Athens Backpackers
The original Athens backpacker institution, with the best Acropolis view in town
Wonderful
2,370 reviews
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Compare prices for Athens Backpackers in Athens
69%
Solo travelers
85%
Would stay again
83%
Made friends here
2 nights
Avg. stay
Our Honest Take
From the Hostelpedia team. No BS, just real advice
Athens Backpackers trades on one thing no other hostel has: that rooftop view. Watching the Parthenon light up at sunset from the bar with a cold Mythos in hand is a top-five Athens moment. The hostel itself is functional rather than design-forward. Beds are fine, bathrooms are clean, and the staff run solid events. But you are paying for the location and the view. At €22 it is not the cheapest bed in Athens, but the Makrigianni address and the Acropolis views justify the premium. Compared to City Circus and Hub, it has a scrappier, more backpacker-raw energy. Tip: the Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street right outside is the most beautiful walk in Athens, especially after dark.
🎯 Insider Tips
- 1Get to the rooftop bar by sunset. The Acropolis lit up at dusk is unforgettable.
- 2Walk the Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street after dark. It connects the Acropolis Museum to Thissio.
- 3Acropolis metro is 1 minute away. Take Line 2 to Syntagma for the changing of the guard.
- 4Skip Plaka restaurants for dinner. Walk 5 minutes south into Koukaki for better value.
🔥 Why We Love It
Rooftop bar with the best Acropolis view of any hostel in Athens
1-minute walk to Acropolis metro station
Full social program: bar crawls, live music, karaoke, happy hour
Legendary hostel operating since the early 2000s
Wheelchair accessible with elevator
📖 The Full Story
Athens Backpackers is the city's longest-running hostel, operating since the early 2000s on Makri Street in Makrigianni. The location is staggering: one minute from Acropolis metro station and directly beneath the Acropolis itself. The seasonal rooftop bar has unobstructed views of the Parthenon that no other hostel in Athens can match.
The hostel runs a full social program: bar crawls, walking tours, happy hours, live music nights, karaoke, and live sports broadcasts. The rooftop bar is the social epicenter, especially during sunset when the Acropolis lights up. Breakfast is available (paid) and reviewers consistently praise the quality.
The building has been renovated but retains the backpacker ethos: functional beds, shared kitchen, elevator access, and marble floors. A/C, soundproofing, and 24-hour security are standard. The hostel is fully wheelchair accessible.
Makrigianni sits between Plaka (tourist cobblestones) and Koukaki (local tavernas), giving you the best of both. The pedestrian Dionysiou Areopagitou walkway runs directly past, connecting the Acropolis Museum to the Ancient Agora.
✨ The Vibes
💬 What Travelers Say
Manxtiger
🇬🇧 United Kingdom · 2026-03
“Exceptional position a minute's walk from Acropolis Metro station with close views of the Acropolis. Great, basic breakfast and friendly staff.”
Kanrogu
🇨🇴 Colombia · 2026-02
“We liked the place. It was so close to the Acropolis and many places to go walking. The breakfast was amazing and the rooftop views incredible.”
Viktorie
🇨🇿 Czech Republic · 2026-01
“Staff was very friendly and helpful, breakfast amazing, great facilities. The rooftop bar at sunset is a must.”
📍 What's Nearby
Acropolis
5 min walk
Acropolis Metro
1 min walk
Acropolis Museum
3 min walk
Plaka
5 min walk
Dionysiou Areopagitou Walk
1 min walk
Koukaki Tavernas
5 min walk
📋 House Rules
- •Check-in from 2:00 PM to midnight, check-out by 10:30 AM
- •No smoking indoors
- •Quiet hours 11 PM - 8 AM
- •Rooftop bar has seasonal hours
- •Photo ID required at check-in
From
€22/night
Compare prices across booking sites
Room Types
Mixed Dorm (8-bed)
€22
Dorm with A/C, locker, and Acropolis views from the building.
8
Mixed Dorm (4-bed)
€30
Smaller dorm with marble floors and rooftop access.
4
Private Double
€65
Private room with A/C, private bathroom, and city views.
2
🏠 Amenities
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Don't sleep on this one
Athens Backpackers is one of the most popular hostels in Athens. Beds fill up fast, especially during peak season. Lock in your dates now.
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