Once the heart of Ancient Greece, Athens has continued its legacy as the capital of Modern Greece since 1833. Athens city has a population of around 665,000 people, and lies inland from the Saronic Gulf, close to the centre of Attica peninsula.
Acropolis views and sociable roof terrace bars are a common feature within Athens’ hostels, so see the sights with a beer and new backpacking friends. There are plenty of free breakfasts available so fuel-up before exploring, and pick a private room or air-conditioned dorm to ensure a sound night’s sleep. Stay in a mansion, a restored neoclassical manor or a stylish studio. Many hostels in Athens have affordable cafes, restaurants and bars – with plenty of opportunity to try local dishes like Moussaka, Dolmades and Baklava. There’s so much choice, so pick an Athens hostel that suits you, your budget and your travel plans. Read about the best hostels in Athens on our blog.
The majority of the hostels in Athens are located northwest of the National Garden; an ideal, central location to have the best of Athens’ culture and history, shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs within walking distance. It’s also a great spot for transport links!
There are a couple obvious things that you MUST do when in Athens such as visiting the historically significant structures in the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (all a short walk away from one another). You should also take the time to view some of the amazing museums given the city’s rich history, the Byzantine & Christian Museum is a favourite! Greece is also famous for its food, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for the different little street food spots. For a cultural (and sensory!) experience, head to Athens Central Market and pick up some ingredients to cook up in your hostel kitchen and save some money. Looking to relax? Go to one of the Greek cafes, order a Greek coffee, and take part in a nice, long, Greek-style coffee break.
Athens has many different transport options that include city buses, electric trolley-buses, the Athens Metro, Athens Tram, and Athens Suburban railway. The suburban railway, metro, and bus services are all connected to Athens International Airport. The tram connects the city centre to the southern seaside; and if you’re looking to go even further there are KTEL buses and Greek railways to get you out of the city.
