Are you planning to live and work in Athens soon? Or would you like to visit this beautiful city and wonder what there is to discover? Then you’ve come to the right place at AnyworkAnywhere! In this blog, we share a number of tips that will come in handy when you start living and working in Athens. There are countless beautiful (cultural) places to visit in Athens. In short, if you are going to live and work in Athens, you will never be bored and you will never run out of things to do!
Latest Job Vacancies in Athens & Greece
- Hotel jobs, Tourism
- Cyprus, Greece, Spain
- Adventure jobs, Hotel jobs, Tourism
- Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey
Living and working in Athens & leisure activities
The Greek way of life
The most important tip we can give you is to embrace the Greek way of life. Allow yourself enough time to enjoy your adventure of living and working in Athens. Have a glass of wine on a sunny terrace. Take the time to enjoy good food. Relax, unwind and enjoy. And if you don’t manage to tick everything off your “things to do in Athens” list, that’s perfectly fine. It just means you have a good reason to come back or to live and work in Athens for a second time!
The Acropolis
The Acropolis is one of Athens’ highlights that you should not miss. Even in ancient times, the Acropolis of Athens was renowned for its breathtaking temples. This monument carries much of Athens’ history and therefore has an interesting story to tell.
Living and working in Athens: Anafiotika
This neighbourhood lies beneath the Acropolis and is one of Athens’ hidden gems. The neighbourhood was built in the 19th century by workers from the island of Anafi. They built their houses here in the style they knew from home. As a result, you feel like you are on an island. Small white houses, coloured windows, flower pots, cats and a fantastic view of Athens. If you are going to live and work in Athens, be sure to explore this beautiful neighbourhood!
The Lycavittos
At almost 300 metres, Lykavittos is the highest point in the city. Needless to say, the view from here is spectacular. You can reach the top by cable car or via a beautifully landscaped footpath. The cable car costs €7 and runs every half hour from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Living and working in Athens: Eating pita with souvlaki at Kostas
You can find souvlaki stands all over Athens. But for the best souvlaki in Athens, you really have to go to Kostas on Plateia Agias Irinis. Kostas’ tiny souvlaki stand has a few tables with brightly coloured plastic stools. However, don’t be in a hurry, because there is often a queue outside and it can take a while before it’s your turn. In any case, if you are going to live and work in Athens, it is definitely worth stopping by and enjoying some souvlaki!
The Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora was the centre of ancient Athens. Wander through this beautiful park-like setting. Admire the Temple of Hephaestus, the best-preserved temple in all of Greece. And visit the museum located in the Stoa of Attalos. With a little imagination, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time thousands of years. Admission is £7, or buy a combined ticket if you also want to visit the Acropolis.
Psiri
Psiri is a trendy neighbourhood where more and more unique places are popping up. Artists, shops selling handmade items and vintage shops sit side by side with the workshops of traditional craftsmen such as coppersmiths and chair makers. The neighbourhood also has many cosy places to eat and go out. Psiri is also a real paradise for lovers of street art.
Glyfada
Take the metro to Faliro and hop on the tram to Glyfada. The tram runs along the coast, offering beautiful views of the sea. Glyfada is a small fishing harbour. There are several terraces by the sea. A great place for a coffee, glass of wine or lunch. Do you like shopping? Then walk into the centre of Glyfada. Glyfada is also home to the Athenian jet set.
The hills surrounding the Acropolis
The hills surrounding the Acropolis are an oasis of tranquillity. Here, you can enjoy walking along quiet footpaths, winding forest trails and past historical sites. Walk to the Pnyx, the place where democracy was born 2,500 years ago. From here, you have a beautiful view of the Acropolis.
One of the best places to enjoy the sunset is Filopappos Hill. Named after the monument of Philopappos that stands at the top of this hill, it is one of the highest points in the city and from here, the city lies at your feet. In addition to Athens, you can also see the port of Piraeus, the coast and the island of Salamis. This hill is also known as the hill of the Muses. According to the ancient Greeks, the nine Muses, the lovely mythological ladies of art and science, lived on this hill.
Apply for that great job in Athens, go live and work in Athens, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the most beautiful views!
Living and working in Athens: the archaeological museum
The most important archaeological museum in Greece and an absolute must for lovers of classical Greece. Highlights include the golden death mask of Agamemnon from Mycenae, frescoes from Santorini dating from the 16th century BC, and a bronze statue of Zeus (or Poseidon, archaeologists disagree) from the 5th century BC.
The only “downside” to this museum is that it has so many beautiful things to see. Choose what you want to see or just go back another time. If you are going to live and work in Athens and will therefore be staying there for a longer period of time, you will have plenty of time to discover everything!
Eating chocolate cake at Nancy's Sweet Home
All of Athens comes to Nancy’s Sweet Home for the delicious chocolate cakes and desserts they serve here. The love cake is an absolute must-try. It’s a plate full of different kinds of chocolate treats, topped with chocolate sauce. The portions are large, so it’s not unusual to share one piece between two people. That’s what many Greeks do!
Changing of the guard
The tomb of the unknown soldier in front of the parliament building on Syntagma Square is guarded by the presidential guards. They change every hour, on the hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Every Sunday at 11 a.m., the elaborate changing of the guard takes place. All the Evzones (as they are called in Greek) march to the grave to the accompaniment of music for the changing of the guard. If you want to get a good spot for this spectacle, make sure you arrive at least 20 minutes in advance.
Living and working in Athens: the Varvakios Market
The Varvakios Market, also known as the Central Market, is one of our favourite spots in Athens. The market consists of 19th-century market halls with a meat and fish section and stalls selling fruit and vegetables across the street. The market is located in the city centre, on Athinas Street, about halfway between Monastiraki and Omonia Square. This lively, colourful and chaotic market is aimed at locals. The whole of Athens comes here to do their shopping, from grandmothers dressed in black to the chefs of the Athenian tavernas.
Kerameikos
Kerameikos was the most important cemetery in ancient Athens. It owes its name to the potters (kerameis) who lived here along the banks of the river. The city wall divided the area in two. Two of the most important gateways were located here. Outside the city walls, along the road, was the city’s official cemetery, which was in use from the 9th century BC until the late Roman period. Admission is €8, or buy a combination ticket if you also want to visit the Acropolis. Children are admitted free of charge. Open daily from 8 a.m., closing time between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., depending on the season.
Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre
The Stavros Niarchos cultural centre, located on the coast, is Athens’ latest highlight. It consists of the National Library, the National Opera and the Stavros Niarchos park. The large park has comfortable seating areas where you can dream away with a book under an olive tree. There is a labyrinth, a canal and fountains that invite you to walk through on a hot summer’s day. The roof of the library and the opera house are covered in vegetation and form part of the park.
As you have read in this blog, there is plenty to do in Athens. Are you excited and would you like to find out more about living and working abroad? Read on and discover how we can help you find a job in Athens!
Living and working in Athens: current vacancies
Can’t wait to go on an adventure by moving to Athens to live and work? Are you curious about the beautiful sights in Athens? Are you excited to make new friends for life? To try the most delicious Greek dishes? And to work in a fun international team? Good for you, because living and working in Athens is an amazing experience!
Check out our vacancies abroad on our website and find various fun and interesting vacancies in Greece. Apply for that great job and embark on the adventure of living and working in Athens!
