Living in Athens during your work placement abroad is a fascinating and rewarding experience. Greece’s capital offers a unique blend of historical heritage, vibrant culture and dynamic city life. Whether you’re passionate about history, art, gastronomy or nightlife, Athens has a lot to offer. As well as your work placement, you’ll have the opportunity to explore iconic archaeological sites, sample delicious Greek cuisine, stroll through lively neighbourhoods and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this thousand-year-old city. Athens is also ideally located for excursions to nearby islands and historic sites. Living in Athens will give you the chance to experience everyday Greek life, meet warm and welcoming people, and forge lasting bonds with your colleagues and local residents. Whether it’s for a few months or a whole year, living in Athens during your placement will be an unforgettable adventure that will allow you to grow both personally and professionally.

Living in Athens during your work placement abroad: what can you do there?

Living in Athens during your work placement abroad offers many opportunities for activities and discoveries. Here are just some of the things you can do in Athens:

  1. Visit the archaeological sites: Athens is packed with incredible historical and archaeological sites. You can explore the Acropolis, the ancient Agora, the temple of Olympian Zeus and many other historic monuments that bear witness to the richness of Greek history.

  2. Discover the culture: Athens has a vibrant cultural scene with many museums, art galleries, theatres and concert halls. You can attend theatrical performances, music concerts, art exhibitions and cultural festivals.
  3. Stroll through the lively neighbourhoods: Athens is full of lively neighbourhoods where you can stroll, shop, discover trendy boutiques, quaint cafés and restaurants serving delicious Greek cuisine. Some of the popular neighbourhoods include Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri and Kolonaki.
  4. Enjoy the nightlife: Athens is renowned for its lively nightlife. You’ll find plenty of bars, clubs and discos where you can dance, listen to live music and meet people. The districts of Gazi and Kerameikos are particularly well known for their nightlife scene.
  5. Explore the local markets: Athens’ markets offer a unique experience where you can discover fresh local produce, spices, herbs, cheeses, olives and many other specialities. The most famous markets are the Central Market (Varvakeios) and the Monastiraki Flea Market.
  6. Enjoy the green spaces: Athens has many parks and green spaces where you can relax, do sport or simply enjoy nature. The Antonis Tritsis National Park, the National Garden and Mount Lycabetta are popular places for walks and picnics.
  7. Exploring the surrounding area: Athens is ideally located for exploring other destinations in Greece. You can take day trips to nearby islands such as Aegina, Hydra or Poros, or visit historic sites such as Delphi, Epidaurus and Mycenae.

Living in Athens will also give you the chance to interact with the locals and discover their culture and hospitality. Don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in everyday Athenian life by visiting cafés, sampling the local cuisine and exploring the less touristy areas.

Living in Athens during your internship abroad: the Greek way of life

The pace of life in Greece is often described as relaxed and convivial. Here are a few characteristics of the Greek way of life:

  1. Siesta: The siesta, or “mesimeriá”, is a common practice in Greece. It is common to take an afternoon break, usually after lunch, to rest and relax. During this period, many businesses close for a few hours, allowing people to rest or spend time with their families.
  2. Meals: Meals are an important aspect of Greek culture. Greeks enjoy long, convivial meals, with plenty of dishes to share. Lunches and dinners are often an opportunity to get together with family and friends, chat, savour traditional dishes and enjoy each other’s company.
  3. Working hours: Working hours in Greece can vary, but in general the working day starts later than in some other countries. Shops and offices often have long opening hours, with a break in the afternoon for a siesta or rest. Evenings can be lively, with restaurants and cafés open late into the night.
  4. Socialising: Greeks value social interaction and attach great importance to family ties and friendships. Informal get-togethers, cafés and lively discussions are common. It is common to see Greeks spending time outdoors, on café terraces, in parks or on beaches, enjoying each other’s company.
  5. Celebrations and festivities: Greeks love to celebrate and have a rich calendar of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Whether it’s religious celebrations, national holidays or local festivals, Greeks are known for their zest for life and their ability to party.

It is important to note that these characteristics can vary from one person to another and from one region of Greece to another. The pace of life can also be influenced by factors such as occupation, age and individual lifestyle.

Living in Athens during your internship abroad: the cost of living

Athens is a dynamic city, but the cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle, personal preferences and the area you choose to live in. Here’s an overview of common costs in Athens:

  1. Public transport: Public transport in Athens is relatively affordable. The metro, tram and bus system covers the city efficiently, with reasonable ticket and season ticket prices. For example, a single metro ticket costs around €1.40, and a monthly pass for public transport costs around €30.

  2. Rent: Rents in Athens can vary depending on the size of the flat, the location and the general condition of the property. In central districts and more sought-after areas, rents can be higher. On average, for a one-bedroom flat, monthly rents can vary between 400 and 700 euros. It is also possible to find cheaper options by moving a little further away from the city centre.
  3. Food: Food shopping in Athens can be affordable, especially if you frequent the local markets and discount supermarkets. Prices for basic foodstuffs such as vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy products and cereals are generally reasonable. Allow an average budget of 200 to 300 euros a month for food, depending on your lifestyle.
  4. Leisure and entertainment: Athens offers a wide range of entertainment options, from restaurants and cafés to museums, cinemas and cultural events. Prices may vary, but in general, outings and entertainment can be affordable. For example, a cinema ticket costs around 8 euros, and a meal in a casual restaurant can cost between 10 and 20 euros per person.
  5. Utilities: Bills for utilities such as electricity, water and heating depend on the size of your home and your consumption. Allow an average budget of €100 to €150 per month for utilities.

It is important to bear in mind that these figures are general estimates and may vary depending on your personal choices and lifestyle. It is always advisable to do further research and consult local sources for more accurate and up-to-date information on the cost of living in Athens.

Living in Athens during your work placement abroad: party hard!

Living in Athens during your work placement abroad will give you the chance to discover a lively and diverse party scene. The city offers plenty of options for partying and partying the night away. Here’s what you can expect in terms of nightlife in Athens:

  1. Lively districts: Athens is full of districts where the nightlife is particularly vibrant. Gazi is one of the most popular areas, with its many bars, clubs and restaurants. Here you’ll find a lively atmosphere, a variety of music and a relaxed vibe. Other areas such as Psiri, Monastiraki and Kolonaki also offer a lively nightlife.
  2. Clubs and nightclubs: Athens has many famous clubs and nightclubs where you can dance to a wide range of music, from pop and rock to electro and traditional Greek music. Dybbuk, Lohan, Bolivar Beach Bar and Akanthus are among the most famous nightclubs.
  3. Cocktail bars: If you prefer creative cocktails and more relaxed evenings out, Athens also has a host of stylish and trendy cocktail bars. You can enjoy refined drinks in elegant surroundings and take advantage of the friendly atmosphere. The Kolonaki district is renowned for its cocktail bars.
  4. Live music: Athens is a city where live music is very popular. Numerous bars and clubs offer live music performances, ranging from jazz and blues to pop and rembetiko, a genre of popular Greek music. You can discover new local talent and immerse yourself in the unique musical atmosphere of Athens.
  5. Events and festivals: Athens also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, offering an even more festive experience. Whether it’s music festivals, street parties, art exhibitions or cultural events, you’ll always find something to celebrate in Athens.

It is important to note that nightlife in Athens can start late in the evening, with people generally going out later. Parties often go on until the early hours of the morning. Don’t forget to find out where the most popular places are at the moment, as the nightlife scene can change quickly.

Living in Athens gives you the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant nightlife, meet people from all over the world and create unforgettable memories. However, it’s also important to be careful, follow the safety rules and look after yourself when you go out at night.

If you have any other questions, just ask us! We’re here to help you and, of course, to find you THE best possible work placement in Greece.

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For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.