Experience in Athens, Greece by Katia

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

I would strongly recommend Athens! When it comes to architecture and landscape, as a Greek from Athens I would say that apart from the historical centre which is amazing but commercial, Athens is a city with hidden treasures and gems! You need to look out and watch out, you WILL fall in love with it!

• About gastronomy, there is not a lot you can say, Greek cuisine is famous all around the globe.
• Partying in Athen is all over the city, you will have the chance to party all night long even in the most quite and unknown neighbourhoods! Welcome to the city of no last call for drinks! You will experience partying until dawn and because Athens is very versatile, there is a lot to do no matter your budget or taste (trust me on that! )
• Transportation can be a real drag, because it's a very spread city (not compact at all). If you enjoy walking though, there is no problem. I would advise bikers not to come to this city, as I consider it a very hostile city when it comes to cyclists! But the fee for transportation is very cheap(the monthly pass for students is just 15 euros).
• Prices vary in this city, but I think that it will not be too expensive for no one! (remember us Greeks are in this huge crisis, so if we can afford doing stuff in our city, you will too! )
• The weather is very good most of the times, you can enjoy both winter and summer in this country! I would advise you to come to Athens in a spring semester, so that the weather is sunny and beautiful and so that you spend some time in the notorious Greek islands (it's a HUGE experience, trust me! )

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

There is a lot of partying every day, but I believe it is up to each student! There is no particular lifestyle! But the good thing is that nothing can stop you from having the time of your life in this city! I'm Greek and I have thought many times about how amazing it is to be alone and within a second the whole bar becomes one group of people partying all together! Greeks are friendly and the 80% at least speaks good English and will be more that willing to help you out with anything!

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

• For an apartment it depends of course on the area, but I believe you can find a whole apartment for the price of 100-300 euros, depending on how you want your apartment to look like and which area would you choose! In Greece we don't really live with roommates, because the prices in accommodation are really low.
• The electricity is around 20 euros per month and water around 5-10 euros per month.
• Your shopping at the supermarket will be around 100-150 euros per month.
• An average drink is pretty low (it varies between 3 euros for half a litre of wine to 7 euros per half a litre, beers around 3 euros and a drink around 6-7 euros! ) but there are A LOT of expensive bars and clubs too, so it's up to you.

Source

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

No, it's very easy I believe! I advise you to search on the following link (I bookmarked only the areas I consider good enough for a student to live, approximately close to the centre or the university, I put the price maximum 300 euros and that it is fully furnished! The only thing left is to choose your ideal apartment! )

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

The food is something very special! Greek gastronomy is one of the best features! Everyone should try to eat a souvlaki (of course...! ), I advise you in particular this place, also all the little bars and shops at the area of metaksourgeio and pagrati!

Source

For vegetarians this place is AMAZING(but a little pricey i can say).

For meat and burger lovers (HUGE AMOUNTS OF FOOD, GO EXTREMELY HUNGRY! )

For your first date in the erotic amazing city of Athens.

For drinks with your date.

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

I think that for an Erasmus student who has 5 months, I would say explore every single part of it! Don't rule out the islands! Many islands are very close to Athens too, so don't come to Greece without visiting at least 5 islands! Don't go to Mykonos, it doesn't reflect the Greeks and its super expensive and lame as an island.

For nature lovers: Ymmitos mountain, Varymbobi park, lake of Marathonas and visit the islads of Kythera, Gaudos, Crete, Samothraki, Thasos.

Source

For party animals: island of Paros, Ios, Mykonos and Zakynthos, Skiathos.

For quiet people and for couples: Santorini, Folegandros, Sikinos, Serifos, Rodos.

Source

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

I mentioned them above

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

EVERYWHERE! there are too many bars in Athens, just walk and explore for yourselves! It's a loud and vivid city, pretty close to Barcelona as a mentality in partying.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

Have fun, get drunk, fall in love and keep the memories forever!