Last Updated on March 7, 2026 by George Pavlopoulos
Often referred to as the Neighborhood of Gods because of its position beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is among the most charming areas of downtown Athens. Apart from preserving its old character (unlike the rest of Athens), Plaka remains a popular destination for travelers seeking vacation rentals. Choosing where to stay in Plaka means making an informed decision based on what matters most to you: quality, proximity to public transport, and access to sightseeing.
As a Greek, I often take long walks around Plaka because there are no cars in its core, and the magnificent views of the Parthenon appear around every corner. Despite being a relatively compact neighborhood (you can walk from edge to edge in less than 30 minutes), it can be split into at least four micro-areas. Therefore, in this guide, you will get a neighborhood overview and discover my handpicked selection of Plaka hotels for your journey to Greece.
Let’s begin.
*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you make a booking, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Where to stay in Plaka: The short version
You can define Plaka as the area stretching from Syntagma Square and Monastiraki to the Arch of Hadrian and the Acropolis. However, this is just an approximation; the neighborhood’s exact borders consist of a daedalus of tiny streets. For the time being, though, this is enough to glimpse its borders, and here’s the TL;DR version of where you can stay in Plaka, Athens.
Upper Plaka. That’s the area close to Syntagma Square and the Arch of Hadrian. It’s the busiest traffic area but offers good access to the metro, the tram, and several buses.
Lower Plaka. This corresponds to the area near Monastiraki Square, a local hub for nightlife and shops. There you can find the Roman Agora, which is one of Plaka’s borders.
The border to the Acropolis area. That’s a wide area bordering Anafiotika and the Acropolis of Athens. It’s quieter, with significantly less traffic in the inner streets and constant views of the Parthenon.
The border of Ermou Street. Ermou Street is the busiest commercial hub of downtown Athens. This street is dedicated to shopping, and the side alleys are lined with cafes. Ermou doesn’t technically belong to Plaka, but it’s often considered part of its border because it connects Syntagma and Monastiraki.
Apparently, the two border areas often overlap with Upper and Lower Plaka, but as I already mentioned, Plaka is a small neighborhood.
The best places to stay in Plaka
Now that you have a better overview of Plaka, let’s analyze each area in more detail. In addition to some information for each location, I’ll share my three favorite places to stay there. At the bottom of this section, you’ll also find an interactive map including hotels and vacation rentals from various platforms.
Where to stay in Upper Plaka
The upper part of Plaka is the neighborhood’s busiest area. Although technically Plaka doesn’t face the busy Amalias Avenue or Mitropoleos Street, these areas are home to many hotels preferred by tourists. The main reason is that most hotels on these streets are well-established and often offer the typical luxurious rooms of European standards.
In addition, their proximity to the Syntagma Square metro makes them a top choice for people seeking direct access to Athens International Airport. Moreover, the tram (there’s only one line) will take you to the Athens Riviera and runs along the front of Parliament Square. As you can easily imagine, having these two options outside your doorstep is tempting, and these are two reasons that travelers often enjoy this part of town.
The best accommodations in Upper Plaka
As I wrote earlier, most hotels on this side of Plaka have long histories in town and are mainly preferred by groups for their large number of rooms. Here is my handpicked selection for your stay on this side of Plaka.
New Hotel. Designed by the award-winning Brazilian brothers, the Campana Brothers, the 79-room New Hotel is a member of Design Hotels and is located in the former historic Olympic Palace Hotel. After its complete makeover, the New Hotel ranks among the best places to stay in Athens and attracts international travelers. Plus, an intact (and iconic) 1940s black marble staircase. See the New Hotel.
Majestic Acropolis-Lycabettus. This apartment made this list for its impressive views of two Athenian landmarks: the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. Fantastic big windows with breathtaking views and every amenity you’ll need during your journey to the Greek capital. See the Majestic Acropolis-Lycabettus.
Beautiful Apartment at Plaka. That’s a wonderful apartment straight at Kidathinaion Street, one of the busiest pedestrian streets of Plaka, with tavernas, cafes, and bars. It’s a typical Plaka flat, and as such, it’s worth considering for a very local stay. See the Beautiful Apartment at Plaka.
Where to stay in Lower Plaka
The area closer to the Roman Agora and Monastiraki Square has fewer hotels on the Plaka side. While most of them are closer to Plaka, they often belong to the Monastiraki or Psyrri area. Monastiraki remains busy around the clock, and the proximity to local shops is unique. Moreover, the Psyrri neighborhood offers a variety of nightlife, which is hard to find on the upper side of Plaka.
The best accommodations in Lower Plaka
Youngsters and people with a thing for busy city life often stay here for a few days. The Monastiraki metro station also offers a direct connection to the Athens airport and the port of Piraeus in case you’re catching a ferry to the Greek islands.
Here’s my selection of accommodations in the Lower Plaka.
Adrian Hotel. Slightly outdated but charming enough to call home for a few days, Adrian is a fine old hotel that can save you some cash. It’s conveniently located near the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the Monastiraki station. See Adrian Hotel.
Agora Suites. That’s a great example of modern Athenian hospitality and, of course, is pricier than other accommodations. However, the spacious suites are worth considering for those who enjoy comfortable accommodations in Plaka. See Agora Suites.
24K Athena Suites. Located at the busy Pandrossou Street, 24K Athena Suites is a great place to stay for Acropolis views from your balcony. Sightseeing and nightlife options are available just a few steps away. See 24K Athena Suites.
Where to stay close to the Acropolis of Athens (and the border to the Makrygianni area)
The area beneath the Acropolis of Athens is often wrongly called Anafiotika. Anafiotika is a tiny micro-neighborhood that resembles the whitewashed streets of the island of Anafi in the southeastern Cyclades, not the entire stretch between the Arch of Hadrian and the Roman Agora. To be more precise, one could say that this area is in the shadow of the ancient Peripatos belt-street that runs beneath the Acropolis of Athens.
The best places to stay beneath the Acropolis of Athens
As you can easily imagine, this is one of the most prestigious (and pricey) areas of Plaka. You can hardly find any cars here, and the Parthenon views can be mindblowing depending on the floor you’ll stay on. On the downside, please keep in mind that the streets are often steep, and if you want to catch the metro, you’ll have to walk anywhere from ten to twenty minutes.
Here’s my selection of the best places to stay in Plaka with an Acropolis view.
Villa Hermes in Anafiotika. That’s one of the few places to stay directly in Anafiotika. The house is small yet cozy, and the demand is always high. If you can find it available, it will probably be the most unique place to stay in Placa. You can see Villa Hermes here.
Phaedra Hotel. Conveniently located in one of Plaka’s quietest streets, Phaedra Hotel is one of the most down-to-earth accommodations you’ll find in the area. Clean rooms and splendid Acropolis views from the upper floor. See Phaedra Hotel.
Acro&Polis. Ideal for couples and one of the most stunning places on this list, Acro&Polis offers a prime location with breathtaking views of the Acropolis, as its name suggests. Not a budget option, but definitely an unforgettable place. See Acro&Polis here.
The border of Plaka with Ermou Street
Ermou Street will definitely remind you of the big shopping pedestrian streets of Europe. It’s hard to imagine these streets packed with cars, but this was the case a couple of decades ago. Nowadays, it hosts fancy brands and remains busy until the shops close; afterward, it becomes a quiet pedestrian street where you can enjoy a walk.
Where to stay close to Ermou Street
Ermou Street isn’t in Plaka, but it’s an area with upscale hotels, and some of them are in Plaka. Depending on the hotel, you’ll be closer to either the Syntagma or the Monastiraki metro station. Mitropoleos Street is just outside of Plaka, but locals always assume it’s the neighborhood’s entry point. You can also find some of the top Athenian hotels there.
Here’s where I’d suggest staying, close to Ermou Street in Plaka.
Electra Metropolis. That’s most likely the most famous hotel in downtown Athens. Lots of floors and rooms, but high-quality standards. You can’t go wrong with Electra, plus it’s pretty close to Syntagma. See Electra Metropolis.
Ergon House. A relatively new entry to the Athenian hotel landscape, Ergon serves as both a hotel and an inner food market. Its rooftop bar has fantastic views of the Acropolis, and staying there will be memorable. See Ergon House here.
Nine Athens Hotel. Located between Monastiraki and Syntagma, within the Plaka district, Nine is a great multi-floor hotel with modern amenities. Known for its breakfast and featuring a 24-hour front desk, Nine is a place to consider for your Plaka accommodation. See Nine Athens Hotel here.
Find your Plaka accommodation on the map
Although I believe my handpicked selection of hotels covers most types of travelers and a variety of budgets, I know many people would like to evaluate more options. Therefore, I’m adding an interactive map below that lists hotels available on various platforms. Simply navigate the map and explore more hotels before choosing the right rental for your Athens vacation.
Frequently asked questions about Plaka
In the final section of this guide to the best hotels in Plaka, Athens, I will answer some frequently asked questions about Plaka. This is a combination of questions from foreign friends and from people who email me after reading my Greek guides. If something is not answered below, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this article, and I’ll do my best to assist you.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Plaka?
While every location in Plaka would be great, I recommend staying at a hotel near the Syntagma metro station. This will give you lots of public transport options, and you’ll still have the Plaka flair.
Where to stay in Athens for couples?
The most romantic area in Plaka is, hands down, the one beneath the Acropolis. Choosing a holiday near Anafiotika will expose you to magnificent views of the Acropolis and a much quieter rhythm. Please keep in mind, though, that some side streets are relatively steep, and you’ll have to walk at least 5-10 minutes to the closest taverna and somewhat more to the metro stations.
Where to stay in Plaka for families with kids?
I’d suggest staying close to Syntagma Square. The reason is that when kids get tired, it will be easy to reach your hotel. In addition, bigger hotels usually come with better amenities for kids, and having a front desk 24/7 can offer you peace of mind during your holiday.
How many metro stations are there in Plaka?
While Plaka doesn’t have a metro station, there are three in its borders: Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Acropolis. The latter is almost adjacent to the Acropolis Museum and the lower entrance to the Sacred Rock.
Is Plaka safe?
Plaka is among the safest neighborhoods of Athens. However, because of the number of tourists visiting, pickpocketing is not uncommon. Use common sense whenever you find yourself in a crowded area (mainly Monastiraki), and you won’t have any problems.
Does Plaka have nightlife?
Not really. While in Plaka, you can choose from a variety of Greek tavernas, but nightlife is rather poor in the area. If you’re into nightlife, it’s better to book accommodation near Monastiraki and walk to Psyrri, where there are lots of bars and a few clubs. Nightlife is not the strongest element of Plaka, and by midnight, the area will be largely deserted.
Is there an open-air cinema in Plaka?
Yes, there is, and it’s quite legendary. Cine Paris is located on a rooftop at Kidathinaion Street and presents movies daily during the summer. What makes it more special is that on your left-hand side, you’ll always have a tremendous Acropolis view. I suggest booking a ticket for any movie and just enjoy a movie and the views.
Where to Stay in Plaka: Final Thoughts
Plaka is one of the best places to stay in Athens for foreign travelers, and there are many reasons for that. Beyond preserving its old-time charm and character, Plaka offers magnificent views of the Acropolis, is close to three metro stations, and is home to a variety of world-class sights, including the Parthenon and the Museum of the Acropolis.
Despite being pricier than other areas of Athens, Plaka offers a balanced mix of traditional food and nearby places to hang out at night. No, you won’t find crazy nightlife in this part of Athens, although such places exist in the neighborhood. What Plaka offers is a touch of ancient times, with a walk past legendary ruins and local shops.
If you are visiting Athens for sightseeing, Plaka won’t let you down. You will be close to everything that matters for first-time visitors in Athens, and you’ll have high-quality boutique hotels to choose from. Last but not least, in a busy city center like Athens, Plaka will offer you breathing room to unwind and enjoy your Greek holiday.
The handpicked selection of hotels I shared above focuses on exactly that: a relaxing vacation with good connections to and from the airport and legendary locations within walking distance.
More about Athens: The best walking tours in Athens, Best day trips from Athens
Pin it for later
Sharing is caring. Share this guide about the best hotels in Plaka, Athens, with your friends.