It’s time to get excited for Greece and the 3 best hostels in Athens. This capital city is a real mix of ancient and modern world, a treat for historian lovers and solo travellers.
Your shortcut:
- City Circus – 5 star hostel for solo travellers
- When in Athens Hostel – ideal for digital nomads
- Bedbox Hostel – best for couples + female solo travellers
Money-Saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com – you could easily save $2-$5 per night.
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If you’re looking for epic Greece hostels Athens, look no further. We’ve handpicked cool Athens hostels with rooftop areas, cosy dorms and homely vibes.
And yes, you will find a section on the best party hostels in Athens.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience
These individual guides are part of our ultimate guide to 20 best hostels in Greece.
In this guide we cover:
- Introduction to Athens Hostels
- 3 Best Hostels in Athens
- Best Hostels for Solo Travellers
- Best Party Hostels
- More Hostels worth a mention
- Cheapest Hostels in Athens
- Promo Codes
- Map of Hostel Locations + Sights
- FAQ
- Flights to Athens
Alongside City Circus Athens Hostel, you can find four must-see 5 Star Hostels in other parts of Greece:
- Caveland Hostel in Santorini
- STAY Rhodes in Rhodes Island and
- MyCocoon Hostel in Mykonos
- Cocoon City Hostel in Chania, Crete
Quick Introduction to Athens Hostels
Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 11€ up to 18€ per night. A private room in a hostel in Athens Greece starts from 20€ up to 80€ per night.
This is a rough average to give you an idea. As prices always depend on season and holidays. We always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com. Remember, you can simple compare hostel prices directly at Hostelz.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost at the place you are planning to book.
Exploring the city: Athens is widely spread and there’s lots to see. We highly recommend joining a walking tour which can be arranged through most hostels. It’s a great way to settle in and get your bearings!
One sight you need to book: There is one sight you have to visit and enter; the Acropolis! This is why you are here. Take a guided tour with Take Walks, it is informative, small groups, and fun. I would not recommend going on your own without a guide; you will be missing context. And with such an important sight, this is where you want to invest a few dollars!
Location: All hostels can be found in Monastiraki, a central neighborhood within walking distance to the Acropolis. It does not seem like the best neighborhood ever. It is touristy, yet it feels a bit sketchy. It seems to be safe though with plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs. The City Circus has the best location, I’d say as it is located on a bright and bigger street.
Best Roof Top Terrace for Sunset and Views: We checked out several roof top terraces. The best one was A for Athens. It is located in the city center, and in walking distance from all mentioned hostels. Check the map. Come here before sunset for a view over the city and Acropolis. Prices are bit above average, yet still affordable (and not high-end luxury prices!!).
New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:
- how to book hostels (and websites to use)
- 23 items for the hostel packing list
- Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips for hostels
The 3 Best Hostels in Athens are…
Before you explore the incredible Acropolis, let’s check out the most awesome hostels in Athens:
- City Circus – great for solo travellers
- When in Athens Hostel – ideal for digital nomads
- Bedbox Hostel – best for couples + female solo travellers
We put all 3 hostels on the map. This makes it much easier for planning. Check it out.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | City Circus |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | When in Athens Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Athens Backpackers |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Bedbox Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Bedbox Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | When in Athens Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | City Circus |
1. City Circus (daily events + rooftop views)
If picturesque views over the Acropolis from a private rooftop terrace sounds like your kind of thing, spend a night or two at City Circus Hostel Athens.
This quirky design hostel is pretty cosy, with plenty of character. For us, this is one of the coolest hostels in Athens, no questions asked!
In fact, it’s the one and only 5 star hostel in Athens.
What was once a pretty standard building has been transformed with retro furniture, antiques and local wall art.
The vibrant area of Monasteraki is just 5-minutes away so you’re in the heart of this vibrant city if you stay here.
We wrote a full review of City Circus here.
Compare prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
City Circus certainly comes up when the topic is about Boutique Hostels in Athens.
If you want to run away and join the circus you won’t be disappointed with the room choice:
- 4-bed mixed ensuite
- 4-bed female ensuite
- 6-bed female dorm
- 8 mixed dorms
- Double rooms (budget, standard, superior + Loft Apartment)
- Twin standard/deluxe
No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy a super-comfy mattress, individual lights and power sockets, plus that all important A/C.
This is certainly a place to meet people – all you need to do is join one of the organised events, happening every night of the week.
From happy hours and bar crawls to movie nights, you’ll surely be entertained.
Feeling peckish? Head to the Zampano restaurant for delicious Greek cuisine and coffee. All guest are eligible for a 10% discount here!
FYI: Breakfast is included for those that book directly via the website. Book by any other means and enjoy breaky for a few extra coins.
City Circus is the best design hostel in Athens for:
- Solo travellers
- female Solo-Travellers
- Older Travellers
Compare prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Here is a video, showing you around City Circus. Judge for yourself, is this your Athens Hostel you want to stay at?
2. When in Athens Hostel
When in Athens Hostel is conveniently located in the heart of Athens. The hostel is right in the middle of one of the coolest districts of Athens.
The beds are really comfy, and there is enough room to store and secure your luggage and other personal items.
The bathrooms and other areas are spotless at all times! The most important thing is that the staff are excellent in every way.
It has air-conditioned rooms, a common area, free WiFi, and a garden. The hostel offers visitors a tour desk and a communal kitchen.
The National Theatre of Greece, Lycabettus Hill, and Syntagma Square are a few of the well-known attractions in the area. It is only a short walk from all the city’s attractions and the central market, but it is still not purely touristy, giving visitors the chance to live like locals.
There are a lot of bars and restaurants next to and around the hostel. The good thing is that you can still have a good rest because it is quiet at night.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Located between the two historical districts of Athens—the alternative Exarchia and the aristocratic Kolonaki.
The University of Athens Central Building, Omonia Metro Station, and the Museum of Cycladic Art are all within close proximity to the hostel. Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is 32 km from When in Athens Hostel, making it the closest airport.
These are their available dorm rooms:
- 6-bed mixed dorm
- 6-bed female dorm
- 4-bed mixed dorm
- 4-bed female dorm
- 8-bed mixed dorm
The hostel is very modern and their security is great. Their locks offer quick check-in and checkout procedures which is a plus.
When in Athens Hostel is perfect for:
- Solo travellers
- Female solo travellers
- Digital nomads
- Remote workers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
3. Bedbox Hostel (male + double bed dorms)
Last but not least we have the wonderfully modern Bedbox Hostel Athens once again in the heart of Athens.
Some of the best attractions such as Roman Agora and the National Garden are within walking distance.
So, what can Bedbox entice you with…?
- Terrace w/ seating area
- Onsite bar
- Shared lounge
- Fully fitted kitchen
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
The rooms are certainly worth mentioning. They’re spacious and well thought out for long-term travellers.
Everyone gets their own box (lock included) to store belongings safely, and a privacy curtain to hide away on those anti-social days. We all have them!
Not only is there a female dorm, but a male dorm too. AND the 4-bed mixed dorm has double beds.
We think this is super cool, and I’m sure our travelling couples will too.
The front desk is open 24-hours which is great for late check ins and for those all important questions.
Bedbox Hostel is the best hostel in Athens for:
- Couples
- Female Solo Travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Athens for Solo Travellers
Come on then, let’s have a quick recap of some of the best hostels in Athens for solo travellers:
- One for sociable solo travellers: City Circus has events and a great selection of mixed dorms
- Great pick for male and female solo travellers: Bedbox Hostel because of the single sex dorms
Eager for one more, no doubt. We thought so, which is why we’d love to introduce you to Athens Quinta.
This gorgeous vintage hostel is decorated in unique artifacts and groovy furniture.
Free breakfast, complimentary toiletries and a beautiful backyard await you here. The staff love to advise and have a chat, too!
You’ll be located in the centre of Athens, but away from the tourist hub. Countless bars and restaurants are within walking distance.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Party Hostels in Athens
Backpackers in Athens, get ready to party!
Ok ok, we know some of you love a good party so it would be rude of us not to include an awesome party hostel Athens has to offer.
Do you want a more active hostel with events and party? Then go for Athens Backpackers.
Obvious note: This is an awesome backpackers Athens!
You can expect a roof top terrace with views of the Acropolis at night to mingle, have a drink and enjoy music. Travellers here are usually younger backpackers.
A perfect hostel for solo-backpackers, looking for a classic fun hostel!
The Sports bar and burger bar downstairs are also a popular place to get your hunger fixed and kick off your pub crawl.
Make sure you ask the super friendly staff about their events; especially in summer!
The hostel also offers free luggage storage on day of departure, laundry, fast and free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen to use and even a basic free breakfast.
On top of that, the location is awesome! It is easy to go to the Airport, and you are right between Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis. There’s also bars and restaurants around.
Have a look on the video below; The Little Backpacker shows you quickly around.
Good to know: As with many classic hostels, you need your own padlock for the locker.
Compare prices here: Hostelworld
More Hostels worth a mention
Athens Athens Athens! Can’t get Athens out of your mind? Usually we only share 3 TOP hostels. After all, you only need 1 fantastic one, fitting your style and budget.
All our mentioned hostels above are our favorite hostels Athens GA could give. However, the list is obviously not complete. There’s always more hostels.
Here we share more hostels Athens Greece has to offer.
- Selina Athens Theatrou (rooftop Acropolis views)
- Iconic Athens Hostel
- Athenstyle
- San Remo Hostel
- Pagration Youth Hostel
- Students and Travellers Innathen
- Athens Hub Hostel
- Chameleon Youth Hostel
- Bedway Athens Hostel
- Pella Inn Hostel
- Athens Hawks Hostel
Selina Athens Theatrou (rooftop Acropolis views)
Coming in right behind our 5 star hostel is the impressive Selina Athens Theatrou. It is located in the square where the first theatre in the city was contructed back in 1838.
The coolest thing about this Selina property has to be the Acropolis views from the rooftop!
Psst! We’ve teamed up with Selina and have a special promo code for all Selina Hostels around the world.
Honestly, there are many many perks to choosing this hostel out of our collection. Let’s show you some of the main highlights:
- Rooftop w/ hammocks, seating & Acropolis views!
- Dedicated Selina CoWork space
- Wellness area + yoga classes
- Cafe & bar
There are lots of little extras that go a long way here. For example, upcycled furniture and locally-curated art murals. Not forgetting super fast free WiFi and regular events!
Alongside the awesome rooftop (which is where you might spend most of your time), there are other common areas…
Relax in the movie room, the book corner or maybe just chill behind the privacy curtain on your bed. Speaking of beds, you’ll be pretty happy with the room choices here.
There are shared dorms which includes a female-only option, plus private rooms suitable for solo travellers, couples and families. Some of the private rooms even come with a balcony! Air conditioning is also included.
Super cool: Selina Athens is pet friendly.
A couple of other things to note: There is no curfew here and reception is open 24 hours a day.
Location: Selina has a perfect location in central Athens which means you’re never more than a 10-minute walk from all of the main city highlights.
A pity 😔, the discount code to Selina Hostels expired. Check all valid discounts here.
How to book Selina Hostels the best way?
Rumor has it, new discounts are coming soon. We will share them first in our newsletter. Join us, it is free!
Selina Athens Theatrou is the best hostel in Athens for:
- Digital nomads
- Couples
Compare prices and check availability at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Iconic Athens Hostel (formerly knowns as Bed Station)
Iconic Athens Hostel offers superb, spacious accommodation in the very heart of historic Athens.
It’s not only the rooms that are spacious, but the hostel too.
Just have a look at the wonderful balcony with yes, you guessed it; views of the Acropolis! All this space makes it an ideal Athens backpackers hostel.
The coffee downstairs is also great. Just ask them to use an actual coffee cup, not a plastic cup. Because, you know, unnecessary waste.
We reckon female solo travellers will love the female dorms here.
Why exactly?
- Only 4-beds in the room
- Pod-style bunks w/ curtain
- Linen included
- Tons of space to spread out
There are even coffee machines in each room. What a wonderful way to start the day!
Enjoy your breakfast on the traditional balcony before heading up to the rooftop for some fantastic views.
Set over 5 floors, there is an ideal working space for the digital nomads out there, plus a shared kitchen.
No doubt this is the choice for backpackers as there is plenty of space to relax and rearrange without treading on anybody’s toes.
Iconic Athens Hostel is the best hostel in Athens for:
- Backpackers
- Digital Nomads
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Athenstyle – Roof Top Terrace with Acropolis view
Perhaps you’re in search of an Athens hostel rooftop bar?
Then you’ll certainly love Athenstyle.
It’s open all year round and 360 degree views across Athens. Breakfast is available in the morning (for a few extra coins), followed by drinks, happy hour and special deals until midnight.
Join the walking tour and make new friends and end the day in comfy, bright rooms. Dorms and privates are available. Although it is a good hostel, many guests complained about outdated furniture and the rooms downstairs are very loud due to the nearby bars.
If this is something you want to avoid and you want a quiet hostel, then your best bet is City Circus.
This is the coolest Athens hostel Monastiraki has to offer.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
San Remo Hostel
San Remo Hostel is welcoming and warm. The security is 24/7 and the staff are eager to help in any way possible. They also got the best recommendation in town.
There’s a large rooftop area to relax, have a coffee and meet new friends. The bathrooms and facilities are constantly cleaned.
Perks at San Remo Hostel:
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Free City Maps
- 24 Hour Reception
- 24 Hour Security
- Luggage Storage
Location: Located in the Athens City Centre district of Athens. It is 1.1 km from Omonia Square, 1.2 km from National Theatre of Greece and 1.5 km from National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Gazi – Technopoli is 1.8 km from SAN REMO HOSTEL, while Temple of Hephaestus is 3.3 km away. The nearest airport is Elefthérios Venizélos Airport, 35 km from the accommodation.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Pagration Youth Hostel
Pagration Youth Hostel is another hostel Athens has to offer.
Staff are wonderful and really make the place feel very welcoming. They are really sweet and helpful.
The common room is not so spacious but enough to play cards with people. Loads of bakeries and grocery stores around if you want to try it!
A value for money that makes it ideal for budget travelers. Anyway, they only have dorm rooms. If you are looking for private rooms, you should try other hostels.
Perks at Pagration Youth Hostel:
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour front desk
- Terrace
- Heating
- Laundry
Location: Located in the Vyronas district of Athens. It is 1.5 km from Constitution Square. This Athens hostel is less than a 10 minute walk from Kallimarmaro Stadium. Evangelismos Metro Station is one km away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Students and Travellers Inn
Want another hostel Athens Greece has to offer? Students and Travellers Inn has private rooms and mixed or female-only dorms depending on what you need.
Staff are very friendly and accommodating. Just ask whatever you need and they will surely help you.
Having a 24 hour reception is convenient for guests who needs to checkout and check in in the middle of the night.
Perks at Students and Travellers Inn:
- Free City Maps
- Free WiFi
- Outdoor Terrace
- 24 Hour Reception
- 24 Hour Security
- Tours/Travel Desk
- Airport Transfers
- Laundry Facilities
Location: The hostel is 6 minute walk to Syntagma Station. Hostel is 15 minutes on foot from Athens’ top archaeological sites, like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is 45 minute drive to Athens International Airport.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Cheapest Hostels in Athens, Greece
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. And certainly, you can find cheap hostels in Athens. So, forget hotels in Athens!
Yet, we think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen. Although, keep in mind a bad location far away from the city center costs you more in transport.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find where to stay in Athens Greece on a budget.
- Open Hostelworld Athens with full list of accommodations in Athens
- Order the listing by price
It is simple as that.
Small Funny World is a cheaper hostel you might consider, for example.
Here’s our guide how to book hostels with Hostelworld.
Yet again, make sure you check all the other costs like breakfast or extra transport. the list above highlights our top hostels in Athens, we will stick with them since you can expect a fun quality stay here.
Airbnb Athens + Promo Codes
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Athens. We know, it’s a pity.
You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
We also do have a 35€ discount for Airbnb here. Airbnb Athens is an alternative to our awesome Athens hostels collection.
Map of Athens Hostels + TOP Sights
Now it’s time to find your chosen hostel on a handy map. Or perhaps you want to see where they all are before you choose.
Alongside all of the Athens hostels, we’ve pinpointed must see sights including:
- Acropolis of Athens
- Parthenon
- Plaka
- Acropolis Museum
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Ancient Agora of Athens
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- Temple of Hephaestus
- National Garden
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Psyri
- best roof top terrace in town is the A for Athens.
Looking for more ideas to make your time in Athens even more awesome? Check out these cool things to do:
- Take a day trip to Delphi
- Enjoy the sunset at Cape Sounion (small group)
- Join a Athens Mythology Highlights tour
- Head out on a full day tour to Mycenae and Epidaurus
- Athens original Street Art Tour
Discover more with the Athens, Piraeus and Beaches Hop-on Hop-off bus.
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
What are the best hostels in Athens for solo travellers?
- One for sociable solo travellers: City Circus has events and a great selection of mixed dorms
- Great pick for male and female solo travellers: Bedbox Hostel because of the single sex dorms
Are hostels in Athens safe?
Not all hostels in Athens are necessarily safe, especially the one that offers the cheapest price in sketchy areas. It might be an illegal hostel, without proper license to run and safety measures.
So in all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Athens. Remember that we are expert in the hostel world so we know what we are doing.
You can find backpacker hostel with top ratings! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also send us an email and ask us!
What are the best hostels in Athens?
You can find the best Athens Greece hostels in this article!
- City Circus - 5 star hostel for solo travellers
- When in Athens Hostel - ideal for digital nomads
- Bedbox Hostel - best for couples + female solo travellers
What is Athens best known for?
Here are the attractions that you should try.
- Acropolis of Athens
- Parthenon
- Plaka
- Acropolis Museum
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Ancient Agora of Athens
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- Temple of Hephaestus
- National Garden
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Psyri
- best roof top terrace in town is the A for Athens.
How much are hostels in Athens?
According to Hostelworld.com, hostels in Athens Greece costs $15 per night.
Prices may vary depending on season.
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Of course, the best site to find hostels is Hostelgeeks.com
We are doing our best to deliver the best hostels to you. Check out the best hostels in the world guides; from Paris to Tokyo.
You can also have a look at Hostelworld.
Flights to Athens?
Looking for hostels near Athens airport? Sorry guys; Athens International Airport is 27km outside of Athens city center. It takes around 40 minutes by car or metro and all of the hostels are in the city area.
We enjoy Skyscanner, Omio.com and Kiwi.com to find cheap flights all over Europe including Athens, London, Edinburgh, Barcelona etc.
This new website has super cool features like a so-called radius search. Just draw a circle over Europe and find the cheapest rates for the area.
Here is our review of Kiwi.
More Hostels in Greece and Europe
We have handwritten even more unique hostel guides for you. They will help you to travel better and smarter.
Read our complete guide on best hostels in Greece here. Here are all more handwritten guides:
- best hostels in Santorini
- best hostels in Rhodes, Greece: STAY Hostel
- best hostels in Mykonos
- best hostels in Crete Island
- best hostels in Cyprus
- best hostels in Corfu
- best hostels in Paros
Find all our hostel guides worldwide here.
Over to you
So there you go, we just introduced you to the 3 top hostels Greece Athens has to offer.
Do you have any questions, doubts?
Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome hostels in Greece Athens should be as informative and useful as possible.
Your question(s) will help me to understand what I have missed to mention. You will have your questions answered and help with the overall feel of this article.
Therefore, do not be shy, drop us a comment, we are always keen to help!
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! Hostelgeeks ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. As always, we only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
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We recommend installing the Hostelworld App. It is very useful!
How to find cheaper Flights ✈️
The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner.
Travel Insurance made easy 🤒
We are currently using Safetywing and Hey Mondo. We wrote detailed guides about these insurances:
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- a detailed review of HeyMondo Travel Insurance
Smartest Travel Tools you need to know 🤓
- Onward Ticket - get a proof for onward travel
- iVisa - get your visa online fast
- Get Your Guide - for activities and sightseeing tickets
- Omio.com - for all types of transport
Find all our recommended travel tools and websites here.
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