Athens is the famous historical Greek capital with a whole host of ancient sites that attract thousands of visitors a year. Spend days here exploring the heart of ancient Greece and discovering for yourself the acropolis, as well as timeworn temples and artefacts.

Athens is a city with lots to see and do, you will never be bored. But, because of its huge array of interesting sites, it can be hard to know what area to stay in – especially as it can gets really busy with tourists.

There is nothing to worry about, our list of the best hostels in Athens means you can find yourself the best hostel in the perfect area for YOU.

The charm and mystery of ancient Greece and the allure of modern day Athens is ready for you to discover it. These are without a doubt the top hostels in Athens, Greece…

Editor’s note – seen enough of the Greek capital? Check out our 16 best day trips from Athens!

Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Athens

#1 Best Overall Hostel in Athens – City Circus Athens
#2 Best Party Hostel in Athens – Athens Backpackers
#3 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Athens – Students and Travellers Inn
#4 Best Hostel near The Acropolis – Pella-Inn
#5 Best Hostel near Temple of Olympian Zeus – Athens Studios
#6 Best Hostel near Athens International Airport – Dioskouros
#7 Best Hostel near Larissa Station – San Remo Hostel
#8 Best High-end Hostel in Athens – Bedbox Hostel
#9 Best Budget Hostel in Athens – Hostel Zeus
#10 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Athens – Athens Quinta

#1 – City Circus Athens

  Best Overall Hostel in Athens

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 16 Sarri street
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like City Circus Athens…
What can we say? For an all-round amazing hostel experience City Circus easily tops our list as the best overall hostel in Athens. Not only is there a great atmosphere, but the hostel itself is tastefully and stylishly decorated – meeting new people in such polished surroundings is a dream when you’re backpacking.

City Circus Athens is perfect for…
If you’re looking to stay at the best hostel in Athens then City Circus deserves your attention. The staff are helpful, the rooms are clean and comfy, the rooftop is great – and the wine happy hour is a very enjoyable way to meet people, let’s be honest! To top it all off the air-con really helps on days when Athens’ heat makes you feel like melting.

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Not finding the right hostel? Athens has a selection of party hostels too!

#2 – Athens Backpackers

 Best Party Hostel in Athens

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 12 Makri Street, 11742 Athens 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Athens Backpackers…
For the best party hostel in Athens, we really recommend Athens Backpackers. The main thing we love about this place is the rooftop bar; a great atmosphere with incredible views – what more could you wish for? It’s not too hard partying either – just the right amount – which we also appreciate.

Athens Backpackers is perfect for…
Lovers of a comprehensive social scene should be looking to stay at this Athens backpackers hostel. Not only will you enjoy the rooftop bar (it doubles as a sports bar, too), but the free breakfast at this award-winning hostel is something that feels very necessary after a hefty evening of socialising.

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#3 – Students and Travellers Inn

 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Athens

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 16 Kydathineon, Plaka 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Students and Travellers Inn…
We have to admit: the garden bar at this youth hostel in Athens is just perfect. Not only can you pick up very affordable drinks here, but you can also try out a shisha pipe – a fun ice-breaker and something cool to sit around whilst you meet-and-greet other fellow travellers to this ancient capital.

Students and Travellers Inn is perfect for…
If you’re looking to mingle with other backpackers on your travels, here’s the place to do it. Students and Travellers Inn is the best hostel for solo travellers in Athens for good reason: the staff are friendly and accommodating and the atmosphere is young and lively, which creates a perfectly cultivated social vibe.

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#4 – Pella-Inn

 Best Hostel near the Acropolis

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Ermou 104
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Pella-Inn…
We absolutely love the view from this budget hostel in Athens: you can see the Acropolis all lit up at night from Pella-Inn, which is the sort of view that comes with a hefty price tag. But happily that’s not the case at this Athens backpackers hostel – and that’s a genuine plus. It’s stunning!

Pella-Inn is perfect for…
Fans of being near ancient sights and monuments will love this place. In fact, we’d say it’s the best hostel near the Acropolis – this age-old icon of Athens is in easy walking distance from the hostel. You can return and swap stories over a cold beer or two once you’re done trekking around the historical streets of Athens on one of the hostel’s free walking tours, too.

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MUST READ –  If you are staying in Santorini, you should check out our post about the best hostels in Santorini, Greece

#5 – Athens Studios

 Best Hostel near Temple of Olympian Zeus

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 3A Veikou St, Makrigyianni
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Athens Studios…
As well as being the best hostel near the Temple of Olympian Zeus – the largest ancient temple in all of Greece – we love that this top hostel in Athens is very well located for other top sights in the city: the Acropolis Museum is a couple of blocks away and the Acropolis itself is in walking distance.

Athens Studios is perfect for…
If you like your hostels packed full of amenities and extras – including a sports bar, a full English breakfast included in the price, as well as quiz nights, karaoke and live music – then you should probably be looking at this recommended hostel in Athens: it’s one of the best!

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Looking for the Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best party hostels in Mykonos!

 

#6 – Dioskouros

 Best Hostel near Athens International Airport

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 6 Pittakou Street Acropolis, Plaka  
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Disokouros…
This Athens backpackers hostel isn’t necessarily the ‘closest’ hostel to the airport – however, we do love that it’s right next to Syntagma metro station, meaning the airport is a non-stop train ride away. For that, and for its friendly staff and otherwise quite central location, it’s the best hostel near Athens International Airport.

Dioskouros is perfect for…
If being just a stone’s throw away from a hassle-free journey to the airport, saving the stress that can come with having to make changes on a busy metro system, then Disokouros is the place for you. It’s not a fancy place by any means, but the price and location combined make it a solid choice.

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#7 – San Remo Hostel

 Best Hostel near Larissa Station

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – No.8 Nissirou St., and T.Delligiani St.,, 104 38 Athens 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like San Remo Hostel…
Although located slightly more north of Athens’ centre, it’s the convenient location of this recommended hostel in Athens that we love. It’s the best hostel near Larissa Station – the city’s main railway station – not just because of the obvious location, but for the quiet atmosphere (unusual for a train station hostel) and the incredibly friendly, hospitable staff.

San Remo Hostel is perfect for…
Those of you who don’t really like to navigate a city upon arrival – nor panic when it comes to departing and making your way to a train station – will love San Remo Hostel. It’s right near Larissa Station, meaning you can arrive and depart with refreshing stress-free ease. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s amazingly convenient.

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#8 – Bedbox Hostel

 Best High-end Hostel in Athens

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Poliklitou 11, Athens
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Bedbox Hostel…
We just can’t get over how cool this Athens backpackers hostel is. We might even go as far as to say this is the coolest hostel in Athens. Really, it’s that well designed: polished concrete and painted metal in a whirlwind of industrial chic, this really is like staying in the pages of a design magazine. The best high-end hostel in Athens minus the high-end prices.

Bedbox Hostel is perfect for
Not only will this top hostel in Athens appeal to those who love to be surrounded by tasteful, ultra-cool design, but its balanced location – near to tourist sights as well as areas like anti-capitalist Exarcheia – will definitely be a plus to those looking to explore a different side to the city.

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#9 – Hostel Zeus

 Best Budget Hostel in Athens

 

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 27 Sofokleous St
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Hostel Zeus…
We can’t help but love the price of this budget hostel in Athens; Hostel Zeus is a definite winner when it comes to the best budget hostel in Athens. Though not spectacular, it truly is a bargain – and you can easily meet fellow travellers as they pop in and out of the lobby downstairs.

Hostel Zeus is perfect for…
And for fans of sticking to a strict budget when it comes to travelling or backpacking, Hostel Zeus will be the place to stay for you. Although the hostel might not be particularly stunning, the staff are friendly, helpful and the walking tours they offer really help you to see the city from a local perspective.

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Looking for the Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best party hostels in Greece!

#10 – Athens Quinta

 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Athens

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 13 Methonis Street
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Athens Quinta…
The building. Suckers for good architecture and quality design as we are, the surroundings of this cool hostel in Athens are just the sort of things that turns our head. Athens Quinta is set in a recently (and very tastefully) renovated 150-year-old neoclassical mansion and that’s something we can really get on board with.

Athens Quinta is perfect for…
Couples – or design-lovers! And if you’re looking for a boutique-type experience that’s still basically an affordable hostel, Athens Quinta is a good place to stay; inside it’s all antique features and furniture – including in the rooms, which easily makes this the best hostel with a private room in Athens.

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More Best Hostels in Athens

#11 – Pagration Youth Hostel

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 75 Damareos Str., Pagrati 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Pagration Youth Hostel…
The casual, laid-back style of this youth hostel in Athens is something we can really get on board with; we especially love the little terrace area filled with a variety of plants: so fresh and calming. A founding member of the Greek Youth Hostel Organisation, we especially like that this place has been open for 35 years – it’s got experience.

Pagration Youth Hostel is perfect for…
If you like being located away from tourist hotspots, this Athens backpackers hostel is for you. Though you need to get a bus to the centre of town, the area of Athens where Pagration is located will be ideal for anyone who likes to wander around and explore a more local, authentic side to a city,

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#12 – Zorbas Hotel

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 10 Gkyilfordou St., Victoria Square Athens 10434 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Zorbas Hotel…
Not only do we love the early-1900s building in which this recommended hostel in Athens is set – we also love that the staff are friendly and helpful, offering help with onward travel amongst other things. The free daily walking tour of Athens is great. And so is the air-con, which is mercifully located in every room for when the temperatures soar.

Zorbas Hotel is perfect for…
Those who like a place that has some character rather than being ultra-modern and stylish will enjoy staying at this Athens backpackers hostel; the price is good for those who are on a budget, too. And though it’s north of the historical centre, that is but a mere Athens metro ride away.

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#13 – Athens Choice

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Veranzerou 45
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Athens Choice…
Clean, modern and recently renovated, we are definite fans of the location of Athens Choice: there’s some great shopping and nightlife to be had in the area, which is close to Omonoia Square. It’s also in walking distance to the alternative neighbourhood of Exarcheia, famous as a home for Greek anarachists.

Athens Choice is perfect for…
Those wanting to be within reasonable walking distance of sights like the Acropolis (about a twenty to twenty-five-minutes from here) whilst being able to explore a more bustling downtown area of Athens should definitely think about staying at Athens Choice. Oh and this youth hostel in Athens is also packing a free breakfast – bonus!

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#14 – Nubian Hostel Athens

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Mavromihali, n47 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Nubian Hostel Athens…
When it comes to cool hostels in Athens, this one is up there with the best. Featuring cool street art on a backdrop of simple minimalist chic, we really love the tasteful touches that make this youth hostel in Athens a bastion of modern style in a city full of history.

Nubian Hostel Athens is perfect for…
Hipsters! This hostel definitely suits anybody with an eye for design or who can appreciate the sort of minimalist, muted-tone surroundings that are all the rage these days. On top of that it’s got a relatively peaceful vibe, which is probably something to do with its location just slightly out of the hectic tourist centre of Athens.

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#15 – Athenstyle

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Agias Theklas 10, Monastiraki, Athens
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Athenstyle…
It’s another Athens backpackers hostel with a chilled rooftop bar that comes complete with views of the Acropolis – and we love this hostel for that reason. Another thing we can’t help but enjoy is its location: most of the top sights of Athens are within a ten-minute walk, which makes exploring this incredible city very easy.

Athenstyle is perfect for…
Fans of convenience will love Athenstyle. Not only is this place well connected when it comes to tourist hotspots, it’s also very easy to get to from both the airport and the port city of Piraeus: train services to and from both travel hubs end up at nearby Monastiraki metro station. Simple!

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FAQ’s

How Much are Hostels in Athens?

For a dorm room you can expect to pay around $15 to $25 for one night. If you want a private room, set your budget for at least $40 for a budget room and up to $80 or $90 for many spots.

What are Hostels in Athens Like?

Generally very modern, with great facilities and a central location! Athens is one of the top tourist destinations in Greece, and hostels have risen to the needs of travelers in terms of location, services, and comfort!

How Safe are Hostels in Athens?

Athens is considered a very safe city, even for solo travelers! Hostels generally have great security features, so there is little chance of any negative incident during your stay.

How to Find Hostels in Athens?

Searching for options using HostelWorld or other online platforms is probably your best bet! If you're traveling around other places in eastern Europe, you can probably get some recommendations from other travelers as well.

 

	Best Overall Hostel in Athens City Circus Athens Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Party Hostel in Athens Athens Backpackers Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Athens Students and Travellers Inn Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near the Acropolis Pella-Inn Free internet access, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens Studios Free breakfast, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Athens International Airport Disokouros Free breakfast, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Larissa Station San Remo Hostel Free city maps, free wifi, free internet access	Check Best Price
	Best High-end Hostel in Athens Bedbox Hostel Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Budget Hostel in Athens Hostel Zeus Free city maps, free city tour, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel with a Private Room in Athens Athens Quinta Free city maps, free wifi, free internet access	Check Best Price

 

 Conclusion to the best hostels in Athens

So there you have it: a list of the best hostels in Athens, all ready for you to experience the city whilst beating the crowds and keeping to a budget.

There’s fun to be had in each one and rooftop bars aplenty in the Greek capital, with views over the skyline making almost any hostel seem like a slice of luxury.

Exploring ancient wonders and dipping into the laid-back terrace culture of Athens is just a booking away!

And if you still can’t decide? Don’t worry: City Circus Athens is our choice for the best overall hostel in Athens and for good reason. It’s a great choice!

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