Safe and Sound: The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Athens for a Worry-Free Trip

Athens is generally a safe city, especially in areas frequented by tourists. However, like any major metropolis, it’s wise to choose your accommodation wisely. For first-time visitors, safety, convenience, and proximity to attractions are often top priorities. This guide highlights some of the safest and most popular neighborhoods in Athens, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Why Choose These Areas?

The neighborhoods listed below are known for:

• Safety: They are generally considered safe for tourists, with a visible police presence and well-lit streets.
• Convenience: They offer easy access to major attractions, either on foot or via public transportation.
• Tourist-Friendly Infrastructure: They have a good selection of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to tourists.
• Pleasant Atmosphere: They offer a welcoming and enjoyable environment for visitors.

Top Safe Neighborhoods for Your Athens Stay:

Plaka:

• Why it’s safe: Plaka is the historic heart of Athens, heavily patrolled by police due to its popularity with tourists and its proximity to major attractions. Its pedestrian-friendly streets are generally well-lit and bustling with activity, even in the evenings.
• Why it’s great: You’ll be steps away from the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and other iconic landmarks. Plaka is filled with charming tavernas, souvenir shops, and picturesque streets.
• Atmosphere: Historic, charming, tourist-friendly, lively.
• Considerations: Can be crowded, especially during peak season. Accommodation can be pricier than in other areas.

Kolonaki:

• Why it’s safe: Kolonaki is an upscale, residential neighborhood known for its elegant atmosphere and affluent residents. It’s generally considered very safe, with a strong police presence due to nearby embassies and government buildings.
• Why it’s great: Offers high-end shopping, stylish cafes, excellent restaurants, and a sophisticated ambiance. It’s also within walking distance of Syntagma Square and major museums.
• Atmosphere: Upscale, chic, sophisticated, safe.
• Considerations: Accommodation and dining tend to be more expensive in Kolonaki.

Koukaki:

• Why it’s safe: Koukaki has become increasingly popular with tourists and young professionals, leading to a more vibrant and secure environment. It’s generally considered safe, especially around its main streets.
• Why it’s great: Offers a more local and authentic Athenian experience than Plaka, with trendy cafes, traditional tavernas, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also conveniently located near the Acropolis and Filopappou Hill.
• Atmosphere: Trendy, local, relaxed, up-and-coming.
• Considerations: Some quieter side streets might feel less safe late at night, but the main areas are well-trafficked.

Acropoli:

• Why it’s safe: As a neighborhood centered around the Acropolis and major tourist attractions, it benefits from a strong police presence and well-lit streets. The area is generally very safe for tourists.
• Why it’s great: Unbeatable proximity to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Offers stunning views and a mix of traditional and modern establishments.
• Atmosphere: Historic, convenient, tourist-friendly.
• Considerations: Can be crowded during the day. Accommodation can be pricier due to its prime location.

Thissio:

• Why it’s safe: Thissio is a popular residential and tourist area, generally considered safe due to its lively atmosphere and pedestrian streets.
• Why it’s great: Offers stunning views of the Acropolis, especially from Apostolou Pavlou Street. It’s known for its relaxed vibe, traditional tavernas, and the open-air cinema.
• Atmosphere: Historic, relaxed, bohemian, with great views.
• Considerations: The area around the train tracks can be a bit desolate at night.

Makrygianni:

• Why it’s safe: Similar to the Acropoli area, it is located near major tourist attractions, and thus is heavily patrolled by police.
• Why it’s great: Offers a mix of hotels and restaurants, near the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou.
• Atmosphere: Convenient, safe, tourist-friendly.
• Considerations: Can be crowded during the day, especially during peak season.

Syntagma:

• Why it’s safe: As the central square of Athens and home to the Parliament, Syntagma has a very strong police presence and is generally very safe.
• Why it’s great: Offers unparalleled access to public transportation, major shopping streets like Ermou, and is within walking distance of many attractions. You’ll also find many luxury hotels here.
• Atmosphere: Bustling, central, convenient, historic.
• Considerations: Can be noisy and crowded. Accommodation can be expensive.

Ilisia:

• Why it’s safe: A largely residential area, Ilisia is known for its tranquility and green spaces. It’s generally considered a safe neighborhood.
• Why it’s great: Home to the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the Athens War Museum, and very close to the National Gallery and the Athens Concert Hall. Offers a peaceful escape from the city center while still being well-connected.
• Atmosphere: Residential, quiet, green, cultural.
• Considerations: Fewer tourist amenities compared to other areas, but still has good options for dining and accommodation. It is not very close to the major archaeological sites.

Ambelokipi:

• Why it’s safe: A busy commercial and residential district with a mix of locals and businesses. It’s generally safe, especially around the main avenues.
• Why it’s great: Home to the Panathinaikos football stadium, the iconic Tower of Athens, and near Mavili Square, a popular nightlife spot. Offers a more local and less touristy experience.
• Atmosphere: Bustling, modern, local, convenient.
• Considerations: Can be noisy due to traffic. Not as charming as other neighborhoods.

Pagrati:

• Why it’s safe: A largely residential area popular with young professionals and families, Pagrati is generally considered safe and welcoming.
• Why it’s great: Offers a genuine taste of Athenian life, with numerous cafes, tavernas, and a growing arts scene. Close to the Panathenaic Stadium and the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art.
• Atmosphere: Local, authentic, up-and-coming, residential.
• Considerations: Fewer tourist-oriented businesses compared to areas closer to the center.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood for You:

The best neighborhood for your stay in Athens depends on your priorities and preferences. Consider what’s most important to you:

• Proximity to ancient sites: Plaka, Acropoli, Thissio, Makrygianni
• Luxury and high-end shopping: Kolonaki, Syntagma
• Local and authentic atmosphere: Koukaki, Thissio, Pagrati, Ambelokipi
• Vibrant nightlife: Psiri, Gazi
• Peace and quiet: Ilisia, parts of Koukaki, Pagrati

Athens is a wonderful city to explore, and by choosing a safe and convenient neighborhood for your stay, you can ensure a more enjoyable and worry-free trip. The areas highlighted in this guide offer a great combination of safety, accessibility, and a pleasant atmosphere, making them ideal choices for first-time visitors and anyone seeking a secure and memorable Athenian experience. Remember to exercise common sense and take basic safety precautions, and you’re sure to have a fantastic time in the Greek capital!