As the capital city of Greece, Athens is a place that always has something to offer for everyone. Whether you prefer fine dining or experiencing the vibrant flavors of local lounges, you’ll 100% have a great time here. Athens is a perfect blend of historical significance and modern metropolis. The city is not only home to ancient ruins, delicious Greek food, and vibrant nightlife, but also a wide variety of budget hostels! We’re not kidding, those looking for the cheapest hostels in Athens will have a hard time choosing one as there are a lot! To save you the headache, we’ve selected some of the best hostels in Greece Athens, that we think are more than fantastic! From the best party hostels in Athens to the modern ones, here’s our list!
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Nubian Hostel
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The Nubian Hostel, one of the cheapest hostels in Athens, is about a 15-minute walk from the closest metro and is straightforward to get to from the airport’s metro stop. Plus, there are many restaurants and cafes nearby, with cheaper prices than those closer to the Acropolis! This is good news, especially for backpackers trying to save as much money as possible. To ensure moments of relaxation and a chance to connect with fellow travelers, this hostel also offers a lounge area in the back garden with outdoor seating.
Here, there are private rooms as well as dormitory rooms. Of course, each room is clean and comes with spotless linens, personal lockers, individual lights, and USB charging ports for your gadgets. Moreover, the rooms can be booked by individuals or groups. Female-only dorms are also available. They have a beautiful terrace and offer all the essential amenities necessary to make your stay as relaxed and worry-free as possible. You can also enjoy a free breakfast each morning with free Wi-Fi! By the way, for more accommodations near the airport like this hostel, check out the best hotels near Athens Airport!
Athens Hawks
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Located right in the heart of Athens, no one can say no to this hostel! Super close to public transportation, staying in Athens Hawks means you’ll be able to get around easily. As one of the best hostels in Greece Athens, this property offers you a high accommodation standard in newly renovated rooms with private bathrooms. This hostel offers spacious dorms with lockers and drawers with lamps in either female or mixed dorm rooms for backpackers. If you want some me-time or surf the internet, there’s free Wi-Fi available everywhere in the hostel.
Though it’s among the cheapest hostels in Athens, it still provides impeccable services! For example, the staff is helpful. They’re willing to explain and give you friendly suggestions to explore new places. The staff team also offers programs for guests every day that are mostly free, which is another reason it’s seen as one of the best hostels in Greece Athens. You can enjoy a free walking tour of the city in the morning and then a cooking session that same evening! However, you should note that the dorms have an age restriction from age 18 to 40.
Safestay Athens
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Known for its excellent atmosphere, friendly staff, and convenient location, Safestay Athens is easily one of the best hostels in Greece Athens. Set in Psirri, you can rest assured your days will be filled with plenty of nightlife entertainment! Spending your trip at this hotel means you’ll be only minutes away from various restaurants and bars. In addition to that, the majority of Athens’ main historical attractions are within walking distance, making it ideal for those wanting to discover the city on foot. Also named one of the cheapest hostels in Athens, this hostel is perfect for those on a budget. The dorm, family, and private rooms are available at a reasonable price tag.
Apart from that, this property also houses a basement lounge that features a home cinema, pool table, and occasional art exhibition! Another highlight of this hostel is its rooftop bar and restaurant, open all day long. It offers a 360-degree view of the city’s top sites, including Acropolis, Lycabettus, and Filopappou Hills. After you wake up, watch Athens light up over your morning coffee, explore every corner of the city, and then come back to watch it fade into darkness with a cocktail in your hand!
Bedbox Hostel
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The first reason many travelers love the Bedbox Hostel is its central location. Set exactly in the city center, you can reach some of the best tourist attractions and renowned landmarks without breaking a sweat. They include the Roman Agora, National Garden, the Old Olympic Stadium, and the Acropolis. But aside from that, there are still many reasons why it’s seen as one of the best hostels in Greece Athens. Unlike some of the cheapest hostels in Athens, this property doesn’t hold back. It features a terrace, shared lounge, and spacious shared kitchen with a fridge and everything you need, including an on-site bar!
The rooms here are unbelievably clean, modern, and well-furnished. Meanwhile, some curtains you a little bit of privacy. Each bed has its power plug and a LED reading light, as well as big lockers where you can keep your valuables safe. Even better, locks are provided with no extra charge! On top of that, the staff here is super nice and helpful as they always have a nice restaurant and attraction options to offer. However, like some of the best party hostels in Athens, this hostel doesn’t accept customers younger than 18 years old.
Zorbas Hostel
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Zorbas Hostel is, without a doubt, another great hostel that’s worth considering. Set on Victoria Square, in the heart of the city’s National Museum area, you’ll be able to find tons of cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and mini-markets nearby. Want to soak up some local history? You’re in luck because the Acropolis, Plaka, and Lykavittos hills are only half an hour away by car. Plus, Pedion Areos is only a 10-minute stroll away! Considering its convenient location, you’ll never have a boring day if you spend your trip here!
Similar to some of the cheapest hostels in Athens, this hostel has mixed dorm rooms and private rooms. Each of them is air-conditioned and is available in different sizes. At this hostel, you can check in whenever you want at their 24-hour reception, hang out with other travelers in the common area, or spend hours watching Netflix on the free Wi-Fi from the comfort of your bed. Furthermore, the super friendly staff can help you organize your time in Athens, whether you want to explore the ruins or check out the islands. They also host a free walking tour of Athens, so you can get to know this iconic city inside and out!
The Student & Travelers Inn
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Next on this list is The Student & Travelers Inn, one of the cheapest hostels in Athens. Here, the rooms are cozy, with dorms that can house four to eight people. Air conditioning, safety lockers, and free towels are bonuses when you purchase your bed at this great accommodation. Meanwhile, breakfast is available for a reasonable price, and we highly recommend it for the excellent coffee and fresh ingredients! Moreover, the rooftop garden bar is ideal for swapping travel stories over a cold beer at the end of a long day of touring the city.
Set on Kydathineon street in the Plaka area, this hostel is surrounded by charming coffee shops, museums, galleries, and shops for all your necessities. Even better, you can walk to the Acropolis and Ermou shopping area in just 10 minutes! If you need some insiders’ tips, you can get them from the friendly staff! They’ll give you all the information you need. With 24/7 reception and an on-site travel agency for booking day trips and buses, there’s always someone who will gladly help you to navigate your way around this awesome city!
Pella Inn Hostel
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While there are many hostels in Greece Athens, the Pella Inn Hostel has to be one of the most beautiful! Many travelers love the rooftop bar, which offers unbeatable views of the Acropolis and the sprawling city. Another major selling point of this accommodation is its central location. It’s set only two minutes from Monastiraki Square, so you’re sure to find a few bargains at the popular flea market. Other spots like the museums, theaters, and other historical attractions are within easy walking distance. Not a fan of walking? Lucky for you, this hostel’s area is well-served by public transport, with metro stations and bus stops all close by.
As with other best party hostels in Athens, there are private and dormitory rooms. Each of them is well air-conditioned and super clean, so there’s nothing to worry about. Secure lockers are available for rent, which is great, especially if you have plenty of valuable stuff. However, it should be noted that the dorm rooms are only available for those under 50 years old. If you’re ready to explore, Pella Inn offers a free walking tour with an extremely knowledgeable guide, as well as daily trips to islands close to Athens.
Athens Quinta
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The best party hostels in Athens can be pretty loud. If you’re searching for quiet and relaxed hostels in Greece Athens, Athens Quinta might be the answer. Compared to other cheapest hostels in Athens, this hostel offers slightly smaller rooms, with six or three people dorms and twin private rooms. However, this also means it’s the perfect place to meet fellow travelers to explore the city with! This hostel still offers an air conditioner in each room, secure lockets, and even a laundry service despite the size. Want more? Well, it also offers complimentary breakfast and unlimited coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the day! You’ll never spend a day here with an empty stomach. Plus, the staff is often praised for being helpful and accommodating to guests’ requests.
This quaint hotel is located in an artistic neighborhood with hip bars, delicious restaurants, and boutique shops. We highly encourage you to explore everything in this area! Meanwhile, the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Acropolis and The Parthenon, are within walking distance. Not to mention, the closest metro station is only a two-minute walk away, making getting around a breeze. Best of all, parking is available, which is a huge plus as many hostels in Greece Athens don’t offer that.
Athens Hub Hostel
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Set near the Acropolis is Athens Hub Hostel. One of the best things about this hostel is that it takes zero effort to get to or from the airport by bus or train as the stop is just a block away! Furthermore, the staff here is friendly to everyone. It welcomes backpackers from all around the globe who want to learn all about the unique, artistic, cultural, and historical facts that make Athens such a special city. And if you’re bored, the hostel also provides many on-site activities, like themed dinner nights, bike tours, walking tours, pub crawls, movie nights, and a games room.
Believe it or not, this hostel is one of the most good-looking hostels in Greece Athens! Both the dorm rooms and private rooms are incredibly spacious, and it looks modern! Some curtains offer a little bit of privacy, and some of the dorms come with a beautiful seating area. Of course, there are mixed and female-only dorms, and the biggest ones can house up to eight people. Meanwhile, the private rooms come with an en suite bathroom. Other amenities that you can expect include personal power supplies, bed lights, fresh linens, and personal lockers.
Athens Backpackers
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You can’t talk about the best party hostels in Athens without mentioning Athens Backpackers. Named one of the most popular hostels in Greece Athens, it’s ideal for travelers looking for a social hostel that provides plenty of opportunities to party and socialize. Australian-owned, this hostel embodies the Australian party spirit. It hosts daily events such as quiz nights, karaoke nights, bar crawls, and an on-site sports bar screening live matches. These activities will make it impossible to feel alone as a solo traveler, and you’ll find yourself with countless new friends by the end of your stay!
Despite being highly praised for its party events and lively atmosphere, this accommodation doesn’t lose points when it comes to cleanliness and facilities. Communal kitchen, rooftop bar, and organized walking tours are just a few of the extras it has to offer. As if that’s not enough, this property is also set next to the classical center of the city! Trust us; you won’t find a more convenient location for discovering the city on foot! Less than a 5 minute walk away; you’ll find the breathtaking Acropolis, the Arch of Hades, and the Temple Zeus!
City Circus Athens
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Ask your friends or anyone you know which one of the top hostels in Greece Athens is the best, and we’re sure their answer is the City Circus Athens. This hostel is highly praised for its superbly central location, cleanliness, and attentive and amicable staff. Decor and murals painted on the wall give the hostel a stylistically retro feel. Located in the Psirri neighborhood, known for its buzzing nightlife, this accommodation is surrounded by places to eat, drink, and some of the best Athens hotels. Meanwhile, the Acropolis and Parthenon are reachable in 15 minutes on foot! However, the metro station is only four minutes away if you wish to avoid walking in the stifling summer heat. It sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?
Like other best party hostels in Athens, this property offers both private rooms and dormitory rooms, with each option promising an exceptionally comfortable bed and a secure locker for travelers. Plus, multiple common areas make it easy to spark conversations with fellow travelers while staying at this Athens hostel. When you’re done sightseeing and socializing, chill out with a book on the rooftop terrace or drink at the bar area. For a social hostel experience, this hostel offers weekly organized bar crawl, daily happy hour, and even tsipouro tasting nights! Still not enough? Ask the staff about the top things to do in Athens!
Where to Stay in Athens
The Koukaki neighborhood in the city center is popular among travelers. It stretches from Acropolis metro station to Fix metro station, both on the red metro line. For most tourists, the area is defined by two of the most important sights in Athens, the Acropolis, and the Acropolis museum. It is therefore referred to as “close to the Acropolis.” There are many attractions here as well. Aside from the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, you can also see Hadrian’s Arch, visit the temple of Olympian Zeus, and pop in the fascinating Lalaounis Jewelry Museum.
Next, we recommend staying in Plaka, possibly the most famous neighborhood in Athens. It offers a unique mix of sights, Byzantine churches, and plenty of restaurants as well as souvenir shops. The Athens University History Museum, the Frissiras collection, and the Museum of Greek Children’s Art are in this area, and we highly recommend visiting them.
Then, there’s Monastiraki, which is less touristy than Plaka but has a similar vibe. It’s an excellent area for shopping, dining, and nightlife centered around the sprawling Monastiraki Flea Market and with the shopping street Ermou stretching fully across it. Though the area is busy all through the day, Monastiraki comes alive at night when its sidewalk cafes and rooftop bars open up, many offering stunning views of the Parthenon.
Finally, you can also stay in Psirri. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, you can find neoclassical houses that have been renovated and converted into hotels, galleries, taverns, cafés, clubs, and bars, many with live music. Street art and elaborate murals cover many buildings here, and several small shops sell vintage clothes, local spices, vinyl records, original artwork, and much more. It’s also home to some of the cheapest hostels in Athens.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Athens
- Kotopoula Valsamakis – This gastronomic treasure serves as a popular meeting spot in Kolonaki. It has been in operation since 1963 and has become famous among local residents for its signature dish, which is a chicken roasted on a spit. While here, you should also try the friend chicken with hand-cut potatoes as well as the chicken skewers.
- Klimataria – This classic taverna is renowned not only for its tasty, traditional Greek dishes, but also for its music, as Markos Vamvakaris, the most influential rebetiko musician, used to play here with his orchestra. Among its menus, our favorites include the rustic pies, stuffed pork belly, and lamb with mashed potatoes.
- Folia – This is an Afghan eatery that places importance on creating an inviting and inclusive atmosphere. Some of the favorites include dishes like coucou (potato balls) and madou (dough balls with chicken and herb stuffing) with raki or ouzo.
Recommended Activities in Athens
- Athens: Guided Urban Street-Art Tour – Join this tour to explore the urban culture of Athens! Along with other travelers, you’ll visit the best murals and the work of the city’s most famous street artists. This is the perfect introduction to the surprising and bustling street-art scene of Athens.
- Athens: Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket – Save time and money during your time in Athens with a pre-booked combo ticket that gives you skip-the-line access to seven of Athens’ top archaeological sites! They include the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora.
- Athens: Electric Bike Tour – Calling all healthy lifestyle enthusiasts! Explore the city of Athens on an e-bike. Beat the uphills and avoid sweat while riding a comfortable electric bike in a small-group tour. See all major landmarks of Athens and cycle in off-the-beaten-path routes!
