Experience in Athens, Greece by NELLY

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

The city is a mixture of old and renovated buildings, elegant and broken ones. It is not green enough. You see people of all ages on the streets. I would recomend it because people are very helpful to give you directions, everyone speaks english, the weather is ideal for excursions and a student can have fun going on many parties. Also, its prices are very low because of the crisis and students gat ger various offers on food, clothes, transport etc.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Students can do anything in Athens; there are museums, theatres, parties all over the city, metro stations on central points, and interesting walks in the center of Athens. The cost of transport is very low (0.70 eur for all means, for 1.5 hour) so a student has the opportunity to get around in the city.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

The prices in Athens vary according to the region. You can find very cheap restaurants, special proces for students and tickets for cinemas, theaters and museums. A student can have a comfortable life here with 500 eur per month.

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

It is very easy because there are many houses to rent everywhere. However there are some regions that are dangerous to live, like Omonoia, or others that are very noisy, like Ampelokipoi. I would recomend that a studen should look for small houses near central roads, for example Patissia, Holargos, Panormou, Chalandri. Before closing a deal check your street at night and ask the neighbors for advice.

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

You can find cheap food and gourmet food everywhere. I suggest the famous greek souvlaki because it is cheap (2.50 eur maximum) and it gives much energy.

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

Acropolis museum, acropolis monument, Plaka, Thiseio, Monastiraki (many interesting places for shopping), Porto Rafti at summer, little coffee shops in Chalandri, Kifisia and Marousi for beers and cocktail, Kaisariani for tavernas, Gkazi for theaters-nightlife, Peiraieus for coffee near the port

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

Chalandri for souvlaki (Tenekedakia), Goody's (cheap and healthy fast food), all taverns at Kaisariani, Altamira for ethnic food at Kolonaki and Marousi, Savvas for souvlaki (chain restaurants), beautiful little bistrots at Chalandri (Peri Ousias)

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

Of course. Gkazi, Kifisia, Syntagma, Psyrri, and in the center of Athens in general

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

1. Try many tyoes if food,
2. Beware of your personal belongins
3. Avoid Omonoia during the night
4. Always look on the internet before going out, there are lots of strikes everyday
5. Ask anyone for advice on where to go
6. Don't trust taxi drivers