The Best & Safest Areas to Stay in Athens for 2024
If you are planning a trip to Athens, you may be wondering which are the best and safest areas to stay in Athens. Well, look no further because below I’ve reviewed the safest places to stay in Athens, Greece.
As an experienced female traveler, safety is always a top priority for me. Before visiting, I spent a lot of time researching the safest neighborhoods in Athens. Then on my most recent visit I was able to spend time exploring the different areas to get a feel for each one.
Based on my experience in Athens, I’ve written this guide to help you decide which is the best and safest area to stay in Athens for your next trip to Greece.
Don’t Have Time to Read this Whole Post?
Here are the best and safest places to stay in Athens:
Plaka: Charming & historical I Hotel: Electra Palace
Syntagma: Heart of the city I Hotel: Elia Ermou Athens
Psiri: Vibrant & lively I Hotel: A for Athens Hotel
5 Safest Areas to Stay in Athens Greece
Athens is a city worth visiting for its history and culture. In general, Athens is also a very safe city to visit, but as with any major city, some neighborhoods feel safer and more welcoming to visitors than others.
Below are the best and safest neighborhoods in Athens and the top places to stay in each area.
1. Plaka – The Best and Safest Place to Stay in Athens
Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, located next to the Acropolis. The charming Plaka neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, boutique shops, cafes, and traditional Greek tavernas.
Plaka is easily one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city, and its central location makes it the best choice of where to stay in Athens. It is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone who wants to experience the historical charm of the ancient city.
Why Plaka is a Safe Place to Stay in Athens
Plaka is a very safe neighborhood in Athens. You will find many other travelers here and the area is perfect for wandering around and exploring the old city.
As Plaka is such a popular area for visitors, the area is well-secured and perfectly safe to walk around day or night. Keep in mind that pickpocketing is common throughout the city of Athens, so keep watch over your belongings in crowded areas.
Recommended Hotel in Plaka
Electra Palace Athens
⭐ Rating: 9/10 I Price: $$$ I Book Here
Electra Palace Athens
✔️ Acropolis views
✔️ Rooftop pool & terrace
✔️ 5-Star hotel with luxurious rooms
✔️ Located in charming Plaka neighborhood
☑️ Check Availability and Book Electra Place Athens
2. Athens Center & Syntagma Square
The center of Athens is the area around Syntagma Square and Ermou Street. Syntagma Square is the main square in Athens and is home to the Old Royal Palace and Greek Parliament.
This neighborhood is known as the heart of Athens and is home to many hotels, restaurants, department stores, and shops. It is also a major transportation hub and where many civic buildings and offices are located.
Staying in the city center is a great choice for those who want to be near all the attractions and within a bustling and lively atmosphere.
Why Athens Center & Syntagma Square is a Safe Place to Stay in Athens
This is a safe area to visit in Athens, and there is often a police presence due to the government buildings in the area.
One thing to be aware of is that Syntagma Square is one of the more common places to see protests and public demonstrations. However, in general, this is a very safe and tourist-friendly area in Athens.
Recommended Hotel in Athens Center & Syntagma Square
Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
⭐ Rating: 9.1/10 I Book Here
Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
✔️ Steps away from the popular Ermou Street
✔️ Modern rooms – some with balconies or a private jacuzzi
✔️ Views of the Acropolis
✔️ Rooftop restaurant & terrace
☑️ Check Availability and Book Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
3. Kolonaki
Kolonaki is located along the southern end of Lycabettus Hill. It is best known for being an upscale neighborhood, filled with designer boutique shops, trendy cafes, and fine dining.
This is also one of the safest areas to stay in Athens, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to be in a super touristy neighborhood.
Why Kolonaki is a Safe Place to Stay in Athens
This upscale neighborhood is a perfect place to stay for a luxury trip to Athens, plus it is an incredibly safe part of the city.
It’s a popular destination for international visitors as there are plenty of shopping and dining options. As one of the most expensive areas in the city, the streets are very clean and well-kept which adds to the overall classy atmosphere.
Recommended Hotel in Kolonaki
The Social Athens Hotel
⭐ Rating: 9.4/10 I Book Here
The Social Athens Hotel
✔️ Luxury boutique hotel
✔️ Beautiful, modern design
✔️ Some rooms feature views of Lycabettus Hill
☑️ Check Availability and Book The Social Athens Hotel
4. Koukaki
Located next to the Acropolis and the popular Plaka area, is the laid-back neighborhood of Koukaki. For many years, this neighborhood has been a residential area but it is now becoming a more popular area to stay in Athens.
Koukaki is home to many locals but is also becoming well known for its art scene and for having several trendy eateries and cafes.
Why Koukaki is a Safe Place to Stay in Athens
Koukaki is a very safe part of the city and it has a less touristy and more local feel compared to Plaka and other neighborhoods. One benefit is that there are also fewer pickpockets as they tend to stay in more touristy areas.
Recommended Hotel in Koukaki
Cohort Koukaki
⭐ Rating: 9.4/10 I Book Here
Cohort Koukaki
✔️ Spacious, apartment-style rooms with kitchen space
✔️ Highly-rated for cleanliness
✔️ Beautifully designed with exposed stone walls
✔️ Modern amenities including AC and streaming services
☑️ Check Availability and Book Cohort Koukaki
5. Psiri
Psiri (also spelled Psyrii) is a vibrant and lively neighborhood, that borders the popular Monastiraki Square.
The neighborhood is known for its artistic and bohemian vibe, and you will find many art galleries, cafes, and street art around.
This is a great area if you enjoy nightlife, as there are many different bars, tavernas, and restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
Why Psiri is a Safe Place to Stay in Athens
Psiri is a great choice of where to stay in Athens to experience local culture and the vibrant nightlife. Athens is an incredible city at night – and it’s definitely worth exploring some of the bars or tavernas.
As a female traveler, I felt completely safe in this neighborhood even at night. There were quite a few people around, which added to that feeling of safety at night.
Recommended Hotel in Psiri
A for Athens Hotel
⭐ Rating: 9/10 I Book Here
A for Athens Hotel
✔️ Panoramic views of the Acropolis
✔️ Rooftop bar & terrace
✔️ Stylish, modern rooms
✔️ Breakfast included
✔️ Vibrant & lively area
☑️ Check Availability and Book A for Athens Hotel
Other Safe Places in Athens
Below are a couple of other safe areas in Athens to visit. I would use some extra caution when in these areas in regards to pickpockets or walking alone after dark, but in general they are safe places to visit.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is a lively and vibrant neighborhood in central Athens. It’s known for its famous flea market, traditional tavernas and restaurants, and its famous landmarks such as Hadrian’s Library.
Moastiraki is a safe area to visit or stay at in Athens, and you will find many other travelers here.
One thing to keep in mind is that as with any popular tourist location, pickpocketing can happen frequently here – especially in Monastiraki Square or in the flea market (when you are distracted). So, when you are in this area make sure to keep a close eye on your belongings.
Exarcheia
Exarcheia is known for its anarchist culture, as well as its radical political and intellectual activism.
The streets feature a lot of graffiti and politically charged murals. You’ll also find several anarchist bookshops, cafes, bars, and clubs in this area.
This neighborhood in Athens is so unique, and I think it’s worth checking out. However, it may not be the best neighborhood to stay in unless you are really interested in the alternative scene.
While this is a safe area to visit, it’s good to be aware that there can be protests here which can sometimes result in clashes with the police.
In general, if you see a protest or demonstration it’s best not to get involved since you won’t have a full understanding of the situation – instead just head elsewhere in the city.
Areas to Avoid in Athens
Below are a few areas to avoid staying at in Athens. Again, it is not that they are completely unsafe, but they have higher crime rates than other neighborhoods in Athens.
Especially as a female traveler, I’ve found that some areas of a city may feel safe for locals but don’t feel super comfortable for me as a female traveler.
When traveling somewhere you want to feel safe and comfortable where you are staying, and these areas just may not be a great fit for tourists.
Omonoia
This neighborhood in central Athens has a reputation for having higher levels of drug usage and theft. It’s best to avoid walking around here at night, especially if you are traveling solo.
Victoria Square
While the area isn’t extremely dangerous, it does have higher rates of theft and may not be a great location for tourists to stay in.
Tips for Staying Safe in Athens
Athens is considered a safe city to visit and the US State Department classifies Greece as a Level 1 – Take normal safety precautions.
Below are a few common safety tips to use when traveling to Athens:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Watch out for pickpockets – especially in crowded areas or on public transportation
- Avoid protests or public demonstrations
- If you rent a car, do not leave luggage or important items in the car when parked (especially your wallet or passport)
- US citizens can enroll in the STEP Program which allows the US Department of State to notify you in case of emergencies abroad
- Athens is pretty safe at night, but its best to walk with a friend after dark or take a taxi back to your hotel
FAQ: Safest Areas to Stay in Athens
Plaka is the best area of Athens to say in, especially as a first time visitor. The Plaka neighborhood is very safe and central to the main attractions like the Acropolis. The area is also very historical and charming, with narrow streets, traditional Greek tavernas, and boutique shops.
It is safe to walk around Plaka at night. Plaka is one of the safest areas to stay in Athens. It is one of the most popular areas for tourists, so the area is kept safe and secure. Plaka is pretty well lit at night and there are typically many other people around, which adds to the sense of safety.
The safest neighborhoods in Athens Greece include Plaka, Syntagma, Koukaki, Kolonaki, and Psiri. These neighborhoods are safe, but also a perfect option for tourists as they are very central to all of the main attractions in the city. There are of course other safe areas in Athens, but they are more residential.
The Wrap-Up: The Best and Safest Areas to Stay in Athens
When traveling to Greece, visiting Athens is a must – even for just one night. While Athens is a major international city, it is also a safe place to visit.
However, the best and safest areas to stay in Athens include Plaka, Syntagma, Koukaki, Kolonaki, and Psiri. Staying in one of these neighborhoods will put you in the central part of Athens, surrounded by the history and culture of this incredible city.
If you are planning a trip to Greece, make sure to add more to your itinerary such as taking a road trip through main land Greece or heading to the beautiful island of Santorini.
