Is Athens safe? What you should know

The Greek capital has its own charm just like other European capitals! From the iconic Acropolis to the dynamic street art, the city is an exciting blend of past and present. Whether you're strolling through Plaka or sipping coffee in a chic café, Athens pulses with energy and stories that date back thousands of years!

But, like any great adventure, it's important to stay safe while soaking up all the magic. We'll cover how to stay safe in a variety of situations. From how to engage with locals to navigating the city's natural beauty and being prepared for emergencies, we've got the tips you want! When you interact with the friendly Athenian locals, it’s all about respect, a smile, and maybe picking up a few Greek words. “Efharisto” (Thank you) will surely win some hearts!

Of course, safety isn’t just about people. We’ll dive into how to stay fit and safe while exploring the city. From tips on navigating the hills safely to finding the best spots for a hike or a swim. Whether you're hiking up Lycabettus Hill or swimming in the Athenian Riviera, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to enjoy this stunning city safely, with a bit of fun thrown in!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Athens

Athens is a very safe city compared to some other tourist destinations and any other major city. If you're still sweating bullets, read our article and find out some tips to help keep yourself safe!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Just landed at Athens International Airport? Hope you had a nice flight! Just hop on the Airport Bus and you'll get to central Athens in about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. That's pretty speedy! You'll get off right at some of the most amazing landmarks in this incredible city!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Athens

Never leave your phone on a table! Scammers from Athens and other European cities are pros at sleight-of-hand tricks! They come up to your table and distract you with a brochure while someone else swipes your phone.

You shoo them away, but by then, they’ve grabbed their brochures and your phone, and boom, you've been robbed! Keep your phone in your pocket or somewhere safe at all times, and you're fine!

Is tap water in Athens safe to drink?

The short answer is yes! If you want some more details, the nearby Marathon and Yliki lakes supply the city's drinking water, straight from Mother Nature! You won't get sick from drinking this water, but if you're still unconvinced, there’s bottled water at every corner!

Safe accommodation options in Athens

Nervous about staying in Athens? No need! This fascinating city is not only safe but comfortable to stay at too! Here's where to stay in Athens:

• Plaka is known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods.” It's picturesque, tourist-friendly, and at the base of the Acropolis. If you're wondering where to eat in Athens, this district is a great start! Do you want your hotel to have a rooftop pool? Electra Palace Athens has one and the price range is about €180–€250 per night for a double room.
• Kolonaki is an upscale area near embassies, high-end boutiques, and the National Archaeological Museum. It's relatively quiet compared to the rest of this big city and you can hit the hay at St George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel. Double rooms range from about €150–€220 per night.
• Koukaki is in a residential area near the Acropolis Museum. You can crash at the Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel for about €80–€130 per night for a double room.

Pro tip: Whether you're a solo traveler or with your family, an extra backpack can make you overheat in the hot Greek summers. So, leave anything you don't need with Bounce partners and say goodbye to back sweat and tired legs!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Are you wondering if the locals know English or if you can use your hands for eating? Check these cultural tips out, so you can blend in like a pro:

• Though the younger generation tends to be more fluent, those who work in tourism speak English! Here are some common Greek phrases (in Latin) for breaking the ice: Kalimera (Good morning); Parakalo (Please/You’re welcome); Pou ine i toualeta? (Where is the toilet?); Logariasmo, parakalo (The bill, please).
• The last one’s super important. Some joints like to scam tourists with incorrect restaurant bills. Always double-check if the prices on the menu match the bill. Also, you can totally eat pies and finger food with your hands, but for other dishes, stick to utensils.
• Greeks are very expressive and might stand closer to you than you're used to. If you're greeting someone, a handshake will work. Don't try to copy their cheek kisses unless you’re into it!
• Don't climb any ancient ruins, you might end up breaking a leg or damaging one of the monuments. So much has survived the test of time, your leg will heal, but the ruins won't!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Not sure how to get around? We've got your back!

• The metro, buses, and trams are clean and perfectly safe. If you want a cab, you should use ride-hailing apps like TaxiBeat instead of hopping into one on the street. It’s best not to walk to your hotel at night after exploring! Get some transport just to be on the safe side.
• Athens isn't the best city for biking because of lots of steep, narrow, cobblestone streets. It's better to explore on foot, but you should still watch out for slippery cobblestones! You don't want to crack your tailbone on the stone paths!
• Here's a pro tip: you can download an offline map, like a segment of Google Maps, and always have it ready for routes and location guides!

Nature and Athens: Safety tips to keep in mind

Looking for beaches near Athens to dip your toes? Maybe the best hikes in Athens to get away from those exhaust fumes? Check these spots out but always keep safety in mind:

• If you're looking for swimming spots, try Kalamaki Beach, Glyfada Beach, or Althea Beach. Just be careful if you're diving for seashells, the currents can sweep you away dozens of meters in a minute. You can also book a tour of the Greek Islands if you want something a bit more exciting!
• Be careful about stray jellyfish during the summer, a sting can leave you in more pain than your last breakup! Most beaches are free of urchins, but you should still keep an eye out, especially on more secluded beaches.
• Looking for a hiking and climbing spot? Mount Lycabettus and Hymettus Mountain are perfect places for scenic hikes. Filopappou Hill and Penteli Mountain are local favorites for some rock climbing. Just make sure your gear is up-to-date!

So, is Athens safe?

As long as you use common sense, yes! It's considered a safe city even for solo women travelers! But whoever you are and wherever you come from, large bags are always a bummer and will always slow you down. So, don’t forget the Bounce and our trusted local business partners! Find the storage location that works for you and enjoy your stay in Athens!