Experience in Athens, Greece by PENNY

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

Athens is the most beautiful city to live for me. I was born in Athens and specifically at the area of Zografou.Images and experiences of what we say "neighborhood" come to my mind as a child. Full of squares and warm people to greet all the hours of the day. you know or come to acquaintance wih everyone at the moment. friendly and smily people. Sudents that live there due to their study at the universities, find an adequate place to live with a strong living market, renovated appartments close to the mass media and citizens to help and make them feel like home. The centre of Athens combines modern and ancient architecture. Monastiraki with the walking merchants and the antique shops, Plaka with the graphic taverns and the classical renovated houses, - characteristic is that air smells giasemi-,thiseio with the old cafes, Akropoli, the castle of Athens at Filopappou hill, Lycabettus ( wonderful view at night). The night life also is wonderful small cafes and bistros, jazz bars and theatrical places with food ad drink at Psiri area.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

it depends on the character, mentality and financial situation that each might have. if you ask me at the time I was A student, I preferred galas, theatres, artistic exchibitions, jazz bars and small "mezedopoleia"

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

It depends on room, the appartment, the house or the hotel as well as the area you choose to stay. an average cost would be 400- 800 per month. still this is my personal view.

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

No, I don't think is difficult to fnd accomodation in Athens. It depends on the area the interested would like to live according to the purpose of his staying. Inetrnet is the best place to visit and explore.

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

the mediterannean cuisine is helathy, most tasteful, in one word wonderful. my favorite dishes are pastitsio, soutzoukakia & greek salads with feta cheese.

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

downtown for sure as I have mentioned in question 1 as well as Sounio cape, which is out of Atrhens but in Attiki. and don't miss the museums. It would be a pitty not to meet the civilization one of the oldest in anciet history

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

it depends on the budget that each offers. I prefer eating at small taverns near monastiraki and psiri.

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

psiri and downtown syntagma inside the small roads near the parliament as well as Mets near kallimarmaro stadium.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

make always a research before you come, in anything: accomodation, food entertainment. what you get is what you ask. and this stands as common for every foreign country you plan to stay and share.