Attica is the historical region of Greece that surrounds Athens, the country's capital, encompassing ancient monuments, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and verdant mountains. Home to some of the world's most iconic ancient sites including the Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Attica blends millennia of history with a vibrant modern city culture.
Attica and Athens are generally safe destinations for tourists with low rates of violent crime. The main concerns are petty theft and pickpocketing in busy tourist areas, occasional scams targeting tourists near Monastiraki, and heat-related health risks during summer.
Current safety advisory
Low
Attica is considered safe for tourism. The UK, US, Australian, and most government travel advisories give Greece a Level 1 or equivalent rating (exercise normal precautions). Political demonstrations occasionally occur near Syntagma Square but rarely affect tourists directly.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Greece. Be aware of the potential for civil unrest, especially in Athens around Syntagma Square and near the Parliament.
Normal precautions
Greece is generally safe. Take usual precautions against petty crime. Demonstrations are common in Athens but are usually peaceful. Wildfires can pose risks in Attica in summer.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep wallets, phones, and valuables secured in a front pocket or zipped bag, especially in crowded tourist areas like Monastiraki, the Acropolis entrance queue, and Piraeus port
Use only licensed taxis with a visible meter, or book through the Beat, Bolt, or Uber apps to ensure transparent pricing and route tracking
Be aware that the area around Omonia Square can feel rough, especially at night — stick to well-lit, populated streets
Avoid individuals who approach offering 'free drinks' at bars near Monastiraki — this is a common tourist scam leading to inflated bills
Carry sunscreen, a hat, and adequate water during summer visits (June-September) — temperatures regularly exceed 35°C and heat exhaustion is a real risk
Keep a copy of your passport and travel documents separate from the originals
Be cautious around Syntagma Square during political demonstrations — these occur occasionally and police may use tear gas
Watch for the 'dropped ring' scam where someone finds a gold ring and asks to split the value — always decline
Restaurant and bar menus should list all prices clearly by law — check before ordering, and verify the bill matches what you ordered
Be extra vigilant on the Athens Metro at busy times, especially on Line 1 between Monastiraki and Piraeus — pickpockets target tourists with luggage
When hiking on mountain trails (Parnitha, Hymettus, Penteli), inform someone of your route, carry adequate water, and avoid hiking alone in remote areas
Swimming in the sea: check for posted signs at beaches, follow lifeguard instructions, and be aware of jellyfish which can appear in late summer
Emergency services in Greece respond well — call 112 for general emergencies, 100 for police, 166 for ambulance
Tourist police (TΟΥΡΙΣΤΙΚΗ ΑΣΤΥΝΟΜΙΑ) at Dragatsaniou 4, near Syntagma, offer assistance in English and other languages
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Athens and most of Attica — no need to purchase bottled water for safety reasons
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Friendly bar scam
A local man befriends tourists near Monastiraki and guides them to a bar where heavily overpriced drinks are served; victims are pressured into paying inflated bills
How to avoid: Decline invitations to bars from strangers; if you enter a bar, ask to see the price list before ordering
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers at the airport or tourist sites quote flat rates far above the metered rate or take long routes
How to avoid: Use ride apps (Beat, Bolt, Uber) or insist the driver uses the meter; airport flat rates are legally set at €40 (day) and €55 (night)
Restaurant menu swap
Menu prices shown to tourists differ from those on actual bills, or unlisted items are added to the bill
How to avoid: Check all prices before ordering; ask for an itemized bill and compare against the menu
Gold ring scam
A stranger pretends to find a gold ring on the ground and offers to share the proceeds if you pay them a portion
How to avoid: Always decline — the ring is worthless and this is a classic diversion for theft
Gem/investment scam
A 'friendly local' offers to sell antique coins, gems, or investment opportunities
How to avoid: Never purchase gems, antiques, or coins from street vendors — they are invariably fake or illegal to export
Petition scam
Someone approaches asking you to sign a petition, then demands money or pickpockets you during the distraction
How to avoid: Politely decline to sign anything from unknown individuals on the street
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required for Greece. Standard European travel health precautions apply. Ensure tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A vaccinations are up to date.
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink in Athens and throughout most of Attica. Some older buildings may have older pipes — bottled water preferred by cautious visitors.
- Food
- Food hygiene standards in Greece are generally high. Avoid raw shellfish from unlicensed vendors. Be cautious with street food from unhygienic-looking stalls, though Athens street food is generally safe.
- Facilities
- Athens has excellent medical facilities including several major hospitals and private clinics. The Laiko General Hospital and Evangelismos Hospital are in the city center. Private clinics may require upfront payment; ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Athens is generally excellent for solo travelers of all genders. The city has a vibrant social scene, numerous free walking tours, and a well-connected backpacker community. Stick to main streets at night, particularly in Omonia, and use ride apps rather than walking in unfamiliar areas after midnight.
Female travellers
Attica is considered safe for solo female travelers by most international standards. Catcalling can occur in tourist areas but is not aggressive. Standard precautions apply: avoid isolated areas at night, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and use ride apps rather than street taxis late at night.
Families
An excellent family destination with very family-friendly culture — Greeks love children and most restaurants and public spaces welcome them. Main considerations: heat management in summer (keep children hydrated and in shade during midday), uneven ancient marble paths at archaeological sites, and beach supervision. The Athens Metro and major sites are stroller-accessible.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Greece legally recognizes same-sex civil unions and has anti-discrimination laws. Athens has an active LGBTQ+ scene centered on the Gazi neighborhood, with a Pride parade held annually in June. Open same-sex affection is generally accepted in urban Athens though may attract attention in more conservative neighborhoods or rural Attica.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 100
- Medical
- 166 (ambulance) / 112 (general emergency)
- Embassy
- US Embassy Athens: +30 210 721 2951; UK Embassy: +30 210 727 2600; Australian Embassy: +30 210 870 4000
- Tourist Police
- +30 210 920 0724 (Syntagma area office, English-speaking officers)