Athens is a large and spread out city, making your decision on where to stay all the more important. If you are on a sightseeing trip, be sure to stay in a hotel in the city centre. Most sights are within easy walking distance or can be reached by metro, so you don't have to worry about the huge build up of traffic for which Athens is notorious.
The central areas of Plaka and Syntagma are ideal spots to stay, close to all the sites, clean, pretty and full of little side alleys where great restaurants can be found. Plaka is especially attractive, and is more like the quaint towns you find on the Greek Islands than in a big urban centre like Athens.
For a more up-scale location, there are a number of hotels in Kolonaki, which is one of the city's most attractive neighbourhoods thanks to its high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants and trendy nightspots.
Staying in an Athens hotel in Monastiraki will give you a more ethnic experience. Not as touristy - or expensive - as Plaka, Monastiraki boasts charming flea markets and little tavernas with views over the Acropolis.
If you are planning a family holiday in Athens, you should try the Nea Smyrni district, which is between the Acropolis and the coastline. It is a modern and safe district, and has excellent connections on public transport to all the sights of Athens, and also its beaches.
Read more in our Athens Guide.
