Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world.
It is the place where people both worshipped and feared the gods.
Athens is named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, Athena.
She was the daughter of Zeus.
The city is also the cradle of Western civilization.
Ancient people from several kingdoms helped to settle Greece.
Athens was the most dominant, just as it is the capital city today.
Athens is the site of famous ancient structures and treasures that draw millions of people to travel to the area.
The Parthenon, the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Library, and the Panathenaic Stadium are some sites that draw visitors.
Some people who want to travel to Athens are likely to wonder if it is safe to travel to Athens.
Is it safe for families?
Is Athens safe for women who are traveling alone?
What should people avoid when they are traveling in Athens?
Get answers to these and other common questions that people often have about traveling to Athens, Greece.
Warnings & Dangers in Athens
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Athens is one of the safest cities for travelers in all of Greece and in all of Europe. The crime rate is low, thanks to the law enforcement presence and enforcement of local laws.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Travelers should only take taxis that are known to be safe. Do not hail a taxi on the streets of Athens. People sometimes pose as taxi drivers, but they are really fake taxis. Make sure that the cab is a metered taxi. The metro is usually safe for travelers, even at night. Stay in well-lit areas and do not venture into areas where there are no tourists or active nightlife.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
One of the most common crimes committed against travelers to Athens is a pickpockets risk. Athens attracts a lot of travelers. Millions of travelers visit Athens every year. The city also attracts pickpockets looking for easy targets. Stay alert and keep your wallet, phone, and credit cards out of the easy reach of pickpockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Some natural disasters do occur in Athens, but they are rare in most instances. The hot summer months can be a risk for fires. Another risk, which is still low, is the risk of earthquakes. People who want to travel to Athens should be alert to the risks that natural disasters may pose to the area.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Mugging is a risk for travelers who visit Athens. Stay in areas that are known to be safe. Stay with your group. Do not go with anyone who offers to show you the sites or a shorter route to your destination.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Although Athens is generally safe, the U.S. Department of State explains that terrorist threats are still an issue in some parts of Europe, including in Greece. The agency says that terrorists often focus their attacks on tourist locations. Stay alert and stay away from any demonstrations or protests.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Scams are one of the most common risks for travelers who visit Athens. Scammers often hang out around popular tourist destinations, such as landmarks or modern attractions, to target tourists. People who operate fake taxis are one common scam. Do not allow anyone to help you with your luggage if you are not sure if they are a hotel employee. You may never see your belongings again. Do not allow people on the street to take you anywhere. Do not fall victim to scammers who commonly target travelers to Athens.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Athens is one of the safest places in Europe for women travelers, including those who travel alone. There are very few crimes committed in Athens that target women who are visiting the area. Women should remain alert to the possibility of crimes that may target them.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water in Athens is safe for travelers to drink during their stay. The tap water in Athens meets the strict water safety standards of the European Union.
Safest Places to Visit in Athens
Most places are safe for travelers who want to visit Athens.
Travelers should still stay vigilant for safety risks, even in areas that are usually considered to be safe from criminal activity.
Millions of travelers visit ancient sites in and around Athens every year.
There are many safe places for travelers to visit that are not the usual locations.
Visit the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and other common destinations, and then explore everything else that Athens has to offer for travelers.
The National Archaeological Museum has the richest collection of Greek antiquities.
Built in the 19th century, the museum houses more than 11,000 artifacts and treasures that are put on display.
They add a new exhibit about every three months.
Athens tries to include every traveler when considering things to see and things to do when people visit Athens.
The Tactual Museum is one of only a few in existence that gives blind people, and people who have their sight, a way to experience and touch life-size replicas and smaller-scale monuments of ancient people, landmarks, and artifacts.
The National Garden was originally commissioned by Queen Amalia in the early 19th century.
Today, travelers can enjoy the lush garden areas.
It is also home to hundreds of species of birds, turtles, and fish.
The Kypseli Municipal Market hosts art exhibitions and pop-up shops.
It also has bazaars and cultural events.
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Athens that appeals to many travelers.
Stop at a bar for a drink or dance the night away at a local nightclub.
Enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Athens.
Places to Avoid in Athens
Athens is considered a very safe place for tourists who want to visit at any time during the year.
There are some places, like in most destinations, that are not safe for travelers.
Avoid the nightclubs at Glyfada Square.
They are often dangerous for travelers.
Omonoia is another area that travelers to Athens should avoid during their visit.
It is known for crimes such as theft and crimes related to drug dealing activity.
Avoid Exarcheia for some of the same reasons that you should avoid Omanoia.
It is a high-crime area, especially at night.
Stay away from the railway stations at Larissa and Peloponissos.
They are hot spots for various types of criminal activities.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Athens
- Do not hail a taxi on the street. Fake taxis are an issue in Athens. Rely on reputable taxi and public transport services.
- Do not carry your wallet in your pocket or in an open purse. Pickpockets, even juvenile pickpockets, target travelers who are easy targets. Wear a shirt or a vest that has inside pockets to keep your wallet, credit cards, and phone safe.
- Do not fall victim to the low-price drinks scam. One scam that travelers may fall victim to is one where someone offers to serve you lower-price drinks. Once you try to leave, you are presented with a high tab and threats of violence if you do not pay off the bar tab.
- Stay at reputable hotels. Research accommodations and book your trip before you travel to Athens. Avoid smaller, independent hotels and places of accommodation.
- Do not walk alone at night in some areas of Athens. Athens is one of the safest cities in Europe, but it can be unsafe for travelers who do not stay alert to their surroundings. Stay in well-lit areas and on safe routes.
- Do not venture into unfamiliar neighborhoods. It may be tempting for travelers to want to see all the sites and neighborhoods in Athens. Going to unfamiliar neighborhoods can put you at risk for crimes committed against you.
- Do not leave your drinks or food unattended. Avoid getting your food and drinks spiked by always keeping watch over them. Although this type of crime is low in Athens, you do not want to make yourself an easy target.
- Leave the expensive jewelry and other valuables at home. You may want to show off that expensive watch or latest cell phone, but doing so can make you an easy target for criminals. Leave valuables at home for your safety.
- Do not go anywhere with anyone that you do not know. Do not go anywhere with anyone who offers to show you the sites or a less expensive bar or restaurant. They may lead you to an unsafe area where you are at risk of becoming a crime victim.
- Use inside ATMs. Safety for travelers is not as much of a risk in Athens as it is in many other places across Europe and around the world. Travelers still need to take precautions to protect their money and personal belongings. One thing that helps protect you when you visit Athens is to use only the ATMs that are inside. Do not use street ATMs to avoid criminals who may target you.
So... How Safe Is Athens Really?
Athens is one of the safest destinations in the world for travelers.
The low crime rate, rich ancient history, vibrant culture, beautiful parks, and safe neighborhoods attract millions of people to Athens every year.
Petty crimes are among the most common concerns for travelers to be aware of when visiting Athens.
Pickpockets, petty thefts and other minor crimes may occur when travelers do not stay aware of their surroundings and the people who are near them.
How Does Athens Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
 Athens |
68 |
| Thessaloniki |
63 |
| Kos |
81 |
| Rhodes |
83 |
| Heraklion |
82 |
 Fairmont | 70 |
| Davenport | 58 |
 Spanish Town | 68 |
| Philadelphia | 60 |
 Popayan | 31 |
| Pennsylvania | 59 |
Useful Information
Visas
Tourist visas are not required for travelers who wish to visit Athens for up to 90 days. Travelers are required to have a passport and show proof of having sufficient funds before entering Greece. The country usually accepts travelers showing a credit card as proof of having sufficient funds for their visit.
Currency
The currency in Greece is the Euro. It replaced the drachma in 2002. Perform currency exchange only at reputable banks or Foreign Exchange Bureaus. Using these locations helps travelers avoid extra fees.
Weather
People who visit Athens are likely to enjoy the warm weather. Several sources list the months of June through September as the best times to visit to enjoy the warm weather. July is the warmest month of the year. January is the coldest month of the year in Athens.
Airports
The Athens International Airport is the largest airport in Greece. It is also the busiest airport in Greece. The airport is 20.5 miles from the city center of Athens.
Travel Insurance
Travelers who go to Athens should have travel insurance. The U.S. Department of State lists purchasing travel insurance as one of the top things that international travelers should consider before they leave on their trip.
Athens Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
13 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 24 | 18 | 15 |
| Low °C |
7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 13 | 11 | 7 |
| High °F |
55 | 57 | 61 | 68 | 77 | 86 | 91 | 91 | 84 | 75 | 64 | 59 |
| Low °F |
45 | 45 | 48 | 50 | 59 | 63 | 70 | 70 | 68 | 55 | 52 | 45 |
Greece - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Athens | 68 |
| Heraklion | 82 |
| Kos | 81 |
| Rhodes | 83 |
| Thessaloniki | 63 |
Lots of pickpockets and street scams. Do not ever visit!
Street scams and pickpockets are everywhere. They would try every means to unzip your bags and pants and steal your wallets and phones, especially on the metro. Taxi drivers would also trick you. Some of the streets look sketchy as hell where gangsters gather. My advice is do not ever visit Athens. There are lots of other European cities much worth visiting where you do not have to stay alert every second and feel safe traveling around.
This review by Klay is highly inaccurate. Athens is a wonderful and diverse city with many different areas. Overwhelmingly the majority of the areas (including the beautiful suburbs to the south of Athens near the shoreline) are very safe and millions of tourists visit every year without any incidents. Of course in a major metropolis that has over 5 million people living in it just basic common sense is needed. When in crowded areas and especially in metros and buses during rush hour, keep your wallet and bag secure (I cannot understand why some people keep their wallets in their back pockets for example) and be mindful of your surroundings. When in a city this big the major concern is pickpocketing, I would say that this speaks for itself.
I love Athens!
You must’ve been in the wrong area. Every city has good and bad areas. I stayed in the Mt Lycabettus area of Athens and walked miles. I walked to Syntagma Square everyday. I was even out walking at night alone, the latest 11:30 pm. No one bothered me. I’ve traveled to many cities in Europe and Athens is one of my favorites. Γεια σας!
Casey, you said “every city has good and bad areas”. Do you truly believe that in Athens and, for example, in Oslo, you will have the same possibilities to fall victin of fraud or pickpocket? lol. Generally, I agree with your opinion, but some cities -like Athens- have much more bad areas and, unfortunately, Athens is overall more dangerous city than many other cities in Europe, especially nothern capital cities. It’s so easy to go in “wrong” area if you are a tourist. Omonia, Victoria, Attiki, Pedion tou Areos park, Filopappou Hill are some of the “no go areas”. Addiotionally, metro line 1 is famous for romani people who try to steal whatever they find, if they have the oportunity. I am Greek citizen and, sad to say, I strongly agree with Klay. I am proud for my country’s history, but I am embarrased for its safety.
still a fave
Thanks, I will stay out of those areas. But, I enjoyed my visit in Athens.
I visited Athens many times with family. it’s a nice city… and we feel safe.
Not a good review.
Athens, and Greece in general, is not so safe for women in every place, definitely not “Low”. There are many incidents were women have been mistreated, catcalled and even harassed or raped. Recently someone in Crete deliberately hit a US scientist with his car in order to rape her and then murdered her!! (google it) Generally incidents with tourists being caught up in a violent fight and sometimes even killed can be found in the news almost every year. Possibility of being mugged also is not “very low”, especially in some neighbourhoods.
Worse happens in London. Google it!
Crete is not Athens
Crete is a Greek island that’s about nine hours away by ferry or one to two hours away by plane. In other words, Crete is not Athens.
Big risk
Athens is much worse, I got my car broken into and all my things were stolen while i was visiting the Acropolis. Even the police said they have over a thousand baggage/luggage tefts per day in Athens. Essentially it’s a very dangerous place and all tourists are viewed as prey by some. Also the TOURIST POLICE is useless, and also closes at 9PM ( I got there at 9:15). I was sent to 4 different police stations because they all close at 10pm, and in the end it took 2 hours to file a report in the police station at Minermou nr.6 (they were doing me a favor and were completely unprofessional).
I say Athens is not worth visiting
Pick pocket paradise
My husband s wallet was just picked by a group with baby and old people in the metro on the very day we arrived to Athens. They pushed and pushed and when my husband noted his wallet had lost and right away he asked the group to returned to him but in vain. No one in the metro helped and on reporting to the tourist police office, there was no service at all and they even shouted to the other reporting tourists.
So my advice is: don’t go to Athens. Tourists are not protected so why spent money there? There are a lot of good cities all around the world. I m not returning for sure.
Don’t go
Agree. Don’t go/come back.
Worse than Italy when it comes to pick pockets and police not caring for tourists.
Don’t go there. Better, safer places to visit
I was wondering if this page under rated the level of crime in Athens.
Many travelers told me don’t go. Pick picking. Scams. Thieves.
I will go elsewhere. Would been better had this article reflected real world situation.
Being Americans also add the anti American attitudes. Even harassed.
Police in Athens seem to care less about safety of tourists.
Stop going there. Once the money tap runs low from no tourists they may start to care.
Don’t be paranoid, people!
I was in Athens last year and it was safe. I was in the Syntagma Square area and at no time did I feel unsafe. Pickpockets on the metro? I’m sure of it, especially coming from the airport since there were signs warning you of it. But if you pay attention then it’s not a problem. I was on there once but I will definitely go back soon.
We had our rental car broken into 2 times and everything inside was stolen. Also near the acropolis before a guarded hotel with security camera’s. Never heard anything back from the police! Don’t leave anything in your car, even if it’s not visible!
Safe and cultural-rich
I would rate Athens safe even for single female travelers. I had to spend two days on my own until my friends arrived and apart from some minor catcalling I was left unbothered. Pickpocketing is a plague in almost all cities worldwide so I wouldn’t say no to visiting Athens just for this.
Not the most safe, but very memorable and important
One of my favorite cities, but not the safest, especially for women.
The Greek economy is horrible, and there is a sizable population of young men who are jobless or even homeless. Athens has a lot of dark streets and alleyways (very charming and cute in daylight though).
The popular areas a fantastic, but you can still tell this city was once something grander than it is now. I’d recommend everyone to visit, but understandably might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The history and Acropolis make it worth it.
Incredible food, restaurants, and nigh-life. If you are a nigh-owl, there is no better city to visit. Locals start eating dinner closer to 11 PM, it’s insane but a lot of fun.
Pick pockets in Athens
I just returned from a trip to Athens. Great city but I was pick pocketed by Agora in the morning. My advice is hide you bag under your coat or jacket. Within 5 minutes of it happening walking up a steep hill I realised what had occurred. The main centre seems safe at night. I didn’t travel on the metro. We used the same yellow cab driver for airport runs and longer journeys within Athens.
Low risk, but be aware of pickpockets.
In general, Athens is quite a safe city; you just need to pay a little extra attention to avoid becoming victom of pickpockets on the metro (especially near the Airport).
I like Athens, but there are scams
I love Athens – but damn its true that there are scams – friendly stranger scam: random person invites you to a bar for a drink, over charged, pressured to pay, threats, etc. – if some stranger starts talking to you randomly, they’re a scammer or a nut – feel free to be rude to them – pickpockets, taxi scams, too
Athens is low risk
Athens, in general, is a very safe city. The only place where one needs to be careful, in order to avoid pickpockets, is the Athens Metro, during rush hour. Other than that, risk is low and feels definitely a lot safer than other big cities in Europe or the US.
Strolling around the Acropolis had me feeling so connected to history; it’s hard not to get a little emotional thinking about all the lives that shaped this place.