Athens is not just the gateway to the stunning Greek islands, but it’s a worthy destination in its own right — brimming with culture and history.
Before you visit Athens, make sure you know what to expect, as it’s mostly a modern city with a small historical core. However, there are numerous things to do in Athens that will make it worth staying at least a few nights before heading deeper into Greece.
Choosing the right hostel will ensure your trip to Greece will kick off in the right way. To help you out, we’ve picked five of the best hostels in Athens.
Nubian Hostel Athens
Great for backpackers and solo travelers
Located in Exarchia, Athens’ alternative neighborhood
Artistic and colorful ambience
This gorgeous and artsy hostel is housed in a fully-renovated building dating back to 1936. You can choose from a variety of accommodation, including dormitory and private rooms, or female-only rooms. This is a great option for solo female travelers, but also for families that want to book a full room for themselves.
The Nubian Hostel has a free breakfast included in the price as well. But access to the shared kitchenette area also allows you to cook your own food, which is a great plus for budget travellers.
The rooms are quiet, the shared areas are comfy, and the patio is perfect for relaxation and chatting with other travelers. You can have a coffee in the garden every morning, or read a book in the shared living room in the evening, surrounded by cozy furniture and friendly travelers.
When you decide to explore the city you can do it on foot, as all the attractions are a maximum of half an hour’s walk from the hostel. You will be close to Mount Lycabettus, from where you can get epic views of the city.
Selina Athens Theatrou
Centrally located, walking distance from Monastiraki Square
Rooftop views of the Acropolis
Free co-working office
Best premium/boutique hostel
If you love having a good view when you drink your morning coffee look no further than this hostel. The rooftop terrace offers some of the best views of Athens, including a stunning panoramic view of the Acropolis.
Selina is a worldwide chain of hostels that renovates existing properties with sustainable methods. Although they have less of a ‘budget traveller vibe’, I love the consistency of what they offer. If you want a hostel with more modern facilities, don’t hesitate to stay at this Selina.
It’s a friendly place offering yoga classes, parties, and a co-working office, making it a perfect place for a longer stay and meeting fellow travelers.
The Selina Athens Theatrou is located on the plaza where the city’s first theater was built in 1838. This area was the core of the city’s cultural scene for decades.
Athens Studios
Located in Koukaki, a charming area on the slopes of the Acropolis
Includes a Sports Bar + Quiz & Karaoke Nights
Best for parties & atmosphere
Lonely Planet recognized Athens Studios as travelers’ choice in 2019 because of its great facilities. You will find everything in one place here, from the laundry room to the shared living room, kitchen, sports bar, cafe, and so much more.
There is a variety of beds, rooms, studios, and apartments to choose from. All of the rooms are self-contained, with private bathrooms and balconies. The rooms have a modern minimalistic style that is both useful and cozy.
In The Athens Sports Bar, you can get inexpensive beers, wines, mixers, and delectable cocktails. Quiz Night on Mondays and Karaoke on Thursdays are so much fun, and a great opportunity to relax and meet new people.
When in Athens Hostel
Clean and beautiful hostel close to the tourist center
Newly opened in 2022 with modern facilities
Local and owner-run for amazing hospitality
This beautiful and modern hostel is a good value for the price. You will be situated in the center of Athens, close to all the attractions like the National Archaeological Museum of Athens or Omonia Square. If you want to walk to the Acropolis, it takes about half an hour.
It is a boutique hostel in a gorgeous freshly renovated historic building that is a combination of two different times. High ceiling rooms are equipped with air conditioning, heaters, anatomic mattresses, a mirror, and more.
Bathrooms are shared but divided by gender. You can also get an iron and a hairdryer upon request. Each bed has a bedside shelf, a reading lamp, power outlets, and a personal locker for belongings.
Athens Quinta
Traditional and luxurious
Home away from home
Great location
The beauty of this hostel is in its luxurious furniture, retro kitchen, and cozy bedrooms. You will feel at home while staying in the city center minutes from any popular landmark, cafe, and restaurant.
The Athens Quinta Hostel is a lovely freshly renovated neoclassical mansion located in one of Athens’ most intriguing and hip areas. Bunk beds with lockers and double bedrooms with closets are available, all of which have views of the front promenade or the gorgeous outdoor yard.
The hostel has a shared kitchen, living room, laundry room, and a yard, and the entire building is air-conditioned and has free WiFi. If you want to stay in and meet other travelers check out movie nights, short excursions, traditional Greek breakfast, and more.
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Posted JUN 10, 2022 (Updated Jun 10, 2022)