Is Athens Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Athens, the capital of Greece, is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city has emergent crime rates that are no higher than an average European city. The public transportation is reliable and it's easy to travel around. Most of the locals are pleasant and helpful. However, like any other city, there are neighborhoods to avoid during night-time, pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious, especially in crowded places and take the usual precautions that you would in any other city.

Safety rating

4.4 /5

Based on 26 experiences

3.8 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Moderate

Athens is moderately safe to traverse at night. Major tourist sites and populated areas like Plaka, Syntagma Square, and Monastiraki remain well-lit and busy into the evening hours, reducing the risk of encountering undesirable situations. However, areas such as Omonoia, Exarchia, and Metaxourgeio can be a bit riskier, being known for occasional petty crime. As a solo female traveler, it is always better to practice vigilance at night.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in Athens generally is safe and reliable. The metro, buses and trams are used by thousands of locals and tourists daily without incident. You should be aware of pickpockets, particularly in crowded places or during peak hours. Also, it is best to avoid less crowded vehicles late at night. However, the chances of experiencing serious issues are quite low.

Street harassment: Low

Street harassment in Athens is relatively low compared to other major cities worldwide. Greek people are generally respectful and warm to tourists, including solo female travelers. Nevertheless, like any city, occasional unwanted attention can occur, but it's usually limited to non-aggressive stares or comments. It's advisable to follow general safety precautions to avoid potential uncomfortable situations.

Petty crimes:Low

Athens has a relatively low risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Popular tourist sites and crowded locales are more likely places for these petty crimes, but exercising basic caution like keeping personal belongings close and being aware of the surroundings can minimize the risk. In general, the city is safe, and locals are friendly and helpful, but like all tourist destinations, it's key to stay vigilant.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Athens is generally considered very safe to drink. It is well-treated and monitored frequently, ensuring it meets all local and international safety standards. You can freely consume it without worry.

Get the Travel Ladies app

Meet new people, find travel buddies, share experiences, discuss travel plans and stay with local women through couch surfing
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 26 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Solo travel experience

Exploring the local markets, like Monastiraki, introduces a sensory feast of colors and aromas. Greek cuisine, with its delectable moussaka and souvlaki, is a culinary journey not to be missed. To escape the hustle, Mount Lycabettus offers panoramic views, providing a serene respite. In summary, Athens, with its historical significance and contemporary charm, beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its unique blend of antiquity and modern life.

Posted: November 16, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Went to Athens solo last October and loved it. Very easy to get around with just English. I used Google Maps to get around and walk between the main tourist areas. I highly recommend starting the stay with one of the many free walking tours.

Posted: November 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I traveled to Athens solo last year. It's really safe and friendly though very busy with traffic. Lots of tourists around. The Metro system is easy to use, and Uber works well. I haven't felt unsafe walking around late at night after midnight. There are always plenty of people around in Mets, Plaka, Monastiraki, etc. I recommend watching out for pickpockets and buying tickets for Acropolis in advance.

Posted: November 9, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Such friendly locals. Main square very clean. Public transport so cheap and accessible. The metro stations were immaculate. Travel from airport so accessible. Felt very safe. Acropolis Museum one of the best ever visited. Restaurants in Plakka very good food and amazing views of the Acropolis. Recommend Viator for trips to Delphi and Meteora. Would visit again

Posted: October 27, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I absolutely loved Athens. I got told a lot before going to be careful and I was there for one week and I felt pretty safe the whole time. I was also walking around at night. I stayed in well-lit areas and just always had my eyes everywhere.

Posted: September 26, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Group travel experience

I went to Athens for 5 days with my friends. We arranged our stay through Airbnb, in the Petralona area, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it - beautiful, close to the metro, bakeries, shops, and markets, and if you like cats - it's the place for you, there are plenty of them. So, we started our first day in Athens actively, with a visit to the Acropolis, Plaka, and Anafiotiki. In one word - beautiful. Although that's not enough to describe all the views, the atmosphere. Among those beautiful white houses and in the shadow of the Acropolis, we had our first meal - Greek salads and moussaka. On the next day, we went to Syntagma Square for the ceremonial changing of the guard - at 11 o'clock on Sundays, it's full of people, an orchestra. I recommend it, even though without a phone and recording, I would have seen very little. The next stop, right nearby, was the National Garden and then the Panathenaic Stadium and another delicious meal - a Gyro. On a sunny Monday, we went to one of the beaches in Athens - AKTI VOULIAGMENI, a wonderful beach, we were there in September, so probably fewer people, but the sun didn't disappoint - it was a wonderful day. The next day was very rainy, so we only went out in the afternoon, we walked through the park, Filopappou Hill, and Monastiraki, and had another Greek meal, my favorite, Pastitsio. Here, as part of our walk, we also saw the famous Little Kook, a beautiful restaurant I must say, although it doesn't make such an impression during the day. And on the last day, we went to the Areopagus and Lycabettus Hill. A bit of a climb, but it was worth it for the view. A beautiful sunset. And I have to commend the bread and tomatoes - delicious. As for safety - we felt super safe, even though we expected a completely different situation. Transportation - we walked everywhere. The only time we used the metro or bus was to go to the beach and to Piraeus for the ferry. Beautiful memories, I regret that it was so short.

Posted: September 24, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I highly recommend visiting Athens for solo travelers. In 4 days, I was able to see and do so much. The city is very affordable and accessible. I also felt safe the entire time. Also, the food was great.

Posted: August 10, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I went in November to Greece for 10 days and I ended up spending 6 of them in Athens. It wasn't planned, I never thought I would like this city that much though. It has so many tiny streets with cute Cafés and restaurants and amazing street art everywhere. Not to mention the great history. it's a perfect place to just get lost. There really is soo much to see in Athens.

Posted: August 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I stayed in Athens for 4 days. It was beautiful and very hot. I would suggest Athens to anyone who likes architecture and history. The traffic is bad so it's best to take the metro or walk. The food was great and the people were friendly. I felt safe, even when I got lost at night. I saw the Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka, Mount Lycabettus, Psiri, Panathenaic Stadium, Herod Atticus Odean, Anafiotika, and Central Market.

Posted: August 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Athens was my first solo trip and it was wonderful. It felt like a very safe city. I definitely recommend a walking tour of the mythological sites in Athens.

Posted: June 10, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Local experiences

Stefania

Stefania

Greece

Yes, Athens is worth visiting. It is an amazing city that if full of vibrant culture, thousands of years of history, delicious food, and best of all- wonderful and friendly people. Overall I believe its safe for female travellers, although I wouldnt recommend wandering around any dark alleys or visiting omonoia square at night beyond the metro station area. Its best to stay within the crowded places. Always keep your bag infront of you and mind your belongings specially in the metro station. You must try the local food, like souvlaki or gyros you can find outside Monastiraki station (O Thanasis) where you can also try other local food like, saganaki, tzatziki, kebab, mousaka. If you want ice cream I recomment Da Vinci. You can try local sweets at Psiri area close to Monastiraki, walking distance. You can also drink coffee or drinks at night in one of the many coffee-bars that have a terrasse enjoying the view of Acropolis. Places to visit such as sites and monuments, are the Parthenon temple, the Ancient Agora and the temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Zappeion Mansion (Athens' emblematic conference and exhibition center), the so-called Athenian Trilogy (consisting of the University of Athens Academy, and the National Library) as well as the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro (home of the first modern Olympic Games). I would also recommend talking a walk around the places monastiraki, Thisio, Plaka and all the way to Acropolis metro station. These places is where alot of locals also like to visit. I would say that Athens is more affordable to visit than the Greek islands. You have many choices and prices range accordingly to your needs. The metro (subway) is very convenient to use and thats what you pretty much need to go around and explore the city. I would recommend to stay close to the city centre to be close to everything.

Posted: October 12, 2023
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0

There are many places to visit in Athens or around Athens (suburbs, Greek Riviera, Sounio etc). Also many museums! Of course visit the Acropolis (also the museum), the national gallery, Stavros Niarchos foundation and many other. You must taste mousaka, pastitisio, fried zucchini and eggplant, gyros, souvlaki, pies, loukoumades, galaktompoureko and many more. Ask a local where to eat! Don't go to the fully touristic area if you want to eat really good food. Visit the islands nearby like Spetses, Hydra, Aegina.

Posted: October 29, 2022
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Athens

Chrysanna

Chrysanna

Speaking

About Me

Hi ❣️ My name is Chrysanna and im 20 years old. Since I was little my biggest goal was to travel all around the world when I grow up and since I became 18 I haven’t stopped doing so✨ I study tourism management so I can’t wait for the day that travelling will be my job as well as my hobby. 🦋

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇷🇸 Serbia

mode_comment 0
Irene

Irene

Speaking

About Me

Hello, My name is Irene and I'm interested in animals, education, dancing, history, nature, nightlife, solo travel, swimming, van life, writing, games, camping, live music and sightseeing

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇨🇺 Cuba

mode_comment 0
Uberta

Uberta

Speaking

About Me

I am a masters student studying MA Child and Adolescent Psychology in Greece. I am adventurous and love nature and animals (I currently have five dogs). I’m looking for something safe and fun where I can be myself and meet new people. I love cooking, writing, acting, singing, gardening and swimming among other things. I am clean and respectful and easy to get along with. Can’t wait to see the world!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇯 Benin, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇭 Ghana, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇹🇬 Togo, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇬🇷 Greece

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Athens

Uberta

Uberta

Speaking

You can stay for:

4 days

About me

I am a masters student studying MA Child and Adolescent Psychology in Greece. I am adventurous and love nature and animals (I currently have five dogs). I’m looking for something safe and fun where I can be myself and meet new people. I love cooking, writing, acting, singing, gardening and swimming among other things. I am clean and respectful and easy to get along with. Can’t wait to see the world!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇯 Benin, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇭 Ghana, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇹🇬 Togo, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇬🇷 Greece

mode_comment 0
Maria

Maria

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Mother of a 3year old Theater and movement teacher vases in athens !

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇸 Palestine, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇦🇹 Austria

mode_comment 0
Eirini

Eirini

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I am a person who likes to meet and connect with people , nature and new places

Countries I’ve Visited

🇬🇷 Greece, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇮🇹 Italy

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Athens

Tia

Tia

Speaking

About Me

Hey, My name is Tia and I will be solo traveling on a fellowship next year! Looking for friends and connections in 🇹🇭 🇲🇦 🇦🇷 🇬🇷 🇳🇱

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

mode_comment 0
Sandra

Sandra

Speaking

About Me

I am a translator and travel Blogger who loves discover countries through locals

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇲🇲 Myanmar [Burma], 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States

mode_comment 0

Safety in Greece