Where to stay in Athens, and where to go next
TLDR
- •Koukaki and Plaka put the Acropolis and its museum on your doorstep
- •Kolonaki is the smart, calmer quarter under Lycabettus hill
- •Monastiraki and Psyrri are for nights out, not for sleep
- •Pangrati is the neighbourhood Athenians actually live in
- •Two nights is right for most trips, then on to the islands or the Peloponnese
Stay in Koukaki or Plaka for a first visit. Both put the Acropolis, its museum and the old streets within a walk, which is what most people come to Athens for. Kolonaki is the calmer, smarter choice, and Pangrati the one for living like an Athenian. Give the city two nights, then go on.
Koukaki
South of the Acropolis, residential and walkable, with the Acropolis Museum at its edge. Quieter than Plaka at night and full of good small places to eat. The best all-round base for a first visit.
Plaka
The old quarter on the slopes under the Acropolis: narrow lanes, steps, neoclassical houses and tavernas with tables in the street. It is lovely early and late and busy in the middle of the day. Stay here if you want to step out of the door into the postcard.
Monastiraki and Psyrri
The flea market, the rooftop bars and the nightlife. Lively, central and loud. Good for a short, sociable stay, less good if you need to sleep.
Kolonaki
The smart quarter under Lycabettus hill, with galleries, good shops and cafés, and a calmer evening. A short walk from the centre. For people who want Athens to feel grown-up.
Pangrati
East of the centre, past the marble stadium of the first modern Olympics. Residential, with neighbourhood tavernas and bars and almost no other visitors. For a second visit, or a longer stay.
How long to give Athens
Two nights for most trips: one day for the Acropolis and its museum, and one for the old streets, a market and a long lunch. Then go on, because Athens is the door to two of the best trips in Greece.
To the islands. Piraeus is the main port for the Cyclades. Rafina, Athens's other port, is closer to the airport and serves the northern islands, so check it first if you are going to Andros, Tinos or Mykonos.
To the Peloponnese. The south is a drive away, and the road down to the Mani and Kardamyli is one of the great road trips in the country.
Before your ferry
If you have an early boat, sleep near the port or leave plenty of time: the Piraeus traffic in the morning is no place to discover you are late. Book the ferry before you book the hotel in high summer, because the boats fill before the rooms do.
Book it
Things to book in Athens
The Greek Food Experience (Max 8 persons)
More than just a food tour, rather travelling in a mindful way through food, storytelling & genuine conversation. Inspired by our love for the city, good food and meeting new people. On this most delicious tour, you will have the chance to try the BEST local food from the BEST vendors. Enjoy mouthwatering souvlaki, tasty & fresh homemade pies, delectable olives, PDO (Protected Designations of Origin) cheeses, Greek yoghurt, local cold meats, unique desserts and much more… let’s not spoil all of the fun! We will stroll through the streets of Athens City Center while visiting traditional Greek street food vendors; true Athenian icons, multi-generational family businesses, and new commendable food entrepreneurs. We truly believe that our curated experience is one of the best things to do on your first day in Athens. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings, learn fun facts and stories about Greece & Athens and its culture, and to get recommendations and tips for your stay.
Athens Greek Cooking Class: Pita Gyros from Scratch –The Original
Learn to make one of Greece’s most beloved street foods completely from scratch, using our secret family recipes, passed down through generations and never published. Then we’ll make our grandmother’s famous pita — soft, warm, fluffy and unbelievably delicious. Once you learn how to make it, you may never want to buy ready-made pita again! You’ll also make our creamy tzatziki and our spicy feta spread, made with local spicy peppers And to finish, an incredibly easy and delicious Greek dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. These aren’t recipes we found in a cookbook. They are our family recipes, our memories and the flavours we grew up with. And we’re not going to be humble about it — we set high expectations because we know we can meet them. Our guests keep telling us this is the best pita gyros they’ve ever tasted. We think it might be the best you’ll ever taste too — and we hope you’ll be one of the people who says it.
Classic Athens Food Tour with Local Drink & Market Visit
Discover the historic center of Athens through its rich culinary culture and gain insight into the everyday eating habits of locals. Join a small-group walking tour led by a knowledgeable and welcoming local guide and explore authentic food spots beyond the typical tourist routes. Enjoy a carefully curated selection of Greek flavors, including traditional savory pies, regional olives, seasonal market products, premium nuts, classic Greek coffee with a sweet treat, a traditional spirit such as tsipouro or ouzo, and a beloved grilled pita specialty, souvlaki, paired with a refreshing drink or beer. Each stop highlights the diversity of Athens’ culinary heritage and its connection to daily life. You’ll also visit the vibrant central market and learn about Greek gastronomy, traditions, and history in a relaxed and engaging setting. With personalized attention in a small group, this experience blends food, culture, and local insight into a memorable and authentic Athens adventure.
Athens Old City Private Photoshoot Tour/ 3hours
We will meet in a central spot of Athens and enjoy a 3-hour private walk-and-pose tour on a picturesque route. While I capture your best moments against both iconic and hidden backdrops, I’ll also share stories of Greece’s history and reveal secret corners of ancient and modern Athens. Guests rave about the experience, calling it “the best photoshoot ever”, praising how at ease they felt. Others appreciate how I capture their most authentic selves, creating natural images, full of emotion! Let's explore the heart and soul of this ancient city together and let me offer you happy memories and beautiful keepsake photos! This is a relaxed, prearranged walk-and-pose experience designed to keep things simple and fun while creating beautiful keepsake photos. Have a special request, extra outfit, or unique vision? Let me know in advance so I can tailor the shoot to you. IG: @personalphotographerinathens If you find my cost higher than others, it's because taxes and commission are included.
Private Luxury Cruise in Athens
Our tours are private and exclusive! There will be a skipper and a co-skipper / host, taking care of everything. The boat has a protocol of 12 pax, but we do not embark more than 8, ideally up to 6. Our guests enjoy the azure waters and the relaxing scenery. We stop over for swimming, snorkeling and snacking in beautiful places. See our Instagram "nautical.mile.private.cruises" and 1852.gr Your hosts give a guided tour- optionally we can arrange a professional tour guide. The area is rich in historical and modern monuments, tourist attractions and offers magical scenery with coves and sandy beaches. Enjoy your privacy even during peak season. Yet, we can visit popular beach clubs! The weather is nearly always calm and the seas are crystal clear. We are experts in the area and guide you to the most captivating locations. Our service excellence derives from luxury VIP private yachts background. We record numerous VIP charters and guests, embracing discreet luxury.
Athens Full Day Private Tour
With no less than 18 years of experience and a long-standing cooperation with some of the biggest hotels in Athens (Hotel Grande Bretagne, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel, Hilton Athens Hotel et al.) We are dedicated to provide high-standard services to you, our customers. Our country is brighter than light itself. It is synonymous with the warmth of the sun, the crystal clear skies, the huge views all around, the endless blue of the sea. It is crammed full of extremely welcoming people; and it is celebrated for a host of artists, athletes, writers and musicians. It is famous for being the birthplace of philosophy, democracy and all three genres of ancient drama. So many attributes and yet only one name: Greece! Feeling proud of being born and bred in such a beautiful place, we cannot but try to share with visitors our love, awe and respect for our homeland and make shine in their hearts a bit of Greece’s wonderfully bright light.
Prices, durations and ratings are Viator's, shown as Viator published them on 2026-11-04. They change. Booking goes to Viator, not to us, and we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Athens for a first visit?
Koukaki or Plaka. Both are within a walk of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Koukaki is quieter at night; Plaka is the old quarter and busier by day.
How many nights should I spend in Athens?
Two for most trips: one day for the Acropolis and the museum, one for the old streets and a long lunch. Then on to the islands or the Peloponnese.
Which port do Athens ferries leave from?
Piraeus is the main port for the Cyclades. Rafina, closer to the airport, serves the northern islands such as Andros, Tinos and Mykonos.
Is Monastiraki a good place to stay?
For a short, sociable stay, yes: it is central and lively. It is loud at night, so light sleepers do better in Koukaki or Kolonaki.
Ready to browse?
Read the destination guides for greek cyclades and mani.