Is Athens Safe? Areas To Avoid & Other Tips (2024)

Athens is more than just a jumping-off point for visiting the Greek Islands. Receiving around 6.4 million visitors a year, it’s a fascinating city where you can immerse yourself in the heart of Ancient Greece. Naturally, safety is a big concern when considering a holiday destination. If you’re wondering, ‘is Athens safe?’, we have just what you’re looking for. Our travel experts at Plum Guide have written this comprehensive guide to visiting the city, including handy tips on staying safe and areas to avoid. Before you book those tickets, read our guide for peace of mind.

Is Athens safe to visit?

Generally speaking, Athens is safe to visit. Petty crime such as bag snatching or pickpocketing isn’t unheard of, but that’s to be expected in any major city or tourist destination. You don’t need to be on high alert and always look over your shoulder, but if you practise common sense, you’ll have no problems when you’re out exploring.

Is Athens safe for women?

Wondering if Athens is safe as a solo woman traveller? As with any other European capital, Athens is perfectly safe if you use common sense – just be street-smart and avoid bad areas, especially at night. When walking alone, avoid using your phone or listening to music with headphones. Part of travelling solo is about meeting people and making friends, but do so with caution – not everyone has pure intentions, so be careful when sharing information about where you’re staying, your itinerary, and other details.

Heatwaves

If you’re visiting Athens in the summer, be mindful that the sun can be scorching hot, with temperatures rising above 30°C. Make sure to wear a hat, light clothing, and sun cream, and stay hydrated to avoid getting heat stroke. Do as the locals do and take things slow – there’s no need to rush around, especially during the middle of the day.

Crime in Athens

Some crimes that can take place in Athens include:

Areas to avoid

Any large urban area has good and bad neighbourhoods. Before you book any accommodation, it’s useful to know which areas to avoid. Athens’ sketchier neighbourhoods include Omonia, Exarchia, Kolokotroni and Victoria Square.

Safe places to stay

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are some of the safest neighbourhoods in Athens. Each of them offers something different, from nightlife to art galleries and upscale shopping.

Syntagma Square

Want to stay in the heart of the city? Syntagma Square is the place to be. As well as being home to the Greek Parliament, the square is also the gateway to the National Garden, a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle. Syntagma Square is an excellent base for sightseeing, as you’re within easy walking distance to major attractions, including the Acropolis of Athens, the Ancient Agora and the temple of Olympian Zeus. There are also great public transport connections if you plan on day trips. As the square is home to parliament, the level of security is very high, making it one of the safest areas to stay in the city.

Kolonaki

For a taste of luxury, Kolonaki is one of the city’s more upscale neighbourhoods. Just a stone’s throw from Syntagma Square, you’ll have all of the high-end shops, bars and restaurants on your doorstep. One of the most renowned bars in the area is Minnie the Moocher, offering inventive co*cktails and live jazz music. There’s plenty to keep you busy here, with a whole array of museums and attractions, including the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the History of Greek Costumes Museum. You’ll also find Lycabettus Hill, which is the highest point in Athens at 277 metres. Hike or take the cable car up for breathtaking views.

Koukaki

One of the most popular areas for tourists, Koukaki is a university and residential neighbourhood with a laid-back vibe. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to experience a quieter side of local life, while still having easy access to the city’s bars and eateries. It’s a creative and artsy district, home to museums, galleries and little boutique shops. Take a stroll down the pedestrianised, tree-lined Georgaki Olympiou Street where bars and cafes spill out onto the pavement and locals come to socialise. Feeling peckish? No visit to Koukaki is complete without making a pitstop at Guarantee, a family-owned sandwich bar open since 1988.

Psiri

The vibrant neighbourhood of Psiri is the best option for those who enjoy nightlife. Centred around Iroon Square, Psiri is full of lively bars and tavernas – from live music performances to parties, there’s always something going on here. During the day, the area has a relaxed atmosphere and is a fantastic place to browse the many independent shops selling everything from perfume to leather goods. Art lovers should keep an eye out for interesting street art, and pop into the art galleries to pick up some unique gifts. Meanwhile, foodies should visit the Museum of Greek Gastronomy before picking up local delicacies at the Evripidou Street Market.

Plaka

If this is your first time in Athens, you may want to stay in Plaka. Set at the base of the Acropolis, this area is the oldest part of the city, nicknamed the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’. It’s also extremely picturesque with its narrow streets lined with colourful bougainvillaea and Neoclassical buildings. On your walks through the neighbourhood, you’ll come across countless historical monuments like Byzantine churches and the Monument of Lysicrates. Most people who come to Plaka only visit the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum, but it’s also worth checking out less-visited attractions such as the Museum of Greek Folk Art and the art and antiques at the Frissiras and Kanellopoulos Museum.

Tips for staying safe

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