The Best Hostels in Athens for Backpackers

Nestled into a neighbourhood of bars and restaurants, 200m (656ft) from Ermou Street in the centre of Athens, Mosaikon Hostel is ideal for night owls. You can choose from private double rooms with or without a balcony, and spacious female, mixed and male dorms sleeping four, six or eight. All rooms are air conditioned and soundproofed, and the comfy bunks are made of solid oak. Facilities include a lift, shared kitchen, lockers and free wifi.

Partygoers will love Athens Hawks Hostel, near Omonia Square. The hostel has private dorm-style four-bed and double rooms, and mixed 10-bunk dorms. All are air conditioned and have hardwood floors, adding to the hostel’s neat and clean look. There’s also an on-site bar, terrace, shared kitchen and lounge with couches and a pool table. The hostel even organises walking tours and cooking classes.

Culture buffs will get their money’s worth at this intimate hostel in Exarcheia. It’s close to the Byzantine and Christian Museum and sits on a residential street in a vibrant neighbourhood, home to students, older-generation Athenians and artists. Fitted out with herringbone parquet floors, Nubian Hostel has double and twin rooms, plus mixed and female dorms sleeping four or six. The communal area centres around the back garden and lounge, and the wacky colour scheme of turquoise and yellow blends well with the hostel’s modern surroundings.

Steps from Omonia station and only 750m (2,461ft) from the superb National Archaeological Museum of Athens – a trove of antiquity artefacts – the low-key Orpheus is perfect for budget-conscious history buffs. It has an apartment block feel, with balconies, a lift, an on-site ATM and bold black-and-white decor. The rooms are neat and clean, featuring parquet-like wall coverings, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, wifi, fridge and hangers. Twin, double and triple rooms are all available. You’ll also find mixed dorms with five single beds and one sofa bed.

Close to the flea market and shops in the centre of Athens, the residential-style, pastel-yellow Zeus Hostel is a top stay for keen shoppers. The decor is on the wacky side, with Greek myth-inspired murals and a startlingly bold chartreuse and orange colour scheme. Choose from private double and twin rooms, or female and mixed bunk dorms sleeping four. Want to explore further afield than the terrace? The owners are happy to give tips, and convenient bus stops are nearby.

Welcommon Hostel is a great pick for gregarious travellers, with social and cultural activities on offer such as painting, shadow puppet classes and cultural tours. It’s also close to the Acropolis and within walking distance of the National Theatre of Greece. Facilities here include an on-site bar, lounge, shared kitchen, kids’ playground and terrace overlooking the city. All rooms are air conditioned and wheelchair-accessible, and range from private rooms with a balcony to eight-bunk dorms. Wifi and breakfast are included in the price.

Just a mile or so from the Acropolis, and less than a 10-minute walk from the marble Olympic Panathenaic Stadium, fans of sports and history (and especially sporting history) will love this family-run hostel. The staff are super-helpful and friendly. The atmosphere is personable, but on-site student parties are banned after 11pm. The comfy five- and eight-bunk mixed dorms come with fans and free wifi. Facilities include a terrace, lounge, kitchen, table games and tour desk; 24-hour check-in is possible.