Is Athens friendly to tourists?

Overall, Athens is a very safe city to visit as the crime rates are currently at a very low level (lower than the average rate of other European cities). With its stunning monuments, delicious food, and friendly people, it's easy to see why many travellers flock to this historic place every year.



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According to recent data of crime rates across Europe's largest cities, Athens is safer than many of its contemporaries – it's statistically safer than Rome, Paris, Dublin, Brussels and Hamburg. And all of those cities are considered “safe for tourists” with crime rates low.

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Get out your bucket list; it's time to cross off a major line item: Greece. The fabled land remains tops for culture, food, outdoor travel, art and, of course, beaches and islands. As part of the border-free Schengen Area, it's also incredibly easy to visit for many travelers worldwide.

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Athens is a walkable city and its historic center is easy to navigate, while public transport is affordable.

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Don't think that you need to learn some Greek before you get here. While a “hello” (yia sas) or “thank you” (efharisto) are welcome, most Athenians speak English. We often speak several other languages, too.

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  1. Do accept a greeting with two kisses on the cheek. ...
  2. Do accept an invitation for a lunch or dinner at their home. ...
  3. Don't thrust the palm of your hand in front of someone's face, it is considered a very rude gesture, so don't attempt to do this even jokingly!


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Although the official language in Greece and Athens is Greek, English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn't experience any problems when visiting the city. English is very widely spoken in Greece, especially in the most touristy parts of the city.

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Visiting Athens for the first time? These 12 helpful Athens travel tips will help you NOT look like a tourist
  1. Don't visit in August. ...
  2. Do drink coffee several times a day. ...
  3. Don't wear the “ancient Greece” themed clothes sold in souvenir shops. ...
  4. Don't talk about how you visited “the Greek islands” ...
  5. Do wear black – all year.


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Fortunately, Athens is a manageable destination to visit in one day, with lots of attractions concentrated in a fairly compact area. Its central vibrant neighbourhoods are dotted with ancient ruins, so you can enjoy a cocktail in one of super cool bars one minute and be visiting another awesome ruin the next.

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Italy has more (easily accessible) history, a richer range of cuisine, better cooking and food tours, and more sightseeing opportunities. Greece has better beaches, a more relaxing atmosphere (especially on the islands), and cheaper food and hotels.

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Is it safe to wear jewelry in Greece? Yes. Greece is a relatively safe country with low crime statistics, so you don't have to worry about wearing expensive jewelry. However, it's better to stick to light items as heavy accessories can exacerbate the heat during the day.

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Athens is clean relative to much of Greece. Get out of the cities and you are likely to find that the local rubbish dumps consist of a convenient slope at the side of a road down which rubbish can be tipped.

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Many restaurants in popular tourist areas tend to overcharge for mediocre food. To avoid this trap, head to local neighborhoods or ask locals about their favorite restaurants. Not only will you save money, but you'll also enjoy a more authentic dining experience.

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In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.

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What time is dinner in Greece? In a country that never sleeps, no time is too late for dinner. You will find most eateries open until past 12 at midnight. Regardless, traditionally, dinner in Greek homes is served at around 8-9 pm.

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Petty Crime. Most crime is of the petty variety like the pick-pockets who work the crowded metro cars in central Athens. By keeping your hands in your pocket, or holding tight to purse, you make yourself a difficult target and what they are looking for are easy targets.

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Greek is spoken today by at least 13 million people, principally in Greece and Cyprus along with a sizable Greek-speaking minority in Albania near the Greek-Albanian border.

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