July 30, 2025 
7 mins to read Most of the people that come from abroad start feeling at home in Athens eventually. The city’s mix of ancient ruins, warm Mediterranean light and a buzzing modern culture makes it an attractive base for people who work abroad, move abroad or are seeking a job abroad. Foreigners often find the city affordable compared with Western European capitals and can tap into job sectors like customer support, IT and tourism, yet understanding how to settle in is key. Below are five practical tips to help you live abroad and feel like a local in Athens.
1. Explore neighbourhoods beyond the acropolis
The Acropolis is stunning, but life in Athens happens in its neighbourhoods. Wandering through smaller districts helps newcomers experience the city’s everyday rhythms. XpatAthens recommends a walk from Mets to Pangrati, describing Mets as one of the quietest central neighbourhoods; its pastel townhouses, abundant bougainvillea and cinematic side streets contrast with the bustle of central Athens. Varnava Square, where Mets meets bohemian Pangrati, is lined with traditional restaurants and hip cafés. These are perfect places to sip coffee and people‑watch with your friends.
Don’t just shop in Plaka either. Locals head a block south of crowded Ermou Street to Mitropoleos Street; it’s home to the Metropolitan Church and independent shops. Exploring alternative areas like Pangrati, Koukaki or Psiri also introduces you to street art, neighbourhood markets and community events. By avoiding only tourist districts, you will see what Athens life is really like and begin to discover your own favourite spots.
2. Establish a routine with local businesses
If you want to start feeling at home in Athens, you need to become a regular to the Athenians. In Greece the fournos (bakery) is an essential part of daily life. XpatAthens notes that if you visit the same bakery three mornings in a row, staff will likely recognise you and may offer samples of their fresh pastries. This routine helps you build connections and practise greetings in Greek. Try different neighbourhood bakeries: Perhaps the almond‑croissant specialist Queen Bee in Kolonaki or Afrato in Neos Kosmos. Soon you will have your favourite morning stop.
The same applies to cafés, tavernas, hairdressers and produce markets. Athenians are sociable and appreciate regular customers. When you return to the same coffee shop or taverna at similar times each week, staff will begin to greet you warmly. It’s an easy way to practise a few words of Greek, gain insider tips on local events and feel part of the neighbourhood.
3. Embrace Athens’ outdoor lifestyle
Feeling at home in Athens meens adapting to the lifestyle of the Athenians. They spend a lot of time outdoors; following their lead is a great way to settle in. The article on XpatAthens suggests taking a walk down Irodou Attikou Street, the city’s version of Park Avenue, where the Presidential Palace and National Garden create a stately ambience. It also encourages residents to “go higher than the Acropolis” by hiking Mount Ymittos, a green ridge towering 1,026 metres above the city.
Weekend hikes in Ymittos or nearby Lycabettus Hill give you panoramic views and a break from the urban noise, while the slopes of Kaisariani Monastery and the National Gardens provide shaded walks within the city limits. So don’t forget to pack your hiking boots.
On hot days, escape to the water. Athenians often head to Mikrolimano in Piraeus for seafood and sea breezes or to beaches near Kalamaki on the Athens Riviera. Having a local routine—an evening stroll along the waterfront, a Sunday hike or a rooftop coffee overlooking the Parthenon—will help you feel like you belong.
4. Learn and respect local customs
You do not need to be fluent in Greek to move to Athens. The city’s official guide notes that most Athenians speak English and often other languages; a simple “hello” ( yiá sas ) or “thank you” ( efcharistó ) is appreciated. Greeks love to talk and may turn a request for directions into a long and friendly conversation, so be prepared for lively chats and expressive hand gestures.
Follow local dining etiquette: avoid the touristy restaurants where waiters beckon passers‑by and instead research where to eat. Do tip waiters and taxi drivers around 10–15%, and don’t haggle over prices; bargaining is less common today. Use caution on roads: drivers in Athens do not always stop for pedestrians. Also allow plenty of time to visit sights; trying to see everything in one weekend is unrealistic, and not necessary. Dress modestly at churches and monasteries, never flush toilet paper (because the sewage system is old) and wear sunscreen (even in spring).
Learning a few words of Greek and observing customs show respect and will quickly earn you goodwill, and this will help you in feeling at home in Athens quickly. Apps like Drops or Babbel can help build vocabulary. Classes at community centres or language exchanges are also good places to meet people.
5. Build a community and plan practicalities
Feeling at home abroad often comes down to the people you meet. According to More Than Careers, Athens has a strong expat and local community; many Athenians speak good English and are happy to help newcomers. There are numerous local groups, English‑language events and Facebook communities where you can make friends and share experiences. Networking is also important for career advancement; Greek work culture values relationships and it’s common to socialise with colleagues after work.
Practical considerations will affect your comfort too. Rent for a one‑bedroom apartment starts at about €600 in neighbourhoods like Kypseli and is higher in upscale areas like Glyfada or Kifisia. Budget for utilities and remember that salaries in Athens average around €1,200–€1,500 per month. The city’s cost of living is lower than in Paris or London, but has risen in recent years, so plan your finances carefully. Greek bureaucracy can feel frustrating, so allow extra time for paperwork and maintain patience.Finally, trust that Athens can offer a rewarding work–life balance.
There are over 100 museums to explore, frequent cultural festivals and countless cafés for leisurely conversations. Whether you move for a job abroad, to work abroad remotely or to live abroad for a new experience, embracing Athens’ history, food and social warmth will help turn the city into a home.
| Tip | Key actions/highlights | Evidence |
| Explore neighbourhoods | Wander through Mets and Pangrati; visit Mitropoleos Street instead of touristy Plaka; try different districts | Mets offers quiet streets with pastel townhouses and bougainvillea; Mitropoleos Street has independent shops and the Metropolitan Church |
| Establish a local routine | Frequent the same bakery and café; greet staff regularly; sample local pastries | Visiting a bakery three days in a row helps staff recognise you and may result in free samples |
| Embrace the outdoor lifestyle | Walk along Irodou Attikou Street; hike Mount Ymittos; escape to Piraeus or beaches; enjoy rooftop views | Irodou Attikou hosts the Presidential Palace and National Garden; Mount Ymittos offers green trails and city–sea views; Mikrolimano in Piraeus provides seafood and island ambience |
| Learn & respect customs | Learn basic Greek greetings; choose restaurants carefully; tip; follow local etiquette like not throwing toilet paper in the loo and dressing appropriately for churches | Most Athenians speak English, but a “hello” or “thank you” in Greek is appreciated; avoid tourist‑trap restaurants; tipping 10–15% is customary; toilet paper is not flushed due to old sewage |
| Build community & plan | Join expat groups; socialise with colleagues; budget for rent and utilities; be patient with bureaucracy | Athens has a strong expat community and locals are happy to help; rent for a one‑bedroom starts around €600 and costs have risen; bureaucracy requires patience |
Feeling at home in Athens: Final thoughts
Moving abroad is an exciting opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Athens rewards newcomers who step off the tourist trail and engage with its people, traditions and landscapes. By exploring diverse neighbourhoods, supporting local businesses, enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, respecting customs and building a community, you can quickly feel at home in this captivating Mediterranean capital and turn your move abroad into an enriching chapter of your life. We hope this article will help you to start feeling at home in Athens quickly after moving there.
