Athens ranks among the world’s oldest cities, boasting a history that spans roughly 3,400 years and has seen continuous habitation since the 11th millennium B.C. Positioned beneath the famed Parthenon, the modern cityscape reflects its deep historical roots, multicultural vibrancy, and sophisticated infrastructure.
As Greece’s capital and largest city, Athens is prominently located in the Mediterranean, serving as the capital of the Attica region as well. It holds the title of the southernmost capital on the European mainland, with an urban population exceeding 3.6 million.
The city enjoys a delightful Mediterranean climate complemented by the renowned Greek sunlight, creating a distinctive blend of rich heritage and modern urbanism. Here, extraordinary culture intertwines with stunning natural landscapes.
Visitors can indulge in luxurious hotels, modern transit options such as an advanced metro system, and a lively ambiance filled with diverse shopping, dining, and nightlife experiences, all enhanced by the warm hospitality of the Athenian people. These elements make Athens a prime destination for year-round escapes.
Top 10 Things To Do In Athens
Athens is a living museum, with its history unfolding at every corner. The starting points are the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora. Each city layer, from ancient ruins to Byzantine churches and Ottoman-era mosques, narrates a distinct tale.
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom in Greek mythology, Athens is a place of striking contrasts, where the ancient seamlessly blends with the modern and cosmopolitan. It exhibits sophistication, grunge, organization, chaos, and occasional rough edges.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Athens.
1) Explore the Acropolis Museum – Spend some time discovering the history and observing preserved ruins from the Acropolis and visit the Acropolis Museum. The entrance and several areas of the museum feature glass floors that reveal ancient ruins below.
2) Explore the National Gardens and shop – Revel in the stunning gardens in the late afternoon. They are relatively small, allowing you to stroll through them in less than an hour. After, you can walk to Syntagma Square and proceed down Ermou Street to reach the primary shopping districts.
3) Try some incredible Greek food – Gyros and Greek salad are must-tries.
4) Explore the Acropolis – Start your day early at the Acropolis by entering through the South entrance, which is situated opposite the Museum. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the base of the Acropolis while climbing the Sacred Rock. Your visit will take about one to two hours.
5) Stroll to the Athens Flea Market – Explore affordable souvenir options and pick up some fresh fruit to enjoy. Numerous small fruit stands sell budget-friendly cherries, nectarines, and nearly every kind of fruit you can think of!
6) Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus – This is the largest temple among the ancient Athens ruins in the city center. A visit will not take much time, but the experience is impressive.
7) Explore the Panathenaic Stadium – The Panathenaic Stadium is the only all-marble stadium in the world. Originally constructed in 144 CE, it offers a glimpse into ancient history. After lying dormant for centuries, the stadium was unearthed, restored, and served as a venue for the inaugural modern Olympic Games in 1896 and again in 2004.
8) Walk around the Plaka neighborhood – Nestled between the Acropolis and the National Garden, its picturesque streets are lined with artisan shops, galleries, and boutiques offering unique finds.
9) Stroll along the harbor – With a view of the Faliro waterfront and revitalizing Kallithea, the SNFCC offers a captivating mix of art, exhibits, and performances. It also houses the Greek National Opera and the National Library.
10) Explore Hydra, Poros, and Aegina during a full-day cruise departing from Athens – Take in the scenic views of the Greek coastline from the spacious deck of a cruise ship while enjoying a buffet lunch on board.
The 15 Best Hotels In Athens
Athens boasts a wide range of hotels suitable for any budget. I suggest choosing accommodation near the center to avoid additional costs for taxis or public transport.
Accommodation options are available for every preference and budget. Below is a list of the top 15 hotels in Athens, Greece, categorized by luxury, mid-range, and budget options.
5 Of The Best Luxury Hotels In Athens
Here are five of the best luxury hotel options in Athens!
1) One&Only Aesthesis
The One&Only Aesthesis is a luxury resort located within 21 hectares of forest reserve in Glyfada, just a short drive from Athens. The resort’s iconic and elegant Greek bungalows with private pools and terraces are perfect for a romantic getaway.
The resort strongly emphasizes aesthetics, sustainability, and execution, rooted in a profound respect for history. It features three swimming pools: an adults-only pool, a family pool, and another pool at the Manko beach and pool club. Additionally, the resort includes a bar, a spa, and two exceptional restaurants.
One&Only Aesthesis has been awarded the title of Best Resort at the prestigious AHEAD Awards Europe 2024, triumphing in the Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces category.
Book Your Stay: One&Only Aesthesis
2) Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
Located just 30 minutes from the city center, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a luxury resort located on 75 acres surrounded by pine trees and beaches.
The resort has three private swimming pools, five tennis courts, eight restaurants, a private beach, lounges, bars, a luxury spa, and exclusive shopping. Fitness and pilates classes, boat tours, basketball, and archery are all available onsite.
The resort features 303 rooms, some of which can accommodate up to six guests. Room options include one and two-bedroom suites, as well as king, presidential, junior, and panoramic suites. Certain rooms offer sea views and balconies, while others include separate living areas. Rooms are up to 4,844 square feet.
Book Your Stay: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
3) The Dolli At Acropolis
The Dolli At Acropolis is located near the Monastiraki Flea Market and is a four-minute walk from the Acropolis. It offers a complimentary breakfast, a rooftop terrace, a coffee shop, two restaurants, and a library.
All hotel rooms include a coffee machine. Some units at The Dolli at Acropolis, A Hotel to Live, feature a private bathroom with a bidet, complimentary toiletries, and a city view.
There is also an outdoor swimming pool and all guestrooms are individually furnished. The suites, apartments and rooms have large windows with incredible views. The luxury hotel is filled with sculptures, detailed features, and a light and airy feel.
Book Your Stay: The Dolli At Acropolis
4) Hotel Grande Bretagne
The Hotel Grande Bretagne has 320 rooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, wedding services, a vegetable garden, a rooftop terrace, a poolside bar, a coffee shop, and an on-site spa with Thai massage and body wraps.
The lavish rooms are furnished with exquisite decor. The marble bathrooms include a vanity counter, a separate tub, and a shower. Certain rooms boast balconies that overlook the Acropolis and the daily changing of the guard at the parliament building.
The hotel has a Mediterranean restaurant called GB Roof Garden Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel is located just a two-minute walk from Ermou Street, a three-minute walk from Syntagma Square, and a 12-minute walk from the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Book Your Stay: Hotel Grande Bretagne
5) King George
The King George Hotel provides easy access to the city’s famous attractions. It is located near the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
With its neoclassical facade, King George is ideally situated in historic Syntagma Square, between Parliament and the trendy Voukourestiou Street.
This luxury, eco-certified hotel has a garden, an on-site Greek restaurant called Tudor Hall, and wedding services. It also has 102 individually furnished rooms with rainfall showers and childcare services. Luxuriously decorated with hand-picked items and chandeliers, all rooms open to a balcony or window facing the Acropolis or the tranquil inner courtyard. Bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries are in the bathroom.
Book Your Stay: King George
5 Of The Best Mid-Range Hotels In Athens
Here are five of the best mid-range hotel options in Athens!
1) Shila Athens
Located close to Syntagma Square and the Athens Central Market, Shila Athens has an on-site art gallery, a garden, and individually furnished guestrooms.
The hotel has a modern decor, with gardens and plants throughout the public areas. The rooms are 646 sq ft, 323 sq ft, and 538 sq ft suites, each sleeping four people in queen or twin beds. The guest rooms are equipped with a kettle and an Espresso coffee machine. At Shila Athens, each room has a private bathroom with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
The property is just a brief stroll away from Syntagma Square, an 18-minute walk to the Ermou Street shopping area, and only 1 mile from Lycabettus Hill.
Book Your Stay: Shila Athens
2) Athens Icon
Athens Icon is a city-center hotel ideal for families or large friend groups. Its two-bedroom suites, which are 861 sq ft and have balconies and large windows, can accommodate up to six people.
The hotel offers round-trip airport shuttles, complimentary full breakfasts, a coffee shop, and a bar. Its rooms have hypoallergenic bedding and Egyptian cotton sheets.
The hotel is located just a short walk from Syntagma Square and Acropolis.
Book Your Stay: Athens Icon
3) The One Acropolis
Located just a six-minute walk from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, The One Acropolis is ideal for exploring the city and its best attractions.
The hotel offers various apartment options, all of which have full kitchens and large windows with incredible views. Room options include studios that sleep two, one-bedroom apartments with city views that sleep up to two people, and presidential suites with two bedrooms that can sleep up to four.
The apartments range in size up to 2,153sq ft with soundproofed rooms and incredible views.
Book Your Stay: The One Acropolis
4) Electra Metropolis Athens
Electra Metropolis Athens has 216 rooms with a mix of rooms with city views, classic rooms, rooms with balconies, and rooms that can sleep up to five people.
The eco-certified hotel is a one-minute walk from Ermou Street and a three-minute walk from Syntagma Square. The hotel features an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, luggage storage, a rooftop terrace, an onsite spa and two restaurants.
Book Your Stay: Electra Metropolis Athens
5) Athenian Residences
Athenian Residences offers a traditional guesthouse experience with a variety of rooms, from a family apartment sleeping five with a balcony, an apartment sleeping four, and a deluxe residence sleeping up to six people.
The traditional property has separate entrances for apartments and courtyards with swimming pools and outdoor living areas. The apartments feature pillowtop mattresses and air conditioning. The hotel offers bike rentals, an airport shuttle, and a complimentary continental breakfast.
Book Your Stay: Athenian Residences
5 Of The Best Budget Hotels In Athens
Here are five of the best budget hotel options in Athens!
1) NJV Athens Plaza Hotel
The NJV Athens Plaza Hotel has 180 rooms with premium bedding and thoughtful touches. Rooms can sleep between one and four people in ultimate comfort with queen beds, twin beds, king beds and multiple twin beds. The NJV Athens Plaza features generous space and stylish decor. Several guest rooms offer views of Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, and Stadiou Street.
The hotel has an outdoor banquet area for events, a large reception area, and great city views. It is a short walk from Ermou Street, Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Book Your Stay: NJV Athens Plaza Hotel
2) Asomaton by Oniro
Asomaton by Oniro is located just a short walk from the Acropolis and the Monastiraki Flea Market. The hotel offers guests the use of an indoor swimming pool, a complimentary full breakfast and an airport shuttle.
All of the guestrooms have thoughtful touches, decorated with modern features and separate bedroom areas. All of the guestrooms sleep up to two people, with a queen bed. Some of the rooms have balconies and views of the Acropolis.
Book Your Stay: Asomaton by Oniro
3) Athens Marriott Hotel
Located near the Filsvos Marina, just a short drive from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Parthenon, this hotel is perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.
The Athens Marriott Hotel has a poolside bar, an outdoor swimming pool, free self-parking, a rooftop terrace, a shop, a sauna and a Turkish bath. Two on-site restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The hotel has 366 rooms, with premium bedding, childcare services, designer toiletries, baths, and large windows with either courtyard, sea, or city views.
Book Your Stay: Athens Marriott Hotel
4) Electra Palace Athens
Electra Palace Athens is located close to Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis.
This luxury, eco-certified hotel has a traditional feel. The garden, restaurant, and bar areas are all large open-air spaces surrounded by greenery. The rooftop swimming pool has sun loungers and an incredible city view.
The hotel has an on-site spa that offers body wraps, scrubs, and massages. It has 157 rooms in various configurations that can sleep up to six people. Some rooms, with multiple double or twin beds, are perfect for families and friends. Others have outdoor areas and private swimming pools, and some have balconies.
Book Your Stay: Electra Palace Athens
5) COCO-MAT Athens BC
Located near the Acropolis Museum and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the COCO-MAT Athens BC is perfect for exploring the city’s best sights and attractions.
Notable attractions close to Coco-mat Athens, BC, are the Akropolis Metro Station, Syngrou/Fix Metro Station, and the Odeum of Herodes Atticus. Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is situated 32 km from the hotel.
The hotel is an excellent place for a small girls’ getaway, couples’ trip, or friends’ getaway. Its rooms can accommodate up to three people in queen or king beds. The building is light and airy, with vertical gardens, a dining area, a gym, and a spa. The hotel features nature all around it and natural touches.
Book Your Stay: COCO-MAT Athens BC
Best Time Of Year To Visit Athens, Greece
Athens has mild winters and hot summers. The shoulder seasons, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are the best times to visit the city to avoid large crowds and the very hot weather.
During the summer, large crowds of tourists and cruise ships stop in the city. The winter months in Athens are cooler than other months, with an average temperature between 45 and 59°F. Some of the city’s attractions might have reduced hours during these months, starting at the beginning of November.
Best Hotels In Athens, Greece Wrap Up
Most unforgettable getaways start with excellent accommodations. I hope you’ve found this Athens hotel guide helpful.
Have you stayed at an amazing hotel in Athens that you think we should add to our list? Please let us know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more hotel suggestions, you can check out all our hotel guides or our where to stay guides for all the best vacation rentals around the world.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Athens, Greece! If you have questions about Athens or tips to share with our readers, please leave them in the comments below.
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