Living in Athens, Greece:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

Living in Athens offers a mix of ancient history and modern life. You’ll experience a vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and historical landmarks like the Acropolis. However, traffic can be challenging, and the economic situation may vary. It ultimately depends on personal preferences and adaptability.

Athens is a populous city with about four million permanent residents. The most famous monuments of Athens are the Parthenon and the Acropolis near the city center. Athens has the advantage of being surrounded by the sea, and that is why a tourist can visit it in summer as an exclusive destination for his summer vacation. It is a frequent occurrence traffic jams on highways, especially on weekdays.

Someone would have to learn how to move around using the public transport so they could arrive anywhere on time. That is to say, they need to be “on the run” at least one hour before their actual appointment, since our public transport is quite “weird”. Still, things are improving slowly but surely.

Anyone moving to Athens should keep in mind that, despite the seemingly comprehensive transport system, there is always traffic all across the city. Consequently, it is advisable to plan ahead and never leave home at the last minute. This is especially true if you travel between the centre and the suburbs.

The first thing you should know, is that the locals are extremely welcoming and helpful. Be prepared to receive a lot of delicious Greek dishes as welcoming gifts! Life is relaxed and slow here, even though we are in a capital city. Be prepared for offices to be closed in the afternoon as residents head home for a siesta, and be prepared for the cacophony of car horns which will wake you up every morning as commuters jostle to work.

The Athens is a city with most sunny days over the year, in Europe. Nightlife is amazing and there is always something new to do. There is metro and tram that makes your movings quite easy. If you are a student then you will wish to never leave this town because their universities are one of the best in Greece. The sea is close soat summer you can stay and enjoy here too.

Athens is a really beautiful city with lots of monuments and places. In Ancient Greece, it was the cultural centre of the country. Democracy, philosophy and theatre were founded here by great personalities of that time such as Socrates, Plato and Euripides. Its great history combined with our local traditions and cuisine makes it a perfect destination for someone to explore.

Athens is full of shops of any kind. You can find really nice clothing. There is also a cinema for summer. It has a very warm climate and winter time is almost like summer. It is aardvark very calm suburban area with a large City Hall and many local theaters. I have visited and other cities during the past but my city is the most beautiful!

A person looking to move to Athens should know that, despite the irregularity of the streets layout, it is relatively easy to move around via public transport. However, one thing to note is that punctuality of the buses very much depends on the arbitrary laws of the road and the frequency of traffic congestion.

Someone moving to my city should know how to take the bus, metro and train as they are the main ways to move through the city. They should know that, at night, it can be a bit dangerous, as we have a high criminal rate considering our population. Another thing is that you have to be welcoming, respectful and hospitable as we have a lot of refugees.

I did not realise that long distances and commutes time were part of everyday life here. When selecting an area of residence, it is best to avoid the centre, if possible, due to higher crime rates, and try to find an apartment in the suburbs. Though, again, one should be cautious and look into the transportation options available in each area. On the whole, while Athens may not be a pretty city, it has a character that reflects centuries of history and I would unreservedly recommend visiting the museum of the City of Athens, a hidden gem within the city’s heart, that informs visitors of the Athens’ modern age.

Athens is a diverse city like many others in Europe, but in some ways it maintains its authenticity. Before moving to Athens, anyone should do their research. The rents vary, some neighborhoods are better than the other, but overall it is worth it. From almost anywhere downtown, you can spot the Acropolis or visit museums and places where the old incorporates the new.