🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, Athens, Greece, is an attractive destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and affordability. The city’s rich heritage, pleasant Mediterranean climate, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing remote work hub. Athens has been gaining popularity as a digital nomad destination, with many remote workers drawn to its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and stunning ancient ruins. The Athens nomad scene is still developing, but it’s already possible to find a sense of community among like-minded individuals. With a digital nomad infrastructure score of 42/100, Athens may not have all the bells and whistles of more established nomad hubs, but it makes up for it with its incredible cultural attractions, scoring 70/100.
One of the main draws for remote workers is the cost of living in Athens. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment can cost around $348 per month, making it an affordable option for those looking to stretch their budget. Eating out is also relatively cheap, with an average restaurant meal costing around $8.5. Additionally, the city’s social and nightlife scene, although not as extensive as some other European cities, still offers a fun and lively atmosphere, with a score of 40/100. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed, cafe-filled day or a night out on the town, Athens has plenty to offer.
However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations when it comes to Athens as a digital nomad destination. The city’s internet infrastructure, for example, has an average speed of 12 Mbps, which may not be sufficient for demanding remote work requirements. Nevertheless, many coworking spaces and cafes have invested in fiber-optic connections, providing faster and more reliable internet for remote workers. With its unique blend of history, culture, and affordability, Athens is an excellent choice for digital nomads looking for a new and exciting experience.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Gazi
Gazi is a trendy neighborhood that’s popular among digital nomads and locals alike. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs along the Iera Odos street. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Gazi can cost between $250-$400 per month. One of the pros of living in Gazi is its excellent internet connectivity, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering fast and reliable connections. However, the neighborhood can be quite noisy, especially at night, which may not be ideal for remote workers who need a quiet environment.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is another popular neighborhood among digital nomads, known for its bustling flea market and traditional tavernas. The area has a more laid-back atmosphere than Gazi, with a mix of old and new buildings. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Monastiraki can cost between $200-$350 per month. One of the pros of living in Monastiraki is its excellent location, with easy access to the city center and many historical landmarks. However, the neighborhood can be quite crowded, especially on Sundays when the flea market is in full swing.
Pangrati
Pangrati is a charming neighborhood that’s a bit off the beaten path, but still offers a great quality of life for digital nomads. The area is known for its picturesque streets, charming cafes, and traditional restaurants. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Pangrati can cost between $250-$400 per month. One of the pros of living in Pangrati is its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for remote workers who need a distraction-free environment. However, the neighborhood is a bit farther from the city center, which may require a longer commute.
Koukaki
Koukaki is a popular neighborhood among digital nomads, known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent location. The area is close to the Acropolis and the city center, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Koukaki can cost between $300-$500 per month. One of the pros of living in Koukaki is its excellent internet connectivity, with many coworking spaces and cafes offering fast and reliable connections. However, the neighborhood can be quite touristy, which may not be ideal for remote workers who prefer a more local experience.
Digital Nomad Guide
For remote workers, Athens has a growing number of coworking spaces that offer excellent facilities and services. Some popular options include The Cube, which costs around $150-$200 per month, and Impact Hub Athens, which costs around $200-$300 per month. Both spaces offer fast and reliable internet, comfortable workspaces, and a community of like-minded individuals. When it comes to cafes, some popular options include Cafe Avyssinia, which offers excellent wifi and a cozy atmosphere, and The Underdog, which has a fun and lively vibe. For a more traditional Greek experience, try Cafe Odeon, which serves excellent coffee and traditional pastries.
In terms of internet quality, Athens has an average speed of 12 Mbps, but many coworking spaces and cafes have invested in fiber-optic connections, providing faster and more reliable internet for remote workers. The nomad community scene is still developing, but there are already several Facebook groups and meetups for digital nomads, including the Athens Digital Nomads group and the Nomads in Athens meetup. For visa options, remote workers can apply for a residence permit, which costs around $100-$200 and is valid for one year. Banking and practical setup tips include opening a Greek bank account, which can be done with a residence permit and a proof of address, and using a service like Revolut or TransferWise for international money transfers.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Athens has a unique and vibrant culture that’s steeped in history and tradition. One of the must-try dishes is moussaka, a hearty eggplant-based casserole that’s a staple of Greek cuisine. For a more modern take on traditional Greek food, try the trendy restaurant, Cookoovaya, which offers an excellent selection of small plates and craft cocktails. The nightlife and social scene in Athens is also worth exploring, with many bars and clubs along the Iera Odos street in Gazi. For a more local experience, try the traditional taverna, To Spitiko, which serves excellent traditional music and dance.
In terms of local customs and etiquette, it’s essential to respect the traditional Greek way of life. For example, when visiting a church or monastery, dress modestly and remove your shoes if required. When interacting with locals, be sure to use formal titles such as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” until you’re explicitly invited to use first names. English proficiency is relatively high in Athens, especially among younger people, but it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Greek phrases, such as “geia sou” (hello) and “efharistó” (thank you).
⭐ Highlights
- Visit the Acropolis, the ancient citadel that sits atop a hill in the heart of the city, and explore the Parthenon, a stunning ancient temple dedicated to Athena.
- Explore the Monastiraki Flea Market, which takes place every Sunday and offers a wide range of vintage goods, antiques, and souvenirs.
- Take a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Anafiotika, which is known for its picturesque streets, charming cafes, and stunning views of the Acropolis.
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.
- Attend a traditional Greek music and dance performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stunning ancient theater that’s still used for concerts and events today.
- Take a day trip to the nearby island of Aegina, which is known for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and delicious seafood.
- Explore the vibrant street art scene in the Gazi neighborhood, which features a wide range of murals, graffiti, and public installations.
💡 Practical Tips
For digital nomads, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the practical aspects of living and working in Athens. In terms of visa requirements, US citizens can enter Greece without a visa and stay for up to 90 days, while EU citizens can stay for up to 180 days. For longer stays, remote workers can apply for a residence permit, which costs around $100-$200 and is valid for one year. Getting around Athens is relatively easy, with a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metro lines. The best time to visit Athens is in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F).
In terms of safety considerations, Athens is generally a safe city, but as with any major urban center, there are areas to avoid, such as the neighborhood of Omonia, which is known for its high crime rate. Common scams include pickpocketing and street harassment, so it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings. For healthcare and insurance considerations, digital nomads can purchase private health insurance, which costs around $50-$100 per month, or use the public healthcare system, which is generally of good quality but may require a longer wait time.
Overall, Athens is an excellent choice for digital nomads who are looking for a unique and exciting experience. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Athens offers a great balance of work and play. Whether you’re looking to explore the ancient ruins, enjoy the city’s nightlife, or simply relax in a charming cafe, Athens has something to offer every type of remote worker.
