Experience in Athens, Greece by Angelos

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

I grew up in Athens and the longest I've been away is 7 months while I was doing my Erasmus & internship abroad. Athens is a HUGE city, with hundreds of different suburbs, little neighborhoods somewhat different from each other, but most of them peaceful and with many places to discover. The main Athens area - around the historical center (Thissio/Monastiraki), the transportation center (Omonia) and the government center (Syntagma) is a great place to hang out, grab an ice-cream (or a frozen yogurt that's becoming extremely popular lately), and have a walk next to the shops or the ruins. One of the main characteristic of the old town, is that the ancient ruins co-exist with neoclassical abandoned buildings full of gratifies and all sorts of decay. They are so close to each other, they make a great contrast that many people either love or hate. In general Athens is a never-sleeping city, quite homogenous - unfortunately - but definitely fun to explore and invest a few months living there. There are definitely many places for ALL tastes, you just have to google a bit, find the right company and get lost in the pulse of the city :) !

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Considering that Athens has half of the country's population, it's not hard to guess that it's home to a big number of universities and students. In Greece big number of students translates to = many youth political parties (always present in universities but focusing mostly to locals), many active erasmus/exchange/traveling NGOs & communities (ESN, Athensmus, AEGEE/European Students' Forum, BEST, Couchsurfers just to name a few) organizing parties and events constantly, dozens of strikes, protests and occupations (either by the students themselves, the professors or the university staff - lol) that will save you from days/weeks of lessons and that's pretty much it. For details on student lifestyle read below ;) !

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

After dozens of trips abroad I think it's safe for me to safe that Greece is cheaper than all the European countries EXCEPT from most of the Central & all the Eastern European ones. It's hard to say an exact amount since I grew up here and I'm living with my family, still I know for a fact it's quite cheap.

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

You can find relatively cheap accommodation depending on the neighborhood. My only advice is to ask a local or two about the neighborhood not only about the safety (most locals might exaggerate), but regarding how long it would take you to go to your university from that spot, or to the city center. If it was up to me I'd choose pretty much any suburb provided that it's close to a metro station and it's relatively close to the center. Zografou, Panormou & Exarhia are known student areas. There MIGHT be a possibility to get a free student dormitory just like the locals do if you fulfill some income criteria.

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

Un-fuckin-believable! I suggest not playing safe and eating food you know, or food that it's cheap, but trying as many new dishes as possible. Greek kitchen is a blend of Turkish, Balkan, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. You MUST try out as many things as possible. Just google Greek cuisine or ask locals to suggest you dishes based on your preferences :) !

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

Hmm other than the must-visit ones I don't event have to mention here, I'd suggest catching the tram and visiting the sea-side (Flisvos area) or grabbing a beer and drink it publicly (it's allowed) in Pnyka area (which for some reason is not that popular among locals) that has the best view of Athens and the Acropolis. Apart from getting lost in Plaka area, try to make all your way up to the Anafiotika district of Plaka which looks like a Greek Cycladic island.

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

Yes, eating out is generally cheap compared to others countries. Try to avoid touristic areas (Monastiraki souvlaki restaurants to be more specific) and search online or ask a local on what restaurant nearby your area they would suggest. The only negative thing about eating out in Greece is that it's not that common to find international restaurants (other than Italian of course) although the last decade more and more places like this have started to show up. I'd suggest eating a souvlaki or two if you're hungry but on a budget, trying some Greek brands of products or chains that have overthrown some major international competitors (like Goody's burgers, Tsakiris cheaps, Merenda 'nutella'), or going to a greek restaurant ('taverna') with friends, buy some liters of red wine or ouzo and a 'meat variety' to share among your friends. It's food orgasm :D !

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

Gazi is the main party area, mostly (but not completely) with mainstream music (or even Greek music if your ears can handle it). Others areas you could try going out is Panormou, or if you want something more alternative try Kolokotroni street, Karitsi square or Exarhia area.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

Athens is a great place if you're planning to stay there for a few months. Plenty of good weather, awesome food, friendly people (just don't start a conversation about politics :P ), and amazing places that will meet your expectations. Keep in mind that Greeks are super proud people (for the wrong reasons), quite conservative but in general helpful if you ask for anything and fun to be around. If you study in Athens you shouldn't stick only to one place to hang out & you should DEFINITELY visit more places around Greece whenever you have the chance. Come here if you want to enjoy your Erasmus and have crazy parties and fun, DON'T come here if you're ONLY looking for a place to add on your CV.