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Athens is one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
Boasting stunning historical sites like the millennia-old Acropolis, delicious (and affordable) food, and a growing cocktail bar scene, Athens is a sprawling city popular with backpackers, foodies, and history buffs alike.
But as the city is quite spread out, choosing the right hostel in the right place can make or break your stay.
Here are four things you should remember before choosing a hostel in Athens:
- location Athena is great. Choosing a hostel in a location where you want to be based is essential.
- price Like anywhere else, you get what you pay for. If you choose a really cheap hostel, you’ll likely end up with a hostel that’s small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
- means of comfort – Every hostel in town has free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many – but not all – include a free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
- Work crew – All of the lodges listed here have great staff who are very friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up the reviews so you know you’ll have helpful and friendly staff.
Here is a list of the best hostels in Athens to help you plan your trip and save money. If you don’t feel like reading the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:
Best hostel for budget travellers: Bagration Hostel
Best party hostel: Athena Hawkes
Best hostel for solo travellers: Athena Backpackers
Best hostel for couples: Athena Studios Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers: Athens Hope Hostel
Best hostel for nomads: BedBox
Best all inclusive hostel: Athena Backpackers
Want details of each hostel? Here’s a breakdown of the best hostels in Athens and why I love them:
Price legend (per night)
- $ = less than 20 euros
- $$ = 20-30 euros
- $$$ = more than 30 euros
1. Bagration Hostel
This family run hostel is one of the most affordable hostels in town. The beds in bedrooms five and eight are very basic (no curtains or individual outlets) and I think the mattresses are a bit thin. All rooms have individual lockers and the bathrooms are large and clean. It’s basic but cheap!
The hostel also has washing machines, a common room with board games where you can usually find other travelers hanging out, and a large kitchen to cook your own meals. It’s a good hostel to meet other travelers and one of the best cheap hotels in town.
About Bagration Hostel:
- $
- And very affordable
- Lively common room with board games
- Central location in Pangrati
Bed from 12 euros per night.
2. Athens Hawks Inn
If you are looking to party, this is the hostel for you. There is a noisy bar on the ground floor and an even more noisy rooftop bar (with a great view of the city). The inn also offers a pub crawl. And this pub crawl gets tough: You get unlimited beer and sangria for one hour, and free shots along the way.
The lodge itself is also nice. Each sleeper has privacy curtains, a thick mattress, and power outlets. You have a little cubby to snooze in. The bathrooms are also very clean.
About Athena Hawks:
- $$
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Active common room with billiards and games
- Free “welcome shot” upon check-in
Beds from €25 per night, private rooms from €70.
3. Athena Backpackers
Located in the shadow of the Acropolis, Athens Backpackers is a very social accommodation option. The hostel organizes a plethora of events, from daily guided walks to happy hours to karaoke sessions to soup nights. If you’re traveling alone and hoping to meet fellow travelers, there’s a good chance that will happen here.
Breakfast is free, as is coffee and tea, which are available all day. The rooftop bar is a great place to watch the sunset while also enjoying a drink or two.
This Aussie-owned hostel offers pod-style beds, so you get a lot more privacy here than you would with a traditional bunk bed. The beds are also comfortable. There are also private rooms, some large enough to sleep five people.
About Athens Backpackers:
- $$
- Rooftop bar
- Free breakfast
- Lots of social events organized so it’s easy to meet people
Beds from €28 per night, private rooms from €125.
4. Athena Studios
If you like a little more privacy – for example, if you’re a traveling couple – Athens Studios is the place for you. Located near the centrally located Acropolis Museum, the property has private rooms for two and even apartments, in case you’re traveling as a family or larger group.
The hostel is also packed with fun amenities: a rooftop bar, a ground floor sports bar that’s always on the go, and an excellent restaurant serving Greek comfort food. Breakfast is free – and a good one at that – and the staff are known for being welcoming, warm and helpful.
About Athena Studios:
- $$$
- Comfortable and safe atmosphere
- Rooftop bar and ground floor sports bar
- Free breakfast
Private rooms from 140 euros.
5. Athens Hope Inn
Stylish, elegant and clean, the Athens Hub is a boutique inn in a central location. The dorm rooms are four-bed, six-bed and eight-bed and the hostel also offers a female-only dormitory. The firm, comfortable beds have privacy curtains, an electrical outlet, and a reading light. Each guest gets their own locker. The private double rooms have queen-size beds and en-suite bathrooms with showers.
The hostel is located in the hip and central area of Psiri, one of the best neighborhoods in Athens. The ground floor bar, with al fresco dining, is always a pleasant place to enjoy a coffee or beer.
About Athens Hub Hostel:
- $$$
- Stylish and comfortable surroundings
- Fun and bustling bar attached to the property
- Very friendly reception staff
Beds from €36 per night, private rooms from €90.
6. BedBox
If you need to do some work while in Athens or are a digital nomad, BedBox has fast Wi-Fi throughout the entire hostel, and the café and bar on the ground floor is a perfect place to park yourself for a few hours if you need to be productive.
The BedBox has four- and six-bed dorms, and some of the beds are double-sized, so if you’re alone, you can spread out, or if you’re traveling with a significant other, you can easily share a bed. The bunk beds have privacy curtains, reading lights, and electrical outlets so you can always be sure that your electronic devices are charged and ready to go.
BedBox at a glance:
- $$
- Spacious guest rooms
- The on-site bar is perfect for working out
- Free and fast Wi-Fi throughout the building
bed from 25 euros.
Athens is a fun and lively city – yet huge. Choosing a hostel that suits your plans, budget, and travel style is a must. Do it, and you’ll have a fun, safe, and affordable trip to one of the most iconic cities on the continent!
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Book your flight to Greece: logistical tips and tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know that no stone is left unturned!
Reserve your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld, as they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it constantly shows the cheapest prices for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I’ve never gone on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it a few times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Are you looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I include everything I use when I’m on the road. They will save you money too.
Do you want more information about Greece?
Be sure to visit our powerful Greece destination guide for more planning tips!
