WHERE TO STAY in Athens in 2024 [Watch BEFORE you book a hotel]

What are the best places to book your hotel in Athens ? Where is the best Acropolis view, the best street food, the best nightlife ? Here are all the Pro's and Con's of Athens' neighborhoods.
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Thanks ! 😊
Chapters:
0:00 The 7 best neighborhoods (near the Acropolis, the Agora and the best food)
1:44 Psyri
2:49 Monastiraki
3:42 City Center
4:24 Syntagma
5:17 Plaka
6:12 Makrygianni
6:48 Thiseio
7:29 Omonia : the neighborhood you should NOT be staying
8:00 Summary
8:27 Staying at the beach : good idea ?
Instagram : / sebi_the_guide
Email : [e-mail]

[@Santos-kt8se]

Just came back from my first ever trip to Greece! I binge-watched your videos before going! Followed all of your advice. Had an amazing time and hope to return. While in Athens I stayed between Plaka and Syntagma. Perfect location! Also, drove through Omonia (during the day). The main square is in good shape, but the rest is not for the faint at heart (specially the alleys). With so many great hotel options in Athens, there no need to stay in this area. All your recommendations, from Meteora to Santorini were spot on! Every country should have a youtuber like you!

[@GreeceExplained]

Thx for the feedback ! Very happy to hear you had an awesome time in Greece !

[@geniuzg]

I just booked the Astor Hotel in Athens, and looking to stay in Plaka next. Any recommendations?

[@easynow6599]

As someone born and raised in Athens (and walk around the center countless times) i have to say that i couldn’t describe the city center better. It’s very nice that you spoke about both touristic stuff..and more local. Maybe i would add Exarcheia as a more urban style area, graffiti, anarchist vibe. (this is the place about riots you see on tv). Not the safest area, but not something to avoid..

[@shonashelleydent7468]

This is by far the most useful video I've ever watched on what districts of an area are like in a nutshell, thank you.

[@garyyu5317]

I love all Sebastian’s videos! Thank you very much!

[@john_theliftguru]

I m an Athinean and I still wached all your video. Your tips are great! Good job!

[@dianedesimpel7510]

Thank you for all the videos you are preparing about Athens. I am sure they will be very useful for planning my next stay in September🤩

[@ProfeMondra]

Great job Sebastian. About a month ago I visited Greece. Your video is spot on, very accurate regarding the descriptions of neighborhoods. I loved my stay in Athens. Previously to my trip, I watched all your videos regarding Santorini, very helpful as well. You are in the path to becoming a heck of a tourist guide star. I most likely will go back to Greece, I got more than what I had expected. Cheers !

[@GreeceExplained]

Thanks for all the kind words Luis !

[@nm5612]

@@GreeceExplained Hopefully Omonia will get cleaned up there is a lot of new investment there and hotels beeing built.

[@habs25in08]

just want to say that your videos are fantastic, really appreciated!

[@konstantinoss1984]

I lived in athens for 7 years.... You are SO ACCURATE!

[@georgedaskalakis3217]

All in all simple tip I can give is this: don’t go to the cheapest option if you want to have a good time. As in many capitals in the world there are many hotels that have extremely cheap prices but you have to be aware of your surroundings. Same applies here so don’t go on the cheap end to avoid any unwanted surprises.

[@fuzzyduck1989]

bed bugs....

[@nana7905]

Love your videos! Thanks for your info!! Greetings from Costa Rica!

[@alanweir7423]

Great video, Sebastian! Packed with helpful information. Looking forward to my visit already.

[@jonhewitt3]

Omonia, over the last 10 year's I've stayed at 3 hotels in this area, great hotels. No problems with the hotels, you just have to be aware of the environment you are in!

[@calt03]

Better than Chicago 🎉

[@freedomgoddess]

definitely not the death of anybody that area but it *is* a must to be careful. something about the night and not going out all that much around then. the common knowledge over the subject, that's all.

[@aa77655]

Wich hotel have a cleaning room and swimming pool

[@margaritaabue7632]

Thank’s your video is very important with all information we need.

[@Actianek]

Great guide, thank you!

[@bethmoseley1244]

Good info. Thanks! Ευχαριστώ

[@yongtk9063]

great channel. love it a lot, so informative.

[@qakbot100]

Very unique and helpful content. Big thank you!

[@kamaleshkamal6418]

Great work!!! Also need a video on Things to do in Athens!!

[@garyroberts3859]

Wow, that was so helpful, well done

[@DunhillX1]

And for those on a slightly higher budget then *Kolonaki* is a great neighbourhood to stay in when in Athens. Clean, classy, full of boutique shops and very tasty local restaurants. Also a string of super fun bars and cafes. As an ex-local just wanted to share my thoughts. Great video by the way really useful & informative for people visiting Athens - Athenian Riviera is a must when in Athens, even if it's a day trip..just keep in mind some of the posh beaches charge sky high prices (worth it though) but there is always *Lake Vouliagmeni* which is cheaper but just as wonderful. Go on live a little....

[@calummacdougall8400]

Thanks for the helpful info.

[@empowercarole11]

Great suggestions! I will listen to this a second time in preparation for my upcoming trip to Athens. Thank you!

[@grizzzzlies7208]

Another great video Sebastian! Looking forward to meeting you for your Athens by Night walking tour at the end of April

[@lotuspoetisse]

Love your videos 😍

[@HansHess1018]

Great video. We will be visiting Athens in about a month so your video was very helpful.

[@skiesboi]

The twice that I've been in Athens, I stayed in Thissio. As you said, it was nice and quite and a short walk to wherever I wanted to go.

[@redzgb]

ALL of the advice is on point🥂🥂🙌🙌

[@herbertmasing]

This was really insightful!

[@raphaelc.4014]

Niceeee and straight to the point video! Really great! Congrats! :)

[@wallyhighsmith9005]

Excellent info

[@thecritic81]

I spent two weeks in omonoia and it was brilliant, no problems.

[@marcowam2842]

Tnks! I am geting a idea what to do in Athens. I'm looking forward to see the next videos.

[@couplewithromance]

유익한 영상이네요 너무 잘봤어요!!

[@veganangela]

This is helpful! Thanks!

[@caribbeanspice19]

thank you!! very helpful❤️

[@MB-iq9ew]

Amazing video, so much helpful to get around, great content🎉

[@constantinekaradenizlis8804]

May I add: Koukaki, Kolonaki, the area around Megaro Mousikis station, Mets, Petralona, Gazi/Keramikos and Pangrati. These are all central districts, each with its own character and all are obviously very well connected and most points will be within walking distance to the sights and will offer a much more normal, local vibe that will make you see what Athens is all about. All in all, great video!

[@nm5612]

Athens is a compact city with a good subway system, you can stay anywhere. It reminds me a lot of Bangkok. I prefer compact cities much more character.

[@rupertsmith6097]

Thanks a very helpful review.

[@graciasyoga]

Excellent information. I'm so glad I found you just before our trip to Greece. Your videos make the organisation of our trip so much easier. It's exactly what we needed to know. Thank you!

[@filteredwaters9171]

This is an excellent video! I love the pros and cons.

[@marcoquivaqui]

excellent video, very straight forward and educational

[@rebeccaandrews8834]

Thank so much - going to Greece for a month with my 10yo. Super helpful because it was clear and visual.

[@alexandrubogdanradu8066]

Thank you very much!

[@zeikerd]

great video btw

[@lovelyfish8053]

Thank you for your lovely video

[@gretaluk8043]

Thanks for your sharing its help me a lot to know about athen

[@ErickaIvette1]

This is one of the best video (if it is not the best) that I saw in my research for a trip. I travel for more than 10 years and i use KZbin to research about where to go, what to do and where to stay. And this is the first time (that I recall) that I can get all the important info for me in just one video!. Thanks so much!!! :)

[@GreeceExplained]

Waw what a nice comment, thank you so much Eric ! All the best !

[@billassim9014]

Great information. thanks ,,

[@miriamdominguez8132]

I am planning my trip And you video help me tons.

[@suthonlimchawalit9257]

Thank you.

[@mas1085]

Thank you for the video, very informative, I will be in greece this caming May.

[@annemackenzie7295]

Excellent video 👏👏👏

[@WanderBunnies]

Thank you for this! We're planning a trip to Athens and this helps a lot :)

[@jayantochatterjee6413]

Im so glad i found your channel. You have great content on santorini and Athens..im planning to visit Athens, Santorini and Crete, April of 24 and im hoping you will have great content on Crete by then..😊😊

[@miasheb1452]

Ευχαριστώ πολύ. C'etait tres bien.

[@sog7128]

Ive been leaving in Athens my whole life and I dont really agree to be honest.IF YOU ARE TRAVELING ON A BUDGET, these neighborhoods are really really expensive to find a place to stay, because obviously they are right in the city center. Athen's metro is extremely usefull, cheap and safe, so basicaly wherever you find yourself in a close by neighbrhood near the blue or red lines of metro, you can be wherever you want in a couple of minutes.A good thing is to avoid moving by bus because they are not that reliable. Pangrati, Koukaki,Exarcheia,Neos Kosmos,Zografou, are some neighborhoods that are not exactly in the center, but are really within easy reach to the great monuments in Athens,even by foot, and you can find somewhat cheaper rooms. Enjoy your stay in Greece!!

[@Tydrix]

These areas are for most tourist. Most tourist want the convenience. You said it yourself, IF you are traveling on a budget, this is special group of travelers. There are videos targeting these travelers saying "on a budget" on the title. On a budget usually means not convenient and that's what most tourist try to avoid on their trip.

[@nosheenkhan481]

Is the metro wheelchair accessible?

[@paulogomes6571]

Great video

[@where578]

Sebastin, great video! In the past (2022) we stayed at a wonderful hotel just to the south of the Acropolis Museum called the B4B. The staff are great and the rooms are modern and clean. They include a breakfast with the room and the rooftop view is very good. We liked it so much we are returning in May for another week in Athens. The hotel is close to the tram (3 min walk,10 min ride to Syntagma Square) which connects you to the metro lines 1 and 3. We use the metro pass for all our travel within the city, cheep, clean, new and fast! If you want to arrive by air or ship, the new Metro station on line 3 at Piraeus will connect (without change of train) from the seaport to the airport...

[@gjmarc]

Our favourite hotel is the Amalia Hotel. Love this place. In the 70's when I had no money I stayed in Monastriki and also a place called Kouros Guest house near Hadrian's Arch. Love Athens and will be back there in a few months. Your information is great.

[@nikostriantafyllos6341]

Helloo great job my friend!!

[@flaviusjacob]

Extremely helpful video, one of the best formats I have seen on "Where to stay" for any city I have ever researched. Keep up the good work!

[@HT-kv3nt]

Another great video. I agree with you about the metro being safe, but be aware of pickpockets.

[@marie-lisedespeghel5155]

Tugs will be useful for my trip

[@hakashi09]

Thank you so much for such great video. Planning a short trip to Athens and Santorini and your channel is a great resource. Greetings from Norway !

[@helenalovelock1030]

Oh I’m going to look at Santorini videos now

[@goddoji1562]

Hi dear, very nice information 😊

[@oc2phish07]

Great video. I am thinking of visiting Athens in September or October 2024 and your video is really helpful.

[@Greenkai3000]

Thank you so much for your videos! They’re very helpful. We will be visiting Greece fir the first time, including Athens, Mykonos, Santorini , and Crete in late May. We will definitely be using a lot of the tips, and info you’ve provided. Have you thought about making a video on the top foods/ snacks that one MUST try in Athens, Santorini, and Crete? 😊

[@tsinikoris]

Thanks for keeping the tourists far away from our neighborhoods.

[@GoldenGod69]

I'm staying in Gazi & Kerameikos. Only locals around here and they are treating me with kindness

[@Fiat-kl6lt]

No tourists, your country will collapse n go bankrupt.. 😅 Be grateful u have tourists coming to your country.

[@erikaguerkan626]

😂

[@diasssssssssssssss]

😂

[@ZoranuricWish]

Bravo !

[@Alex-hongry]

Technopolis/ Gazi falls outside of your map (a one street further west of Thesio) but has some of the the best nightlife and art events in Athens!

[@kittyevers8849]

We loved staying in Pangrati. We loved chatting to locals

[@nelliekimberly]

Greatest city guide video I ever came across! Unfortunately I watched it AFTER going to Athens, haha! We stayed at Play Theatrou Athens for a week and its sliiiiightly above the Evripidou Street, but it was fine honestly. Close to Monastiraki Square and everything, but had friends staying more north of Omonia and that didnt seem very nice at all... Loads of weird people walking around, barely any restaurants and shabby streets. So Play Theatrou is as far North I would go (LOADS of lovely brunch restaurants around that hotel!)

[@deanpiggott6074]

Koukaki was great when we stayed there in January as well. The Acropolis Hill hotel was just perfect - guess we were lucky with being on the 6th floor though. The roof top terrace had an amazing view of the Acropolis and our room had a spectacular city view from Syntagma sq all the way down to the sea

[@panagiotetsolis4017]

I’m Greek-American now living in downtown Athens. Sebastian is on point and I’ve shared it with friends coming this summer.

[@charlyfoodie]

Nice channel bro 🎉

[@whatsup-zh6qv]

As a local i agree with this video, however i would also say Metz and pagrati and further in koukaki are great neighborhoods to stay in. Yes they are a bit further but the walks, for example from pagrati to monastiraki, are very pleasant and not that far.

[@alliehunter9989]

We are staying at Adronis Athens and I believe it is in the Pysri neighborhood! Not sure if you’ve heard of it, it is just a few doors down from that “Little Kook” street area.

[@newenglandnomad9405]

I had booked my hotel before seeing your video, which happened to be in Omonia. There were a few sketchy people but nothing worse than I see daily in Manhattan. I'd definitely have booked elsewhere but it wasn't too bad.

[@quincyquincy4764]

My sister and I also stayed in that area. I'm not going to lie, Omonia looks ruff, but honestly, nobody bothered us. The apartment was clean, and we had a great time.

[@ceohadenough894]

Hey such a great video! :) Could you do a video for the suburbs of Athens?

[@mindblockandroid]

Yes, my wife and I stayed both at syntagma and omonia hotels. In Omonia the hotels themselves are ok, but uber is definitely your friend. Go by car to monastiraki, which is like a 5 minute ride, and then you are set and can continue on foot!

[@andrzejs6523]

I like all the information and way it been presented. Soon I will follow your guidance . Like and subscription.

[@Jacob-kq6wb]

You’re the Best.

[@Athenaikos]

Good advice. Confirmed. Makriyianni and Thesion make more sense if you understand how Athens works and interacts.

[@patshozo9158]

Thank you ! Love the video. Planning on travelling in May '23. Please do a day trip ferry excursions from Piraeus port ?

[@lenaklv4357]

You can spend a whole day in a nearby small island called " Aghistri ". ( that means: " the hook"). It's only an hour and maybe less from the Pireas port and you'll love it. Go for swimming to " Aponisos " or " Skliri " or " Chalikiada ", near the port of " Skala ". You can spend the whole day there and have a really nice time.❤

[@HeliosProject]

Makes me want to book my flight to Greece.

[@gailrichardson562]

I love walking around Athens even though I normally stay in Glyfada, its fun either to get the tram or bus into Athens and see more local places as you travel. As a single women I find the Greek people really helpful, but I do keep my wits about me for any undesirables. I like to practice my little knowledge of Greek which the locals like. Great video, you should become a private tour guide. All the best from Leeds. UK

[@matthewsmith908]

I stayed in the Niche Hotel in I think is Makrygianni, which recommend. The view of the Acropolis was great and the rooftop restaurant was amazing. Only problem is traffic all day and night, not even a break at 2am so you have to sleep with windows closed.

[@dimitriusa]

In 2018 we stayed at the King George hotel. It was well within walking distance to everyplace we wanted to visit. 🇺🇸🇬🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷

[@nialia1000]

I stay at the hotel Cecil on Athinas Street...cheap and cheerful bit clean and great staff. Located between Omonia square and Monastiraki square...very near Psiri, Very safe lots of tavernas and night life.. And great price... 30-40 euros per night.. with continental breakfast....

[@Kathy-qx2zc]

We have booked one of his recommended hotels! Looks fantastic and isn't too pricy. We like the idea of being near the restaurants and sites we want to see. I hope that Metro from the airport idea works. All his food videos are making me hungry. Looking forward to getting some great pictures of the city (with a bit of the sunrise or sunset). Very good videos.

[@nidhulek]

Hey Can you share the hotel ? I've a trip coming up and would love a few names

[@aymenhouimly5079]

Best video ever. Well explained so organized I wish you do similar videos on other countries you’ll be my reference ❤🎉

[@nickloong]

I find that Plaka is the most strategic.😊

[@richardjones6475]

Hi, I didn't know Athens and stayed in Amonia. Had good experiences, friendly Locals. Zoners restaurant was like a second Hotel great food friendly service. I'm hoping to move to Athens and currently working on a long stay Visa. Thanks.

[@aliaflow6877]

I like how you said "people suffering from drug addiction" and not just "addicts"

[@sianefer-ptah1258]

Moving to Palio Faliro next year 🎉🎉🎉

[@giotamarmm]

Nice video but I would like to add few areas which in my opinion are the best option if you want something affordable and close to everything :) The first one is Koukaki, which is a great area, 5-10 min from Acropolis and close to the rest of the center and the same as in Makrygianni full of nice tavernas and great street food options. Also, the neighborhood of Kerameikos, again 5 min from Psyri, has cheap rooms, great restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. Last, but not least the Exarcheia neighborhood. 20 min walking to the center, but again, you have everything, affordable rooms, nightlife, cool cafes, a local vibe and ofc less tourists.

[@GreeceExplained]

Didnt want to overcomplicate the video by mentioning 10 different neighborhoods, but you're right ! Koukaki, Kerameikos and Exarcheia are nice too. Just a tiiiny bit farther away from the center. Thx for the input Giota !!

[@gmkar7766]

I was just about to comment to thank him for not mentioning these neighbourhoods, one of the good things about them is less tourists, and here you go. Thanks.

[@GreeceExplained]

@@gmkar7766 :D

[@gmkar7766]

@@GreeceExplained >:(

[@fuzzyduck1989]

@@GreeceExplained Exarcheia nice?? 💣 I dont think so...

[@alecmally5433]

Nice job, glad you shot the video in winter months. Thumbs up for Makriyanni/Koukaki. Although you have dumbed this down enough for the average North American turista, you assume they can read maps. In the age of the iPhone all they can really handle is to read their screens, hopefully not tripping over the city's rough sidewalks or cobblestones....

[@user-xl8lv6jo8f]

All the areas you mentioned are indeed tourist destinations, but if you're looking to get a more authentic Athens experience, there are a few places worth visiting. Omonoia is actually part of the city centre, but it's not as heavily touristic as some of the other areas, because it's more multicultural and locals tend to avoid it. In Omonoia though you can find the National Theater and low budget options for food like ouzeri (which serve meze and a local spirit called ouzo) as well as mezedopoleia (small plates and wine), as well as Indian or Middle eastern cuisine. If you're interested in history, you might want to check out Exarcheia, which is located close to Omonoia and the National Archaeological Museum. In addition to the museum, there are also plenty of local cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area where you can experience authentic local cuisine and drinks. Another area worth exploring is Pagrati, particularly the section near Kallimarmaron. This area is home to the Goulandri Museum of Art, the National Gallery, and the War Museum, which offer a glimpse into the country's cultural and military history. Along with these cultural attractions, Pagrati has a diverse range of eateries, from traditional Greek tavernas to modern restaurants and cozy cafes. So, if you're looking to experience Athens like a local, both Exarcheia and Pagrati offer plenty of opportunities to do so. Whether you're interested in history, art, or food, there's something for everyone in these areas

[@georgebethanis3188]

I dont think its a good idea to send tourists to Exarcheia. Yes it is growing to be a popular night out destination, but its not pretty, and there are alot of thugs there.

[@bruscomanusco]

dont go to omoneia

[@adinfinitum000]

''Omonoia is multicultural'' yes its enriched with illegals and drug addicts. Disturbing area.

[@lordwalrusii195]

Very helpful. Efaristo.

[@marialevante7304]

Just discovered your channel awesome! We are coming (1st timers) there this May. I gathered we are staying at Titania Hotel. Is that safe or is it in the area of Omonia? Thanks and thanks for your informative channel!