Areas to Avoid in Athens
Greece
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Athens. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Athens is generally Safe
2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Plaka, Koukaki, Psiri
Travel Insurance for Athens
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Athens are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Omonia Square and surrounding streets
While historically central, this area has a reputation for being run-down and can attract petty crime, especially late at night. It's generally not recommended for tourists seeking a pleasant experience.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Plaka
Historic heart of Athens with charming neoclassical architecture and bustling pedestrian streets.
Areas immediately around Larissa Train Station
Similar to Omonia, the vicinity of the train station can feel unsafe, particularly after dark, due to a higher incidence of petty crime and a less welcoming atmosphere.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Koukaki
Trendy and residential area with a bohemian feel, popular with locals and expats.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Athens
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Athens Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Athens on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Athens Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Athens with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Athens: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Athens's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Athens: Scenic Excursion
Escape Athens for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Athens Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Athens's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Athens
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Athens on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Athens safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Plaka
Historic heart of Athens with charming neoclassical architecture and bustling pedestrian streets.
Generally very safe during the day with many people around; at night, stick to well-lit main streets as some side alleys can be deserted.
Koukaki
Trendy and residential area with a bohemian feel, popular with locals and expats.
Very safe day and night; it's a well-populated residential area with many people out enjoying the evening.
General Safety Tips for Athens
At Night
Stick to main, well-lit streets in popular tourist areas like Plaka, Koukaki, and Psiri. Be cautious in less populated side streets, particularly around Omonia and Larissa Station.
Solo Female Travel
Athens is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night, by sticking to well-lit and populated areas and being aware of your surroundings.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Athens
- 1The 'broken bracelet' scam: someone offers a 'gift' bracelet and then demands payment.
- 2Overcharging by taxi drivers: ensure the meter is used or agree on a price beforehand if going to specific locations not covered by a fixed airport rate.
- 3Pickpocketing: common in crowded areas like Monastiraki, Syntagma Square, and on public transport.
Travel Insurance for Athens
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Plaka
Historic heart of Athens with charming neoclassical architecture and bustling pedestrian streets.
Generally very safe during the day with many people around; at night, stick to well-lit main streets as some side alleys can be deserted.
Koukaki
Trendy and residential area with a bohemian feel, popular with locals and expats.
Very safe day and night; it's a well-populated residential area with many people out enjoying the evening.
Psiri
Bohemian and artistic hub known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and creative energy.
Safe during the day, but can get rowdy at night; be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially around busy bars.
Kolonaki
Upscale and sophisticated district known for its luxury boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining.
Very safe day and night, a well-patrolled and affluent area with a constant presence of people.
Safety in Athens
SafeSolo Female Travel
Athens is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night, by sticking to well-lit and populated areas and being aware of your surroundings.
At Night
Stick to main, well-lit streets in popular tourist areas like Plaka, Koukaki, and Psiri. Be cautious in less populated side streets, particularly around Omonia and Larissa Station.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'broken bracelet' scam: someone offers a 'gift' bracelet and then demands payment.
- 2Overcharging by taxi drivers: ensure the meter is used or agree on a price beforehand if going to specific locations not covered by a fixed airport rate.
- 3Pickpocketing: common in crowded areas like Monastiraki, Syntagma Square, and on public transport.
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