Athens is one of Europeโs most historic and lively capitals, with millions of travelers visiting every year for the Acropolis, food, nightlife, and warm weather. But many tourists planning a trip wonder: Is Athens safe to visit in 2025?
As someone who knows the city well, I can confirm that Athens is generally safe, butโlike every Mediterranean capitalโit has specific areas and situations where you should stay alert. This insider guide gives you the real picture, with local insights about safety, crime patterns, public transport, and which neighborhoods feel safe in daily life.
Is Athens Safe for Tourists in 2025?
Yes โ Athens is safe for tourists in 2025. Violent crime against visitors is infrequent, and the city center is full of police patrols, CCTV, and tourists all day and night. Most issues involve:
- Pickpocketing in crowded tourist zones
- Bag or phone theft in busy areas
- Scams targeting distracted visitors
Overall, Athens is safer than many European capitals on a day-to-day basis, but awareness is key โ especially around the transportation network and popular squares.
Is Athens Safe Right Now? (2025 Update)
Yes โ Athens is safe right now. The city is stable, fully open, and tourist-heavy year-round. Occasional demonstrations take place in Syntagma or Exarchia, but they are usually predictable, peaceful, and heavily policed. As long as you avoid protest crowds if you see them forming, there is nothing to worry about.
Athens Crime Heatmap (Insider Breakdown)
Crime in Athens is mostly non-violent and concentrated in specific pockets. Here are the areas where tourists should stay more alert:
- Omonia Square โ high petty theft, some drug activity; fine to pass through, but avoid wandering side streets at night
- Exarchia โ alternative area; safe in daytime, less ideal late at night due to protests/graffiti/drug activity in certain corners
- Victoria โ transit-heavy area; petty crime happens around the square
- Metaxourgio โ mix of gentrification + rough pockets; safe on main roads, avoid dark side streets
- Athinas Street (Monastiraki โ Omonia) โ lively but chaotic; watch your belongings
All tourist attractions (Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Koukaki, Kolonaki) are generally safe and crowded throughout the day.
Safest Areas to Stay in Athens (Local-Approved)
These neighborhoods are absolutely the best choices for visitors โ clean, central, lively, and safe:
- Koukaki โ next to the Acropolis Museum; residential & safe
- Plaka โ touristy but extremely safe day and night
- Kolonaki โ upscale, excellent restaurants, low crime
- Syntagma โ central, police presence, very walkable
- Pangrati โ local vibes, safe, great food scene
- Thissio โ quiet, tourist-friendly, safe at night
For first-time visitors, staying near the Acropolis is ideal.
Areas to Avoid or Be More Careful In
These areas are not โdangerous,โ but they feel less comfortable and have higher petty crime:
- Omonia โ fine during daytime, avoid late-night wandering
- Exarchia backstreets โ anarchist vibe, avoid protests
- Victoria โ safe for transit, avoid loitering groups at night
- Metaxourgio (side streets) โ uneven development
Stick to main roads and busy areas, and youโll be safe.
Is Athens Safe at Night?
Yes, Athens is safe at night in most central neighborhoods. Koukaki, Kolonaki, Plaka, Syntagma, and Monastiraki stay lively and well-lit. Athens has a strong cafรฉ culture, and many locals stay out until late, creating a safe atmosphere.
Just avoid:
- Empty side streets near Omonia
- Backstreets of Exarchia after midnight
- Parks late at night
Is Athens Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes โ Athens is very safe for solo female travelers. Street harassment is far less common than in many Mediterranean cities, and locals are helpful.
Insider tips:
- Book accommodation in Koukaki, Kolonaki, Plaka, or Syntagma
- Avoid unlit backstreets late at night
- Use the metro until midnight or taxi/Uber afterwards
- If someone gets too friendly, a simple โoxi, efcharistoโ works
Is the Athens Metro Safe?
Yes โ the metro is safe and fast. Millions use it daily. The primary concern is pickpockets on crowded lines, especially at:
- Monastiraki Station
- Syntagma Station
- Omonia Station
- Line 1 (green line)
Metro Safety Tips
- Keep your bag in front of you
- Hold your phone securely when entering/exiting trains
- Avoid displaying wallets or passports in crowded cars
Common Scams in Athens (Real Local Examples)
- Pickpockets on metro lines and busy squares
- โDropped ringโ scam near tourist paths
- Fake taxi meters (rare, but it happens if you hail random taxis)
- Overpriced drinks in certain tourist bars near Plaka/Monastiraki
- Street sellers pushing โfreeโ bracelets
True locals rarely experience scams, but tourists should stay aware.
Taxi Safety in Athens (Local Advice)
Taxis in Athens are generally safe and regulated. The main issue is drivers overcharging tourists.
How to avoid taxi scams:
- Use the Beat app (the safest and the one locals use)
- Avoid taxi lines directly outside tourist hotspots
- Always check that the meter is running
Practical Safety Tips from a Local
- Stay in central neighborhoods (Koukaki, Plaka, Kolonaki)
- Use Beat for taxis
- Watch your phone and wallet at metro stations
- Avoid unlit streets late at night
- Keep bags zipped and in front of you in markets
Final Verdict โ Is Athens Safe to Visit in 2025?
Yes โ Athens is a safe and welcoming city for tourists. Stick to central areas, follow basic precautions, avoid known trouble spots at night, and youโll enjoy one of Europeโs most historic and vibrant capitals without issues.
FAQs
Is Athens safe for tourists in 2025?
Yes, especially in central areas like Plaka, Kolonaki, Koukaki, and Syntagma.
What areas should tourists avoid?
Parts of Omonia, Exarchia backstreets, Victoria, and Metaxourgio at night.
Is the Athens metro safe?
Yes โ just watch for pickpockets in busy stations.
Is Athens safe at night?
Yes, in most central neighborhoods. Avoid poorly lit side streets.
Is Athens safe for solo female travelers?
Yes โ Athens is one of the safer Mediterranean capitals for women.
