Safety
Staying safe and avoiding scams
Athens is a generally safe big city for visitors — violent crime is rare. The real risks are everyday ones: pickpocketing on the busy metro and in crowded squares, and the occasional taxi overcharge. A little street sense and using licensed taxis or an app handles almost everything.
Watch your pockets in crowds
The main nuisance is pickpocketing, concentrated on the busy metro (especially Line 3 to and from the airport and crowded changes), at Monastiraki and Omonia, and in tight tourist crowds. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag, stay aware when boarding packed trains, and do not leave bags hanging on café chairs facing the street.
Taxis: use the meter, the flat fare, or an app
Most drivers are honest, but to avoid overcharging, insist on the meter for in-city rides, use the fixed airport flat fare, or book through a licensed ride-hail app such as FREENOW. Agree the basis before you set off, and prefer official taxi ranks over touts.
Normal city sense covers the rest
Late at night, parts of Omonia and the area around it can feel rougher; stick to lively, well-lit streets and you will be fine. Carry a copy of your ID, note the European emergency number 112, and keep an eye on the weather and site closures during summer heatwaves. Beyond that, Athens rewards relaxed, ordinary caution.
Reviewed source trail
- This Is Athens (official city visitor guide) — good to know - checked 2026-06-11
Last reviewed June 11, 2026