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Our family of four recently traveled to Greece and had the most incredible time! We split the trip between Santorini and Athens, both equally amazing. Athens is a large city, so when planning this trip, I was overwhelmed as I looked through Plaka hotels and vacation rentals. Several people told me that the Plaka district is the best place to stay in Athens. And we ended up very happy with our decision!
Today, I want to share where we stayed in Athens because this Plaka neighborhood rental was perfect for our family of four. You can not beat the location; it even offers a view of the Acropolis from the private balcony!
In this blog post, I will briefly share an overview of the Plaka district, followed by the various hotel and rental options and details about where we stayed, complete with photos. I want to note that our trip was at the end of November 2022, over our Thanksgiving break. If you are interested in learning more about my decision-making process when choosing between an Airbnb or hotel, read my latest blog post, all about Airbnb vs. Hotels pros and cons.
Plaka Hotels vs Rentals: Where We Stayed
Before looking at specific hotels in Athens, it’s essential to understand the different areas. Doing so will help you find the perfect place for your family! We stayed in the Plaka neighborhood, so I will focus on that in this blog post.
The Plaka Neighborhood in Athens, Greece
There are many different parts of Athens, each offering something different. So, I hate to say one is “best”. However, the Plaka area is an excellent option if you are a tourist and appreciate a safe, walkable location near many significant sites.
Other popular areas include Monastiraki, Psirri, Makriyanni, and Syntagma, which all circle the hill on which the Acropolis stands. In my opinion, they blended into one another, and on our trip, we walked amongst the different areas seamlessly, including visiting the Agora of Ancient Athens in the Monastiraki area.
What is the Plaka area like?
The Plaka district in Athens, Greece, is a charming and historic neighborhood embodying the city’s rich culture and heritage. Nestled at the base of the Acropolis, this picturesque area is a labyrinth of narrow, winding cobblestone streets lined with neoclassical buildings, vibrant bougainvillea, and traditional Greek tavernas.
This area is incredibly walkable, which is my top priority when traveling. As you stroll through the Plaka, you’ll find yourself surrounded by ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and archaeological treasures, creating a captivating atmosphere. You will surely need to pinch yourself as you walk around the corner after lunch and are face-to-face with Hadrian’s Arch with the Temple of Nike in the background.
Plaka is a place where the past seamlessly blends with the present, offering a unique experience for visitors. Many intersecting pedestrian streets provide a safe and easy way to explore. You will find the center of the Plaka neighborhood where the two streets, Kydathineon and Adrianou, intersect.
The Plaka district is not only famous for its scenic beauty but also for its inviting cafes, quaint shops, and welcoming locals. Most tourists love staying in this part of Athens, especially on a first-time visit. Plaka offers a taste of Athens that is both timeless and inviting, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Greek capital.
Plaka Hotels and Rentals
The below map from Booking.com shows you various Plaka hotels and rental options in the Plaka district. If you read reviews and ensure the space is a good fit for your family, you really can’t go wrong with any.
Booking.comThere are Plaka hotels with pool and spa amenities if you are looking for something more luxurious as well. Many of the boutique hotels in Plaka also offer a unique story and setting compared to hotels in other parts of the city.
Before our trip, I did a good amount of research. I was looking for something with 2 bedrooms and 3 beds. Being midway through our trip, I wanted to find somewhere with a washer and dryer. Likewise, Matt and I also wanted an Acropolis view, a living room, table or workspace, restaurants nearby, and 2 bathrooms. We found a place that checked every box except one.
Which one do you think it was?
Our 2-bedroom Plaka Rental
The name of our Athens rental in the Plaka area was Living Stone Amethyst. And you have to check out the reviews on Booking.com. With a 9.7 overall score, people rave about this charming apartment. Everyone mentions the fantastic Plaka district location, which we loved, too.
Click this link to read more about this property!
This rental sleeps up to 6 with a queen bed (bedroom 1), 2 twin beds (bedroom 2), and a sofa bed in the living room. This makes it an excellent option for a family!
If you are searching for Plaka hotels, you may find very few that accommodate more than 2 guests. This is common in Europe, and often, families need to either book a larger suite, get two rooms, or find alternate vacation rental style accommodations in Athens.
In addition to being walkable to the Acropolis and many other popular historic sites, the Akropolis Metro Station is also nearby. Below the apartment is a charming square with nearly a dozen great restaurants within a 1-minute walk and plenty more beyond that. You won’t go hungry staying here!
Additionally, the apartment offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a nicely stocked kitchen. It includes a combo washer/dryer, a significant perk on our longer European trips.
This Athens short-term rental apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with city views.
Bedrooms
Here is a look at the two bedrooms. Matt and I took the queen bed, which was very comfortable. The kids took the other bedroom, which offered two twin beds and its own access to the balcony with Acropolis views!
You can see Jake was worn out from our travels from Santorini to Athens earlier in the day, but look at this beautiful light coming in!
A crib is also available upon request.
Kitchen
The kitchen was just what we needed. We don’t like to cook while we travel, especially with so many great restaurants nearby. But there are plenty of small appliances if you do. We appreciated the larger refrigerator for snacks, drinks, and leftovers.
There was a washer and dryer combo hidden in those bottom left cabinets as well!
Living Area
When you first enter the apartment, there is a small sitting area with charming decor. Then you walk into the living room with a flat-screen TV, multiple couches, and a table/chairs for four. You can access the private balcony and enjoy those Acropolis views from here!
You will notice that the space has been renovated and decorated in a fun bohemian style.
Bathroom
Okay, this is the one thing I didn’t get on my wish list! There was only one bathroom, which is sometimes a struggle with 2 adults and 2 teenagers. But everything else was so perfect about this place, and we made it work without issue!
Balcony
I want to point out the balcony again because it was a real treat! It is long and spans the width of the apartment. It was a great place to sit and enjoy coffee and wine throughout the day as you enjoy the hustle and bustle below. We enjoyed getting pastries for breakfast at the restaurant below and bringing them upstairs to enjoy.
The Acropolis view was great during the day, but even better lit up at night! I didn’t get a photo of it, but they have a great one here. The bottle of wine left for us upon arrival was a nice treat as well.
Book This Plaka Neighborhood Rental
You can book this Plaka apartment via Booking.com by clicking this link. From there, you can check dates, rates, and availability.
We found these accommodations affordable at under $200 per night when we stayed in November. In fact, I think it’s one of the best deals out there when you factor in cost plus reviews, especially compared to some Plaka hotels. You get so much more with this apartment.
Also, you have the option to add on Airport transportation. We did this, and it made it VERY easy! I recommend taking Harry, the host, up on that!
Furthermore, make sure you purchase these European Travel Essentials before your trip so that you aren’t caught off guard when you get there! They are our must-haves whether it be travel to Paris, a day trip to Bruges, or a week in rural England.
Things To Do Near The Plaka District
So, now that you’ve booked your Plaka rental, what should you do? The possibilities are endless! There is so much to do with several minutes walk from where the apartment is located, so don’t worry about that. The nearby shops and restaurants were all just wonderful and a highlight of our stay in Athens.
Some of the things we enjoyed doing in and around this area and beyond were:
- Acropolis & Acropolis Museum
- Ancient Agora of Athens
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Temple of Nike
- Panathenaic Stadium
- The National Archaeological Museum of Athens
- Syntagma Square
- Shopping
- Fantastic Dining
Here are some additional tours and activities that may interest you!
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