Plaka
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.6 miles]
The heart of old Athens, Plaka has an authentic charm with winding lanes, shady squares and atmospheric Byzantine churches.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Best places to stay:
Every visiting VIP since 1874 has stayed at this neoclassical landmark opposite the Parliament. The opulent period interiors remain undiminished – from the Beaux-Arts lobby to the moodily-lit cigar bar everything oozes opulence.
Gracious staff glide through the gleaming interiors, tending to the whims of diplomats, celebrities, and CEOs. The small rooftop pool and bar are the height of discreet chic in the heat of summer, while the basement spa, with its marble-lined pool and hamam, is a treat in winter.
Without a doubt, this is the classiest address in the capital, and bang in the heart of town.
The GB occupies a corner of central Syntagma Square, a bustling hub of activity opposite the Parliament (where you can watch the changing of the guard) and the National Gardens.
Lined with cafes, banks and office blocks, Syntagma Square constantly throngs with locals and tourists alike. The Metro is literally on the doorstep and it’s a short walk to the boutiques of Kolonaki, the souvenir shops of Plaka, and the Acropolis.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...
Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.6 miles]
The heart of old Athens, Plaka has an authentic charm with winding lanes, shady squares and atmospheric Byzantine churches.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1 miles]
This dazzling ancient citadel, perched on a hilltop rising above the city, houses some of the most impressive ancient buildings in the world. The jewel in the crown is the Pantheon, a 2,500-year-old temple dating back to 438 BC.
Best for ages: 7+ | £9
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1 miles]
A jaw-dropping array of antiquities – all the Acropolis’ treasures – in one very modern museum designed by starchitect Bernard Tschumi.
Best for ages: 15+ | £4
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1.4 miles]
A unique and extraordinary 3km pedestrian promenade peppered with world-class antiquities – triumphant arches, ancient amphitheatres, Greek temples, and ‘Socrates’ Prison’.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 kilometres
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.1 miles]
Greece’s busiest square and scene of political demos, made famous by the world’s media during the Euro crisis. This is the frenetic, traffic-filled epicentre of Athens.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.6 miles]
On Kydathinaion Square, Cine Paris is one of the loveliest outdoor cinemas in Athens. If the film disappoints, you can just gaze at the Parthenon under the moonlight. Open May to October.
Best for ages: 10+ | £7 | 2 hours
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.6 miles]
Pop into Brettos, the oldest distillery in Athens, for a shot of ouzo or mastic liqueur. The cosy interior, lined with multi-coloured bottles and barrels, dates from 1909.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.7 miles]
The fascinating 5,000-year-old Cycladic Art figurines, which have influenced artists from Giacometti to Ai Weiwei, are guaranteed to surprise and delight even the most seasoned of culture vultures.
Best for ages: 18+ | £6
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Central Greece, Greece
Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.