Is Athens Safe? A Local’s Guide to Staying Secure in the City

Crime in Greece in Statistics

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Intentional homicide counts, and victims per 100,000 inhabitants rates for 5 out of 204 countries are:

	Rate	Count	Year
France	1.560	1,010	2023
Denmark	0.986	58	2022
Greece	1.127	117	2022
United Kingdom	1.148	684	2021
USA	6.383	21,594	2022

Greece, compared to the other European countries, has a relatively similar, if much lower, violence rate.

The United States travel advice service has Greece in general very low down at Level One, recommending visitors merely “Exercise Normal Precautions”.

So, is Athens Safe for Tourists?

Athens may look a bit rough in some spots, with plenty of graffiti or street art (especially in Exarchia area), but violent crime against tourists or residents is very rare. So, to answer your question—yes, Athens is very safe for tourists.

However, like in many European cities, petty theft, particularly pickpocketing, is a common issue.

Pickpocket gangs often target crowded places like tourist attractions, public transportation (especially the metro!), and busy squares such as Monastiraki.

How Pickpockets Operate and How You Can Avoid Them

The vast majority of these thieves work in groups and blend in by wearing everyday clothing, so you’d never suspect them.

Their most common tactic, especially on the metro from the airport, is to quietly unzip your backpack and take anything valuable inside without you noticing. This is a frequent occurrence in crowded metro stations and trains.

First, they identify their target, and just as you’re about to get off at your stop, they jam the metro doors by pressing the buttons. This creates panic as you worry about missing your stop, leaving you distracted.

At that moment, they open your backpack, search your pockets, and attempt to steal your belongings. Even your phone is at risk—while you’re focused on getting off, they can easily grab it right out of your hand.

But don’t let that scare you—it’s easy to avoid with a few simple precautions:

• If you lose one stop, just get off at the next one and return backwards to where you were supposed to go. There is really no need to panic; the metro is very easy to navigate, with maps and guards to ask for directions.
• Use a cross-body bag: Keep your bag always in front of you, and make sure it’s zipped at all times. A cross-body bag is harder for thieves to grab/unzip than a backpack or shoulder bag.

• Wear a sleeveless jacket, ideally with an internal pocket where you can put your valuables and keep the jacket zipped.
• If you have things in your pockets, keep your hands inside the pockets, no matter what.
• Be mindful of rush hours (8-10 am & 4-6 pm): The metro and buses can get very crowded, especially during rush hours. If the train is packed, wait for the next one (usually every 5 minutes) it might be much better crowd-wise.

• Keep valuables at your hotel: You don’t need to carry your passport, extra credit cards, or large sums of cash with you. Leave them in your hotel’s safe and just take what you need for the day.
• When dining out, avoid placing your phone or wallet on the table, as they can be quickly snatched.

• Also, watch out for people who pretend to drop something and then pickpocket you as you return the item.
• Hotspots for petty theft besides the metro: Syntagma, while you are watching the change of the Guards, and Monastiraki, where it is always crowded.

My personal experience:

I once had my wallet stolen on a bus, but never in the metro. On another occasion, someone broke my car window and took a bag I had left on the back seat—only to find groceries inside!

So, if you are renting a car, never leave anything visible inside. Always store your belongings in the trunk. A good tip is to load everything into the trunk before parking somewhere, as you never know who might be watching when you stash your valuable luggage.

Is Athens Safe at Night? What about the Metro?

Unlike some other European cities, Athens’ center comes alive at night, with locals and tourists filling restaurants, bars, and outdoor cafés. But what about safety after dark?

Generally, Athens is safe to explore at night, especially in busy neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma, where people are always out and about.

However, like in any city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit areas, avoid walking alone in quiet or unfamiliar neighborhoods, and keep an eye on your belongings.

Is the Athens metro safe at night? Yes, it is. The metro is usually busy, clean, well-lit, and guarded, making it a safe option for travel.

If you’re not sure about which areas to avoid in the Athens center, here are a few tips:

Related Post: One-Day Itinerary in Athens.

Neighborhoods to Watch Out For

While Athens is generally safe, some areas are a bit rougher around the edges, particularly after dark. Here are a few neighborhoods where it’s better to exercise extra caution:

Omonia: If you choose to stay in this area, where there are more budget hotels, be aware that the southern part of Omonia can feel quite sketchy.

I walked around alone on a Sunday midday and felt unsafe on certain streets listed below, which I strongly recommend avoiding.

Streets in Omonia to avoid: Akominatou, Satovriandou, Ierotheou, Nikiforou, and any blocks between Agiou Konstantinou and Veranzerou are filled with drug users and dealers around the clock, and with prostitutes at night.

Omonia Square is safe, as it is always busy with people and this is where some main streets begin:

• Athinas that leads to Monastiraki.
• Stadiou & Panepistimiou, which will get you to Syntagma.
• P. Tsaldari (or Piraeus str) will lead you to Gkazi and Piraeus Port.

Best Hotel in Omonia: Luwian Athens Boutique Hotel.

Metaxourgio:

Metaxourgio begins where Omonia ends, offering an area of contrasting images.

While Metaxourgio Square is lovely, Karolou Street and the problematic streets I mentioned in Omonia start just 100 meters north of the square.

The fantastic Wyndham Grand Hotel is on the square and Megalou Alexandrou Street.

However, the first three blocks of Megalou Alexandrou Street (near the hotel) house red-light establishments for the poorest in Athens.

I know this because, at the end of these three blocks, you’ll find the amazing Avdi Square, a spot frequented by locals where I often go for a coffee with friends.

I never had any trouble with the men going to those “houses” but I am super careful and always try to stay on the street where cars pass by.

By the way, I highly recommend visiting Avdi Square—grab a cocktail or coffee at Ble Papagalos. You can go there by taxi or walk from the Metaxourgio Metro.

Metaxourgio is also a fantastic food destination with plenty of traditional taverns, such as the Avgo tou Kokkora and upscale restaurants, such as Aleria.

Do I feel safe in Metaxourgio during the day? Absolutely! During the night? I stay away from the back streets of Wyndham (Kallergi, Kolonou, Iasonos) and any dark alley that has no people.

Best Hotel in Metaxourgio: Athina Apartments.

Exarchia:

I used to visit Exarchia a lot in my 20s and 30s, and it’s still a favorite spot for younger people and a great residential area.

Known for its vibrant street art, National Archaeological Museum, Strefi Hill, graffiti-covered walls, anarchist vibe, and alternative culture, this neighborhood is full of popular taverns, cafés, and beautiful neoclassical buildings.

It’s often buzzing with life, but unsafe? No way!

You may not like the style, I get that, but it is definitely safe. Still, no reason to walk all alone in the darkest alleys in Exarchia, and stick to the main streets like Kallidromiou, Benaki, and around the square.

Best Hotel in Exarchia: Penthouse with Private Rooftop and Hot Tub.

Solo Female Travel in Athens: Is It Safe?

Athens is generally safe for solo travelers, and many women report feeling comfortable exploring the city on their own. However, it’s always wise to follow a few basic rules:

• Stay in well-known areas: Stick to tourist-friendly neighborhoods like the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, Psyrri, or Koukaki, where there are always people around.

• Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to change your plans or walk into a crowded place if you feel uncomfortable.
• Choose safe accommodation: When booking your stay, look for hotels or hostels with good reviews that are located in safe, central areas. I provide a short list below in the post.

My personal experience: In my early 30s, I was at a tavern in central Athens, between Psyrri and Omonia. Around 1 a.m., I went to pick up my car from Koumoundourou Square.

I had a feeling someone was following me, and sure enough, a man was about 5 meters behind. I quickly ran to a more crowded area and asked someone to escort me to my car. That was a very scary experience for me.

So, please repeat after me, I will not walk alone in dark areas!

LGBTQ+ in Athens

Greece, like much of Europe, has had its more conservative periods, but it’s now seen as one of the most gay-friendly destinations on the continent. Athens, the country’s open-minded capital, is no different.

The city has a sizable local LGBTQ+ community, and neighborhoods like Gazi and Psiri are especially welcoming.

You’ll find plenty of bars, cafes, and hotels in these areas that cater specifically to a queer crowd. If you want to walk around hand in hand with your partner, you can do so without worry—Athens is a safe and accepting city!

Avoiding Common Tourist Scams in Athens

Like any tourist destination, Athenian scammers may try to trick you! The good news is that most scams are easy to spot and avoid. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Taxi Scam 1 (Overpriced ride): Always make sure the meter is running in a taxi, and confirm the estimated fare before starting your ride.

For peace of mind, use apps like TAXI 18300 (for everywhere in Greece), Uber, or Free Now to book taxis and prepay through your phone.

Taxi Scam 2 (classic taxi note-switch): Just saw a post in a Greece travel group and wow… there’s a sneaky new (at least new to me) taxi scam going around in Athens!

Here’s how it works: you agree on a price with the driver, hand him a €50, and he magically swaps it for a €10. Then he insists you didn’t pay enough. Caught off guard, you hand him another €50… and boom, you’ve just paid double (or worse).

It’s all about speed, confusion, and the fact that you are not familiar with the Euro notes.

👉 Moral of the story: always double-check your cash, give him the exact amount and make sure the driver shows it clearly before putting it away.

Bracelet scam: In Monastiraki or Plaka, some people might approach you, offering you a “free” bracelet or flower, then demand money. Politely decline and walk away.

• Mobile/Wallet Snatching: This is often done by children—beggars who are sometimes forced into it—or by people pretending to be tourists. They’ll approach you asking for money, cover your phone with a piece of paper or a map, and when they leave, your phone will be gone too!

• Luggage snatching: Be cautious of strangers offering to help with your luggage, as they might be trying to steal your bags.

Cars and Street Lights

Unfortunately, traffic lights are often ignored in Greece. Cars and motorbikes sometimes speed to avoid stopping, even though the fines for doing so are astronomical.

So, I strongly advise you to check both sides carefully before crossing the road and never assume that vehicles will stop because you have a green light.

Terrorism in Athens

While there is a global concern about terrorism, Athens isn’t considered a high-risk city. Although there have been incidents in the past, they are usually aimed at government buildings and rarely affect tourists.

Heatwave in Athens

In the summer of 2024 (2025 is so much better), we experienced extremely high temperatures, starting in early June and lasting until the beginning of September.

Out of 90 days, 45 saw temperatures exceeding 37°C (98.6°F), with some days reaching up to 42°C (107.6°F).

This is something that you need to take into account when you are visiting Athens and especially the Acropolis Hill, which is entirely exposed to sunlight with minimal shade.

If you cannot stand too much heat, you may have to visit Athens in spring or fall. In any case, make sure to wear a hat, light clothing, and sunscreen, and keep yourself hydrated to prevent heat stroke.

Health & Emergency Information

While it’s not something we like to think about, it’s important to know what to do in case of an emergency. Greece has a reliable healthcare system, and most doctors speak English, especially in Athens.

Pharmacies are also easily accessible for over-the-counter medications. In case of a serious emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance services.

FAQs for Safety in Athens

Booking Tours from Official Greek Travel Agencies

Book a Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens so that they take you to the hidden gem shops, choosing the safest streets for your best experience.

I would also recommend you book an Athens By Night Private Tour to drive you around safely and see beautiful Athens by night!

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Athens with Confidence

So, is Athens safe? Absolutely. While there are some precautions to take, just like in any big city, Athens remains a welcoming and relatively safe destination for travelers.

By staying aware, following the tips in this guide, and trusting your instincts, you’ll have no trouble enjoying everything this vibrant, historic city has to offer.

Wishing you a blast time in Athens, Evgenia!

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