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

Make friends while traveling solo

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet other women, find travel buddies and stay with locals for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Athens?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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

4.7 /5

based on 57 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5
Dana

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Athena’s was amazing, all the culture and monuments are so beautiful and the landscape too. The city really feels 100% safe and I will be happy to return. The museums also are incredible and the food is delicious!

Posted: April 17, 2025Experienced: April, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Group travel

Safety was moderate, we were in a group, but we came across off-putting people every once in a while and traffic was really chaotic and dangerous sometimes. Food is amazing, would recommend local taverns in central regions. The Acropolis is a must visit, so are the museums and galleries in the whole city. Everything is pretty cheap and the shop owners are always friendly. We stayed in a 4 star hotel in Alimos and it was excellent, very cozy and safe, with a great view of the sea. Transport is tricky in Athens, there's so many means of transport to choose from but so much traffic all the time.

Posted: April 15, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Grace

Grace

Italy

Solo travel

I stayed in the Safestay Hostel in Monastiraki and it was quite safe and inexpensive. It was also right by the metro station so it was easy to travel to other parts of the city. There are many people that will try to sell you things in the square but if you ignore them they will leave you alone.

Posted: April 1, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

It was really safe. I stayed close to Ermou Street. (Athens Commercial) I ate my dinner in Bairaktaris Syntagma Square. I spend: -25€ (per a day) for hotel. -10€ (Acropolis) -6€ (National Archeological Museum) -13€ (Dinner) I didn’t take bus or metro. Just shuttle. So I walked to everywhere.

Posted: February 18, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Mathilde

Mathilde

France

Solo travel

I rented a small Airbnb in a busy neighborhood, close enough to the center so that I could do everything on foot (mind you, I like walking a lot). I ate solo at restaurants for every lunch, but always took food home for the dinners, cause it was my first solo trip and it seemed less scary that way :) You must visit the acropole, of course, but I also recommend to take a pottery class! You can find some on Airbnb experiences: it is a great way to meet People and to make your own souvenir!

Posted: February 12, 2025Experienced: August, 2021
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Family travel

It was like a typical vacation experience and the Greek architectural style just made it even better. There are lots of cats (like waay more than average) out on the street which was an unusual experience for me. I went to eat at a place called PiriPiri cause their Gyros was just amazing.

Posted: February 1, 2025Experienced: August, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Couple travel

It was really safe in Athens. I didnt notice any danger. Acropolis is of course one of the most important thing to see in Athens. We loved it. I am Turkish so the food is very similar and very good as our food. I really liked it. We spent around 150 euro per person. Except accomodation and plane tickets of course.

Posted: January 30, 2025
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0
Teodóra

Teodóra

Hungary

Family travel

I felt safe there, but you need to be careful, lock your car safely. I was with my family. We went to greece with a caravan. So we just slept in the van. Well if you want to park in Athens everywhere you need to pay. And its expensive a little bit. If you go there you need to see the Akropolis. The view is beutiful and the architecture too, you'll see the whole town it's insane. And if you really go there just walk some of the parks it really has a vibe. We were in budget that time so yeah if you with a caravan and you are not want to sleep in the town then you good, it not exactly that much money. Stay safe✌

Posted: January 13, 2025Experienced: December, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

I felt pretty safe in Athens. The town has a lot to offer. The second hand shops are pricey, but Tattoos are cheap (I recommend Holly Tattoo). When you are from Europa and under 25 you can visit a lot of places for free. I recommend a picnic in the morning on the hill next to the Acropolis.

Posted: January 7, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Athens safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 58 local experiences

Crime index

2.8 /5

Based on 58 local experiences

Melina

Melina

Athens is safe generally depending on the area you’re in. You do hear a lot of instances and scary stories that happen here so I make sure to always be cautious wherever I am and be aware of my surroundings. You do get a few comments here and there that you have to ignore.

Posted: May 7, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Nina

Nina

It's a touristic place so there are some pickpockets but I find it mostly safe. I feel safe in the center and it's really beautiful. It might be best to avoid going alone to omonia and exarchia alone at night. The public transport is clean and safe.

Posted: May 4, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Athens

Esther

Esther

About Me

Shared profile for two friends interrailing around Europe. All the info here applies to both of us! Eva: My volunteer occupation is working with animals. I started off training dogs and working with stray rescue and adoptions. I now work at a farm sanctuary and spend my day with goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, cows, chickens, pigeons, pigs and many many cats and dogs. I want to travel in order to gain experiences and see historical and cultural landmarks. Esther: I'm spending this year travelling and using my free time to read, write, watch movies, investing my time in creative and recreational activities. I plan to study Film and Literature at University in September, and until then want as much travelling experience as possible.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Eleni

Eleni

About Me

I’m Elena I’m a 01 baby (24 yo) and moved recently in Athens to study. I’m a certified cook and a paramedic.. I also am a beginner nail artist.. I know there are a lot to process about me and I promise there are plenty more😂 I always want to learn sth new so rn I’m trying to croshet a blanket 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m easy going and almost in for everything.. im not a regular traveler but I love to travel so hit me up with any good ideas.. kiss and hugs for now 😘😘

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Athens

Eleni

Eleni

Athens

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m Elena I’m a 01 baby (24 yo) and moved recently in Athens to study. I’m a certified cook and a paramedic.. I also am a beginner nail artist.. I know there are a lot to process about me and I promise there are plenty more😂 I always want to learn sth new so rn I’m trying to croshet a blanket 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m easy going and almost in for everything.. im not a regular traveler but I love to travel so hit me up with any good ideas.. kiss and hugs for now 😘😘

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Ioanna

Ioanna

Athens

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hii! I am Ioanna, a Medical student from Greece! I love to travel although I haven't traveled as much as I would like to, I like deep conversations, good music and food and enjoy partaking in cultural exchange! I am looking forward to meeting you 🫶

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Athens

Karolina

Karolina

About Me

Hey! I’m a 24yo Polish-Canadian. I’m currently in Warsaw but I normally live in Montreal. Also, I’ll be travelling to Athens 🇬🇷 in May and Vancouver, BC 🇨🇦 in August, anyone there? Send me a message 🫶🏻😊

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Bella

Bella

About Me

Hey! I am a student in Hungary, but originally, I am from Kazakhstan. So the love for traveling is in my blood! My passion is nature, I am an environmentalist and, on my way, to earn an MSc in water management currently. The idea of traveling with low expenses and meeting new people is getting me excited! I am looking forward to seeing you and would love to show you around Budapest or Almaty sometime!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Greece