There are few places I’ve been in the world for the first time and they’ve somehow felt familiar. Athens was one of them: where a modern city honours its very lengthy and prestigious past. With the release of the digital nomad visa a couple of years ago, I can understand why remote workers and digital nomads would be drawn to setting up base here.

While I was only there for a couple of weeks, it felt like enough to begin to get to know some of the city, so in this guide, I’ll share some of the places I successfully remote worked from and other things to do while in town.

Why Athens for Digital Nomads?

Athens might not be the first city that comes to mind for remote work, but it's quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads for the:

• Rich Cultural Heritage: Where else can you brainstorm ideas while gazing at 2,500-year-old monuments, but also immerse yourself in so much art and culture.

• Lifestyle: Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, fantastic food, and beautiful weather for most of the year.

• Strategic Location: It's a perfect base for exploring the Greek islands as well as other European and Asian destinations.

Where to Stay: Digital Nomad-Friendly Neighbourhoods

The neighbourhoods of Athens each have their own character and offer something for most kinds of visitor. Here are some areas that are particularly well-suited for remote workers:

1. Koukaki: This trendy area around the foot of the Acropolis is great for both a mix of local life and tourist amenities, filled with cute cafes and co-working spaces.

2. Kolonaki: If you're looking for a more upscale experience, Kolonaki offers high-end accommodations and is home to many international businesses.

3. Monastiraki: I stayed around this area - in the Selina which is now permanently closed - but this was a great way to get to know some of the local life and tourist sites.

4. Psyri: Not too far away, this hip neighbourhood is perfect for night owls, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. It also hosts several artist studios and workshops, making it ideal for creative digital nomads.

Co-working Spaces and Cafes

Most cafes and co-working spaces offer high-speed Wi-Fi, and 4G coverage is excellent throughout the city, and there is a variety of spaces for every work style. While the Selina in town is now closed, there are alternatives to explore like:

1. Impact Hub Athens: Part of a global network, this space in Psyri offers a vibrant community of local and international professionals.

2. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre: While not a traditional co-working space, the centre has free Wi-Fi and plenty of spaces to work and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

And for those who prefer a cafe environment:

1. JOIN Juice Bar: This was originally a recommendation from a friend, but I ended up going back a couple of times just for the coffee.

2. 360 Cocktail Bar: Another one that I kept coming back to for the views, the atmosphere and the coffee. This seemed like a popular spot for afternoon drinks with friends as well.

3. Zoubourlou: While the wifi was patchy, this was a good one to run into whenever the rain hit. It’s in a central enough place that you can cafe hop, but it was worth sticking around for a cute Insta moment.

4. Just Made 33: For an indoor-outoor vibe, this was a great place to grab breakfast in a more local part of central Athens and get some morning emails done.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a European phone contract, consider getting an Airalo or Roamless eSim so you can continue to stay connected. There were some other cafes and rooftops that I checked out, but I hotspotted from my phone.

Navigating the City

Athens has a comprehensive public transportation system, including metro, buses, and trams. The metro is particularly efficient and connects most major areas of the city. For areas not covered by the metro, buses fill in the gaps.

For short trips, the city's bike-sharing system is a great (and very fun) option. And of course, walking is often the best way to explore the historic centre – just be prepared for some hills, like the one to the Acropolis!

Building a Community

Athens has a couple of remote work and digital nomad communities that I mostly found through Facebook, by searching "Digital Nomads Athens" and "Expats in Athens". There are also more and more groups surfacing on Instagram now and of course the first Athens Nomad Festival will be happening in September 2024.

I was really pleased I reached out in at least one of these groups, as I then had a lot of fun with a fellow content creator shooting together and exploring even more of the city. We still keep in touch and I love following their work, so go for it!

Balancing Work and Exploration

One of the joys of being a digital nomad in Athens is the ability to step out of your workspace and immediately be surrounded by history and culture. Take advantage of this by:

1. Taking walking meetings around historic sites

2. Using your lunch break to visit a nearby museum

3. Working from a different neighbourhood each day

4. Joining weekend trips to nearby islands or ancient sites. The city has a vibrant contemporary art scene, amazing food, and a nightlife that rivals any European capital, but there is also so much more to explore within reasonable distance.

Working remotely from Athens is more than just a change of scenery – it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world's most historic and dynamic cities. From the inspiring views of ancient monuments to the buzz of modern cafes.

As a digital nomad, you'll find that Athens not only meets your practical needs with its growing infrastructure, but also fuels the spirit with its rich culture and warm hospitality. So pack your laptop, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to write your own Odyssey in the city of Athena.

I can’t wait to go back!

Han x