
Plaka is Athens in a nutshell. For the first-time visitor to Greece's vibrant capital, it's a paradise for shoppers, café-hoppers and sightseers. The area is dotted with relics of the classical era, with both the Roman Agora and Ancient Agora on its doorstep, the Acropolis above, and a scattering of quirky small museums to visit too. The best hotels in Plaka can be found in its maze of narrow, mainly car-free streets and palm-shaded squares below the Acropolis (and many of our Hotel Gurus' top picks have fabulous views of this).
For luxury

- AthensWas offers retro-chic boutique indulgence in the heart of the ancient city. For something really special book a room with a balcony and view!
- A77 Suites by Andronis is set in a striking 19th-century neoclassical building. Converted into a luxury all-suite hotel, you can expect timeless elegance meets modern minimalism plus fabulous Acropolis views.
For sightseeing

- Herodion Hotel is an elegant base for sightseeing and shopping, with a rooftop restaurant that has fab views over the city.
- Sweet Home Hotel is a charming choice for culture lovers, with beautifully decorated rooms and suites in a restored heritage building within walking distance of all the great ancient sites.
- Ava Hotel & Suites is a refined property right at the foot of the Acropolis and just yards from the Temple of Zeus. Rooms and suites are generous in size and all come with a fully equipped kitchenette.
For families

- Noble Suites is the perfect family choice. Just a stone's throw from the sights with spacious accommodation (even the junior suites can take two adults and two children) all designed in a beautiful neoclassical style.
- Urban Frame Hotel is a chic contemporary option. Staff have great local knowledge and interconnecting rooms or rooms sleeping up to three make this an easy choice for families.
Great value

- Hermes Hotel is the one to book if you're on a budget but want to be right in the thick of it! Rooms are simple yet feature all mod cons and some come with a small balcony. Plus there's a roof garden and a playroom for the kids. Room rates start at very reasonable levels.
For a rooftop bar

- The Zillers is a boutique getaway with a roof garden bar that is the perfect place to watch sunset over the Acropolis.
- Home and Poetry Hotel has a roof terrace with a view and here you can have breakfast, stop for a quick drink or enjoy a full a la carte dinner. Rooms are traditionally styled with period furnishings and parquet flooring, plus modern bath or shower rooms.