- Rajat Bhatnagar
It is really good to speak and hear Hindi from time to time. With InterNations I got to know compatriots in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Meet other Americans in Athens
Settling into a new city like Athens is a journey filled with contrasts and surprises — especially when home is all the way across the Atlantic. But Athens has a way of growing on you, thanks to the city’s welcoming expat community.
This page is here to make the transition easier, offering tips on navigating the twists and turns of settling in, practical Q&As, and ways to connect with fellow Americans in Athens.
Why you'll love InterNations in Athens
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
The pros & cons of living in Athens
No place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly — read on to find out what our American members love about Athens as well as the challenges they face.
Pros:
Welcoming locals: Athenians are warm and easygoing, which helps American expats feel at home from the start. Their openness makes those first few months easier when everything still feels new.
Low crime rates: Athens is notably safer than some large American cities, with serious crimes like murders and assaults being rare. While pickpocketing in busy areas is something to watch out for, the city overall feels secure, even for those walking around late at night.
Affordable cost of living: Athens offers a budget-friendly lifestyle. Dining out is particularly inexpensive, with a satisfying breakfast costing around 4.50 EUR and hearty, high-quality meals available for under 10 EUR. Groceries and drinks, including local beer, are also reasonably priced.
Walkable city: Athens is a pedestrian-friendly city, particularly in areas like the Acropolis and Plaka. Many key attractions and amenities are within walking distance, making it easy to explore without relying on a car or public transport.
Cons:
Complex bureaucracy: Be prepared for long waits and detailed paperwork when dealing with official matters. Government offices can require multiple visits to complete simple tasks. English isn’t commonly spoken, which can add to the challenge.
Traffic and driving challenges: The city’s infrastructure wasn’t built to handle modern traffic demands, leading to congested roads and chaotic driving conditions. Motor scooters darting between lanes and onto sidewalks make driving in Athens especially stressful for newcomers.
Unreliable internet speeds: Internet connections in Athens can be frustratingly slow, with upload speeds particularly problematic. For those who rely on fast, stable internet, such as digital nomads or remote workers, this can be a significant drawback.
Manual hot water systems: In many apartments, hot water isn’t automatic. Residents often need to switch on the water heater manually 30 minutes before showering, which could take some getting used to, especially for Americans accustomed to modern plumbing systems.
Meet American expats at our weekly events in Athens
Being in a new country can make you feel out of place, but that shouldn't be the case when you’re in Athens — our InterNations events are your passport to friendship, laughter, and wonderful memories.
They bring together a mix of Americans and other internationals who have come to Athens for all kinds of reasons. Each event is designed to help you settle in, answer questions about life in Athens, introduce you to some local favorites, and, best of all, connect you with people who may just become your new friends.
So why not join InterNations? We’re here to welcome you and help you feel settled in no time.
Want to meet other Americans at our events?
Frequently asked questions by Americans interested in living in Athens
If you’re looking to meet other Americans in Athens, Smokey’s BBQ is a favorite with Americans due its American-style barbecue. The James Joyce Irish Pub is another great spot, popular with American and other English-speaking expats.
Other events hosted by the American Community Schools (ACS) or the US Embassy often attracts American families and professionals. To meet more Americans and expand your social circle, join InterNations, where our events help you make friends from America as well as all over the globe, share experiences, and find support on your expat journey.
Here are some popular choices:
Kolonaki: A favorite for its central location as well as plenty of cafés and shops. It’s perfect for those who enjoy living in the city with a touch of elegance.
Near Lycabettus Hill: Apartments close to the hill are peaceful and quiet, with access to green spaces. They’re harder to find but worth the search if you’re looking for a slow-paced, quiet environment.
Pagrati & Mets: These neighborhoods strike a balance between being close to the bustling city center and a more laid-back lifestyle.
Palio Faliro: Ideal for families looking for a coastal location. It’s quieter and child-friendly, though finding an apartment here can be challenging.
Chalandri: Another family-friendly suburb with a calm atmosphere, lots of amenities, and a great option for those who want to escape the city’s hustle.
Tavros, Kallithea, and Neos Kosmos: These are more affordable areas with good public transport and a strong community feel, making them practical choices for those who are budget-conscious.
Most expats with families tend to avoid Exarchia and Omonia for their busy and chaotic nature, while tourist-heavy spots like Plaka and Syntagma are better suited for short-term visitors than long-term residents.
Living in Athens without speaking Greek can be manageable. English is fairly widely spoken in tourist areas like the Acropolis, Plaka, and Monastiraki Square, as well as in major business spots like Marousi (the business district), and among younger Greeks.
Greeks are generally warm and helpful, and often go out of their way to assist, even with a language gap. You’ll find shopkeepers using Google Translate or calling over an English-speaking colleague to help you out.
Daily life will still have its challenges, though. You may face language barriers with older locals or in residential neighborhoods. Learning a few basic Greek phrases like kalimera (good morning), efharisto (thank you) goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and it helps break the ice.
If you’re planning to stay long-term, learning some Greek will make things easier, especially for dealing with public services or building deeper friendships.
To make your transition even smoother, here are some services for English speakers that can help with key parts of daily life (these services are not affiliated with or endorsed by InterNations):
General practitioner (GP) | Homed Clinic Provides all medical service needs. |
Dentist | Dental smiles Rated 5-stars by most English-speaking patients, Dental smiles offers variety of dental treatments. |
Urgent care | Group EuroClinic Conveniently located in the city center, with English-speaking physicians available 24/7. |
Immigration assistance | Octopus Relocations Various services are offered for English speakers like accommodation and settling in services. |
Tax advisor | Tax Support A firm providing tax services, accounting, VAT, and payroll — all in English. |
Instant interpreting service | DayInterpreting Get connected to a native Greek speaker and use your phone’s loudspeaker to have an instant interpreter with you. |
Meet other Americans in Athens
Our Global Partners
Find friends to pursue your hobbies & passions with
If our events are a great way to meet other expats, our groups take things further by connecting you with people who share your hobbies and interests. These smaller groups let you enjoy your favorite activities while connecting with other expats. They meet monthly, bringing people together to share what they love, with a variety of options to keep things interesting.
If you enjoy the arts, our Arts and Culture group organizes gallery visits and live performances, including evenings at the National Opera in Athens. Food lovers can join the Food-Wine-Cocktail group, and if you prefer staying active, the Great Outdoors and Indoors group is for you. Each group provides a welcoming space to do what you enjoy, meet new people, and make the most of your time here.
Find other Americans to share your hobbies with
Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just active in Athens — InterNations offers lively communities in most of Greece’s major cities. If you’re traveling or moving to another city in Greece, check out our American community in Thessaloniki
But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a nice night out while traveling further abroad, we have communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Browse all InterNations Communities.
- Rajat Bhatnagar
It is really good to speak and hear Hindi from time to time. With InterNations I got to know compatriots in Athens and Thessaloniki.
- Amelie Barreau
InterNations members are really helpful and provided us with valuable tips about the international schools in Athens.
