The most popular hostel in Athens, just a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis. The famous rooftop bar with Acropolis views is a social hub for travellers. Clean dorms and private rooms available. A landmark of the budget Athens scene.
Athens Backpackers is widely regarded as the best-known hostel in Athens, established at Makri 12 in the Makrygianni neighbourhood — a five-minute walk from the Acropolis entrance and a similar distance from the Acropolis Museum. The property has operated for many years as a landmark of the Athens budget travel scene, combining a lively social atmosphere and practical facilities with a location that rivals far more expensive hotels in the city.
The accommodation mix includes dormitory beds in shared rooms of varying sizes as well as a selection of private rooms for those seeking more space while retaining access to the hostel's social infrastructure. Dorms are clean, with secure lockers for valuables. Air conditioning keeps rooms comfortable during the long Athenian summer, and free wi-fi is available throughout the property.
The hostel's defining feature is its rooftop bar and terrace, which directly faces the Acropolis and delivers arguably the most dramatic and accessible Acropolis view of any accommodation in Athens at this price point. The bar serves cold drinks, snacks, and cocktails and functions as a social hub for travellers from late afternoon through the late evening. It is a natural gathering point for independent travellers exploring Athens for the first time.
A communal kitchen allows guests to self-cater, reducing food costs significantly during longer stays. A tours desk assists with booking day trips to Delphi, Meteora, Cape Sounion, and the Greek islands — popular excursions for visitors using Athens as a base for wider Attica and Greece exploration. Laundry facilities and luggage storage are also available on site.
The Makrygianni location is excellent: the Acropolis Museum is four minutes on foot, the Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade runs directly past the end of the street, and Acropolis metro station on Line 2 is a five-minute walk, connecting the hostel to Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Piraeus port. The neighbourhood is quieter and more residential than Monastiraki, offering a calmer setting close to the city's main ancient sites.
Amenities
- rooftop bar
- wifi
- communal kitchen
- lockers
- tours desk
Location
Makri 12, Makrygianni, Athens 117 42
37.9704, 23.7261 View on map
Highlights
- Famous rooftop bar with direct Acropolis views at budget-friendly prices
- Five-minute walk from the Acropolis entrance and four minutes from the Acropolis Museum
- Lively social atmosphere with dorms, private rooms, communal kitchen, and tours desk
- Acropolis metro station (Line 2) five minutes on foot for connections across Athens
- Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and secure lockers for long-stay and transiting travellers
Tips for visiting
- The rooftop bar fills quickly in the evening — arrive before sunset to secure a spot with the clearest Acropolis view
- The communal kitchen is well-equipped; shopping at nearby supermarkets cuts costs significantly for stays of three or more nights
- Book dorm beds well ahead for July and August — the hostel is one of the most popular in Athens and fills weeks in advance
- Acropolis metro (Line 2) is five minutes away; a daily travel pass covers unlimited rides and is worthwhile for heavy sightseeing days
- The tours desk can arrange early-morning departures to Delphi or Cape Sounion — book the day before to guarantee a place
Accessibility
Athens Backpackers is a multi-floor hostel and a lift may not serve all levels. Travellers with mobility requirements should contact the hostel before booking to confirm that the facilities and room layout are suitable for their needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Athens Backpackers have private rooms?
Yes — alongside dormitory beds, the hostel offers a selection of private rooms. These book up quickly, especially in summer, so advance reservation is strongly advised.
Is there a curfew at Athens Backpackers?
There is no overnight curfew and the hostel operates 24-hour reception, allowing guests to arrive and depart at any hour without restriction.
How close is Athens Backpackers to the Acropolis?
The Acropolis entrance is approximately a five-minute walk from the hostel. The Acropolis Museum is four minutes in the opposite direction along Dionysiou Areopagitou.
Is breakfast available at Athens Backpackers?
Breakfast is not typically included in the rate. A communal kitchen is available for self-catering, and numerous cafés and bakeries are within a short walk on Dionysiou Areopagitou.
Can the hostel arrange tours and day trips?
Yes — the tours desk can book day excursions to popular Attica and wider Greek destinations including Cape Sounion, Delphi, Epidaurus, and ferry day trips to nearby Saronic islands.