Digital Nomad’s Guide to Athens, Greece: Work, Wander, and Live Well in the Cradle of Civilization

Imagine starting your day with a sunrise over the Acropolis, sipping a freddo espresso in a sunlit café, and wrapping up your workday with a stroll through ancient ruins. Welcome to Athens—a city where history meets modernity, and the digital nomad lifestyle thrives. The world is your office—let’s make it work for you.

3 min read

woman looking through the Athens
woman looking through the Athens

🇬🇷 Why Choose Athens?

Athens offers a unique blend of ancient history and contemporary living, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads:

  • Affordable Living: Compared to other European capitals, Athens provides a lower cost of living without compromising on quality.

  • Rich Cultural Heritage: From the Parthenon to vibrant street art, the city is a feast for the senses.

  • Mild Climate: Enjoy over 250 days of sunshine annually.

  • Thriving Expat Community: Connect with like-minded individuals from around the globe.

🏡 Where to Live: Neighborhoods & Accommodations

🏙️ Best Neighborhoods:

  • Koukaki: A charming area near the Acropolis, known for its bohemian vibe and proximity to cultural sites.

  • Pangrati: Offers a mix of traditional and modern, with plenty of cafés and green spaces.

  • Exarchia: Known for its artistic community and vibrant nightlife.

  • Kolonaki: An upscale neighborhood with chic boutiques and elegant cafés.

🏘️ Coliving Options:

  • Co & Living - Athens Art Apartments: Provides a community-driven coliving experience with modern amenities and coworking spaces.

  • Athens Hawks Urban: Offers various coliving spaces tailored for digital nomads, balancing work, leisure and sport.

  • Coliving.com: Lists multiple coliving options across Athens, catering to different preferences and budgets.

💻 Coworking Spaces & Cafés with Excellent WiFi

🏢 Top Coworking Spaces:

  • Pi55 Coworking: A creative space in the heart of Athens, ideal for freelancers and startups.

  • Impact Hub: Coworking, featuring hot desks, private offices, and a rooftop bar.

  • Spaces Athens: Located near Syntagma Square, offering modern facilities and a vibrant community.

☕ Laptop-Friendly Cafés:

  • Third Place: Offers a cozy environment with reliable WiFi, perfect for remote work.

  • The Underdog: A spacious café with excellent coffee and ample seating.

  • Kinono: Combines art and coffee, providing a creative space for work.

  • Plegma Coffee & Living: A stylish café with a focus on comfort and productivity.

🤝 Community Events & Networking

  • Digital Nomads Athens Meetup: Regular gatherings for remote workers to connect and share experiences.

  • Athens Nomad Fest: An annual festival celebrating the digital nomad lifestyle with workshops, networking, and cultural events.

  • Nomad Hub Greece: A community fostering connections among digital nomads through events and meetups.

🏛️ What to Do in Athens & Surrounding Areas

  • Explore Ancient Sites: Visit the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Temple of Olympian Zeus.

  • Stroll Through Plaka: Wander the picturesque streets of Athens' oldest neighborhood.

  • Day Trips: Take a ferry to nearby islands like Aegina or Hydra for a quick getaway.

  • Hike Mount Lycabettus: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from its highest point.

🇬🇷 Local Etiquette & Practical Tips

  • Greetings: A friendly "Yasou" (Hello) goes a long way.

  • Tipping: While not mandatory, leaving a small tip is appreciated.

  • Public Transport: The metro is efficient and affordable; consider getting a rechargeable travel card.

  • Language: English is widely spoken, but learning basic Greek phrases enhances the experience.

🏥 Staying Healthy & Balanced

🏃‍♂️ Fitness:

  • Outdoor Activities: Jogging in the National Garden or along the coastline.

  • Gyms: Numerous fitness centers offer short-term memberships.

🥗 Nutrition:

  • Local Cuisine: Enjoy Mediterranean dishes rich in vegetables, olive oil, and lean proteins.

  • Markets: Visit local markets for fresh produce and traditional products.

🏥 Healthcare:

  • Public System: EU citizens can access public healthcare with a European Health Insurance Card.

  • Private Clinics: Offer high-quality services; recommended for non-EU citizens.

  • Insurance: Ensure you have international health insurance covering your stay.

📱 SIM Cards & Connectivity

  • Easy Solution: The easiest and quickest way to get online is using an eSIM service. I personally recommend Airalo—it’s reliable, simple, and stress-free (use the code VALENT2242 to get a discount).

  • Providers: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova are the main operators.

  • Where to Buy: SIM cards are available at airports, official stores, and kiosks; passport required for registration.

  • Costs: Prepaid plans range from €10 to €30, depending on data and call packages.

✅ Quick Checklist: Key Takeaways

  • Best Neighborhoods: Koukaki, Pangrati, Exarchia, Kolonaki

  • Top Coworking Spaces: Selina Theatrou, Spaces Athens, Pi55 Coworking

  • Laptop-Friendly Cafés: Dope Roasting Co., Third Place, The Underdog, Kinono

  • Community Events: Digital Nomads Athens Meetup, Athens Nomad Fest, Nomad Hub Greece

  • Healthcare: Access to both public and private systems; ensure proper insurance coverage

  • Connectivity: Affordable SIM cards with extensive coverage

Ready to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle in Athens? With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming community, Athens is more than a destination—it's a place to live, work, and thrive.

The world is your office—Athens is your next workspace.