Athens is a lively and generally safe city, even at night, especially in the districts visitors frequent. As in every big capital, though, it is worth knowing a few things about theft, scams, strikes and local habits.
Safety
Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main problem is pickpockets, who mostly operate:
- on metro line 1, between Piraeus, Monastiraki and Omonia, and at the busiest stations;
- in the flea market and on Monastiraki Square;
- on airport buses and in the crowd at the changing of the guard.
Wear your backpack on your front in crowded places, keep your wallet in an inside pocket and don't leave your phone on café tables.
Some areas are less pleasant at night: the streets around Omonia, Metaxourgeio and Athinas Street, and some streets in Exarchia during demonstrations. They are not dangerous if you are careful, but avoid dark, deserted streets. See neighbourhoods.
Scams to know
- The "new friend" bar: a friendly stranger invites you for a drink in a bar where an exorbitant bill then arrives. Politely decline.
- The "free" bracelet outside monuments, which then has to be paid for.
- Taxis without the meter on: always ask for it to be switched on or use the apps; there is a fixed fare to the airport.
- Unofficial Acropolis ticket resellers: buy only on the official website. See tickets.
- Tourist-trap tavernas with waiters touting passers-by and no prices displayed: check the menu before sitting down.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes are frequent in Greece, especially on public transport and ferries and sometimes at archaeological sites, but they are almost always announced a few days ahead. Demonstrations often pass through Syntagma Square and Panepistimiou Street and can block traffic; those linked to political anniversaries (17 November and 6 December) can turn into clashes in Exarchia and the centre. Keep informed and stay away.
Money and payments
The currency is the euro. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts, and businesses are required to accept card payments; some cash is still useful for kiosks, markets and small tavernas. Beware of independent-network cash machines with high fees: use bank ones. A receipt must always be issued.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory. In restaurants people usually leave a few euros or 5-10% for good service, on the table; in cafés round up. For taxi drivers, round up the fare.
Water, food and health
Athens tap water is drinkable and of good quality, though many prefer bottled; restaurants often serve jugs of water free. Pharmacies, marked by a green cross, are plentiful and pharmacists speak English; at night and on holidays duty pharmacies are open. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card. The single emergency number is 112; the tourist police answer on 1571.
Opening hours
Central shops usually open from 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays and until the afternoon on Saturdays; many small shops still have split hours on some days. On Sundays many shops are closed, except in tourist areas. Athenians lunch late (from 2 pm) and dine late (from 9 pm onwards): tavernas fill up around 10 pm.
Customs and dress
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries.
- At archaeological sites stiletto heels, food and disrespectful poses on monuments are forbidden.
- The open-palm gesture towards someone (moutza) is an insult.
- Smoking is banned indoors, though the rule is not always respected.
- A "kalimera" (good morning) and "efcharistó" (thank you) always go down well: see the phrasebook.
Internet and phone
Roaming for European SIM cards is included in domestic tariffs. Coverage is excellent and many cafés and hotels offer free wi-fi.
See also getting around, when to go and before you go to Greece.