Living in Athens: How to enjoy the city like a local expat

Athens is loud, colourful, chaotic and surprisingly easy to fall in love with. The city is a gritty, creative place filled with life in unexpected corners. Living in Athens means embracing the ancient and the modern, the chaos and the charm, the lively nights in busy squares and the quiet moments in shaded neighbourhood streets. Living in Athens offers unique experiences that are hard to find anywhere else.

If you are a young expat wondering what it is really like to live here, the good news is that plenty of others have figured it out before you. With the right tips, you can skip the tourist trail and dive straight into everyday life.

Here is how to enjoy life in Athens and start feeling at home:

When it comes to living in Athens, the history and culture surrounding you influence your daily life in a profound way.

Discover the neighbourhoods that locals love

Many expats have shared their stories about living in Athens, highlighting the community spirit and vibrant lifestyle.

The Parthenon might be the postcard, but real living in Athens happens in the neighbourhoods. 

• Pangrati is relaxed and bohemian, with indie cinemas, lively cafés and plenty of street art.
  
• Mets is one of the prettiest areas to wander, with pastel houses and bougainvillea.
  
• Psiri is where the nightlife buzzes, with live music bars and souvlaki stands that stay open late.
  
• Koukaki mixes modern brunch spots with traditional tavernas and is popular with expats.
  

Get lost in these areas, sit down for a coffee. That is how you start finding your own favourite corners of Athens.

Build routines that make you part of the community

Athenians notice when you keep coming back. Visit the same bakery three mornings in a row and you will probably be greeted with a smile by day four. Order your koulouri or spanakopita, say a quick “kaliméra” and you are no longer just a stranger passing through.

Finding your favourite café while living in Athens is a delightful journey that connects you with the locals.

The same goes for tavernas, markets and even your neighbourhood kiosk. Become a regular and people will not only recognise you, they will often share tips about events or neighbourhood news. These small routines are the easiest way to feel part of a community.

As you continue living in Athens, you’ll develop a sense of belonging that enriches your experience.

It’s the little moments of joy that make living in Athens truly special and memorable.

Enjoy the outdoor lifestyle every day

One of the best things about living in Athens is how much of life takes place outside. The weather is on your side most of the year, so Athenians make the most of it.

• Walk along the Athens Riviera after work and join locals for a seaside coffee.
  
• Hike up Mount Lycabettus or Mount Ymittos to escape the noise and see the whole city spread out below.
  
• Take a slow stroll through the National Garden when you need a quiet break.
  
• Head to Piraeus for fresh seafood and harbour views.
  

Adventuring outdoors is a key part of living in Athens, where nature and culture intertwine seamlessly.

Evenings are for being out and about. Meet friends on a terrace, join the nightly volta (evening stroll) or watch a film in an open-air cinema. If you want to enjoy life in Athens, spend more time outdoors than indoors.

Pick up customs that locals appreciate

Greek hospitality is famous, but it is a two-way street. A few words of Greek like “efcharistó” (thank you) or “kaliméra” (good morning) show respect and usually spark a smile.

Other customs are just as important:

• Do not flush toilet paper, bins are provided.
  
• Leave a small tip, usually around 10%.
  
• Dress modestly in churches and monasteries.
  
• Expect lively conversations and direct questions – it is a sign of friendliness.
  
• Be careful crossing roads, drivers are fast and not always patient.
  

The evenings spent socialising while living in Athens can lead to lasting friendships and experiences.

Adapting to these little habits shows you are trying to fit in, and it will make locals more open to you.

Balance working in Athens with free time

For many expats, working in Athens is the reason to move. Jobs in customer support, tourism and IT are common, and the only skill you often need is your native language. Salaries average €1,200 to €1,500 a month, with rent for a one-bedroom flat starting around €600 depending on the area.

Work culture in Greece is social. It is common for colleagues to go out together after hours, and many friendships start at the office. Accept those invitations, they are part of the experience.

If you are here for a gap year in Athens, seasonal jobs in cafés, hostels or tourism can keep you afloat financially while giving you plenty of chances to meet people.

Connect through communities and activities

Athens has a strong international scene. Expats often find their first friends in Facebook groups, at language exchanges or through organisations like InterNations. These communities are welcoming and full of people in the same situation as you.

Once you feel settled, branch out. Join a gym class, try a cooking workshop or volunteer at a local event. Networks are everything in Athens, and the more you join in, the more opportunities will come your way.

Live daily life like a true Athenian

To really feel like you are living in Athens, lean into the small details of everyday life.

• Shop at the laikí agora, the weekly street markets, for cheap fruit and vegetables.
  
• Get around by metro or bus, since parking is limited and driving can be stressful.
  
• Enjoy free or low-cost entertainment – street festivals, rooftop cinemas and endless street food.
  
• Be patient with paperwork. Bureaucracy is part of Greek life, and everyone deals with it.
  

Once these habits become normal, the city feels less overwhelming and a lot more like home.

From visitor to local expat

Athens is messy, noisy and full of surprises, but that is exactly why so many people fall in love with it. By exploring neighbourhoods, building routines, spending time outdoors and joining communities, you will quickly move from tourist to local.

Whether you are working in Athens, spending a gap year in Athens or looking for something longer, the friendships and daily rituals you create will make the city unforgettable.

If you are thinking about making the move, you will find plenty of resources on This is Athens to inspire your first steps. And if your next goal is to find a job abroad and start building your own story in Greece, that is where we at Job Squad can help.We connect young people from across Northern Europe with opportunities to work abroad in roles that match their lifestyle, language and interests.

With the right support, living in Athens will not just be a dream, but the start of one of the best chapters in your life.