Discovering Athenian secrets by George

Source

What is it like to live in Athens? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Athens is a great city to live in! Its nightlife is amazing and one of the best and underrated in Europe ( I have been to many big cities all over the world, but probably Athens has the most options to go out ). Also, Acropolis and historical monuments give the city a feeling that city was and will be alive forever.

Athens is really lively city, there is always something going on and lately it has been a trending destination among Europe. There are lots of festivals and if you are a music fan, you will definitely find live concerts matching your style and have a great time, as Greek people are really cheerful.

If you prefer clubbing or going out in a bar, there are litteraly hundreds of nice bars and clubs that you can go and have a great time.

Most of the citizens speak English fluently, and are truly willing to help you anytime with anything you need.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Student lifestyle in Athens and generally in Greece is great for those who want to have fun. There are options to go out for all styles and over 20 different places that you can visit and feel totally different one from another. Universities are a bit unorganized and political parties are a big part of them but also give an air of youth revolution. ( it is not unusual to find your university closed by groups of students that want to protest about something that bothers them. )

Greek students are really friendly, so you will not have any problem catching up local friends and learn the city easier through them.

Source

Source

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Athens is one of the cheapest European capitals. You can rent your own appartment in the city centre for 200euro minimum and also food and drinks are cheap ( you can eat very well with 5 euro per meal and find beers from 2 euros and drinks around 4-5 euro. ) Due to low rent prices, living with roommates is not really common in Greece, but no doubt that you can share an appartment with other erasmus students and spend almost nothing for accomodation.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Athens? Is there any advice you can give?

There are lots of appartments in good prices and also the means of transport are really good in Athens. So if you live nearby the metro you can get easily anywhere. ( buses stay till 12 at night and metro at weekends till 02. 00 ). Most of Athens is safe and you should only be careful walking alone in really dark areas that you do not know ( especially girls ). But surely no more dangerosity than other big cities in Europe.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Source

FOOD IS GREAT! Greek cuisine is absolutely delicious and cheap. Souvlaki will be your everyday meal, but greek cuisine has many special dishes that you should try such as mousakas, soutzoukakia, gemista etc. We also have many dishes with fish from our seas. If you don't like greek cuisine ( impossible ), there is a variety of international restaurants in Athens.

Also restaurants in Greece are really familiar with delivery service, as the majority of them delivery with no charge.

Coffee has also a great place in every greek's heart. Frappe is the traditional cold coffee that every greek guy drinks. In the last years there are two very interesting varieties of espresso made as a cold beverage : freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino ( with milk ). Try it, especially if there is hot weather.

There are many coffee shops ( almost one in any every corner ) so you can take one to go or choose a nice place and relax among other people. ( as greeks like to sit on a coffee shop for at least 1-2 hours and conversate. )

Source

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

You have to see many things in Athens. Acropolis is the must and going up the hill next to acropolis and have a view all over Athens is a true experience! ( this place is called Vrahakia and many young people hang out there with beers till dawn ). On the other side of Acropolis, there is Anafiotika, an old settlement with little white houses and narrow streets. ( really wonderful hidden place for romantic walks. ) There are many museums that you can visit. Next to Athens there are many little beautiful islands ( such as Agkistri, Spetses, Poros, Hydra ) if you want a quick escape from the city. ( within an hour ).

Pireaus is the port of metropolitan Athens, and connects greek islands of the Aegean Sea with main Greece.

Most known islands for fun and partying are Mykonos, Ios, Paros. But there are also beautiful quite islands like Folegandros, Milos, Tinos. Finally there are more alternative islands such as Ikaria, Amorgos and Koufonisia where plenty of people going for camping.

Source

Source

Is it good to eat out in Athens? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

In athens you can eat well almost everywhere. There are lots of restaurants and most of them provide good quality of food in good prices.

Is the nightlife good in Athens? Where is good to go?

So many places that you can visit and have fun! Monastiraki, Syntagma and Gazi( Kerameikos ) are options that can satisfy everyone. Exarcheia is a region that either you love or hate, as anarchists and leftists hang out there and there is a revolutionary thinking. Koukaki, Petralona you can drink and eat as a real greek guy. A bit outside of the centre, there are Glyfada and Pireus by the sea. Egaleo, Peristeri and Halandri have also great nightlife.

Source

Source

Source

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

Enjoy, live Athens step by step and feel her unique vibe. Try different things and discover your own favorite places as Athens is a city you have to discover by yourself.

Οδός Ονείρων - Μάνος Χατζιδάκις

Source