Safety

🗺️ Areas to keep your wits about you

• Omonia Square and around: can feel uncomfortable at night, with more petty crime.
• Metaxourgeio and the streets near the Archaeological Museum: some parts are run-down. Stick to the main, well-lit streets.
• Exarchia: lively by day, but there are occasional riots. If you see riot police or a protest, move away.
• Protests in Syntagma: common and nearly always peaceful, but best watched from a distance.

Plaka, Koukaki, Monastiraki, Syntagma and Kolonaki are calm at any time of day.

🎭 Typical scams and annoyances

• Pickpockets: especially on metro Line 1 (Piraeus–Kifisia), the airport line, Monastiraki Square and the Acropolis queue. Backpack in front and phone out of reach.
• The "free" bracelet or rose: someone ties it on your wrist and then asks for money. Say no and keep walking.
• The bar with new "friends": a friendly stranger invites you to a bar where you're joined by hostesses, followed by a sky-high bill. If someone suggests it in the street, don't go.
• Taxis without a meter: ask for it to be switched on or use an app. From the airport to the centre the fare is fixed.
• The bill: always check it, especially in the most touristy areas.

🌙 At night

• Gazi, Psyrri and Koukaki stay lively until late and are busy areas.
• Avoid empty, poorly lit streets. To get back late, a taxi booked through an app is best.
• Go easy on the ouzo: it's sneakier than it looks.

☀️ The heat counts too

In summer the biggest risk isn't thieves, it's the sun. Drink water even if you're not thirsty, wear a cap and avoid outdoor visits between 12:00 and 17:00 during heatwaves.

📞 Emergency numbers