For many, Athens is synonymous with the Acropolis, an epic point of reference to orient yourself in Europe's second oldest city. While many hotels are focused on the famous landmark, a select few have the best and most unforgettable views of this 2,500-year-old Temple of Athena. These include rooftop terraces with panoramic vistas, lush gardens that add a respite from the bustling city life, and rooms with direct views of the Parthenon.

COCO-MAT Athens BC

Relax poolside under the Acropolis (photo courtesy of COCO-MAT BC)

The COCO-MAT Athens BC is just behind the Acropolis Museum, which gives it one of the best rooftop Acropolis views in Athens. COCO-MAT began as an organic bedding company and expanded into the eco-friendly luxury hotel market, with COCO-MAT Athens BC opening in 2019. Built upon the ruins of an ancient Roman wine distillery that you can see in the lobby, the COCO-MAT Athens BC incorporates its brand's high-end organic comfort with Athens' ancient history.

The Acropolis feels close enough to touch, particularly from the rooftop restaurant and pool with panoramic city views. Grab a cozy lounge chair, swim laps under the glowing marble of the Parthenon, or savor a tasty Mediterranean meal of fresh local produce while watching the sun set over the sea and Acropolis. The hotel's 110 bright and airy rooms share an inviting aesthetic of warm stone and natural tones but differ in their views, as a number of them look onto the Parthenon. Most are doubles, which makes them ideal for couples or friends.

Stroll the Dionysiou Areopagitou, the lovely cobblestoned pedestrian path that begins just below the Acropolis Museum on the edge of Plaka and is less than five minutes away by foot. This path winds its way underneath the Acropolis through Thissio and ends in Monastiraki, so guests at the COCO-MAT Athens BC can enjoy a more intimate experience of the Acropolis as soon as they walk out the lobby doors. Learn more

AthensWas

Retro room designs juxtapose with the ancient Acropolis (photo courtesy of AthensWas)

If the Acropolis is your focus, you won't get much closer to it than the AthensWas, which is just below the south entrance of the site on the Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian path. The Acropolis stands tall over this luxury boutique design hotel, whose Michelin-rated rooftop restaurant offers one of the clearest views of the Parthenon. The hotel's proximity to the Acropolis is one of its biggest draws, as guests can be at the south slope ticket counter in less than two minutes on foot.

All 21 rooms have a retro aesthetic that captures Athens of the 1970s and '80s, which makes the Acropolis view rooms feel extra special as they offer an intersection of different eras of the city's past. Couples will love the romance of the vistas, while families can spread out in connecting rooms. The rooftop restaurant has a view of the Acropolis that's so close you feel like you're eating on the site's smooth marble. As you indulge in a meal of modern Greek cuisine, be sure to take in the whole view, which includes Mount Lycabettus and all of Athens in between. Learn more

Grande Bretagne

The penthouse suite has a private pool and views of the Acropolis and sea (photo courtesy of Grande Bretagne)

Standing above Syntagma Square across from the Parliament, this historic luxury hotel is the oldest in Athens. It's an icon of the city thanks to its pristine 19th-century style, exceptional service, and stellar panoramas of the Acropolis from its rooftop restaurant and swimming pool. The Grande Bretagne is centrally located next to the Syntagma Metro, two minutes from the shops of Ermou Street, and 20 minutes from the Acropolis, all of which make it ideal for those who want to explore Athens easily.

The hotel opened in 1874, so guests can feel like European nobility in one of the 320 elegant rooms featuring marble bathrooms, velvet curtains, and chandeliers. Rooms with views of the Acropolis are pricier than those without, and the most extravagant is the penthouse suite with a private pool and unimpeded vista of the Parthenon. Couples can soak in the romantic atmosphere, while families and groups can enjoy the space of two-bedroom suites or connecting family rooms.

The GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar has a panoramic view, where guests can admire the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, the Parliament, and other notable sites from one of Athens' most historic locations. You can also take in this view from the rooftop pool, which is open seasonally from April to October. For those looking to experience Athens' history from ancient to modern times, there's no better place to do it than the Grande Bretagne. Learn more

Athens Capital

Soak in the Acropolis view from the glass-sided pool (photo courtesy of Athens Capital)

The Athens Capital is a recent addition to the city's luxury hotel scene, opening in 2020. Located a few blocks from Syntagma Square next to the high-end shopping street of Voukourestiou in Kolonaki, the Athens Capital quickly made a name for itself due to its rooftop with a sweeping view of the Acropolis. This modern hotel provides first-rate hospitality, and guests can enjoy displays of Greek art and bespoke objects throughout. 

The 177 rooms and suites feature a timeless design of clean lines, wooden furniture, and marble accents, although none have views of the Acropolis. Luckily, the hotel's rooftop makes up for that, as a heated pool and restaurant offer prime locations from which you can contemplate the Parthenon, Mount Lycabettus, and other sites. The pool may be the best place to do so, as the side facing the Acropolis is made of glass to offer a wider view of the historic site. Learn more

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The Foundry Suites

Marvel at the lushest rooftop garden in Athens (photo courtesy of The Foundry Suites)

There are rooftop Acropolis views, and then there's The Foundry Suites, which has a veritable garden paradise unlike anywhere else in Athens. This aparthotel in Psyrri includes 12 spacious suites with full kitchens, sunken cement tubs, and large gear-operated windows. The hotel marries its history as a former foundry with a modern aesthetic by incorporating original elements like cement, brick, and metal. The L2 room is the only one to feature an Acropolis view from its private terrace.

Trees, herbs, and flowers have all been planted directly into the soil lining the hotel's roof to create a spectacular garden overlooking Athens' most iconic monument. Grab the coveted seat under a canopy of vines, which perfectly frames the Parthenon, or relax in one of the lounge chairs surrounded by rosemary bushes, olive trees, and blooming lavender. The rooftop is open during the high season, and although there isn't a restaurant currently, guests can enjoy cocktails or pizza from its brick oven while taking in the view. Learn more

The Modernist

Decompress in a private Jacuzzi with the Acropolis in the distance (photo courtesy of The Modernist Athens)

The Modernist Athens combines personalized touches with modern comforts, all elevated by the hotel's striking view of the Acropolis in the distance. Standing tall next to Rizari Park in Kolonaki, the Modernist's "be local" philosophy incorporates local products and curated experiences to give guests a thoughtful and unique taste of Athens. The Evangelismos Metro is five minutes by foot and can take you to the Acropolis within 5-10 minutes, or you can walk there in 30.

The 38 rooms can accommodate families or groups of friends. Each room has customized Greek products, art, and even playlists, and those looking to get in some deep relaxation can book an Acropolis view room with a Jacuzzi on the balcony. All guests can take in the hotel's epic view of the monument from its rooftop, where you can see as far as the Aegean Sea. It's the perfect place to relax, enjoy a drink, or hang out and the hotel often organizes activities up there against this beautiful backdrop. Learn more

Herodion Hotel

Relax in one of the Jacuzzis under the Acropolis (photo courtesy of Herodion Hotel)

Located next to the Acropolis Museum in the charming residential neighborhood of Koukaki, the Herodion Hotel undeniably has one of the most impressive Acropolis rooftop views around. Soak in one of the rooftop Jacuzzis, grab a bite at the Point-A restaurant, or work out in the exercise area, all of which give you clear viewing access to the monument where you feel you're standing right in front of it.

If you want to get up close to the Parthenon, the pedestrian path of Dionysiou Areopagitou is just a block away and leads to the southern entrance of the Acropolis in less than five minutes. Plaka and the Acropolis Metro are under five minutes away walking, so this hotel is ideal for anyone looking to explore Athens by foot or train.

The 90 rooms range from standard doubles to larger suites and connecting family rooms. Since they follow a basic and simple style, getting the extra perk of an Acropolis view option is worth it. The hotel's strength is in its common areas, such as its cozy Atrium Greek Bistrot built around an olive tree or the rooftop restaurant with magnificent Parthenon and city views, which have more warmth and character than the rooms. Learn more

The Pinnacle

A panoramic Acropolis view from the tallest building in the area (photo courtesy of the Pinnacle)

Athens' first shopping mall is now a hotel with 16 modern rooms and suites and a rooftop with a stunning view of the Acropolis framed by Mount Hymettus and the sea. This historic 1970s building is the tallest one in the area of the commercial triangle, which borders the neighborhoods of Psyrri and Syntagma. Its rooftop garden, therefore, offers unrivaled panoramas of Athens, and guests can gaze upon the Acropolis while having coffee or breakfast.

Recognizable by its distinctive original facade of metallic tiles, The Pinnacle blends its retro '70s charm with 21st-century amenities. While standard options are more like typical rooms, the suites are where this hotel shines. All of the bright and pop art style suites include kitchenettes, electric fireplaces, and TVs hidden behind paintings to create a mix of coziness and fun. Some can sleep up to six people, which makes the Pinnacle great for families or groups of friends. Learn more

The Zillers

Have a cozy meal at the restaurant looking over the Acropolis (photo courtesy of The Zillers)

This 19th-century neoclassical townhouse across the street from the Metropolitan Cathedral has 10 rooms and a rooftop restaurant with a stunning Acropolis view. The building was designed by famed German architect Ernst Ziller, known for the Presidential Mansion and the National Theater of Greece in Athens. The Zillers offers views of the Acropolis both from its rooftop and rooms, and its romantic atmosphere and smaller room sizes make this ideal for couples.

Outside facing rooms look upon the Acropolis, which you can enjoy from your bed or balcony. The hotel's style is chic and cozy, as a mix of iron-wrought fixtures, warm lighting, and leather pieces evoke a feeling of history. For a change of scenery, snag a table on the rooftop to have a meal and take in an unobstructed view of the Acropolis, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Plaka.

The shopping street of Adrianou in Plaka is just two minutes away on foot, so lose yourself in this neighborhood under the Acropolis as soon as you step out the door. Monastiraki Square and Hadrian's Library are five minutes away walking, while the entrance of the South Slope of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are all just 10 minutes away. Learn more

Moon and Stars

Have a drink or coffee on the rooftop terrace (photo courtesy of Moon and Stars)

This family-run boutique hotel combines vintage with modern in a 1920s landmark building. Step behind the beautiful sun-themed iron-wrought door into this former toymaker's home whose history inspired the hotel's whimsical theme of childhood games. The Moon and Stars stands on the border of residential Thissio and hotspot Psyrri, and besides its fabulous details and excellent service, it has a clear view of the Acropolis from its rooftop.

The five modern and stylish rooms follow the concept of vintage toys. This space has retained historical details, such as art deco tiled floors and iron partitions between rooms. However, landmark building regulations mean no elevator, so it's inappropriate for folks with accessibility needs. The large rooftop terrace has lounge chairs where you can have a coffee or a drink while relaxing under the serene sight of the Acropolis. 

The hotel is just off the end of Ermou Street near the Thissio Metro Station, which takes you directly to Piraeus Port. Make your way to the pedestrian path of Dionysiou Areopagitou in just two minutes and follow it down to the Acropolis in 20. Monastiraki Square is a little over five minutes away by foot, as is Plaka, and history buffs can check out the Temple of Hephaestus and Ancient Agora in just two minutes. Learn more

Athens Gate

Acropolis view rooms include terraces overlooking the epic monument (photo courtesy of Athens Gate)

Standing directly opposite the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, this historic 1970s hotel is a staple of Athens thanks to its prime location and views. While nearly all of the hotel's 99 rooms look over the Temple of Zeus, folks looking to catch sight of the Acropolis can get that from the rooftop restaurant. The epic panoramic view from the rooftop spans from the sea to Mount Lycabettus to the Parthenon, which makes this an excellent choice for anyone looking to be in an intersection of Athens' most famed sites.

The Athens Gate is ideal for all travelers, as rooms range from doubles to connecting rooms and triples. All rooms include balconies, and several have impressive Acropolis views. Walk to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum in under five minutes or make your way into the charming historic neighborhood of Plaka in the same amount of time. Syntagma Square is 10 minutes away on foot, and the hotel offers easy access to metro stations like Acropolis, Syntagma, and Monastiraki. Learn more