Is Athens safe at night?

Athens is chaos on top of marble. Below the Acropolis sprawls a 3-million-strong city with grimy neighbourhoods turning hip, the world's best yogurt, and a metro that runs through ancient archaeological digs visible behind glass.

Athens on the map

Nearby emergency services

🏥 Hospitals

Evangelismos General Hospital
Ipsilantou 45
📞 +30 213 204 1000 📍 Maps
G. Gennimatas General Hospital
Mesogeion 154
📞 +30 210 770 1211 📍 Maps

🚓 Police stations

Tourist Police (Syntagma)
Vasilissis Sofias 4
📞 +30 210 870 6000 📍 Maps

💊 Pharmacies

Pharmacy Plaka
Adrianou 96 — Rotation system — call 1434 for nearest 24/7
📍 Maps

Search nearest hospital on Google Maps →

Currency in Athens

Currency

Euro

Code / Symbol

EUR · €

Rate

Direct

· Cards everywhere.
· Cash for tavernas in older neighbourhoods.
· ATMs at Piraeus Bank, Eurobank — fee-free.

What to eat in Athens

Souvlaki
Pork or chicken skewer in pita — Kostas in Syntagma is legendary.
Moussaka
Layered aubergine and lamb — at Klimataria in Psyrri.
Loukoumades
Honey-soaked dough balls — Lukumades café off Aiolou.
Greek coffee
Order metrios (medium-sweet) and a glass of cold water.

Is Athens safe? Travel safety tips

Pickpockets on metro Line 3

The airport line is THE pickpocket route. Bag on front, never back pocket.

Exarcheia at night

Anarchist quarter — generally fine but skip protest days.

Omonoia & Vathi

Avoid these squares late at night — gritty, occasional muggings.

Strikes & demos

Frequent in Syntagma. Avoid the square when protests gather.

Top things to do in Athens

Acropolis & Parthenon
UNESCO
€20, or €30 combo with 6 archaeological sites. Visit 08:00 sharp.
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Acropolis Museum
Museum
€10 — glass floor over excavations. Top-floor café view.
Open in Maps →
Plaka & Anafiotika
Quarter
Cycladic-style village under the Acropolis.
Open in Maps →
Monastiraki Flea Market
Quarter
Sunday morning is the day.
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Cape Sounion
Day trip
Temple of Poseidon — sunset bus tour.
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Useful Athens info

Best time to visit

April–May, September–October. Avoid July–August (38 °C+).

Public transport

Metro 3 lines, €1.20 single. Trams, buses, electric trolleybuses. Athena Ticket app.

Airport

Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) — 33 km. Metro line 3 €9, X95 bus €5.50.

Plug & voltage

Type C/F, 230V

· Metro Line 1 (Piraeus) connects to all island ferries.
· Buy a 24/72 h pass at any kiosk if using metro more than 3 times.
· OSE trains to Thessaloniki 4.5 h.

Get out of Athens

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More in Greece

Thessaloniki

Greece's foodie second city and the Balkans' southern entry point.

Athens travel essentials

🚨 Emergency help in Athens