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Hostel City Circus, Athens

Sarri 16, Athina 105 53, Greece (show on map)

City Circus Athens isn’t your average cookie-cutter hostel; it’s a whimsical, bohemian paradise nestled in the hip, artsy Psirri neighborhood. The hostel is housed in a gorgeous four-story, late 19th-century neoclassical mansion that sat entirely abandoned from 1970 until the founders rescued it in 2011. Officially declared a historical monument, the building stands as a beautiful example of turn-of-the-century Greek architecture.

The coolest part? The owners chose to preserve the building’s rich history while injecting serious creative energy into the space. Step inside, and you’ll find impeccably restored 100-year-old ceiling frescoes, Grecian mosaic borders, and classic wrought-iron balconies. It creates a wild, surreal vibe that feels like stepping right into a vintage circus.

The interior styling is a massive treasure hunt of European design history. It seamlessly blends customized art by local Athenian talent with an eclectic mix of retro furniture. Your common areas are decked out with 1930s chandeliers, school desks from the 50s, sleek Danish couches from the 60s, and funky, bright 70s lighting.

To top it all off, the hostel features a fantastic rooftop terrace that serves up jaw-dropping, unobstructed views of the Acropolis. Downstairs, their attached restaurant, Zampanó, serves creative Greek cuisine and draws its name and quirky inspiration from the main character of Federico Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece, La Strada.

Expert reviews

Lonely Planet review:

“It’s not the cheapest hostel going, but with its jaunty style and helpful staff, City Circus does lift the spirit more than most ultra budget lodgings.”

Telegraph review:

“Central, affordable lodgings are often bland and basic, but this hostel brims with warmth and charisma. Housed in a pair of handsome townhouses, there’s a sociable vibe in the large living room, a buzzy bistro and colourful roof terrace.”

Guest rating

4.6 out of 5.0

Ranked 6th in Athens


This an aggregated guest review rating of Hostel City Circus, Athens. We have taken customer review ratings from hotel booking sites, search engines, the official hotel website and other travel platforms. This is the average of all those ratings. We only list places that have a guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5.0


What guests liked


Value for Money

93.33 %

Ranked 2nd in Athens


We use a smart algorithm to determine the value for money each hotel offers. The score is based on a combination of aggregated guest review ratings and the average nightly rate. The higher the percentage, the better the overall value you receive for the price you pay.


Location

Recent guest reviews

5.0
Asli

27 December 2025

Homey warmth in Athens

This is my second stay at the hostel. You are greeted with a smile by the reception staff. The room and beds are spotlessly clean. The location is fantastic. Thanks to you, I have a home in Athens. Thank you.

5.0
Abigail

27 December 2025

Super clean safe and central !

The staff was so nice and community areas were great

Nothing !

4.5
Marilena

24 December 2025

Absoloutely perfect!!

The staff was so helpful with instructions and offer their time for extra information. The accomondation was really comfy and my kids enjoyed it as well.It was so close to the town centre and we felt so flex to be around! When I will visit Athens,I will book the specific place again!

No complaints at all! It was a bit noisy during the night from the street, but it's not accomondation fault. Maybe, the tv would be helpful a bit,but its not essential.

5.0
Lebzylisbeth

15 December 2025

Very good hostel in a great location

Great location, en-suite dorm, big lockers, nice lounge, great little rooftop terrace, small kichen, friendly staff.

No breakfast options on site (only coffee). The breakfast at the sister hotel was mediocre (and pricey, for what it was) but was the only option in the neighborhood before 9am. Also, there was (temporary) construction noise on the street by 7:30-8am

4.0
Alanc83

11 December 2025

Very good

Nice location and a beautifully renovated classic greek house. Area is full of restaurants and bars and all the main Athens squares reachable by foot in no more than 30 minutes.

4.5
Stefania

11 December 2025

Fabulous

Cozy artsy place, comfortable, clean, in a lively area full of street art, idiosyncratic cafes and noteworthy eateries for every taste. Also in close proximity to major sights. I will return.

Definitely need a pair of earplugs, even if you're not a light sleeper. I was there midweek during low season and the noise from the street was very annoying from time to time.

5.0
Linh

3 December 2025

Great stay in the heart of Athens

- Clean and quiet. - Strong wifi for remote work. There is quiet space for working. - Staff are very nice and helpful. - Super close to major attractions.

5.0
Markovic

29 November 2025

Exceptional

Whenever in Athens, City Circus is my first choice. Welcoming and helpful staff, clean, great location

4.5
P

24 November 2025

Beautiful hostel and good location

Beautiful building and rooms. Very good location, nearby restaurants and bars but still the street is quiet. Convenient kitchen and lobby.

5.0
Moayad

23 November 2025

Lina and all of the team are amazing

Lina and all of the team are amazing

Lina and all of the team are amazing

5.0
Moayad

23 November 2025

Lina and all of the team are amazing

Lina and all of the team are amazing

Lina and all of the team are amazing

4.5
Arzu

22 November 2025

I truly recommend this place!

Location was perfect. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Surprise treats (popcorn, movie night, wine) were very nice. Music in the lobby was always good.

It wasn't hostel's fault but during my stay, there was a road construction which started very early in the morning that made too much noise.

5.0
Ming

17 November 2025

Clean and Comfortable Rooms in Athens

Clean and comfortable room. The staff are helpful who can assist in booking tours. Restaurants are close by. Central location.

For breakfast, one needs to go to its sister property which is 4 minutes' walk away.

5.0
Lh

10 November 2025

Exceptional

Clean and cozy.

5.0
Kimberly

10 November 2025

Exceptional

First time in a mixed dorm (usually take female dorm) and everyone was kind and consideration

4.0
Athanasios

28 October 2025

Very good

Friendly staff Down Town location Nice quiet civilized guests

Maybe a little more coffee available in the mornings ?

4.5
Hillel

28 October 2025

Fabulous

I enjoyed the fully functional kitchen, the comfortable lobby with a living room vibe and the spotless facilities. The ladder rungs up to the bunk bed were wide and comfortable.

There were no curtains on the beds

4.0
Claire

27 October 2025

Very good

Perfect for a one-night stopover before heading off on the ferry. Downstairs looks like a good space for food if you wanted to cook yourselves.

Room was quite small.

4.5
Chen

26 October 2025

Fabulous

The location was incredible. The bed was comfortable. The common areas were well equipped and enjoyable.

The shower can be improved a little. Even a shelf to put soap on it can be helpful. You need to bring your own lock for the locker which is disappointing

5.0
Xue

21 October 2025

Great value and good quality

The staffs are really nice and helpful

The room is a little bit small

4.5
Jihed

8 October 2025

Fabulous

The staff were all amazing and welcoming, an amazing location right in the heart of the vibrant Psyri neighborhood, and very close to all the attractions. A nice touch of them to provide fresh lemonade for free all along the day. I love how everyday the cleaning team rearranges your sheets as this service isn't provided in other hostels unless you check out.

The room size could be a bit bigger.

5.0
Valerie

5 October 2025

Great place with reasonable fares!

We arrived late at night, a 🇫🇷group of 10, composed of 7 students and 3 teachers . The location is FANTASTIC next to the Pláka. Our dorm had a view on the Acropolis ❤️ And the staff was really really nice and helpful 🤩 I recommend it! Thanks so much!!!

Nothing!

5.0
Doğa

5 October 2025

Exceptional

It was clean and comfortable. The staff were nice and helpful. I booked female room and It was nice that the women’s bathroom was separate. Location was good.

I wish there was a plug in the bathrooms.

4.5
Pierre

29 September 2025

good place

good location

lift to go to the terrace

5.0
Shubham

24 September 2025

Exceptional

Very clean and big rooms. Very good location

5.0
Katherine

22 September 2025

Exceptional

Great place! All the staff were very nice and a really good location. Very recommended

Nothing

4.0
Ruscito

6 September 2025

Great location

Amazing location and great bathroom

Zero atmosphere for solo travellers

4.5
Hilmi

6 September 2025

Great hostel, helpful staff

The location and the facilities are good. The staff was very helpful and nice. I’d stay there again for sure!

The lobby and terrace are getting closed around 23:30. And the other room they mentioned is not having the same temperature, not feeling that nice to spend time.

5.0
Darya

31 August 2025

Exceptional

Everything was great, and the staff were very friendly

5.0
April

29 August 2025

Worth The Stay, Will Come Back Again Soon

Clean, comfortable and staff are polite and helpful especially Konstantinos and Nasia.

None

4.0
Libby

27 August 2025

A perfect spot for a couple to base themselves to explore Athens

Great location, walking distance to everything and lots of good cafes and restaurants nearby. Very cosmopolitan! Loved our little rooftop loft apartment with patio area and views to the Acropolis. It provided everything we needed!

Nothing!

5.0
Ricardo

25 August 2025

I recommend

Location, cleaning and staff 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

4.5
Matteo

19 August 2025

Fabulous

Cozy, small and central. Nice place

4.5
Lucy

16 August 2025

Perfect place to stay for a few days exploring Athens, close to all amenities

Great location and friendly staff

4.5
M

11 August 2025

I had a great stay thank you to the friendly staff.

Great location, walking distance to Monasteraki market and metro station, very central,

5.0
Kian

8 August 2025

Exceptional

The hotel staff is very friendly. The hostel is clean, and the location is great.

4.0
Margaret

5 August 2025

Very good

the staff are very helpful and efficient

the steps leading to the elevator and inside the room

4.0
Wai

3 August 2025

Very good

The public space is big and comfort, receptionists was helpful. The bath room in the room is pretty clean and have enough space. The location is pretty nice, next to a neighborhood full of bars, with walkable distance to the main tourist spots.

The only plug for electricity beside the bed is USB interface.

4.5
Sandra

30 July 2025

Good but I will not have a lonely breakfast next time

Clean convenient and helpful staff

I stayed here ten years ago and at that time the breakfast was buffet style served in the room near reception which encouraged chat and sharing the table. This time it was served downstairs in a restaurant. I stay in hostels because there is always someone to chat with. However changing the location for breakfast meant that it was too formal and there was no company sadly.

5.0
Augustine

26 July 2025

Great value for a great place and key location!

The property was clean, quiet, with a friendly staff! Location is easy to get to and in great spot to easily get to all the sights. Staff is helpful and friendly! Also the Acropolis is viewable from rooftop!! Great value!!

Everything was great!

4.5
Jochen

24 July 2025

Fabulous

Lovely, clean room with a private bathroom. The shared areas are also well-maintained and clean.

4.0
Marli

17 July 2025

Great

A great place for a solo traveller! Clean, big lockers and heaps of social events. Breakfast for 10€ was amazing and such a big portion!

The bed wasn’t very comfortable - it would be fabulous if the mattresses were replaced.

5.0
Sara

15 July 2025

Exceptional

Great location, comfy bed with AC, nice shower rooms.

5.0
Eloise

10 July 2025

Exceptional

Very clean and tidy, easy to find, and a great location! Wish I’d booked longer

5.0
Jade

10 July 2025

All service is with a smile

As we z

Great service from Tasos

4.5
Isabella

8 July 2025

Comfortable, convient, and cute!

This hostel is really sweet! It has a great common area to sit and relax and the rooftop is nice too. The beds were really comfortable and the shower was fine. I appreciated that the bathrooms were only used by the room I was in.

The toilet could have been cleaner but that was the only thing!

4.5
Lilford

8 July 2025

Fabulous

Excellent location

5.0
Elke

8 July 2025

Exceptional

The night view from the roof terrace to the Akropolis, enrobed in the smell of Mediterranean herbs from the little garden, was magnificent! The design of common spaces is beautiful. Staff were very friendly. The coffee and atmosphere next door amazing. The bathroom was clean and spacious and only shared between a few women (I was in a female dorm) which meant no shower waiting time.

4.5
Yelyzaveta

6 July 2025

Fabulous

good place!

4.0
Nikos

5 July 2025

Nice clean quiet and central hostel

Very nice and clean

Air conditioning was freezing sometimes

Hotel facilities

Reception services

  • - 24-hour front desk
  • - Tour desk
  • - Luggage storage (additional charge)
  • - Concierge service
  • - Lockers
  • - Invoice provided

Outdoors

  • - Garden
  • - Terrace
  • - Sun terrace
  • - Outdoor furniture

General

  • - Non-smoking rooms
  • - Family rooms
  • - Lift
  • - Safety deposit box
  • - Soundproof rooms
  • - Car hire
  • - Heating
  • - Non-smoking throughout
  • - Air conditioning
  • - Designated smoking area
  • - Shuttle service (additional charge)
  • - Vending machine (drinks)
  • - Vending machine (snacks)
  • - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
  • - Shared lounge/TV area

Cleaning services

  • - Laundry (additional charge)
  • - Daily housekeeping

Activities

  • - Games room
  • - Evening entertainment
  • - Pub crawls (additional charge)
  • - Movie nights
  • - Happy hour (additional charge)

Business facilities

  • - Fax/photocopying

Kitchen

  • - Shared kitchen

Entertainment & family services

  • - Board games/puzzles
  • - Indoor play area

Food & Drink

  • - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
  • - Coffee house on site

Transport

  • - Airport pick up (additional charge)
  • - Airport drop off (additional charge)

Miscellaneous

  • - 24-hour security
  • - Key access
  • - Key card access
  • - Security alarm
  • - CCTV in common areas
  • - CCTV outside property
  • - Fire extinguishers
  • - Thermometers for guests provided by property
  • - Face masks for guests available
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