Athens Backpackers
The original Athens backpacker institution, with the best Acropolis view in town
Athens' most iconic backpacker hostel, a stone's throw from the Acropolis in Makrigianni with a seasonal rooftop bar offering direct Acropolis views, bar crawls, walking tours, happy hour, and live music. Operating since the early 2000s.
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.
- 01Rooftop bar with the best Acropolis view of any hostel in Athens
- 021-minute walk to Acropolis metro station
- 03Full social program: bar crawls, live music, karaoke, happy hour
- 04Legendary hostel operating since the early 2000s
- 05Wheelchair accessible with elevator
- Rooftop bar with direct Acropolis views
- 1 minute from Acropolis metro station
- Bar crawls, live music, happy hour, karaoke
- Legendary Athens hostel since the early 2000s
“Exceptional position a minute's walk from Acropolis Metro station with close views of the Acropolis. Great, basic breakfast and friendly staff.”
“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.”
“Staff was very friendly and helpful, breakfast amazing, great facilities. The rooftop bar at sunset is a must.”
- Acropolis5 min walk
- Acropolis Metro1 min walk
- Acropolis Museum3 min walk
- Plaka5 min walk
- Dionysiou Areopagitou Walk1 min walk
- Koukaki Tavernas5 min walk
