Experience in Athens, Greece by Efi

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

Life in Athens is not as bad as probably you have heard these days. The city is full of nice things to discover which can not be seen in the beginning. You can find expensive but also very cheap ang good things. You can walk even in the night without any danger (except of course some areas for example Omonoia or Patision street) You will love the food, the sun, the sea and the metro. You will find out that, although there is a lot of traffic and noise, it is easy to learn the city and there are a lot of places where you can find peace.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

From the first days in Athens you will feel familiar with the place. It is easy to get use to everything, even the bad things, you can find easily other foreigners who live here like you. People answer you and help you when you ask them. Most of Greek people speak English. You will become easily familiar with the buses and the metro as it is not confusing. People eat something all the time (we have a lot of snacks for all the hours of the day). Sometimes between 15:00-17:00 we sleep and nightlife is alive until the first hours of next day especially during the summer.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Approximately 1000-1500 euros per month.

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

Usually you can find on the Internet, from some special sites like this one. Some people try through travel agents or brokers which I don't recommend. The best solution is to contact the Internet sites or your professor in Greece or some friend.

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

Try the salads, the fishes, the stuffed vegetables and of course the fruits! Also the meat is cooked in various ways accompanied by potatoes, spaghetti and rice. Only olive oil is used for cooking, the foods are not spicy and you will love the wine such as the variety of Greek beers.

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

Akropolis, Ceramikos, Philopapou hill, Thiseon, Plaka, Posidonos avenue near the sea, the National Archeolagical museum, Licabetus Hill, the ancient temple at Sounion, Kastella hill.

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

The best places to eat in Athens are in your neighbourhood. Usually there are some small restaurants with home made food and souvlaki. Ask the owner of your flat or apartment, he definitely knows.

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

Most of the areas in Athens have some small restaurants, coffee shops and small lounge bars. But the most popular are: a lot of traditional taverns in Plaka & Monastiraki. Also some clubs and bars at Gazi, at Kolonaki, at Agias Irinis squere and Kolokotroni street.

Nearby the sea: At Flisvos, at Glyfada, at Voula, Varkiza, and Pereus (Piraiki & Mikrolimano). In all these areas there are restaurants and bars.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

This is their chance to see the other side of Europe which is simpler but full of pleasant surprises.