Best Hostels in Athens: Ultimate Guide to Budget Stays, Prices & Neighbourhoods

Athens is the capital city of Greece and one of the top-visited destinations in Europe for budget travellers. Hostels in Athens are budget-friendly accommodations that blend affordability with a vibrant social atmosphere, thereby making them ideal for travellers seeking both comfort and cultural immersion. Whether you wish to explore the party vibes in the rooftop bars or the peaceful corners, budget accommodation in Athens helps you plan your vacation without breaking the bank. This Athens hostel guide reveals the best hostels in Athens across different neighbourhoods and insider tips to make your stay unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

• Athens hostels offer exceptional value with dorm beds averaging Rs. 1,300–1,900 per night and private rooms from Rs. 3,400–6,800, making extended European travel affordable.
• Location matters for your experience: Monastiraki and Psyri offer central access and nightlife, while Koukaki and Plaka provide quieter, more local atmospheres.
• Book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (June–September) when prices increase 20–30% and the best hostels fill quickly.
• Top picks include Athens Hub for boutique comfort, Athens Backpackers for solo travellers, and City Circus for design-focused stays—all with rooftop bars and Acropolis views.
• Essential amenities to verify: Air conditioning (critical May–September), secure lockers with PIN codes, fully-equipped kitchens, and 24-hour reception for late arrivals.

Best Neighbourhoods in Athens for Hostel Stays

Psyri – Best Area for Nightlife & Creative Culture

Psyri buzzes with artistic energy and nightlife. This neighbourhood features street art murals, craft beer bars and avant-garde theatres. Hostels are located in the Monastiraki Square, Syntagma Square and the picturesque Plaka neighbourhood. The area attracts younger travellers seeking social atmospheres and late-night entertainment. 

Monastiraki – Top Choice for Sightseeing & Metro Access

Monastiraki serves as one of the best Athens hostel neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood offers incredible convenience with metro connections and has a number of attractions that make it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the views.

Plaka – Best for Traditional Charm Near the Acropolis

Plaka represents old Athens at its most romantic form. The neighbourhood features neoclassical houses with pedestrian streets winding between the bars, clubs and shops.

Koukaki – Local, Relaxed & Close to Major Attractions

Koukaki offers a secluded atmosphere with fewer tourists and features cafes and family-run tavernas that serve traditional meals at local prices.

Top-Rated Hostels in Athens for Every Travel Style

Athens Hub Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Athens

The Athens Hub is a historic building in Psyri that has been transformed into a boutique hostel. This budget accommodation in Athens offers designer rooms and a rooftop terrace, which feels more luxurious than budget. 

• Location: Psyri 
• Rooms: Starting at Rs. 2,550/night 

Athens Backpackers – Best Hostel in Athens for Solo Travellers

Athens Backpackers is a budget hostel that attracts travellers seeking social connections rather than those preferring solitude. This legendary hostel organises a plethora of events and features a two-level rooftop bar that provides stunning views of the Acropolis.

• Location: Koukaki
• Rooms: Starting at Rs. 1,700/night

Athens Hawks Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Athens

Athens Hawks delivers non-stop energy with its famous rooftop bar overlooking the city. Every guest gets a free welcome shot upon arrival, and the rooftop bar brings people from all around the world together.

• Location: Omonia 
• Room: Starting at Rs. 1,700/night

Bedbox Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads

Bedbox ranks among the best hostels in Athens and caters to remote workers seeking comfort and productivity. This modern hostel balances work-friendly amenities with social opportunities, with its bar and restaurants.

• Location: Neos Kosmos
• Room: Staring at Rs. 2,100/night 

City Circus Athens – Best Boutique & Design Hostel

City Circus is the only five-star hostel in Athens. The hostel runs on a standard neoclassical building with retro furniture, vintage antiques and local wall art. 

• Location: Monastiraki 
• Room: Rs. 2,300/night

Quick Comparison: Best Hostels in Athens at a Glance

Hostel	Location	Rooms Starting Prices	Best Feature
Athens Hub	Psyri	Rs. 2,600	Boutique quality
Athens Backpackers	Koukaki	Rs. 1,700	Daily social activities
Athens Hawks	Near Omonia	Rs. 1,700	Rooftop party bar
Bedbox	Neos Kosmos	Rs. 2,100	Workspace & WiFi
City Circus	Monastiraki	Rs. 2,300	Design & culture

Athens Hostel Prices: Complete Budget Breakdown

Dorm Bed Pricing (Per Person, Per Night)

Dorm Size	Low Season(Nov-Mar)	Shoulder Season(Apr-May, Oct)	Peak Season(Jun-Sep)
8-12 beds	Rs. 1,100-1,400	Rs. 1,300-1,700	Rs. 1,600-2,100
4-6 beds	Rs. 1,400-1,800	Rs. 1,600-2,100	Rs. 1,900-2,550
Female-only	Rs. 1,500-1,900	Rs. 1,700-2,200	Rs. 2,100-2,700

Private Room Pricing (Per Room, Per Night)

Room Type	Low Season	Shoulder Season	Peak Season
Double, shared bathroom	Rs. 3,000-4,000	Rs. 3,400-5,100	Rs. 4,200-6,400
Double, ensuite bathroom	Rs. 3,800-5,500	Rs. 4,500-7,000	Rs. 6,000-9,000
Twin/Triple, ensuite	Rs. 5,000-7,000	Rs. 6,000-9,000	Rs. 7,000-10,000

Sample Daily Budget for Staying in Hostels in Athens

Category	Budget Backpacker	Moderate Traveler
Accommodation	Rs. 1,600 (dorm)	Rs. 2,600 (private room)
Food	Rs. 1,200	Rs. 2,100
Transport	Rs. 430	Ts. 700
Activities	Rs. 900	Rs. 1,700
Total per day	Rs. 4,075/day	Rs. 7,030/day

How to Book Hostels in Athens: Tips, Timing & Money-Saving Advice

When to Book Your Athens Hostel

• Book at least two weeks ahead during peak season (July and August).
• Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer more flexibility but popular hostels still need advance booking. 
• Winter (November-March) provides excellent deals.

Reading Reviews

Focus on Athens hostel reviews to match your travel style. 

Understanding Athens Hostel Cancellation Policies 

• Standard free cancellation policies require cancellation 24–48 hours before arrival. 
• Booking platforms offer more flexible terms than direct bookings.

Getting from Athens Airport to Your Hostel

The Athens International Airport sits 33 kilometres away from the city centre. The metro, suburban railway, and bus services offer multiple budget options and connections between the airport and Athens hostel neighbourhoods.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Hostel in Athens for Your Trip

The best hostels in Athens offer exceptional value for travellers seeking an authentic Greek experience without breaking the bank. Athens backpacker hostels combine affordable prices with excellent facilities and vibrant social scenes. Whether you are planning to experience boutique comfort, peaceful productivity or maximum budget savings, this Athens hostel guide covers excellent options across different neighbourhoods. Plan your Athens Vacation by choosing the best hostels with Pickyourtrail’s all-customisable Athens Tour Packages. Our travel professionals will help you curate your perfect itinerary based on your budget and travel style. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hostels in Athens

What is the average cost of hostels in Athens?

Dorm beds in Athens hostels average Rs. 1,600 per night, while private rooms start around Rs. 2,100. Budget hostels can cost as low as Rs. 1,100 per night for larger dorms, while boutique hostels may charge Rs. 2,500 or more. Prices increase 20 to 30 per cent during summer peak season and on weekends.

Which area has the best hostels in Athens?

Psyri and Monastiraki offer the most hostel options with excellent access to attractions, nightlife and metro connections. Plaka provides a charming atmosphere beneath the Acropolis but costs slightly more. Koukaki delivers authentic neighbourhood vibes with lower prices while maintaining proximity to major sites. 

Do Athens hostels have air conditioning?

Most Athens hostels include air conditioning in both dorms and private rooms, essential during hot summer months. Always confirm AC availability when booking, as some budget hostels provide only fans. 

Are Athens hostels safe for solo female travellers?

Athens hostels maintain high safety standards with secure lockers, key-card access and 24-hour reception. Many offer female-only dorms providing additional comfort. The city itself proves very safe for solo travellers, with Athens’ hostel community known for a welcoming atmosphere and looking out for guests.

How far are hostels from the Acropolis?

Most central Athens hostels sit within 15 to 30 minutes walking distance of the Acropolis. Monastiraki and Plaka hostels offer the closest access, while Psyri and Koukaki neighbourhoods require slightly longer walks. The compact historic centre makes reaching major attractions easy from any central hostel location.

Do Athens hostels offer free breakfast?

Some Athens hostels include complimentary breakfast featuring Greek yoghurt, bread, fruit, coffee and tea. Many hostels feature communal kitchens where you can prepare your own breakfast, saving money while enjoying fresh ingredients from local markets.