Where to stay in Athens

Regarding day trip with lunch, you'll have little chance of finding one. Travel to the islands is by ferry, which is a means of transportation just like buses on the mainland. These aren't excursion trips like a boat trip on a river.

But that doesn't matter since you can have lunch once you're on the island you're going to. The only question is which island you want to go to. Aegina is the closest from Piraeus. About an hour by ferry.

Thanks! Maybe I didn't explain right. I found a website that is a day excursion to Aegina and Agistri, 10 hours, with transfers and lunch. I was wanting to see if they were a legitimate operation, maybe someone who took one could let me know how it went. Getyourguide.com is the site.
If you have any info on hotels i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for your feedback!

Sorry, I go to Athens regularly but staying 4 or 5 nights in short term rentals like Airbnb, never in hotels, other forum members will probably be able to give you hotel recommendations.

I also have no experience with these resellers like Get Your Guide, I am my own Get Your Guide, which requires a little research. All these day trips are very easy to find locally without intermediaries like GYG.

Thanks for the info.

I stopped using hotels in Athens and switched to airbnb as they offer more for less.

Hotel prices have risen dramatically the last few years and I can get a studio in a central location like Thisseo or other nearby Greek neighborhoods for less.

Obviously what you are looking for in your budget can determine you accommodations.

Aibnbs will be studios/apartments with kitchens, balcony, and some even have washing machines.

I use to go to the Attalos Hotel on Athinas Street and is safe, clean and central to everything for Athens.

Many other options for hotels all over Athens and you'll probably get some recommendations on RS.

Those day cruises to Aegina/Agistri are popular as they are the closest islands but probably half the day will be on boats departing/returning plus the ferry to Agistri.

If that works for you shop around websites for day trips from Athens and see what is in your best interests.

Thank you!

been to Athens twice now. Both times we stayed at the Hotel Hera. Great location! Walkable to the Acropolis, the Plaka and the metro to go further. Good breakfast. Walkable to restaurants. Nice restaurant on the roof top. We always get the Acropolis view room.

https://www.herahotel.gr/

That's Derek, that is most helpful!

What's your budget?
If I could spend $200+ a night, I'd stay at the Ergo House, then eat at their cafe and bakery. Yum.
I have stayed at Attalos and it was great, for lower end but in a great locations, great service, clean, etc.

I would avoid Omonia area as it can be very urban/rough, very quick. Mind you, the Greek government does pull out the homeless / drug dealers from the center at some point in the spring, so the tourists don't get freaked out.
Earlier this year I stayed for two months and did an Airbnb so I could do laundry, cook, etc. The neighborhood I chose wasn't fancy with a number of buildings needing some love, but it was close to the metro and was a two bedroom. I felt safe, but wasn't out in the wee hours. The hosts were lovely and helpful. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/25003158?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=da014c47-6136-42ba-8eed-2b8b8b33cd29

We stayed at the Attalos years ago and agree with Ytravel. We would stay there again.

We are currently in Athens leaving tomorrow. We booked an Airbnb about 100 yards from Monistriaki square. We also did the 10hr cruise you mentioned. We loved it. We used their transfer service and that was perfect. We would do the cruise again. You only get 1.5 hours on each island but that was enough for us. The lunch was great. Our Airbnb is above Keafenio Ora Ella’s. The location is fantastic but if you are a light sleeper it may not be a great choice. No problem for us. Get the Freenow app if you want to use a taxi after a long day of walking.

Acropolis View Hotel is worth a look. I found it convenient, affordable, and loved the view from my room.