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The setting
The “Filippos” Hotel is in Makrigianni, a quiet neighbourhood in Athens, right at the foot of the Acropolis. The New Acropolis Museum is just a minute’s walk away, and the Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street, which winds around the ancient ruins, runs right in front of the hotel. The rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, and after a long day spent exploring the marble-paved streets, the hotel’s bar and restaurant invite guests to relax. Since the hotel also features conference rooms, it is a convenient choice for guests who wish to combine their stay with business meetings and sightseeing.
What to expect
This is more of a modest 3-star option for a city trip than a luxury hotel. The rooms are clean and equipped with free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is also available, and if you don’t feel like leaving the hotel, you can visit the bar and restaurant on the ground floor. The staff will be happy to give you directions to the museum entrance, the Acropolis metro station, or the taverns in the Plaka neighbourhood. The neighbourhood here is quieter than in areas like Monastiraki or Syntagma, and the waterfront is lined with cafes, ice cream shops, and small boutiques. It’s a pleasant place to spend time in the evening as well: the Acropolis shines overhead, and the streets are full of life without feeling overcrowded.
Things to do nearby
The New The Old New Old Acropolis Museum is right next to the main entrance and features a glass floor offering a view of the excavations, as well as the Parthenon Gallery on the top floor. The Odeon of Herod Atticus, which is still used today as a venue for summer concerts, is a little further up the slope, and the Acropolis itself is also on this same route. On the opposite side are Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus at Olympia, which mark the boundaries of the ancient Roman city. Those who want a fuller picture of the archaeological landscape before climbing the rock can visit the The Old New Old Acropolis Museum.
Best for
Couples and solo travellers who want to wake up under the Acropolis and walk to the major sights before the crowds. Suitable for children too, and useful for anyone combining a few meetings with a long weekend of museums, ruins and Plaka tavernas.
How to get to the hotel
The Metro Line 3 runs direct from the airport to Syntagma, where you change for Line 2 one stop to Akropoli. From there it's a few minutes on foot to the hotel. Total journey is around an hour. A taxi is a flat fare and takes 40–50 minutes depending on traffic.
Choose your room
✓ Your selectionStandard Double room
Comfortable room with pillow menu, en-suite bathroom and the essentials for a city stay.
View room →- Free Internet
- Safe-deposit box
- Wake-up service
- Coffee/tea for guests
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews
Lovely hotel in central city
Fabulous hotel very close to Acropolis and Acropolis museum. Walking distance to many other shopping & tourist areas. Excellent staff who go out of their way to help… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Phillipos Stay
The location was prime with a terrace overlooking the Acropolis. The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating. The breakfast that was included was delicious 😋 and… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Great central Athens hotel
Philippos Hotel more than exceeded my expectations. It’s listed as a 3 star hotel and whilst the rooms and breakfast probably reflect this, the service level was… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Your 5 days, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Arrival and first look at the Rock
After dropping off your luggage at Philippos, head straight to Dionysiou Areopagitou. After strolling at the foot of the Acropolis and exploring the area, find a table at one of the cafes on Makrigianni and enjoy a frappe. Walk the heat subsides, head to the Plaka neighbourhood and have dinner at a rooftop taverna with a view of the illuminated Parthenon in the background. Go to bed early to get ready for the climb the next day.
Acropolis morning, museum afternoon
Be at the Acropolis gate when it opens — July sun is fierce by ten. Take your time with the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, then descend past the Odeon of Herod Atticus. Back at street level, cross to the New Acropolis Museum and spend a couple of hours with the Parthenon marbles and the Caryatids. Late lunch, a shower at the hotel, and aperitivo as the light goes gold.
Roman Athens and the old town
Head east toward Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus at Olympia, then walk north through the National Garden until you reach Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard. Head back through Plaka and Monastiraki, stopping along the way to visit the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds. Pick up some souvlaki on the way and eat it in the shade of the trees. In the evening, enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar. There are several within a 10-minute walk.
Markets, neighbourhoods and a long lunch
Spend the morning at the Central Market on Athinas Street, then explore the street art in the Psyrri neighbourhood and visit the small Mezodopoleia Market. If you take a walk to Anafiotika—a Cycladic-style village with rows of white, cube-shaped houses, quietly nestled on the northern slope of the Acropolis—you’ll be able to enjoy one of the city’s most unique views. Let’s set aside plenty of time for lunch. Order some grilled fish, a Greek salad, and retsina in a decanter, and take a nap on Philippos Hotel before sunset.
Old Acropolis Museum and goodbye
Take advantage of your last morning to visit the sights you haven’t had a chance to see yet. The Old Acropolis Museum, perched on the rock, is small but worth a visit—it will take about 30 minutes. Or stop by the café at the New Acropolis Museum one more time and enjoy breakfast with a view of the Parthenon. Before checking out of the hotel, pick up some olive oil, honey, or rosewater at the shops on Adrianou Street as souvenirs. From the “Acropolis” metro station on the line heading to the airport, you’ll reach the departure hall directly in about 45 minutes.
Where you'll be
Athens, Greece
FAQ
Is the hotel a good base for first-time visitors?
Yes. When you stay at the Makrigianni, you’ll be right next to the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, and just a short walk from the Plaka district, Hadrian's Arch, and the Odeon of Herod Atticus al. If you’d like to take longer trips, you can use the nearby Acropolis metro station, which will allow you to explore central Athens without ever having to take a taxi.
Can children stay at the hotel?
Yes, this hotel is also suitable for guests with children. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant where you can easily grab a bite to eat. In addition, free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms. Since the hotel is in the city centre, its location is especially appreciated by families. For example, you can return to the hotel during the day to rest, and then go for another walk in the evening when it cools down a bit.
Is early July a good time to visit Athens?
Since it’s the height of summer, there are many hot, dry days when temperatures often reach the mid-30s on the Celsius scale, and the sun shines for long hours. It’s recommended to start your tours early in the morning, take a break indoors at noon, and save your walk around the Acropolis for the evening. Fortunately, the “Athens and Epidaurus Festival” is currently taking place at the Odeon of Herod Atticus, located just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
What's on site at the hotel?
Philippos Hotel features a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy drinks and meals right at the hotel, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. Conference rooms are also available for guests who wish to combine a business trip with sightseeing. Breakfast is served every morning. Otherwise, this is a compact 3-star city hotel; however, when it comes to nightlife, the surrounding cityscape more than makes up for it.
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