Similarly, having an Athens expert guide on hand means that you have someone to ask for recommendations on the best places to eat, drink and hang out in Athens. 2022 (total of 10 days (most on a bus and stopping here and there) .including a 3 day cruise of the islands. Athens is arguably one of the most underrated cities in Europe.Athens is arguably one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Wed say avoid buying from the roadside guys who keep bottles in a cooler (half the time this is just tap water, kept enticingly cold by packing the cooler with ice). In 2018, 1300 protests were documented in Athens and its vicinity. Similarly, you should avoid the Athens National Gardens after dark as it has become something of a rendezvous point for anonymous adult encounters if you know what I mean. At least as far as the anecdotal evidence of myself and girlfriend and our circle of friends and acquaintances goes. "@type": "Answer", But its also worth doing a little research before you arrive, to discover the ins and outs of travel here and see is Athens safe for travelers in 2022. More worrying is the quality of driving in Athens. Petty crimes and corruption are a concern. I loved Athens so much that I stayed for 10 years. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. This one always seems to catch some people out, and locals are not immune from it either! Hopefully, your trip will be too! "text": "Greece is one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is very low and as long as you take normal precautions, you will feel safe here. Thats pretty good, and its true that Athens isnt a popular spot for expats for nothing. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. "acceptedAnswer": { Keep reading for all you need to know about visiting Athens, including my own assessment as to whether or not I think Athens is worth visiting and for how long. (Corruption is a major issue in Greece but it is unlikely to affect you as a tourist). But petty crime such as pick-pocketing is very far from being an epidemic. Travel is sold in blocks of time (90 minutes for 1.40), and you can use trams, buses and trolleybuses, and the Metro all on the same ticket. You might even see people shooting drugs. Travelling across Athens by cab is very cheap. That places it in the top 50 most-visited cities on the planet. Travel insurance should be one of the items to check off on your preparation list before traveling to ensure that you're covered while on vacation. You may want to rent a car in Greece if you want to take day trips from Athens to nearby areas. Or where to find friends?! Its true that Athens is not as safe as other big countries but all you have to do, is to be a little more aware of your . The Hingefreel people of Arkintoofle Minor did try to build spaceships that were powered by bad news but they didn't work particularly well and were so extremely unwelcome whenever they arrived anywhere that there wasn't really any point in being there., Mostly Harmless from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. This capital city of Greece has nearly 3.7 million inhabitants - crime almost seems inevitable right? One person shares a post in a Facebook group, and suddenly a destination like Athens has been defined by that one experience. There are certain dates, especially the 17th November (Polytechnic Uprising anniversary) and the 6th December (Alexandros' Grigoropoulos death anniversary), where demonstrations and riots will start at certain areas of the city. Right now there is no risk of traveling to Greece as no advisories are in place, although you should see if the government in your home country has any travel restrictions. Thinking about it, more people from the States should probably consider emigrating to Greece because it's safer! Conversely, if you are hoping to meet locals and travellers to socialise with, you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of Meetup and Couchsurfing communities and events, as well as Facebook groups where you can easily organise a coffee with someone. But there is some common sense travel safety that you should practice when you travel anywhere, and Athens is no exception. Where to Stay in Athens - a Local's Guide to the Best Areas Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The tap water in Athens (and most of Greece) is safe to drink. Answer 1 of 78: We are planning a trip to Athens next month. Is Athens safe for tourists? Is Athens safe for solo female travelers? Well, Athens has an urban population of 3 million people. Another thing to watch out for is thelaiki, or farmers market. Athens is considered a very safe destination to visit with a low crime rate. (I am American and working in China. I totally understand that nobody is at the top of their awareness game if they've just stepped off a ten hour flight and onto a busy metro. It is an unfortunate reality that accidents and illnesses can happen anywhere and todays health is not promised tomorrow. In Greek neighbourhoods that are more residential like Koukaki, Kolonaki, Vyronas, the Mets, Pagrati, Neos Kosmos, and Zografou, you are okay to walk around in the evenings (i.e. Taxis in Athens are very safe. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Now, if you believe that, it makes the home of the soaring Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus safer than Philadelphia, safer than Cleveland, safer than Houston, not to mention safer than other European travel hotspots like Naples and Nice. It could be an uncomfortable place to walk through when the sun sets. Its a good idea to always check a restaurant on Google/Google Maps before eating there. Since Athens is such a major tourist destination and a popular jump-off point for a wider Greece itinerary, it is very easy to meet other travellers here.Greece is a patriarchal country and some people do have outdated views of women and gender roles. The Greeks drink frapp like water, which is fine because theyre used to it (. During the day, you can cut through Omonia to get to Athens Central Market but you should still watch your things. Stay Safe in Athens In accordance with the safety and precautionary guidelines issued by the WHO, we advise the following measures: Remain at least one metre away from other people and avoid all crowded places where possible Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds Visitors to Athens using the metro system should be aware that pickpockets operate on popular tourist stops, such as the Acropolis metro line." The takeaway from this is clear: the water in Athensmightbe OK to drink, but why take the chance? The same website states, due to several cases of pickpocketing inside the Metro system [] you are advised to be constantly aware of your belongings and your pockets, especially in central stations and inside trains.. The embassy information for British and American travellers is provided below. We are looking at travelling to Athens beginning October and were looking at an apartment in Aiolou St Athina which I gather is the city centre area. On the first day of my trip to Greece I lost everything by thieves at the Larissa train station in Athens. Is Athens safe for tourists right now? - Athens Forum A comprehensive safety guide Is Athens safe to visit? The 7 Best Luxury Vacation Spots for Couples. (As long as you avoid those dates, you should be fine. Here you can find quaint coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, and crowded piazzas filled with locals sipping Elliniko kafes (traditional Greek coffee). The area around Omonia Square is notorious for these, and a lot of the doormen (allegedly) carry handguns. This is very different from other parts of Europe. Buying anything from these street hawkers is against the law, and you could be fined or even arrested. What I would suggest though, is checking out a couple of Facebook groups. A few people I know personally have been robbed and a few years ago, muggers pushed someone off the cliff. The pickpocket got off the train at the next stop, and the tourist was oblivious that they had almost gotten their vacation off to a bad start! Tips For Travellers While Visiting Athens - Greek City Times Greece hasone of the highest rates of road accidents for any European city, and safety measures like seatbelts and bike helmets are regularly ignored. In general, however, Athens is very safe late at night in the historic center which is where most tourists will tend to want to spend their time. I've been living in Athens since 2015, and none of those things have happened to me. Some tourist restaurants might try and cheat you on the prices which is why its a good idea to try and find a lunch/dinner spot away from the super crowded areas. I feel much safer in China than in Greece.) As such, I thought I'd make a quick comparison between Greece and the United States in regards to the intentional homicide rate. Athens offers trendy restaurants, bars, and shops, and - of course - some of the world's most famous landmarks: the Acropolis and Parthenon as well as some fascinating places like the National Historic Museum. Taxi scams can be a nightmare in Athens and the local authorities have tried to crack down on this a lot in the past few years. Journeying The Globe. Welcome OnVacationSRQ. Still, you should stick to main roads filled with bars and lights. What it is REALLY Like to Live on a Greek Island. Is Athens Safe? | Athsenser Thanks for understanding. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. "acceptedAnswer": { Join our Facebook group for travelers and connect with a global network of passionate explorers. Be smart and only use ATMs in reputable hotels or banks that require card entry. As Athens is a city in Europe, it must be a safe place for tourists to explore right? According to the U.S. State Department Crime and Safety Report for Greece, Athens is assessed with a medium-level threat as to crime directed at or affecting U.S. government interests. Short answer: Absolutely! Here's: These are some of the most commonly asked questions readers have when it comes to finding out whether Athens in Greece is safe to travel to. Some areas in Athens, like Omonia, Metaxourgio or Exarhia, have a bad reputation for drug use. Los Angeles has a crime rating of 52.72 and a safety rating of 47.28. Most crimes in Athens dont affect tourists, but everyone is. More importantly, it doesnt cost you anything extra. Is Greece Safe? 8 Essential Travel Tips for Visitors - World Nomads } Is Athens Safe? 10 Tips to Stay Safe in Athens, Greece before 1 am) as there will be plenty of people around. Athens. The Numbeo statistics website offers a look at crime rates and the perception of safety in different cities around the globe, based on opinion polls conducted with local residents. Take the usual precautions to avoid pickpocketing and scams when exploring Athens and you'll have a great time! Ok, lets assume when people are asking is Athens safe, they are referring to so called petty crime. At this point, someone will walk over, and put a large piece of paper or photo in front of you asking for a donation or money. The Greek capital is one of the best city break destinations in Southern Europe and it would be a shame to miss out on it out of fear. Thank you for reading our lifestyle blog about travel and sustainable urban living. Ask questions, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us! The general answer is yes. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Is Athens safe for travelers? "acceptedAnswer": { Private Policy }, { Athens, as the epicenter of the Greek political system, is by definition the epicenter of Greek corruption. Only ever use licensed, metered taxis, and double-check the route using a map app on your phone. I've got a fun little post here called 28 awesome ways to get robbed the next time you travel. Perhaps one area where heightened awareness is definitely recommended is when it comes to driving in Greece. Is Athens safe for Indian tourists right now (in 2013)? Athens is one of the safest places in which to travel. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Athens is very safe for female tourists. (Obviously, you should remember that these are still internet strangers so always check their profiles and meet in a public place). "name": "Is Athens safe for tourists? "text": "Serious crimes such as gun crimes are extremely rare in Athens. Nothing travels faster than the speed of light with the possible exception of bad news, which obeys its own special laws. Win win we like that! Omonia is home to a lot of refugees and while refugees arent to blame for crime in Athens, people in desperate circumstances that dont know where their next meal is coming from are perhaps more likely to be driven to desperate measures. }, { If you have a backpack, hold it in front of you rather than on your back. The aim of this Athens safety guide is to give my perspective and insights so that you know what to expect before arriving. Athens is very safe. The neighbourhoods of Psiri, Plaka, Makrygianni, and Koukaki are all good choices in central Athens. Is Athens Safe - A Guide To Your Safety In Athens That said, those looking to buy property, sort residency visas, and other official things should be wary of the bureaucracy and corruption thats rife in the Greek system (more on that later). Although some travel blogs like to present Greeces first city as a den of vice and corruption, its easy enough to stay safe in Athens. Dont keep your wallet or your phone in the back pocket of your trousers where someone can easily grab it and run off. Is Athens safe for tourists? 1 year ago Save We want to use the Metro to get from the ATH airport to the city center and then from the center to the Piraeus port a few days later. How to Stay Safe in Athens. Is Athens safe for Indian tourists right now (in 2013)? For this reason, you should always, always insist that the cab driver turns his meter on. It has not been written by someone who simply passed through just once. Visitors to Athens using the metro system should be aware that pickpockets operate on popular tourist stops, such as the Acropolis metro line. Or simply take a ferry to Mykonos orKos, andparty on the beachuntil sun up! Bicycle Touring Electronic Gear For Iceland. If you are limited on time, or you are visiting the city for the first time, opting to choose a hotel with a central location means that you are in the heart of the action. In the above search box, type in "Athens safety".There are numerous posts concerning this topic. Let me outline them for you here so you know what to avoid or be aware of: Some people who have taken the metro from the airport to the center of Athens have mentioned that pickpockets work the line. There are a few areas that are a little rougher around the edges and where you need to exercise increased precautions, but that is the case in most places around the globe. Yes, you can safely travel to Athens (or anywhere in the Balkans ). After a brief conversation, you tell the person you are not interested and they take the piece of paper away and wander off. Closest metro station: Evangelismos, Syntagma . When you are in crowded areas (e.g. 1 year ago Save We want to use the Metro to get from the ATH airport to the city center and then from the center to the Piraeus port a few days later. Stats like that cant lie. Driving in Greece gives you a lot of freedom. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In truth, there are three different reservoir sources for tap water in Athens, and the water quality from each varies tremendously. Again, not unsafe, but just to be aware of. Koukaki and Makrygianni sit in the shadow of the Acropolis, however, they are more low-key and peaceful. Hopefully your vacation in Greece will be trouble free, but it's best to have a good travel insurance policy just in case! Based on homicides alone, the question shouldn't be is Greece safe, but HOW is Greece SO safe! This means that as a tourist in Athens, the odds are extraordinarily low in regards to homicide. }, { Political protests and demonstrations are regular occurrences in Greece. SmartTraveler says tourists should rest assured that Athens isn't dangerous. "@type": "Answer", Athens is generally a very safe city to visit, even for solo travelers. This entire blog is dedicated to promoting Greece so by no means is it implied that crime is a Greek condition. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Greece.. Be mindful but not on edge. It is not uncommon to see drivers that do not wear seatbelts or motorcycle riders without helmets. Obviously, safety is a very personal thing and it is often a lot more complex than just a simple yes/no answer. }, { "@type": "Answer", is it still ok for the tourists? Best Months to Visit. Daves Travel Pages has a number of affiliate links placed within the travel blog. Urban Abroad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.de. Keep your phone, valuables, and expensive electronics like your DSLR camera zipped up in your bag, and your bag on your knee or in front of you rather than slung over one shoulder. And sign up for my free travel guides to Greece, which I'm sure you'll love! You only need to head to districts like Exarcheia and Omonia to see that. You should also be extra vigilant against pickpockets and petty crime here, as that tends to be the major worry for travelers to the home of the Acropolis. Still current at: 22 August 2023 Updated: 14 August 2023 Latest update: Information on travelling to the UEFA Super Cup in Athens ('Safety and Security' page). This is not a nice area of Athens even during the day, but it is especially sketchy at night. I've been living in Athens since 2015, and find Athens to be one of the safest capital cities in the world. A bit of flirting at a bar is fine, but be aware that some clubs and bars in Athens, particularly around Glyfada Square, are fronts for organized crime. Is Daytime Use of Metro Safe for Tourists? - Athens Forum Things simply wouldnt be this way if the town was overly dangerous. The short answer is yes, but there are caveats. Athens Tourism Athens Hotels Athens Bed and Breakfast Athens Vacation Rentals Flights to Athens Athens Restaurants Things to Do in Athens We do not represent World Nomads. Is Athens Safe For Tourists? 2023 Athens Safety Guide - Dave's Travel Pages Try it once, and youll thank us! If the taxi goes too far off course, then invent an excuse, pay whats on the meter, and find a different taxi. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Samrat. Local food and drinks How good is the WiFi? Would you say that of the other metro lines, in particular the blue line? Over the last 18 years I've been to everywhere that isn't landlocked. Petty crimes and corruption are a concern. Is Athens Safe to Visit? A Local's 2023 Guide - High Heels & a Backpack Metaxourgio Athens was once a thriving industrial district of Athens but once a lot of the factories and warehouses in the area started to close down, it became a bit of a no-go zone that saw a lot of crime, drug dealing, and solicitation. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Greece travel advice - GOV.UK Scams against tourists are relatively common in Athens. "@context": "https://schema.org", Cab drivers are often a law unto themselves the world over and Greece is no different. Most visits are trouble-free, but the theft of passports and wallets are common on the metro and in crowded tourist sights. 41 helpful votes Is Daytime Use of Metro Safe for Tourists? If you notice some change is missing, speak up even if its a small amount. Locals state that they feel very safe walking around Athens alone, although they are concerned about an increase in crime over the last three years. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thats not a marginal difference. If you let them know you are not interested, they will leave you be. Are you looking for a community of like-minded adventurers to share your experiences with? You should carry a form of identification with you at all times during your Greece itinerary. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. (If they do not turn it on, they will probably make up some exorbitant price at the end of your journey).The Taxi BEAT app is good. Most visitors will choose to stay in one of just a handful of areas. Philopappos Hill is also best avoided after dark as it is more isolated than you might think. On top of that, the town is ranked as safer than many cities in the USA and there are no lasting FCO or State Department warnings in place. Stay alert, secure your belongings, and be cautious of anyone approaching you with unsolicited assistance or overly friendly behavior. Petty criminals often act in groups whereby one or two people try and distract you while someone else reaches into your bag/pocket to try and take something. (You can download the Uber app and it will connect you with a driver but they are only licensed yellow cabs). In addition, the bar scam' does still sometimes happen. The solution is quite simple: dont go to any bars in Glyfada or the rougher parts of the city. Yes, you can drink the water in Athens. I would recommend visitors to avoid Filopappou Hill at night, and perhaps certain backstreets of Omonia and Exarchia. The only thing that you need to be concerned about is that some drivers may try and overcharge you because they assume that as a tourist, you do not know the correct prices. You will find some practical advice for keeping safe below. In recent years, there have been a couple of incidents where IEDs have targeted political embassies, large companies, and centres of economic importance. You will discover places that you would likely not have stumbled across while walking around independently. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Every major city has its no-go areas, and Athens is no different. Much of what you suggest was the same advice I lived by when I arrived in Athens as a solo traveller in June of 1987. A recent confidential surveyfound that 7% of public officials admitted to acceptingfakelaki(a slang word for small envelope. Be aware but not paranoid. Taxi BEAT is the best local taxi app to use. This means you can expect big crowds, especially if you're visiting during the high season. For the most part, visitors to Athens tend to want to explore the historic center so they also stay in these areas as well. Athens Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel You can find a summary wikipage here, but of course check out the original sources cited on that page as well. Keep a photocopy of your passport in your handbag, and keep the original locked in your hotel safe. Is Daytime Use of Metro Safe for Tourists? - Athens Forum So that begs the question: is Athens safe when it comes to drinking water from the tap? Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. That being said, it is not overly gentrified. Thats it. Tricksters, who are often not even Greek, loiter around Plaka, the Roman Agora, and Hadrians Library. But first, what does that question even mean? Sure, if you eat somewhere thats right beside a tourist attraction or an ancient ruin, the prices might be a little higher than the average but the food will still be excellent. Is Athens, Greece Really That Bad? - The Present Perspective Weather during these spring and fall months is agreeable and sunshine is pretty much . In a lot of coffee shops, restaurants, and cafes in Central Athens, you might find that people beg you for money or try and sell things like pencils, etc for a few cents. For those reasons wed advise you to keep clear of the Parliament Building, which is where the protests, and occasional riots, mainly occur. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Is the person asking will they get murdered, is there gun crime, will they get mugged, are there pickpockets, will there be a civil war? Crime rates in Greece have been in decline since 2010 and have dropped substantially in the first half of 2023. This a very safe city that makes a perfect introduction to Greece before you head off to the Greek islands. Theres beenan increase in card skimmingat ATMs throughout Athens, and its hard to tell which machines remain unaffected. "name": "Is Athens safe for tourists? Solution Pre-book a taxi instead. Public transport here is excellent and getting around congested Greek cities can be a nightmare. Please see the Greek government's earthquake-safety pamphlet for tourists and visitors. There's also a visible homeless presence. Hi Cheryl, But there is definitely a lot more to do in Athens than just looking at graffiti! A lot of this is common sense and is good practice wherever in the world you travel, but it is worth reiterating here . You might now be worried that Athens is too safe, and you won't have an exciting story to share. Is Athens safe for tourists right now? - Athens Forum We also like areas such as Koukaki (the hipster district just below the Acropolis) and Kolonaki (the place to go for deluxe hotels and living). If you look on the upper right hand side of the page you can find the top questions about Athens. Athens has a safety rating of 44.34 which is pretty good for a large city that is home to 3.15 million people. Rest assured, you are in good hands here. If you have travelled much in Europe, you might have noticed that this same scam happens in Rome around the Trevi Fountain, Paris, and other major cities. Our conclusion, one of the highest rates of road accidents for any European city, Is Phuket Worth Visiting? Short answer: Yes, Athens is safe. Police are bribed to turn a blind eye towards crimes that go on in those clubs, including spiked drinks that often lead to far more serious sexual crimes. So here are some important facts you should know about Athens safety and tips for staying safe here. Take the usual precautions to avoid pickpocketing and scams when exploring Athens and you'll have a great time! If you still have concerns or worries about planning your trip to Greece, dont hesitate to reach out to me. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM Is the tap water safe to drink in Athens? The fact that the tourist on the metro had their wallet in their back pocket (I mean, who does that, really?!) "@type": "Question", Useful contact information is detailed below for your reference. As with any major city, it make sense to avoid certain areas at night. the Acropolis or a market), pay attention to people around you. It would be pretty unusual if it didn't happen! Walking around Athens is very safe. She writes for numerous high profile travel publications across the globe - including Forbes Travel Guide, Matador Network, The Times of Israel and The Huffington Post. For example, the quaint church of Agios Dimitrios Loubardiaris, Socrates Prison, and the impressive marble Filopappou monument that was built in honour of Roman-Greco Commander Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos. Greece International Travel Information The town is free from major crimes such as sexual violence, murder, and terrorism.