Social hostel in Psyrri neighborhood with rooftop bar, common areas, and organized activities. Clean dorms and private rooms at unbeatable prices.
Athens Backpackers is a consistently well-rated hostel located in the Makriyianni neighbourhood, just south of the Acropolis hill and a short walk from the Acropolis Museum, the pedestrian promenade of Dionysiou Areopagitou, and the Akropoli metro station on Line 2. The address on Makri Street puts guests within 15 minutes on foot of Syntagma Square, Plaka, and the Monastiraki flea market.
The hostel has established a strong reputation as one of the most social and well-organised budget properties in Athens. Accommodation spans mixed dormitories in various sizes — ranging from four to ten beds — and a limited number of private double and twin rooms, all with air conditioning and access to shared shower and bathroom facilities. Lockers are provided in dormitories for luggage and valuables.
The signature feature is the rooftop bar, which offers panoramic views over Athens and a clear sightline to the Acropolis. The bar operates through the summer season and hosts regular social events, including free walking tour briefings, themed nights, and meet-and-greet sessions for newly arrived guests.
Free walking tours are a major draw: trained local guides lead three-hour city introductions departing from the hostel daily, covering Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, and the main archaeological sites with no booking fee and a tip-based payment model. The hostel also facilitates coordination for day trips to Cape Sounion, Delphi, and ferry connections to the Greek islands.
A shared common kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals, helping manage costs in a city where restaurant prices in popular tourist zones have risen considerably. The 24-hour reception desk handles luggage storage, island ferry booking assistance, and information on Athens nightlife and cultural events. Wi-Fi coverage extends throughout the property including the rooftop area.
Amenities
- rooftop bar
- common kitchen
- free walking tours
- lockers
- air conditioning
- free WiFi
- 24-hour reception
Location
12 Makri, Athens 117 42, Greece
37.9722, 23.7250 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop bar with Acropolis and panoramic Athens views, open seasonally
- Free daily walking tours covering Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma
- Five-minute walk from the Acropolis Museum and Akropoli metro station
- Social atmosphere with organised events, themed nights, and traveller meet-ups
- Budget-friendly pricing with mixed dorms and private rooms available
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at the rooftop bar early on summer weekends — it fills quickly in July and August.
- Book dormitory beds at least two weeks ahead for peak summer months; the hostel fills rapidly.
- The free walking tour is an excellent first-morning activity — it covers the key sites and gives geographic orientation across the city.
- Bring a padlock for the dormitory lockers, as they are not provided by the hostel.
- The neighbourhood is quiet at night; taxis to the Gazi and Psyrri areas for nightlife are inexpensive and available outside the hostel.
Accessibility
The hostel occupies a multi-storey building without a passenger lift; dormitories and private rooms are accessed via stairs. The property is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The surrounding Makriyianni neighbourhood includes sloped pathways toward the Acropolis hill.
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Frequently asked questions
Are private rooms available at Athens Backpackers?
Yes. A limited number of private double and twin rooms are available alongside the dormitories. Private rooms should be reserved well in advance as they are fewer in number and popular with couples and solo travellers wanting more privacy.
Does the hostel include breakfast?
Athens Backpackers does not include a standard breakfast in the room rate. A common kitchen is available for self-catering. Several cafés and a small supermarket are within two minutes on foot of the hostel.
What is the minimum age to stay at Athens Backpackers?
Guests must typically be 18 or older to stay in dormitory rooms. Those younger than 18 may stay in private rooms when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Contact the hostel directly to confirm the current policy.