Experience in Athens, Greece by Ceren

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

Living in Athens is like being on holiday all the time. Besides the daily basis, you can enjoy a great weather, a very ancient city with surprising streets, beaches and more. Unlike the other European capitals, Athens is less crowded, without traffic jam and life is passing more slowly but lively. It is not a very big city, so transportation network covers almost everywhere.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Prices are not so much expensive for food and drink, almost same at any place. For shopping, it is not possible to find many worldwide brands, but little Greek boutiques with nice clothes and accessories. For shopping, it is not a cheap city anyway. Rental depends on the area and the decoration of the house. You can find shared flats from €150 and one-bedroom apartments from €200.

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

There are many websites you can check such as Erasmusu, Expatriate, HomeGreekHome, Tospitimou and Xe.gr. Some advertisements are directly from the owner and some are from real estates. Sometimes it could be a problem to contact them due to language barriers.

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

Do not expect to find an experimental cuisine or diversity of world cuisine. Greek people have their own style and addicted to meat. Pork, beef, chicken are always on menus. But meat are delicious. It is possible to eat good sea food when you go nearest islands or Piraeus. Cinnamon also has an important role in Greek cuisine, if you are allergic be careful. Karamanlidika in Psiri, Amigos (Mexican restaurant) in Nea Symrni, Koi (Sushi bar) Syntagma, Avli (Traditional Greek Tavern) Psiri, Botsaris (Seafood restaurant) Piraeus, Bairaktaris (Kebab) Monastiraki, Malconie's (Italian) in Kolonaki are my advices.

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

City is full of cultural events, many exhibitions, festivals and fairs. Athens never sleeps even in business days. From the well-decorated bars and restaurants to simple taverns. You have many options to hang out accompanied by tasty house wine or cocktails. Nightlife is quite lively. Electro and trans parties, Ouzeris' with traditional Greek music, concerts and clubs are the options you can consider. Gazi, Monastiraki, Kolonaki and seaside clubs during summer are the common points for nightlife.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

Athens is rounded by the mountains from one side and Aegean sea from the other side. There is nearly no high buildings, no skyscrapers. You'll see a wide blue sky whenever look up. Streets are full of fruit trees and its flowers smell very nice on springtime. Birds, dogs and cats are the residents of streets and birds gonna be your best friend since they prefer to walk rather than fly. During the summertime, you can go to beaches which are very close to the city centre and easily reached by tram. If you would like to swim in a wild blue sea accompanied by green plant cover it takes only 1 hour to go nearest islands like Aegina or Agistri by ferry from Piraeus Port.

Take the advantage of studying and living in such a city. Athens. Good luck!