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Where not to stay in Athens: The best tips to travel safe!
Find out where not to stay in Athens and what the best alternatives are for a safe, well-located place to stay.
Where you stay in Athens can shape your entire trip. A poorly chosen area can mean long, tiring commutes, constant noise, transport hassles, or even a sense of insecurity that ends up overshadowing your entire stay.
To help you choose better, this article explains what to consider before booking accommodation and which areas might be less convenient depending on your trip. Keep reading to find out which neighborhoods suit you best so you can enjoy Athens more comfortably and with less stress.
What should you consider before choosing a place to stay in Athens?
Before booking accommodation in Athens, take a moment to look closely at the area. A good location can save you time, money, and extra travel, while a bad one can make your trip harder.
Athens is a large city with very different neighborhoods. That’s why, beyond the price or quality of the hotel, it’s important to focus on things that really affect your day-to-day experience while traveling.
1. Safety and perceived safety
Like many major European cities, Athens has quieter areas than others. While violent crime against tourists is not common, some neighborhoods can feel unsafe, especially at night, due to low activity, urban decay, or petty crime like pickpocketing.
Before booking, check recent traveler reviews and pay attention to what they say about the area at night. Feeling comfortable when you return to your accommodation after dinner or a walk is something that really makes a difference.
2. Distance to major attractions
Most of Athens’ main sights are in the historic center. The Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma Square are usually where first-time visitors head first.
Staying too far away can mean wasting time on daily travel. If your trip is short, choosing a place close to the main attractions is usually worth it for the convenience it gives.
3. Public transportation and mobility
Athens’ public transport system includes the metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains. However, not all areas are equally well connected.
Choosing accommodation near a metro station can make getting around much easier, especially if you’re arriving from the airport or planning to visit different parts of the city. Also, during the hottest months, walking long distances can feel exhausting.
4. Daytime and nightlife
Each neighborhood in Athens has its own character. Some areas stand out for their terraces, restaurants, and nightlife, while others offer a more residential and peaceful atmosphere.
Before booking, think about the type of trip you want. If you want to rest, you may prefer quieter areas. If you want nightlife, staying somewhere lively late at night can be a good choice.
5. Services available in the area
Having supermarkets, pharmacies, coffee shops, or restaurants near your accommodations can make your trip much more comfortable.
This is especially important for longer stays, family trips, or when renting an apartment. Having basic services just a few minutes away usually makes the travel experience much better.
6. Relationship between price and location
In Athens, as in most tourist destinations, well-located accommodation usually comes with higher prices. However, staying a bit further out doesn’t always mean saving money if you end up spending more time and money on transport.
The ideal approach is to find a balance between budget, comfort, and accessibility. In many cases, paying a bit more for a good location can significantly improve the travel experience.
7. Type of trip you’ll be taking
The best area to stay in Athens will depend largely on your plans. Someone visiting the city for a weekend doesn’t have the same needs as someone staying for several weeks or using Athens as a base to explore other Greek islands.
Defining your priorities in advance will help you identify which neighborhoods best suit your travel style and which ones are best to avoid.
Areas to avoid in Athens
Athens mixes history, tradition, and everyday life, but not all neighborhoods feel the same. Some areas can have safety problems, too much noise, poor conditions, or are too far from the main sights.
Being aware of these differences before you book can save you a lot of trouble.
1. Omonia
Located in the heart of Athens, Omonia tends to attract many travelers because of its lower prices and its proximity to the historic center.
However, it’s also one of the areas that divides opinion the most. While it is usually busy during the day, some nearby streets can feel less safe at night. The area also has run-down buildings and feels less well kept than other parts of the city. For this reason, it’s not recommended for families, first-time visitors, or people who plan to walk around at night often.
2. Metaxourgeio
Located just northwest of the historic center, Metaxourgeio is a neighborhood that has undergone some revitalization in recent years, with the arrival of cultural venues, art galleries, and trendy cafés.
That said, the area can feel very different from one street to the next. Some parts have a modern, creative atmosphere, while others still look run-down. Because of this, it’s not usually among the top areas recommended for visitors, so it’s worth checking the exact location of your accommodation before booking.
3. Vathis Square and the surrounding area
The Vathis Square area is among the least recommended for tourists visiting Athens.
Although it’s fairly close to the city center, the area is not the most pleasant for walking around, especially at night. Some travelers feel it is less safe than other popular neighborhoods. Its main attraction is the lower prices, but the savings often aren’t worth it.
4. Exarchia
Exarchia is one of Athens’ most alternative and authentic neighborhoods. It is known for its student atmosphere, bookstores, cultural spaces, and strong political identity.
However, protests are fairly common here. Graffiti is a defining feature of the neighborhood, and some streets can be noisy at night. It’s not usually the best choice for people looking for a quiet, family-friendly area or a more typical tourist experience.
5. The area around Larissa Station
Larissa Station is one of the city’s main rail hubs, which may lead some travelers to consider it a convenient location.
However, the area is mostly practical and not very touristy. It doesn’t have much of the charm that first-time visitors to Athens usually look for, and some streets feel a bit run-down. It can work for specific trips, but it’s not usually one of the best areas to stay in.
6. Areas too far from the historic center
Not all neighborhoods that are not highly recommended have safety issues. In many cases, the main drawback is the location.
Staying far from areas like the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, or Syntagma Square can mean long daily trips. This is especially true in summer, when the heat makes getting around more tiring. What looks like cheaper accommodation can end up costing more time and transport money.
Best areas to stay in Athens
Fortunately, Athens has plenty of neighborhoods that are well suited to visitors, offering a good mix of convenience, atmosphere, and easy access to the city’s main sights. There is no perfect neighborhood for everyone, but some work better for most travelers.
1. Plaka: The most convenient neighborhood for a first visit to Athens
If it’s your first time in Athens and you want an easy place to stay, Plaka is a great choice. Located at the foot of the Acropolis, it has the classic Greek feel many people imagine, with cobbled streets, small squares, traditional houses, and busy cafés.
The best thing about staying here is that most of Athens’ main sights are just a few minutes’ walk away. Also, since it’s one of the city’s most touristy areas, it’s usually well maintained and offers a wide range of hotels, apartments, and restaurants.
The main difference compared to less recommended areas in the city center is the sense of comfort and calm it gives visitors. That said, its popularity is also reflected in the prices, which are usually somewhat higher than in other neighborhoods.
2. Koukaki: A quiet alternative with a local feel
For a long time, Koukaki went unnoticed by most tourists. But in recent years, it has become a favorite for those looking for a more authentic experience without being far from Athens’ main attractions.
It’s an area where you can still see everyday life in Athens, with local cafés, small family-run restaurants, and quiet streets. Life here moves slower than in more touristy areas. Koukaki’s main advantage is its great location and relaxed feel. You can easily reach the Acropolis and the historic center, then return to a quieter, less crowded neighborhood.
3. Syntagma: For people who want everything within easy reach
If comfort is your top priority, Syntagma is usually one of the best options. This area is built around Athens’ main square and is one of the city’s key transport hubs.
Staying here means being close to monuments, museums, restaurants, shops, and public transport. It’s very convenient if you arrive from the airport or plan to move around the city a lot. Compared to less connected areas, Syntagma stands out for its easy access and constant activity during the day. It doesn’t have the historic charm of Plaka, but it’s very practical for a short stay.
4. Monastiraki: For those who enjoy the atmosphere and street life
Monastiraki is one of those areas where something always seems to be happening. With its markets, street musicians, cafés, and visitors walking through its streets, the neighborhood has a special energy from early morning until late at night.
It’s a popular area because you can walk to many of Athens’ main sights. Some hotels and restaurants also have great views of the Acropolis. Compared to quieter neighborhoods, it’s much livelier, with lots going on. It’s great if you want energy and activity, but not ideal if you need total silence at night.
5. Kolonaki: A more elegant and sophisticated side of Athens
Not all travelers want to be surrounded by tourists. If you prefer a more upscale area with well-kept streets, boutiques, art galleries, and good restaurants, Kolonaki is an excellent choice.
This neighborhood has a more modern, upscale feel than other parts of Athens. Walking here gives you a different view of the city, away from the busy historic center. Kolonaki stands out for its calm atmosphere and good services. Many visitors like the comfort and relaxed vibe, although prices are usually higher.
6. Psiri: A neighborhood with plenty of character
Psiri has changed a lot in recent decades and is now one of the most interesting neighborhoods for those looking for a modern, lively Athens. Its streets mix historic buildings, street art, trendy cafés, and a vibrant nightlife.
During the day it’s nice for walking and exploring local shops. At night, parts of the area get lively with people eating out and going to bars. Compared to other central neighborhoods, it has a more creative, alternative feel.
How can you get internet access during your stay in Athens?
Having internet access in Athens can make your trip much more comfortable. It lets you use real-time maps, check public transport routes, manage bookings, order a taxi, and look up information about monuments and restaurants while you explore the city.
If you’re staying in Greece for just a few days, a practical option is Holafly eSIMs for Athens, which let you access mobile data as soon as you arrive without needing to look for a physical SIM card.
On the other hand, if you’re planning a longer trip or visiting several countries on the same journey, Holafly’s monthly plans can be an interesting option. This service offers international connectivity through a single eSIM, so you don’t need to swap SIM cards or buy different plans in each destination.
Frequently asked questions about where not to stay in Athens
Many travelers prefer to avoid some areas near Omonia Square and certain parts of Metaxourgeio, especially if they’re looking for a more pleasant place to walk at night. However, the situation can vary from street to street and depending on the accommodation you choose.
Plaka, Koukaki, Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Kolonaki are usually the most recommended areas thanks to their location, services, and easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Syntagma stands out for its excellent connections. From here, it’s easy to get around by metro or bus, or to reach the airport via public transportation.
Koukaki usually offers a good balance between price, location, and atmosphere. It’s close to the historic center and is generally more affordable than Plaka.
Kolonaki is usually one of the best options. It’s an elegant, safe neighborhood that’s quieter than other tourist areas in the city center.
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