens Riviera.
The Asteras Glyfadas beach is the crown jewel of Glyfada. Delight in clear waters, soft sand and plenty of amenities at this iconic beach. The Sea Turtle Protection Society Archelon should not be missed. You can marvel at the experienced staff as they nurse injured and sick sea turtles back to health before releasing them back into the wild.
Head to the city’s digital planetarium in Glyfada after a day at the beach. You can catch jaw-dropping images of the universe, or you can choose to ogle at some modern art at The Blender Gallery. And, of course, this neighborhood is full of authentic restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood.
Best Places to Stay in Glyfada
midrange
Palmyra Beach Hotel – With a chic outdoor pool surrounded by charmingly rustic brick walls and trailing ivy, Palyrma Beach Hotel is a good option for those wanting to stay close to the sea. True to its name, there’s a beach just steps from the hotel. There are a variety of stylish areas on offer, all with sleek, on-trend furniture as well as minimalist decor. The spacious restaurant serves a range of different dishes, whilst guests also have use of a fitness center.
Sea View Hotel – Sea View Hotel boasts a gorgeous, grassy garden with its own outdoor swimming pool as well as shaded areas for guests to relax with a book. The hotel is a boutique style affair: lots of houseplants, natural wood, earthy colors, and design-led furnishings make for a stylish stay in the city. This is a relaxing place to stay and is well located close to Glyfada’s shopping street. It’s just a short walk from the seafront, too.
Piraeus is south of Athens on the gulf and serves as the city’s port. Many travelers find themselves entering Athens through Piraeus as they disembark their cruise ships. You’ll also have to port through Piraeus if you wish to take a boat to one of the many Greek Isles. And the port city is just a short metro ride to the heart of Athens.
But Piraeus is a destination unto itself. Grab a coffee at an outdoor seaside cafe to check out the fancy yachts at the port of Zea, otherwise known as Pasalimani. The hilltop Castella neighborhood is worth a stroll for the beautiful neoclassical houses, the Prophet Elias church and the outdoor Veakeion theater.
You can also catch plenty of culture in Piraeus. Catch a show at the historic Municipal Theater, visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum or drink in the beauty of one of many Greek Orthodox Churches in the city. Depending on your needs, Piraeus puts you right in between the Greek Isles and Athens, and it’s a beautiful place to visit on its own.
Where to Stay in Piraeus
budget
Triton Hotel Piraeus – This 3-star hotel might not be the most lavish or luxurious option; however, it’s in a fantastic location, just a few minutes away from Piraeus train station as well as ferry terminals. The rooms are decked out simply but include furnished terraces that echo a traditional Greek style of outdoor living. These also come with views of the port. There’s breakfast on offer at this resort, as well as an night meal can easily be found in one of the many eateries in the bordering location.