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
“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
27 December 2025
Super clean safe and central !
The staff was so nice and community areas were great
Nothing !
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
29 November 2025
Exceptional
Whenever in Athens, City Circus is my first choice. Welcoming and helpful staff, clean, great location
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.
10 November 2025
Exceptional
Clean and cozy.
10 November 2025
Exceptional
First time in a mixed dorm (usually take female dorm) and everyone was kind and consideration
28 October 2025
Very good
Friendly staff Down Town location Nice quiet civilized guests
Maybe a little more coffee available in the mornings ?
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
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.
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
21 October 2025
Great value and good quality
The staffs are really nice and helpful
The room is a little bit small
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 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 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.
29 September 2025
good place
good location
lift to go to the terrace
24 September 2025
Exceptional
Very clean and big rooms. Very good location
22 September 2025
Exceptional
Great place! All the staff were very nice and a really good location. Very recommended
Nothing
6 September 2025
Great location
Amazing location and great bathroom
Zero atmosphere for solo travellers
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.
31 August 2025
Exceptional
Everything was great, and the staff were very friendly
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!
25 August 2025
I recommend
Location, cleaning and staff 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
19 August 2025
Fabulous
Cozy, small and central. Nice place
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,
8 August 2025
Exceptional
The hotel staff is very friendly. The hostel is clean, and the location is great.
5 August 2025
Very good
the staff are very helpful and efficient
the steps leading to the elevator and inside the room
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.
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!
24 July 2025
Fabulous
Lovely, clean room with a private bathroom. The shared areas are also well-maintained and clean.
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.
15 July 2025
Exceptional
Great location, comfy bed with AC, nice shower rooms.
10 July 2025
Exceptional
Very clean and tidy, easy to find, and a great location! Wish I’d booked longer
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!
8 July 2025
Fabulous
Excellent location
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.
6 July 2025
Fabulous
good place!
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

More photos

27 December 2025
Homey warmth in Athens