Athens is still cool. Sure, it’s Europe’s oldest city, but it's far from staid, and its 5th century BC temples and treasures brim with life. Athens has always been such a lively creative place that it’s constantly being imagined anew. There always seem to be new businesses: new places to eat, fresh art and architecture, fresh music and dance, and fresh political street art. And that goes for some of the best places to stay in Athens too. There's a new raft of chic design hotels jostling for position with the traditional grand dame hotels that are still going strong. Not forgetting the growing number of boutique B&Bs that are popping up all over the city too!
Some of our Athens Collections:
Since the 2004 Olympics, Athens has had a metro and tram system, and a lot of the centre of town was closed to cars, so it’s now easier than ever to get around. Many of the best places to stay in Athens had a makeover at this time too, and a couple of big, new hotels opened, but the majority of places to stay here are still smaller, independent properties. You’ll find some of our recommendations for Athens' best hotels on broad avenues, or grand, 19th century plazas, some close to the shores and sea breezes of the Gulf of Attica, and some in buzzy neighbourhoods of narrow streets, geranium-filled window-boxes and leafy squares. But wherever you stay you’ll notice that there’s a lot of life being lived outdoors here, on the street and in the square, and so if you pick a great neighbourhood you might end up sharing in some music or backgammon of an evening.
This city is beautiful. Most visitors are lured by the museums and millennia old architecture, but subsequent visits might be for the fantastic old tavernas, incredible markets, modern art galleries, and districts where every wall is daubed with the technicolour work of 21st-century street artists.
This city is a popular destination year round, but especially so during the peak summer months. So if you're planning your trip for July or August, and want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Athens, do your homework and book well ahead.