Experience in Athens, Greece by Άννα Μαρία

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

Athens is a nice city where you can always find something interesting to do. Weather is most of the times beautiful and sunny. People are welcomeng and overall there is a really nice atmosphere in the city. Bus transportation is really bad but you can always rely on metro and railway. Afterall transportation fee is really cheap. Athens is one of the biggest capitals in one of the smallest countries, so there is always a nice bar, cafe or eatery to visit.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

There are a lot of activities to do in Athens and a lot of places to visit, full of culture and history, or even new taste of gastronomy. Nightlife is amazing and is like that this city never sleeps. As a student you can meet easily new people (students ore professionals) who will welcome you warm and take you around. It's almost impossible to find a job (even if it's part time_but always worth a try) exept is an intership which most of the times is almost unpaid.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

The cost of leaving in Athens, including accomodation, transportation, food and nightlife is about 600-800/month.

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

In some areas is almost impossible to find accomodation. Areas like Monastiraki, Plaka, Sintagma, Exarcheia, Gkazi are "destricted". In the heart of the city but with lets in astronomical prices and accomodation in really bad condition. You can go everywhere through Athens easily if you have access in subway and railways. Areas a bit far from center are suggested.

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

Athens and Greece in general provides amazing food experiences. Avoid downtown central eateries that are crowded by tourists. This places are forbiden. Bad food - bad prices - bad experience in general. Always ask locals and trust the smiley ones.

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

Areas like: Psirri, Gkazi, Monastiraki, Thiseio, Pagkrati, Sintagma, Petrallona