Experience in Athens, Greece by Katerina

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

Actually, Athens is a great place to live in if you are young. It s a really vivid city with a lot of things to do. On the one hand, there is the ancient side of the city (you can visit many museums and ancient temples/areas ,while on the other hand one can find so many places (cafe, malls, bars etc) suitable for university students' taste.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

People are quite kind, social and helpful if you need some help with anything. However, lifestyle is a little hectic and people sometimes seems to be anxious as their everyday routine is stressful as it is in any big city.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

In my humble opinion it's rather an expensive place to live in.

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

ohhh...FOOD! Food in Athens is similar to any other Greek place's food...DELICIOUS!!! A piece of advice: don't eat in touristic restaurant in Monastiraki etc. Find local taverns/restaurants where Greek people use to eat. Trust the citizens ,they eat tasty dishes away from the central square of Monastiraki. I don't suggest any particular dish because there are hundreds and you can find them in a book-guide for Greece. Try many-not only souvlaki, mousakas, yemista etc.

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

Go everywhere. Definitely not only to the well know ones. I suggest you to find the "hidden" ones too.

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

Cafe/Bar:
Kokkini svoura ,Halandri -try the cookies
Theory, Halandri
Piu verde, Papagou
Six dogs, Monastiraki
The art foundation, Monastiraki
Menta cafe, Kifissia
Anafiotika, Plaka
Albadoor, Ayia Paraskevi
Restaurants:
Kamaronia, Syntagma (pasta)
Piperia, Neo psychico
Biftekatsi, Holargos
Hohlidaki, neo psychico
Nikiforos, Panormou

in case you prefer an alternative bar you can go to bars in the area of exarchia.I love that neighborhood, but it's mainly for the rebels ones.
Given that I am born and raised im Athens, I know plenty of nice places. If you need any clarification or have any question feel free to ask me. I d be glad to help you. I can suggest much more places if you want me to.

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

In Athens you ll have an amazing nightlife regardless of you personal style.There are nice places for everyone. It depends of you in which ones you ll go.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

Have the time of your life and don't focus only to the one or to rhe other side of city. The more you live this city the more you ll love it. Go to both historical and modern places. Just live this experience to the fullest.