Best Athens Hotels Near the Acropolis

A visit to what is perhaps the world’s most recognizable building, the Parthenon, is high up on many travelers’ bucket lists. If your time is short, it makes sense to spend your time seeing the astonishing sights of Acropolis Hill, rather than commuting to and from your accommodation in the sprawling city of Athens (or from Athens International Airport). I have curated a list of the ultimate neighborhoods and hotels for an Athens holiday to the Acropolis and its Parthenon.

For everything you need to know about Visiting the Acropolis, including entrance fees, hours, and Acropolis and Athens tours, see my comprehensive Acropolis post, Visiting the Acropolis here.

These best four neighborhoods to stay in when you visit the Acropolis, are the most:

•    atmospheric
•    with great hotels and restaurants,
•    are a little out of the main tourist hubbub but entirely central, and
•    are right below or beside the Acropolis. Some of the hotels have spectacular views of the Parthenon and a dozen or so other ancient Greek wonders!

The best four neighborhoods are:

•    Monastiraki
•    Thissio
•    Makrigianni
•    Anafiotika (inside the Plaka area)

Best Athens Hotels Near the Acropolis

Hotels that have views of the Acropolis require booking at least six months before you travel. The price can be very different for rooms depending upon their views of the Parthenon.

The reviews of the ‘Acropolis hotels’ listed in these four neighborhoods are all outstanding in terms of location, service, cleanliness, and value for money.

The best Athens hotels near the Acropolis have uninterrupted panoramic views from the bedrooms of the hotels, and often from their rooftop pools, bars, and restaurants. And check out my hidden cultural and historical gem of Anafiotika!

Monastiraki

If you spend much time researching where to stay in Athens close to the Acropolis, the name Monastiraki is sure to pop up – over and over. It’s one of the most popular and bustling neighborhoods in Athens, and you really can’t get much more convenient for the Acropolis.

Wherever you go in this glamorous neighborhood, you’re likely to be in the shadow of the Acropolis. Of course, you’ll need to spend a day or so exploring it – however, you’ll also find plenty of other things to do in Monastiraki.

As one of the most popular places to stay in Athens, Monastiraki does tend to cater to the tourist crowds. If you prefer to avoid “touristy” areas, Monastiraki may not be ideal. However, it’s popular for good reason. You’ll find plenty of amenities, from restaurants to souvenir stores.

There are also many other archaeological attractions, including Hadrian’s Library. It’s much easier than staying in more populous areas of Athens city center and Syntagma Square. By staying in Monastiraki, you’ll spend less time in transit, and more time enjoying the amazing attractions of Athens.

One of Monastiraki’s other claims to fame is being the home to an amazing flea market. It’s somewhere between Istanbul’s Great Bazaar and London’s Portobello Antiques Market, it’s the place to go for your Greek souvenir shopping.

Best Places to Stay in Monastiraki

Royal Olympic Hotel

Aspectacular view of the Acropolis and other ancient Greek monuments can be seen from your own room and from the rooftop bars of this 5-star hotel.

It boasts uninterrupted views of the Parthenon – 600 meters away, the Temple of Athena, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus is right in front of the hotel! Make sure you book a panorama room – these are the only rooms with these uninterrupted views. Surely one of the best hotels in Greece!

The Zillers Boutique Hotel

Is a luxury hotel! Not only is this hotel grand and charming, but it also enjoys magical views of the Acropolis. Breakfast at the Roof Garden must be one of the most picturesque breakfast spots on the planet!

Athens Gate Hotel

It is a highly-reviewed four-star hotel. As you can see, it is directly opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus with uninterrupted views of the Acropolis from its Executive Rooms.

The views from the restaurant upon the Acropolis at night are wonderful.

Getting to the Acropolis or the New Acropolis Museum

The center of Monastiraki is about a kilometer away from the Acropolis, and many people choose to walk. Not only is it quite short, but you’ll also get great views as you walk there.

I don’t recommend driving, as the route is much longer, and the traffic can be diabolical. The Acropolis Museum is about the same distance on foot.

If you prefer, it takes about the same amount of time to take the Metro to the museum entrance. You may also be interested in the nearby National Archaeological Museum of Athens, full of ancient Greek art and archaeology.

Thissio

If it’s epic Acropolis views that you’re after – then you’d better put Thissio on the top of your list. The views on offer from the average guesthouse or cafe in this neighborhood are nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Given Thissio’s front-row seat for the Acropolis, you’d expect the neighborhood to be filled with tourists. Not quite. While there are certainly a few foreign visitors, the neighborhood retains a distinctly local feel.

You’re more likely to see Athenian families and young professionals going about their business than hordes of tourists, especially away from the main thoroughfares.

Thissio’s popularity is no surprise, as it’s incredibly liveable. Wide-open streets are lined with trees, and there’s even an open-air cinema in summer. It’s one of the capital’s most popular neighborhoods, and a great place to stay near the Acropolis.

Foodies, in particular, are sure to love this neighborhood, which lies just southwest of Monastiraki. Great cafes and restaurants are abundant, while it’s the bars that come alive once the sun goes down.

Don’t forget to look out for the view of an illuminated Acropolis! It’s beautiful by day but takes on an almost magical character at night. There’s more than enough to keep you occupied in Thissio, however, you’ll find excellent transport links to elsewhere in the city.

Best Places to Stay in Thissio

Phidias Hotel Athens

A mid-range hotel. This is a clean and comfortable hotel that offers great value for money and free wifi and is located on a pedestrian street, all within easy reach of the Acropolis only 250 meters away!

O&B Athens Hotel

Is a luxury hotel that is just a stone’s throw from the Thissio metro station, this boutique hotel offers luxury without sacrificing warmth and charm.

The Athens History

Is a luxury apartment. If you prefer to have self-contained accommodation, you’re sure to fall in love with this centrally located charming apartment.

Getting to the Acropolis or the New Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is about three kilometers away from Thiseio Metro station. This means that while it is possible to walk, you may prefer to get public transport – especially during the sweltering summer!

The easiest way to get to the Acropolis is simply to walk. The Acropolis is about one kilometer away from the Thiseio Metro Station, and the walk will take you past several other historic sites.

Driving, by contrast, will take you the long way around Filopappou Park – but it can be done.

Makrigianni

No list of Athens neighborhoods near the Acropolis would be complete without mentioning Makrigianni. This ever-popular borough is part of the larger Acropolis area, with the Acropolis Museum at its heart.

So, if it’s convenience for the Acropolis you’re after – it doesn’t get much better than this. Staying in Makrigianni gives you an advantage for beating the crowds, as you’ll only ever be a few minutes’ walk from the famous structure.

While the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum may be Makrigianni’s two big-ticket attractions, there’s much more to see in the neighborhood.

There’s the jewelry museum, as well as a plethora of cafes, boutiques, and bars to enjoy, from humble traditional cafes to full-service luxury Athens restaurants.

Thanks to Makrigianni’s proximity to the Acropolis, it’s certainly not off the tourist radar. However, compared to nearby Monastiraki, things are a little less crowded and a little more local.

Best Places to Stay in Makrigianni

Coco-mat Athens BC

Live the high life just a stone’s throw from the Acropolis with this impressive luxury hotel

Divani Palace Acropolis

The 8 Executive Rooms with Acropolis Views have private balconies to sit and watch the sunset against the Acropolis. The rooftop pool and dining area overlook the Acropolis!

Acropolis Stay

This hotel is modern and stylish – and best of all, walking distance to the Acropolis!

AD Athens Luxury Rooms & Suites

For a taste of luxury without breaking the bank – all just meters from the Acropolis – try this  lovely modern hotel

Getting to the Acropolis or the New Acropolis Museum

Makrigianni lies about a kilometer away from the Acropolis, so it is easily within walking distance. Helpfully, there are also several buses (including 132) that will take you directly to the entrance – perfect for those with mobility concerns.

The Acropolis Museum is extremely convenient for Makrigianni. It’s just a couple of hundred meters away at most – so I highly recommend getting there on foot.

Anafiotika

Anafiotika (inside the Plaka area) is one of the most popular and charming neighborhoods near the Acropolis.

If you’re searching for that Greek village charm, even within the capital, then you’ll love Anafiotika. If like me, you love the Greek islands and their Cycladic architecture, then you too will fall in love with this little village-inside-a-neighborhood.

The charming and quaint village feel of Anafiotika is no accident. The neighborhood was founded by villagers from the island of Anafi, who arrived on the mainland to help build King Onthon’s Palace in the 19th Century.

They brought with them their Cycladic style and traditions, creating a little slice of home in the bustling city. They even named it after their island, naming the area Anafiotika or “little Anafi.”

While many of the original buildings were bulldozed during an archaeological dig, dozens remain. The charming white houses line a hodgepodge of narrow streets, while colorful bougainvillea plants add to the overall appeal. If you don’t have a chance to visit the Greek islands on this trip to Greece, staying in little Anafi is the next best thing!

Although you might find yourself believing you’re on a quaint Greek island, Anafiotika is incredibly convenient for the city and, of course, the Acropolis. Anafiotika is located just above Plaka, on the flank of the Acropolis.

It’s perfectly located for visiting the ancient ruin, and its central location means there are also great transport links. While there are a few other attractions in Anafiotika, including an 11th-century church, you can easily head into downtown Athens to enjoy other attractions.

Hint: if you are hoping to stay in Anafiotika, be prepared to book only! With only a handful of authentic old properties, you’ll want to secure your spot early.

Best Places to Stay in Anafiotika

Palladian Home

This is an upper mid-range hotel. This hotel is located just 300 meters from Anafiotika

This beautiful small village – take the steps between the Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas and Kouklis, is semi-abandoned now and there are no hotels in the actual village.

Getting to the Acropolis or the New Acropolis Museum

The easiest way to get to the Acropolis or the Museum is simply to walk from Anafiotika.

From the center of the neighborhood, the Acropolis is around 650 meters and the Acropolis Museum is about 550 meters – so less than ten minutes walking to either destination. While it is technically possible to go by car, the driving route is longer in both distance and time.

Further Resources

• For How to Visit the Acropolis, including tours, entrance fees and opening hours, see my Visit the Acropolis post here
• More detailed information on how to book transport, airfares, Athens flights and how to get to Athens more generally, accommodation and travel insurance is available on my  Travel Resources page
• Ministry of Culture and Sports Acropolis Visitor Information: Email address: efaath@culture.gr
• If you loved Anafiotika, you will love Santorini! There are so many things to do in Santorini, Greece and it’s only a short flight or ferry ride away. See all of the best things to do in Santorini, from Get Your Guide here
• For a comprehensive guide about where to stay on Santorini, including the pros and cons of the nine main villages and towns on Santorini, see here. For the must-see Ancient Akrotiri Minoan city, see my blog post here. And for another must-do activity on a trip from Athens to Santorini, see my Sailing around Santorini blog post about to choose and book the best sailing cruise here. And for the third absolute must-do activity on Santorini, see my detailed post on the Fira to Oia Caldera Edge Hike here.
• Besides Santorini, other fantastic Greek destinations you can easily reach from Athens include Rhodes, Mykonos, and Crete.