The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Visiting the artistic complex offers a chance to stand where philosophers once debated, where democracy was born, and where art and culture flourished during the Greco-Roman era. The structure has endured wars and stood the test of time thanks to ongoing restoration and conservation efforts. It sits atop a hill in the heart of Athens, which rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city, stretching all the way to the Aegean Sea. The UNESCO World Heritage site attracts around three million visitors annually. Due to the throngs of summer tourists and concerns over the long-term preservation of the ancient citadel, there is now a daily cap of 20,000 sightseers per day. The restriction does not affect most. That said, opting for a vacation rental close to the Acropolis will give you a head start for a morning visit and a spectacular backdrop for your stay. These Airbnbs near the Acropolis are all within walking distance from the heritage site and have direct views of the complex from balconies or rooftops, so you can sit back and enjoy your visit to Athens without hustling through crowds.
The best time to visit the Acropolis
The best time to visit is generally during the peak season, which runs from April through October. However, to avoid the crowds and the scorching summer heat (especially in August), it’s recommended to visit the Acropolis either early in the morning at 8:00 AM or late in the evening at 6:00 PM. Visiting at these times will not only help you beat the crowds but also allow you to witness the magnificent sight in the soft, glowing light of the morning or evening. All in all, visiting the Acropolis is a remarkable experience that can be made even better with a bit of planning.
We hope you love the Airbnbs near the Acropolis we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
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Suite in Monastiraki with panoramic views of the Acropolis
There are a few neighborhoods to consider when looking for an Airbnb near the Acropolis. Plaka is the closest, but if you want a panoramic view, you might want to consider Monastiraki. It’s still within walking distance of the Acropolis, Pnyka Hill, Archeological museums, and Plaka.
The streets of Monastiraki are lined with small shops and stalls selling everything from antiques and vinyl records to clothes and handmade jewelry. Another near-by point of interest is Ancient Agora. This was the heart of public life in ancient Athens, serving as a marketplace, meeting place, and political center. Today, you can walk among the ruins and get a sense of what life was like thousands of years ago.
You can easily explore this area on foot, but 200 meters from the Airbnb is the Monastiraki Metro station if you’d like to go further afield. There’s also a private parking space near the rental for around $20 per day.
The Airbnb itself is magnificent. At the time of publication, it sits at a rating of 4.96 and is a guest favorite.
“This host truly has a professional operation. They make it their mission to go above and beyond in order to make the experience as great and as seamless as possible for their customers,” says recent guest Carl.
The luxurious suite has both indoor and outdoor panoramic views of the Acropolis. It can be enjoyed at sunset from the balcony and private jacuzzi, the comfortable sofa in the living area, the double bed, or the glass-fronted shower.
Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $417 per night
Romantic one-bedroom penthouse apartment
Also located in Monastiraki, the penthouse is very close to the famous Monastiraki square. In the evening, the plaza transforms into a vibrant nightlife spot. The many bars and taverns come alive with music. It’s a perfect place to end your day, soaking in the lively atmosphere and perhaps even dancing the night away. That is if you can drag yourself away from the veranda of this stunning penthouse.
It’s situated on the exclusive top floor and has elevator access. It offers a stunning view of the Acropolis through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The bedroom and elegant bathroom open onto a furnished veranda — a perfect spot for al fresco dining or a sundowner.
Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $181 per night
Chic up-scale penthouse for a couple or a small adult group
If the thought of visiting such a popular historical site gives you anxiety, it’s worth making the experience as hassle-free as possible. This penthouse will instantly calm your nerves. It’s a hybrid between a hotel and an Airbnb in that the host provides a private chef for breakfast, they can sort out an airport transfer, and there’s a cleaning service available on request.
The two-bedroom has an impeccable rating of 5.0 and is a guest favorite across the board for cleanliness, location, check-in, and value. “The unit is even more beautiful in person, and the location is amazing, says Canadian guest Vienna. “The host even arranged our car pickup, making the whole experience stress-free and easy.”
The penthouse sleeps five guests in two double bedrooms, both with city and Acropolis views. The balcony is the real draw. It’s huge. The decked area has a modern outdoor table and chairs, a garden area, and a Jacuzzi.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $443 per night
Three-bedroom penthouse near the Plaka neighborhood
This rental is minutes from the Plaka neighborhood. This is where Athens began, and many of the buildings you’ll see date back to the Ottoman era. As you walk around, you’ll encounter Byzantine churches, ancient ruins, and historical monuments at every turn. The neighborhood is also home to numerous traditional tavernas and cafes where you can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. Try the moussaka or souvlaki and the local wine.
The Airbnb is hugely popular, so book in advance. You’re paying for the views here. You’ll have unobstructed postcard vistas of the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, Phillopappou Hill, and the ocean. There are three bedrooms furnished with BoConcept furniture. You’ll have to fight between you for one of the two bedrooms with direct views of the Acropolis, but this is a superb rental for a larger group. The interior is spacious. Partly because of the outdoor veranda, which is accessible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $340 per night
Luxurious fully renovated apartment in Psirri
Though it’s located right in the heart of the city, Psirri has managed to maintain a distinct identity that sets it apart from other Athenian neighborhoods. The area is a testament to the city’s ability to honor its past while embracing modernity. Psirri is also known for its thriving arts scene. The area is home to numerous galleries and theaters, and it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a street artist painting a mural.
The two-bedroom sleeps six. Four between the two double rooms and two on the comfortable fold-out couch. There’s also a cot available on request for those traveling with young children. The open-planned kitchen and living area are perfect for entertaining and look out over the city and the Acropolis. The decor is modern. It’s not the most stylish rental listed here, but it’s recently been renovated and has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a telescope.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $194 per night
Classy apartment for a stylish couple’s getaway
There’s a lot to love about this Airbnb rental. It’s one of the more polished listings. It was once the workshop of Aslanis, the famous fashion designer. There’s a private pool and an exclusive roof garden with 360-degree city views, including the Acropolis. And the location is ideal. Monastiraki Metro Station is also right round the corner.
It’s a rental for a couple. The entire interior is open-planned — including a stand-alone soaking tub meters from the king-sized bed. On that note, you can enjoy views of the Acropolis from the bed, bath, or L-shaped couch in the living room. If you’re looking for an Airbnb to remember, this is one to bookmark.
Four guests, one bedrooms
Price: $217 per night
Huge private house with jaw-dropping rooftop
Perhaps saving the best for last, this guest-favorite Airbnb has one of the most stunning rooftop courtyards in the city. Past guest Daniel states if you’re searching for an Airbnb close to the Acropolis, “stop looking.” With reviews promising a return booking, this rental is hugely popular, especially in the summer months.
The house consists of a large, fully equipped kitchen with a balcony, a magnificent living room with a dining area, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The rooftop has unobstructed views of the Acropolis and is decked out with custom-made furniture and a fireplace. The house is suitable for two families or a group of friends and can host up to seven guests.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $348 per night
Which area is best for Airbnb in Athens?
Outside of Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psirri, you might want to consider looking at the following areas of the city:
The best things to do in Athens, Greece
- The Acropolis — This ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.
- The Acropolis Museum — Situated near the base of the Acropolis, this museum is dedicated to the archaeological findings from the site. It houses every artifact found on the rock and on its feet, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.
- Parthenon — The iconic former temple on the Athenian Acropolis is dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron.
- Plaka — This is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. It’s known for its charming streets and local shops.
- National Archaeological Museum — It is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art.
- Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus — The Ancient Agora of Classical Athens is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora, located to the northwest of the Acropolis.
- Roman Agora — A marketplace for the Romans, the Roman Agora is less visited than the Greek Agora but still offers significant historical value.
- Hadrian’s Library — Created by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132, the library was a cultural center housing music and lectures in addition to books.
- Temple of Poseidon — Although it’s located a bit outside of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is a popular day trip. It’s one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens.
- The National Gardens — This peaceful park provides a nice escape from the busy city streets.
- Varvakios Market — The biggest and most popular market in Athens, you can find a variety of fresh food including fish, meat, vegetables, and more.
- Monastiraki Flea Market — A commercial neighborhood in the old town of Athens, Greece, and is one of the principal shopping districts in Athens. The area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores.
