🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Athens, Greece, my home for several months. This ancient city has a unique charm that draws you in, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Athens is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, where you can explore ancient ruins, visit world-class museums, and enjoy a thriving food and nightlife scene. For remote workers, Athens offers a great balance of affordability, excellent weather, and a growing digital nomad community. As an Athens digital nomad, you’ll find that the city has a lot to offer, from its stunning Acropolis to its bustling Monastiraki Flea Market.
One of the main reasons I fell in love with Athens is its laid-back atmosphere. The city has a relaxed vibe, with plenty of cafes, parks, and beaches to enjoy. The cost of living in Athens is also relatively low, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads on a budget. With a monthly rent of €570 (approximately $620 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment, you can find affordable accommodation in many neighborhoods. However, be aware that prices can fluctuate depending on the season, with peak season (June to September) being the most expensive.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in, Athens has plenty of options to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are a few of my favorite areas:
- Monastiraki: This historic neighborhood is a favorite among digital nomads, with its narrow streets, charming cafes, and bustling flea market. You can find affordable accommodation in Monastiraki, with prices starting from €400 (approximately $440 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Gazi: Located just a short walk from the city center, Gazi is a trendy neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s home to many bars, clubs, and restaurants, and is a great place to meet other digital nomads. Rent prices in Gazi are slightly higher, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around €600 (approximately $660 USD) per month.
- Koukaki: This up-and-coming neighborhood is a hidden gem, with its picturesque streets, charming cafes, and stunning views of the Acropolis. Koukaki is a bit quieter than other neighborhoods, but it’s still within walking distance to the city center. Rent prices in Koukaki are around €500 (approximately $550 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Pangrati: This charming neighborhood is a favorite among locals and digital nomads alike, with its narrow streets, quaint cafes, and picturesque parks. Pangrati is a bit further from the city center, but it’s still easily accessible by public transport. Rent prices in Pangrati are around €450 (approximately $495 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Athens is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads on a budget. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from €400 (approximately $440 USD) to €600 (approximately $660 USD), depending on the neighborhood and season.
- Food: Eating out in Athens can be very affordable, with a meal at a traditional taverna costing around €10-15 (approximately $11-16 USD) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around €20-30 (approximately $22-33 USD) per week.
- Transport: Public transport in Athens is efficient and affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €30 (approximately $33 USD). You can also buy individual tickets for €1.20 (approximately $1.32 USD) per ride.
- Coworking: Athens has a growing number of coworking spaces, with prices ranging from €100-300 (approximately $110-330 USD) per month for a hot desk. Some popular coworking spaces include The Cube, Impact Hub Athens, and Stone Soup.
Internet & Coworking
As a digital nomad, having reliable internet is essential. Thankfully, Athens has a good internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 46 Mbps. You can find many cafes and coworking spaces with fast and reliable internet, including:
- The Cube: This coworking space in the heart of Athens offers fast internet, comfortable workspaces, and a community of like-minded professionals.
- Impact Hub Athens: This global network of coworking spaces has a location in Athens, offering a range of workspaces, events, and networking opportunities.
- Stone Soup: This charming cafe in the Monastiraki neighborhood offers fast internet, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere.
Athens has a growing digital nomad community, with many meetups and events taking place throughout the year. Some popular groups include:
- Athens Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other digital nomads, find accommodation, and get tips on living in Athens.
- Nomad List Athens: This online community is a great resource for digital nomads, with information on coworking spaces, accommodation, and events.
- Expats in Athens: This group is a great place to connect with other expats and digital nomads, and get advice on living in Athens.
Culture & Lifestyle
Athens is a city that’s steeped in history and culture, with a vibrant food scene, stunning architecture, and a thriving nightlife. As a digital nomad, you’ll find that there’s always something to do, from exploring ancient ruins to attending cultural events. Some insider tips include:
- Try the local street food: Athens is famous for its delicious street food, including souvlaki, gyro, and moussaka. Try some of the local eateries, such as Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani, for a taste of authentic Greek cuisine.
- Visit the Monastiraki Flea Market: This bustling market takes place every Sunday, and is a great place to find unique souvenirs, antiques, and vintage clothing.
- Explore the neighborhoods: Athens has many charming neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique character and charm. Take a stroll through Monastiraki, Gazi, and Koukaki to discover some of the city’s hidden gems.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to consider visa requirements when planning your stay in Athens. Greece offers a range of visa options, including:
- Tourist visa: This visa is valid for up to 90 days, and can be obtained at the airport or at a Greek embassy.
- Digital nomad visa: Unfortunately, Greece does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, you can apply for a residence permit, which allows you to stay in the country for up to a year.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for living in Athens as a digital nomad:
- Get a SIM card: You can buy a SIM card at the airport or at a local mobile phone store. Prices start from around €10 (approximately $11 USD) per month for a basic plan.
- Use public transport: Athens has an efficient public transport system, with buses, trams, and metro lines connecting the city.
- Be prepared for the heat: Athens can get very hot in the summer, with temperatures often reaching over 40°C (104°F). Make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.
- Learn some Greek: While many Athenians speak English, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn some basic Greek phrases, such as “γεια σας” (geia sas) - cheers!
