City Circus Athens, Greece - Full Review 2024 (Actually worth it?)

City Circus Athens is…

“…an alternative travellers space for the restless voyager, the escape artist, the life acrobat.”

Whether you’re running from something or toward something, the circus invites you to dwell in the surreal, embrace the weird and explore with freedom.

To begin your adventure, set your bags down in this lovingly restored neoclassical building.

Then shake hands with Athens and take a free city tour with the gang. It’s a great start, with so much more to follow on.

Read: our full guide to the best hostels in Athens + map

City Circus Athens is the only 5 Star Hostel in Athens, Greece for solo travellers and couples

We are Hostelgeeks, and we are awarding 5 Star Hostels all around the world.

For every destination, there is only one stunning 5 Star Hostel. This makes us your shortcut to find the best hostel in your upcoming destination(s).

You can find all official 5 Star Hostels right here.

Here are some more 5 star hostels in Greece:

STAY Hostel Rhodes
Cocoon City Hostel in Chania, Crete
Caveland Santorini – part of the best hostels in Santorini
MyCocoon Hostel Mykonos – part of the best hostels in Mykonos

Here is a round up of the 20 best hostels in Greece.

City Circus Athens in Review

Do you want to know why City Circus Athens is the ideal spot to rest your wandering feet and dreamy head?

Here’s a little video to get the ball rolling. It’s a personal review that gives a great overview of the entire building.

City Circus Athens is a 5 Star Hostel in Athens, Greece because…

1. Historic Venue becomes a Circus

Would you believe that the building of this fun hostel went unused between 1970 to 2011!?

The two buildings date back from the 19th century and are now listed as historical monuments. In fact, they are considered cultural cornerstone of the Psyrri area!

When the circus team took it over, they spent an entire year on internal redesign work.

Of course, the external shell has been kept in its original state.

This is also reflected inside the hostel.

Gorgeous details such as wooden window shutters and original ceiling decoration remains.

Taking on and transforming an unused listed building is high up there for sustainability efforts!

2. Retro Design with a large dash of Fun

We certainly encourage you to take some time and wander around this beautiful building. It’s big!

Thanks to the age, the rooms were built with space and light in mind. Check out those high ceilings and long windows!

And of course, with the word Circus, you can expect to witness some fun elements thrown in.

Find a mix of vintage furniture, quirky antiques and unique local wall art that you could get lost in.

Then when you step into the onsite cafe, you’ll be surrounded by brand spanking new modern equipment.

With a touch of greenery and sturdy wooden bunks thrown in, this mix-match design is super cool.

We’d also like to take this space to mention the room selection. Designed with SO many traveller types in mind.

Choose from:

4, 6 and 8-bed mixed dorms
4 and 6-bed female dorm
Budget double room
Double loft (kitchenette & terrace)
Double/twin deluxe
Superior double room (view of Acropolis)
Superior quadruple ensuite (terrace)

Little balconies, A/C and ensuite are included in all room types.

3. Unique views of the Acropolis

How do you fancy enjoying a quiet and

undisturbed view of the Acropolis without having to leave the hostel?

Sure, this is every travellers dream.

And at City Circus Athens it’s 100% possible.

Just head to the cute rooftop area and gaze out over the city.

It’s a really nice space, with a few chairs, plants and little else – just you, the rooftops and that view.

Tip: head up there at night to enjoy the added bonus of twinkling stars. There are little lights to help guide your way.

4. Take a tour and eat at Zampanò restaurant

Alright folks, prepare to be a busy bee during your stay at City Circus Athens.

There is so much to keep you occupied, whether you decide to have an indoor day or head out and explore.

For those that fancy an indoor day, enjoy:

Onsite cafe – bar – restaurant
A pile of boardgames
Roof garden w/ Acropolis views
Free Wi-fi
Movie library & book sharing

Otherwise, get social and meet new people in so many other ways.

From organised activities and free walking tours, to happy hour at the bar and bike rental.

There’s even a bar crawl on offer! Just make sure you meet at Zampanò first for a quick drink.

Feeling a bit more sophisticated? The team have developed a wine tasting journey of local wineries and producers.

A number of carefully selected tours, such as visits to Delphi and Mycenae can be booked at reception, too.

5. Travelling Staff that care

Being fierce travellers themselves, the team here wanted to create a hostel that suits their philosophy,

“A hostel that we ourselves would love to stay at, that at the same time enables travellers to interact with each other, share their stories and feel like they are a part of a huge circus family.”

Expect personalised treatment for each and every one of you.

Bonus: Reception is open 24/7 to welcome you home.