More photosCity 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
“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.”
“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.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
- Great place
- Boutique style
- Top location
Location
Recent guest reviews
1 January 2026
Great stay complete with everything at a convenient location
Great location. Convenient to walk to a lot of restaurants but just a bit of distance so it’s still quiet enough at night. Staff was great and helpful. They also sell some necessities at the reception at reasonable prices. 7-8minute walk to metro station.
The floor tiles at the bathroom look a bit dirty, and less well maintained, despite actually being clean. Elevator is small just like most European old building but not an issue
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.
27 December 2025
Super clean safe and central !
The staff was so nice and community areas were great
Nothing !
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
21 October 2025
Great value and good quality
The staffs are really nice and helpful
The room is a little bit small
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!
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.
29 August 2025
Worth The Stay, Will Come Back Again Soon
Clean, comfortable and staff are polite and helpful especially Konstantinos and Nasia.
None
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!
16 August 2025
Perfect place to stay for a few days exploring Athens, close to all amenities
Great location and friendly staff
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,
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.
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!
10 July 2025
All service is with a smile
As we z
Great service from Tasos
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!
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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7 January 2026
Very nice place in the city centre