Where is the best place to stay in Athens for a business trip?

Choosing a place to stay in Athens

When planning a trip to Athens for business negotiations, many clients try to figure out which area is best to stay in for a few days. In this article, we have prepared tips to help you choose the most comfortable and convenient place to combine business and leisure.

Diversity of neighborhoods

In general, the central areas of the city are perfect for cultural leisure, the southern regions offer the chance to enjoy the sea, while in the north you can stroll through quiet streets surrounded by majestic buildings and estates.

City Center

If you pay attention to the city center, the Monastiraki area stands out in particular. The central part of Athens is located around the main historical landmark — the Ancient Acropolis. These streets have developed over the centuries, and their differences can be quite noticeable: from quiet spots to bustling tourist areas and upscale neighborhoods. Therefore, it is extremely important to approach the choice of accommodation with special care.

Recommendations for placement

We highly recommend staying in Monastiraki, which is located north of the Acropolis. This cozy neighborhood is filled with pedestrian areas offering magnificent views of ancient Greek monuments.

Amenities of the Monastiraki area

In Monastiraki, travelers will find everything they need for a comfortable stay:

• Street stalls
• Restaurants with a diverse menu
• Excursions
• Flea markets
• Old squares
• Souvenir shops

Along Ermou Street, there are various hotels that will satisfy any taste and budget. For example, a small room for two with a balcony will cost around 100 euros per night. Thanks to its convenient location, you will find it easy to get from Monastiraki to any part of Athens — the Monastiraki metro station serves as an important transport hub between two metro lines.

Restaurants for business lunches

If your visit to Athens is business related, I highly recommend you try two restaurants for lunch:

• Atitamos
• Mani Mani

These establishments offer affordable prices, and their dishes are truly delicious, reflecting traditional Greek cuisine. And although they are not very close to Monastiraki (to the south of the Acropolis and the historic hills), they are still located near government institutions, which you may also need to interact with if you are dealing with obtaining a residence permit or purchasing property.

Other interesting neighborhoods in Athens

Of course, there are many other interesting neighborhoods near the center of Athens, each with its own unique features that enrich the cultural experience of the city. Syntagma Square, the historical and administrative center of Athens, is located in the heart of the capital. It is home to the parliament, fountains, cafes and recreational areas.

Space and comfort

This location provides easy access to all the main attractions of the city, especially due to its proximity to the metro station, making it a great choice for those who value their time and want to make the most of it during their trip to Athens.

The historic district of Thissio

In the historic part of Tisio, stately buildings are set along winding streets lined with atmospheric cafes, wine establishments and restaurants with terraces offering stunning views of the Acropolis. Apostle Paul Street, close to the curious exhibits at the Heraklidon Museum, offers an abundance of workshops with unique products. At the top of Nymph Hill, the Athens National Observatory offers guided tours, while the open-air Thision Theater delights audiences with open-air screenings of vintage films.

The charm of the Plaka district

The charming Plaka district is located at the foot of the Acropolis, near ancient temples, immersing travelers in the atmosphere of ancient times. Narrow old streets, cozy restaurants, and shops create a magical setting. In the small stores, you can find unique accessories, traditional clothing, and handmade ceramics, while cafes and family tavernas stay open until late at night, inviting you to taste local cuisine. This part of the city also features the open-air cinema Cine Paris, where iconic films are often screened.

The picturesque district of Anafiotika

The picturesque neighborhood of Anafiotika, adjacent to Plaka, enchants with its whitewashed houses that create the atmosphere of a Greek island. At the same time, the stylish and modern Kolonaki is transforming into a center of high fashion, featuring boutiques of renowned designers that attract fashionistas and gourmets alike. Here, restaurants offer a variety of both local and international cuisine, while trendy bars host live music and DJ performances.

Convenient walking trails and a funicular lead up to the Chapel of Saint George and to the peak of Mount Lycabettus, where a breathtaking panorama of the city awaits.

Nightlife in Ghazi

Gazi has become one of the most vibrant areas of Athens for nightlife. However, it's important to be cautious at night. Many bars, clubs, and restaurants are concentrated here, along with art galleries showcasing the works of Greek masters.

In the center of Gaza, there is a Technopolis — a modern cultural space built on the site of a former gas plant, where exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events take place.

Vacation in Paleo Faliro

If your route takes you south, Paleo Faliro, which sits on the shores of the Saronic Gulf, is a great option for a vacation. The area is perfect for a short stopover, just six kilometers from the heart of Athens.

• Paleo Faliro is fully equipped for a beach holiday.
• There is a city beach here, resort hotels, and the best yacht marina in the region, Marina Fisvuu.
• Despite the lack of a metro system, the organization of public transport is at a high level.

Housing prices in Paleo Faliro are 20-30% lower than in the central areas of Athens. Nevertheless, life here is calm and moderate, while still maintaining an urban atmosphere.

Picturesque suburbs of Athens

To the east of Paleo Faliro are the picturesque suburbs of Athens, such as Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni. These places attract tourists with an abundance of luxury hotels and magnificent beaches. If you get the chance, don't miss the chance to explore these parts of the Athens Riviera. But keep in mind that it will take about 40 minutes to get to the city center. On the sea side of Paleo Faliro you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, while on your left you will find a marina with majestic yachts.

Kifisia is a prestigious suburb.

To the north of the main city lies Kifisia — a prestigious suburb of Athens. Here, you can find many beautiful traditional villas and cozy complexes with parks.

• The mass construction of these areas began only in the 1970s.
• The street layout of Kifisia is quite spacious, and most of the plots are owned by private individuals.
• The climate in this northern suburb is cooler compared to the south coast.

Therefore, if you don't like high temperatures, you should consider this area.

The coziness and comfort of Kifisia

Kifisia is a green and comfortable area located just half an hour away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where many homes are surrounded by shady gardens. For the price of a standard room in the city center, you can get a five-star room or cozy apartments with a national flair right here.

• This area is an excellent starting point for trips to the beaches located on the northern and eastern coasts of Attica.
• They are easier to get to than the southern beaches.

Kifisia will be the perfect place for those who value privacy while still having access to major transport routes.

Transport infrastructure

As for the transportation infrastructure, Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located in the east of Athens. You can easily reach various parts of the city by using taxis, the metro, or buses.

• The blue metro line M3 goes directly from the airport to the city center of Athens.
• Trains depart every 5-15 minutes, ensuring comfortable journeys.
• A cab to the center will cost about 50 euros.

In Athens, services like Uber and Beat are popular, with the latter being more convenient and faster based on our observations.

Economical transport

For those who prefer more budget-friendly transportation options, bus routes are available. The schedule can be found on the English version of the official OASA website.

No matter which area you choose to stay in, it is advisable to book a hotel in advance. Despite the large number of hotels and short-term rental apartments, it can be difficult to find available accommodations upon arrival.

Greece's success in the tourism sector

In 2022, Greece, and especially its capital Athens, demonstrated remarkable success in the tourism sector. Many hotels in Athens now offer the option to book rooms six months in advance of travelers' expected arrival, which indicates a growing interest in the city.

In most hotels, breakfast is included in the price of the stay as a nice bonus, which many tourists appreciate.

The gastronomic scene of Athens

Regarding the gastronomic scene of Athens, it is recommended to take a closer look at the restaurants that are a must on every tourist's list. Apart from famous establishments such as "Ατίταμος" and "Mani Mani", there are many other interesting places in the city.

• Cafe "Feedέλ Urban Gastronomy"Located in the very center of the city, it offers open terraces and a wide variety of dishes, as well as creative cocktails.
• Cocktail bar "Attic Urban Rooftop"invites guests to enjoy the atmosphere with outdoor terraces right in the center of Athens, featuring a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus.
• Buena Vista BarIt offers a comfortable atmosphere with a terrace and an excellent view of the Acropolis, where pleasant music plays and a diverse menu is available, including pizza and tacos.
• Restaurant "Zurbaran Athens"Located in the prestigious Kolonaki area, it is known for its rich selection of wines and Mediterranean dishes.
• Cafe "Queen Bee Athens": a popular breakfast establishment among locals, offers great croissants and other gourmet treats.

Cultural attractions

It is essential to pay special attention to museums and art galleries, which are an important part of the cultural life of the capital, allowing for a better understanding of Greece's history and heritage.

• Acropolis MuseumOne of the most visited places in the city, it offers an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts related to ancient Greek civilization. Here, you can enjoy magnificent sculptures, frescoes, vases, and models of buildings found on the Acropolis hill.
• National Archaeological MuseumThe largest of its kind in Athens, this complex presents a variety of exhibits covering different eras of ancient Greek history. Here you can see not only sculptures and metalwork, but also impressive vases, jewelry, tools and various household items. In addition, the museum has its own library.
• Benaki MuseumOriginally serving as the family home of the famous collector Antonis Benakis, it now houses a large collection of icons, sculptures, and decorative art objects that reflect the history and culture of Greece from ancient times to the present. Its location is convenient for visitors, as it is near the National Garden and the Greek Parliament.
• National Museum of Contemporary Art: occupying a building that was previously used as a brewery, renovated for museum purposes. The collection of this museum addresses important aspects such as democracy, justice, ecology, and economics.

Tourists and locals who appreciate art will find in these museums many cultural treasures that testify to Greece's rich history and amazing heritage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a trip to Athens, especially if you intend to combine leisure and business, requires a thoughtful approach to choosing your accommodation. I have tried to cover the main areas of the city that offer not only logistical convenience but also the enjoyment of the timeless charm and rich history of Athens.

It's important to remember that each neighborhood has its unique characteristics. Monastiraki, with its pedestrian streets and proximity to cultural landmarks, offers the chance to feel the breath of history at every turn. Meanwhile, Syntagma and Thisio squares turn every day into a unique event, filling life with the atmosphere of ancient streets and cozy restaurants.

Features of different districts

• Monastiraki:Pedestrian-friendly streets and proximity to monuments.
• Syntagma Square:The historical and administrative center of the city.
• Tisiy:Classic buildings and cozy restaurants with a view of the Acropolis.
• Paleo Faliro:Seaside relaxation near business locations.

Therefore, regardless of how much time you plan to spend in Athens, it is important to choose a neighborhood that meets your needs and preferences. I hope my recommendations will be helpful to you and make your trip not only comfortable but also memorable. Ancient history, culture, and culinary delights await you in this amazing city!