Grande Bretagne

Top choice in Syntagma & Plaka


If you aspire to the best, the most prestigious place to stay in Athens is – and always has been – the Grande Bretagne, right on Syntagma Sq. Built in 1862 to accommodate visiting heads of state, it was renovated some years ago, but still retains enough old-world grandeur.

There is a divine spa, and the Acropolis-view rooftop restaurant and bar are worth a visit, even if you aren’t a guest.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Syntagma & Plaka attractions

1. Plateia Syntagmatos

0.06 MILES

Generally considered the centre of Athens, this square is a transport hub and general hang-out spot, especially on warm summer evenings when young people…

2. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

0.07 MILES

In front of Parliament, the traditionally costumed evzones (presidential guards) stand by the tomb and change every hour on the hour. On Sunday at 11am, a…

3. Parliament

0.09 MILES

Built between 1836 and 1842 by Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gärtner, Greece's Parliament was originally the royal palace. From its balcony, the…

4. Numismatic Museum

0.11 MILES

The collection of coins here, dating from ancient through to modern times, is excellent, but of more general interest is the dazzling 1881 mansion in…

5. Museum of the Bank of Greece

0.13 MILES

This museum covers the general history of money, from ancient times on. There's a token nod to the euro era, but really this place is about that venerable…

7. National Historical Museum

0.17 MILES

This grand old collection of swords, ship figureheads and portraits of moustachioed generals is a bit short on signage; it's best for people who already…

8. National Garden

0.22 MILES

The former royal gardens, designed by Queen Amalia in 1838, are a pleasantly unkempt park that makes a welcome shady refuge from summer heat and traffic…