Where to stay

Plaka is the best place to stay at the heart of the historic center of the city. The Acropolis is here, with the white marble columns of the Parthenon still standing approximately 2,500 years after its construc-tion high on a hill. Climb to the top in just 10 minutes from a hotel in Anafiotika. Visit the Acropolis Museum at the base of the hill to see recovered artifacts. Stay in the nearby neighborhood of Kolonaki to climb to Mount Lycabettus, or in Koukaki to climb Philopappos Hill. Both offer excel-lent views of ancient city sites. Monastiraki has a traditional bazaar that is not as old as the Parthe-non, but still a great historic place to see.

Many of the attractions in Athens are historic remains standing in the open air, so a hotel in the heart of Athens City Center is an excellent choice for days of outdoor wandering while touring ancient buildings. Kolonaki is a good place to stay for peaceful strolls through the large National Garden. Stay in the port area of Piraeus to watch ferries traveling to and from nearby Greek isles. Palaio Faliro is the neighborhood to book accommodations near the smaller, but very pretty, Flisvos Marina. Admire the mega-yachts moored here and notice the different national flags they bear. Get a hotel between the marina and Alimos to the southeast to relax on sandy beaches.

Just north of Plaka, where the city's most popular attractions draw huge crowds, is the neighborhood of Psirri, a perfect place to mingle with locals in tavernas. Stay here and eat authentic and affordable Greek food, listen to music, drink ouzo, and learn a traditional dance. Kolonaki is one of the best neighborhoods to stay for an upscale experience, with restaurants and bars catering to more affluent residents and visitors. Book accommodations in Thissio and enjoy alfresco dining and pitchers of Greek wine at more than a dozen excellent small restaurants standing side by side near the metro sta-tion.