Hotel
Hotel Grande Bretagne
The grande dame of Athens hotels, on Syntagma Square since 1874, with 320 rooms, a celebrated roof garden facing the Acropolis and a spa.
Athens Backpackers
Greece's first modern hostel, opened in 2003 near the Acropolis Museum, with capsule beds, studios and a rooftop bar facing the Acropolis.
At a glance
- Type
- Hostel
- Area
- Makrygianni, Athens, Greece
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- backpackers.gr
Good to know
- Rooftop bar with Acropolis view
- Free breakfast
- Capsule beds
- Studios and apartments
- 24-hour laundry
- Luggage storage
Why we recommend it
Athens Backpackers describes itself as Greece's first real hostel, and since 2003 it has been a fixture on Makri Street in Makrygianni, a short walk from the Acropolis Museum and the southern entrance to the Acropolis. Over the years it has grown into a small group of places to stay and eat, with sleeping options at a range of price points, from capsule beds to studios and apartments.
The capsule beds are the budget option, giving more privacy than a traditional bunk at a hostel price. For those who want their own space, the studios and apartments offer self-contained accommodation while still giving access to the hostel's social side. The owners also run Stone Eco Villas on the island of Syros, which some guests combine with a stay in Athens.
The social heart of the place is Sunnies Roof Bar and Garden, which serves cocktails with views of the Acropolis, and it is one of the main reasons people choose to stay here. There is also the Athens Sports Bar, a meze bar called The Local, and Bullseye Premium Burgers. Booking directly brings perks such as free breakfast, a free welcome drink and a discount at the restaurant. Practical services include 24-hour luggage storage, 24-hour laundry and a help desk for printing, internet and travel advice.
The hostel suits solo travellers, backpackers and young groups who want a sociable atmosphere close to the sights. With its bars on site, it can be lively in the evenings, so light sleepers may prefer a studio or apartment rather than a capsule. Book early in summer, when beds fill quickly.
The location in Makrygianni is excellent for sightseeing. Akropoli metro station on Line 2, the Acropolis Museum and the pedestrian avenue of Dionysiou Areopagitou are all a few minutes away, and Plaka's lanes begin just to the north. Koukaki's cafés and tavernas are a short walk south, and Syntagma Square, with direct metro trains to the airport, is about 15 minutes on foot. Direct bookings also carry a cheapest-price guarantee, and the help desk can advise on onward travel to the islands and beyond.
Athens Backpackers FAQs
When did Athens Backpackers open?
In 2003; it describes itself as Greece's first real hostel.
What accommodation is available?
Capsule beds, studios and apartments.
Is there a rooftop bar?
Yes, Sunnies Roof Bar and Garden, with views of the Acropolis.
Is breakfast included?
Free breakfast is offered when booking directly.
What other facilities are there?
24-hour luggage storage and laundry, a help desk, and several bars and eateries.
Where is it?
At 12 Makri Street in Makrygianni, near the Acropolis Museum.
How do I get there?
Akropoli metro station on Line 2 is a few minutes' walk away.