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

4.3 /5

Based on 61 experiences from female travelers

3.8 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.2 /5

Based on 67 experiences from local women

Athens is currently ranked #25 safest place in Greece for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.3 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Athens?

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.

Is Athens worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 61 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Solo travel

I feel safe.It was such a good experience for me as it was my first solo travel.I felt so powerful and selfconfidence. I have also enjoyed a lot. It was nice to decide by your oen where to go and see.

Posted: July 16, 2025Experienced: June, 2022

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Patty

Netherlands

Solo travel

Months ago I travelled solo to Athena in Greece. It was worth it. Food, environment, attraction even people there are really kind. So far it's best city or country I have travelled. Athen stole my heart🥰

Posted: June 25, 2025

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Cora

Spain

Group travel

Athens is a beautiful place, a must visit in my opinion if you are even slightly interested in Ancient Culture or Western History. The museums are exceptional, I've felt very connected to humanity in this trip. I would recommend to stay in the central neighbourhoods, although they are more expensive and full of tourists, I only felt safe where we stayed because we were a very large group. This city is beautiful and people are amazingly nice, but the truth is that many places are completely abandoned and there is a lot of poverty, even children asking for money.

Posted: May 29, 2025Experienced: November, 2024

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Caroline

Denmark

Couple travel

I felt really safe in Athens - no one was harassing or anything but maybe it’s because I was traveling with my partner. The food was amazing and tried so many authentic restaurants like Diporto. And took the boat to Egina and that was really nice too

Posted: May 16, 2025

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Dana

Germany

Solo travel

I loved Athens. I was there for 12 days and I stayed in Exarcheia. I felt very safe and people were also so friendly. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover that almost everyone spoke English (of course saying a few words in Greek helps). There are lots of museums to explore and the city is very walkable. You can also take day trips to islands like Aegina and Agistri. Food was also delicious and affordable if you’re coming from Germany. I highly recommend the city.

Posted: April 27, 2025

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Is Athens safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 67 local experiences

Crime index

2.9 /5

Based on 67 local experiences

Athens isn’t known for violent crime, but it does have issues that can make women feel unsafe. Street harassment is fairly common — things like unwanted comments, whistling, or men approaching you — which many women find unpleasant. In certain central neighborhoods such as Omonia, Exarchia, and parts of Metaxourgeio, you’ll also notice open drug use or people dealing drugs, especially late at night. While this rarely targets passers-by directly, it can feel intimidating. Sticking to well-lit, busy streets and avoiding these areas after dark is a good precaution.

Posted: August 24, 2025

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