Apartments in Athens -- Best Holiday Rentals
Athens rises up from the past, marking the start of human civilisation and exhibiting ancient relics that have made the world what it is today. But it's also a city of change -- not just one steeped in history, myth, and legend. In fact, Athens is hugely up and coming, with a vibrant arts and culture scene and a well-placed foot in the modern world. Its cosmopolitan facelift boasts a flurry of design-led cafes and shops, a nouveau restaurant culture, and high-tech buildings, all of which sit in the shadows of the great ancient monuments that watch over the city like wise old guardians. Make the most of the city's two sides with one of our apartments in Athens. Check out our selection of boutique holiday rentals and cheap flats with incredible views over the ancient city.
An Ancient World in the Present Day -- Things to do in Athens
- Acropolis of Athens -- The city's most visited monument, the Acropolis, is an ancient citadel that watches over Athens. Perched high on a hilltop, it displays the remains and relics of numerous historic buildings.
- Parthenon -- One of Athens' most iconic monuments, the Parthenon was, at one point in time, a temple dedicated to Athena. It dates back to 447 BC, and you can still view the preserved pillars and impressive structure today.
- Acropolis Museum -- Set inside a beautiful, grand building, the Acropolis Museum showcases fascinating archaeological finds that have been discovered at the site of the Acropolis itself.
- National Archaeological Museum, Athens -- Greece has a lengthy and rich history, some of which is covered inside this important museum. Here, you can wander amongst age-old artefacts and stories that stem back to prehistoric times.
- Plaka -- Boasting a flurry of narrow, colourful lanes and hodgepodge buildings, Plaka is the oldest neighbourhood in the city. It sits in the shadow of the Acropolis and features a range of neoclassical architecture and unusual shops.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens -- Also known as the Columns of the Olympian Zeus, this monument comprises the ruins of an old temple that was named after the King of the Olympian gods.
- Ancient Agora of Athens -- Situated just north of the Acropolis, this ancient agora is one of the most well-known structures of its kind.
- Syntagma Square -- Set at the beating heart of Athens, this expansive, tree-lined square was dedicated to Otto, the first king of Greece. Now it offers a picturesque place to hang out, surrounded by impressive buildings and views of the ancient monuments.
- Panathenaic Stadium -- This was the site of the very first modern Olympic Games back in 1896 and is now a stadium used for numerous events throughout the year. It boasts an old-fashioned layout, typical of chariot racing tracks in days-gone-by.
- Monastiraki -- If you're a keen shopping enthusiast, then Monastiraki is the place for you. Peppered with high-end shops, quirky boutique stores, and an abundance of flea markets, it's the perfect place to flex your spending muscles.
- Temple of Hephaestus -- Designed in the typical ancient style with soaring pillars and a triangular roof, this old temple remains well preserved.
- Mount Lycabettus -- For incredible views across Athens, climb to the top of Lycabettus, a limestone hill that rises 300m above sea level. From here you can gaze out across the city, soaking up the silhouettes of the ancient monuments.
- Benaki Museum -- Founded in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, this museum is housed in a mansion in downtown Athens and showcases a collection of works from local artists, as well as vintage artefacts and stories from the past.
- National Garden, Athens -- This lush green space sprawls out over 15.5 hectares, and is sat right in the centre of the city. It's the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, a picnic, or simply somewhere to relax and watch the world go by.
- Philapappos Monument -- This unusual structure is actually a former Greek mausoleum which was dedicated to a famous prince from the Kingdom of Commagene.
Our Athens apartments can be found all around these famous landmarks, providing you with easy access to all the major sights.
Athens Accommodation
Athens marks the spot where ancient civilisation began, offering a millennia-old world for visitors to dive into. Whilst the attractions are incredibly historic, plenty of Athens accommodation is modern with luxury facilities. Beneath the Acropolis, boutique hotels rise up filled with contemporary art and new-age facilities, whilst quaint guesthouses hide away in the old part of the city. Elsewhere, hostels cater to the city's younger audience who seek out the trendy bars and vibrant nightlife, whilst apartments dotted throughout the city offer a local insight into the Athens lifestyle.
Winding Streets and Sprawling Squares -- The Neighbourhoods of Athens
Athens is made up of several neighbourhoods which are each home to their own personalities and set of things to do. Plaka is the most-trodden neighbourhood and is situated in the shadow of the Acropolis. It boasts a labyrinth of maze-like streets which are lined with cute cafes, quirky shops, and colourful, neoclassical houses. Then there's Monastiraki, a neighbourhood that lies on the edges of the Roman Forum which hosts a number of flea markets throughout the week. Surrounded by impressive architecture and lots of shops, you'll be able to get a glimpse of Athens past and present in Monastiraki.
The neighbourhood of Psirri used to be a barren landscape, forgotten in favour of more popular parts of the city. Now, though, it's a vibrant district which comes to life after dark. You'll find lots of trendy nightclubs, galleries, and restaurants dotted throughout the streets, and it oozes an urban charm difficult to find anywhere else.
Then there's the commercial centre, Athens' cosmopolitan, evolving neighbourhood that has recently been pedestrianised and given a facelift. It's a hub of activity, with everything from quirky galleries to ancient museums, old architecture, and modern eateries.
Our Athens apartments can be found in all of these districts so you can really get a feel for the atmosphere of the city.
Arriving in Athens -- Getting From the Airport to the City Centre
The Eleftherios Venizelos International Athens Airport is situated very close to the city centre, meaning it's easy for you to get to the middle of the action quickly. You can hop on the metro which takes you to Syntagma Square or the neighbourhood of Monastiraki, or you can grab a ride on the express bus which travels frequently between the airport and Syntagma Square.
Alternatively, there are numerous taxis waiting outside the terminals where you can get a quick and fairly cheap ride to your destination. It's actually possible to walk from the airport into Athens which exposes you to some of the amazing sights along the way, but it takes a while and isn't the best method if you're carrying lots of luggage.
