Where we are
Athens hotels near Plaka
Philippos is situated in the heart of the most elegant and residential blocks of Athens on the doorstep of the new Acropolis Museum. It is surrounded by small art museums, galleries, jewellery museum, cafes and restaurants. Just below the famous pedestrian street of Dionissiou Aeropagitou under the sacred Acropolis cliff, beautiful residential peaceful blocks, old Athenian neoclassical houses hosting the Spanish Embassy, the Finish, Swedish and Norwegian Cultural Institutes. The newly opened National Museum of Contemporary Art comes as new addition in the cultural wealth in the surrounding area of Koukaki.
Herodes Atticus theatre is located at the foot of the Acropolis, where the famous summer festival takes place with theatre, dance and opera performances from both Greek and International Companies. The cool summer breeze, the performances together with the breathtaking presence of the illuminated Acropolis, is a unique experience.
Just a few minutes away from us is Plaka which is world famous for its quaint small turn-of-the-century houses and busy pedestrian-only streets, where one can get away from the busy city center and stroll right into the past.
Strolling around Plaka you’ll discover intriguing bars, quaint cafes and local restaurants, various art museums and galleries, as well as green parks and beautiful jogging paths. For a wonderful morning walk, head up to Philopappu Hill and indulge in the elevated views of the city that it offers; visit the archaeological sites of Hadrian’s Arch, Herodion Atticus Odeon and the Dionysus Theatre. Our insider’s tip though is to let yourself free to saunter around all the picturesque alleys and streets, allowing them to lead you to the next ancient ruin, and thus discovering Athens’ true magic, at your own pace, surprising you positively each step of the way. However, the modern city of Athens is not only its centre. Philippos boasts a wonderfully central location in the heart of the city, yet exploring beyond the centre is easy enough. You can head to any direction and reach a different suburb and get acquainted with each suburbs’ highlights. You can uncover some really amazing landscapes along the way, and ancient monuments no matter the kind of traveller you are. The hotel is a mere ten-minute ride to the sprawling, state-of-the-art Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center that houses the Greek National Opera and the National Library and to the Flisvos Marina, ideal for a promenade by the water or for a movie at an open-air theatre. Pay homage to Poseidon, the God of the Sea at the southernmost perch of Attica, Cape Sounion where the spectacular temple stands proud, with the with the Aegean sea at its feet . Plan your trip by checking the map below, where you will find the top highlights of all the must-see and must-do things while in Athens:
Three hills of historical importance circle the iconic rock of the Acropolis: Areios Pagos or Areopagus (the hill of justice), Pnyx (the hill of Democracy) which comprise the little Church of Loubardiaris decorated by Pikionis, and the hill of the Muses, where the Athenians choose to honor their benefactor, Philopappos.
Lastly, the famous Observatory dominates the fourth hill, where one can walk among the trees and have a spectacular view day and night.
When walking along the iconic Dionyssiou Areopagitou Pedestrian Street, one can witness an amalgam of various historical references of different periods of Athens: the elegance of the classical period, the impressive monuments from the Roman period, the "alternative" uniqueness of the period after the revolution, but also the modern buildings of recent history.
Enjoy the many historical perceptions and feel the Athenian aura surrounding you!
