Eternal Athens

Athens is the beating heart of Greece, a bustling, vibrant center of commerce and culture. Many travelers, however, come to the city, expecting to use it as a gateway to the Greek islands. But visitors can't fail to be enthralled by the stunning spectacle of the Parthenon, dominating the skyline as its sits high up on the Acropolis.

Perhaps the most important monument of Western civilization, the atmospheric ruins of the temple to the goddess Athena have crowned the city since the 5th century. Stunning as they may be, though, they only represent a small fraction of what the city has to offer.

Mediterranean street culture

Bars and cafés dot the streets, and on warm summer evenings (as is the case throughout much of the Mediterranean) the streets are filled with the sound of happy diners and drinkers. Add this to the warmth and hospitality of the people, and it's easy to see why travelers almost always end up staying on a little longer than planned.

But no less of a draw to the many backpackers and budget travelers is the excellent accommodation in the city. After all this is what makes a stay, isn't it? No matter how great a place is, if you have to come back to some overpriced fleapit, it tends to take some of the fun out it.

Athens hostels - cheap prices

And Athens hostels are increasingly becoming well-known for their quality. Year after year, Athens Backpackers seems to pick up accolades as one of the world's best hostels. The famously lively staff entertain guests with barbecues, parties and a generally friendly and helpful attitude. Even a quick glance at the comments and feedback generated shows that they're giving people what they want.

But if it's the benchmark, then the others are not far behind. The Student and Travellers Inn, keeps cropping up in the guidebooks. With its unbeatable location in the Plaka, a thriving quarter of the Old Town, guests have some of the best of the city's nightlife right on their doorstep.

And as is the case in many other places, the apartment concept is catching on in Athens, too. Athens Studios - just a short stroll from the Acropolis - has become an increasingly popular choice for visitors to the city. Its strikingly clean, modern interiors tend to appeal more to groups and families than the solo traveler.

Ultimately, Athens is a city full of simple pleasures. Warm sunshine, great food, some of the most amazing views of any city in the world, and a bed for the night that doesn't cost the earth... For the traveler on a budget, it's a dream come true.

Ben Cooper is a copywriter for HostelBookers.com. On his travels around the world, he's stayed in a number of Athens hostels.