Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the world's oldest cities, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3.15 million people live in the greater Athens area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with many areas offering faster fiber connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Euro (1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD). Major banks include National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, and Piraeus Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's recommended to drink bottled water due to taste preferences. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind, with prepaid SIM cards available at the airport and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted are credit/debit cards from Visa, Mastercard, Revolut, and N26. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate platforms for both short-term and long-term stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Commonly found on Airbnb, Vacasa, and HomeAway. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Athens Backpackers and City Circus Athens. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Plaka and Monastiraki offer rich historical experiences and easy access to major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kifisia and Kolonaki are ideal for longer stays, providing coworking spaces and a quiet atmosphere. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Cube and Impact Hub Athens are popular choices for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kudu Coffee is highly rated for its atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and startup events are hosted regularly; check platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Athens Expats' on Facebook help connect the international community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxibeat and Uber are popular for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available through Lime and Bolt, while bike rentals can be found at various locations. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Schinias Beach is 40 minutes away and offers beautiful sandy shores with clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Olympic Air serves various regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aegean Airlines is the major international carrier from Athens. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access to the E65 and A1 highways connecting to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Larissa Station is the main hub for intercity trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly Metro pass costs around €30 for unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains offer connections to nearby cities, like Corinth and Delphi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Attikon University Hospital is one of the primary healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Room and Om Yoga Studio are well-known options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness house and Holmes Place offer good facilities for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries can be found in many neighborhoods; e.g., Lavanderia Siesta. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and efood are popular for quick and easy food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Moussaka, a traditional Greek dish made with layered eggplant and minced meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Avocado and Veganaki are popular vegetarian and vegan restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kokkion and Le Greche are famous for their delightful desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Varvakios Agora (central market) offers fresh produce at fair prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Available options include Skroutz and eBay for purchasing goods online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery can be arranged through AB Food Market and e-Fresh. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kolonaki and Psiri are renowned nightlife districts filled with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Brewery of Athens produces a variety of local brews that can be sampled on tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinegar and Kotsikou are popular for offering local Greek wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try Souvlaki from vendors at Monastiraki Square. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Spitiko serves delicious international cuisine options like Thai and Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Acropolis and Parthenon are essential visits for any traveler. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Archaeological Museum houses priceless artifacts from ancient Greece. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ancient Agora and Roman Agora are significant historical locations. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Athens and the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles are notable religious sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Athens Science Festival is held every year in April, attracting international participants. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Exarchia is known for its artistic vibe and alternative culture scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The ancient theater of Epidaurus hosts performances during the summer months. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Monastiraki Flea Market is a popular destination for shopping and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Athens Concert Hall regularly hosts international and local performance acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Psiri is renowned for its vibrant street art and murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook in Athens offers classes focusing on traditional Greek cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Benaki Museum features both contemporary and historical art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Parliament building at Syntagma Square is an iconic example of neoclassical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The olive tree is a significant symbol of Greek culture and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Parnitha and the National Park provide scenic hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sounion National Park is known for its stunning coastal views and hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Athens Riviera offers beautiful coastal paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lycabettus Hill provides panoramic views of Athens. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ramditsa Forest and the wetlands of Schinias are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks such as Parnitha allow for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and ACS are reliable delivery services in Athens. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair is a well-known service for tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis clubs can be found in various community centers across the city. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school Athens offers Greek language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Greece is a great place for studying and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Several community centers host events and activities for socializing, like the Hellenic American Union. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming areas can be found at Cyber Cafe in various neighborhoods. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Loutraki is a popular destination an hour from Athens for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Greece tax system is progressive, based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 44%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 24%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax system is in place and usually based on the property’s assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is around 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Greece offers a favorable tax regime for digital nomads with a flat rate for foreign income. |