Experience in Athens, Greece by ari

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

If you can see the starts I've given above I might seem a little over-reacting about my city. But the truth is Athens is a city of magical wonders. 20 years I have lived here and I've yet to experience all of it. Downtown is the place to be, full of life and entertainment to please every taste ! All kinds of food from small corner stands to big restaurants, taverns with old greek music to hundreds of differents night clubs. Long walks on the old town, with a beer at hand, sitting on Filopappou rock enjoying the majestic view of the Parthenon, under a full moon. These are the nights !!
Different suburbs please diff needs and with 10 millio people you can find all the diversity you need. And obviously lets not talk about culture. Hundreds of museums within Athens store all kinds of treasures and cultural events live plays, music festivals n such happen on a weekly basis.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

To be a student is pretty cool. Discounts to most outgoing events and the city is filled with young people going out at night to enjoy from a quick walk n snack, a couple of rakomela * greek vodka with honey * ending maybe a night at a club in Kerameikos square. Lots of small corners to sit n read a book, lots of shopping malls especially in Ermou street and last but not least: Food. Lots of it.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

I dont leave by myself but give or take with 500 you cover all the basics. And then you add yoru personal expenses.

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

No advice.

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

Food in Athens is paradise. You can locate all kinds of " traditional" small "tavernas" where you can enjoy our amazing Mediterannean cuisine or you can roam around downtown to find all kinds of small places to catch all kinds of cuisine from chinese, italian, mexican, thai, russian, lebanise etc. You will not be hungry that I promise !!

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

Stavros Niarhos Cultural Centre is a good place to start.

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

Near Monastiraki you can find all you need.

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

Kerameikos and near Syntagma are the best places for clubbing. Exarheia is best for underground bars, Thisseio and Psiri are best for Greek traditional beverages and " rakomelo " . Worth the walk.
In between Monastiraki and Syntagma are most of the best places for everything in between. Usually bars of all types are located there, either you are looking for just a beer or maybe a drink more... special.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

Enjoy it. Dont stay in one place too long. Skip through most tourist parts fast yet appreciate all you see. Let it sink into you. Then go explore. Urban exploring is the best way to live in my city and the best moments of your trip are just behind the corner or hidden under a small store.