Safe and unsafe areas in Athens

16403 Views 11 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Roxinius, May 27, 2020

mwmichal

Discussion Starter · Nov 3, 2017

Hello everyone, I'm going to live in athens for 6 months in next year, so I have a question - is the area of Attiki metro station an safe or unsafe area? I know that's not a topic about architecture but on Polish forum we often discuss bad and good neighbourhoods in our cities. So I hope you guys (and girls) don't have anything against discussion about safety in Athens.

regards
Michal

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emailspyro

· #2 · Nov 3, 2017

Sure mwmichal, nobody should be offended. Any major city will have it’s good and bad parts.
Attiki station used to be a nice area but like lots of the downtown has had some issues in recent years.
The good news is that it has gained diversity. Many foreigners have made it their home giving it a special color, interesting food, youthful energy. At first there were many issues but finally integration is taking place and it’s truly an ethnic part of town. Not representative of local Athenian vibe if that is what you are looking for. You will feel at home on a similar way would in New York.
The transportation is good. Easy to visit downtown and other parts from here.
The area has large apartment buildings and is affordable.
Crime can be an issue, overall Athens has low murder rates but robberies, theft etc probably comparatively high here given that its lower income area. The area had issues also with right wing people bullying immigrants etc. but even those scary guys have come to accept their new neighbors, a sign that the enemies are usually imaginary.
So, if you don’t mind leaving and that kind of environment, you will enjoy it. If you would rather be in an ultra safe place with more of a Greek population, try Kolonaki, Psixiko, or Koukaki.

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mwmichal

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 3, 2017

Thanks for response, right now I have to choose between a small and not so good flat in center near Hilton hotel or a nice flat with a big balcony (with view on Acropolis

) near Attiki metro station. I would love to rent that second flat but I'm a little bit afraid of my girlfriend safety (if I say little I really mean it

, I get it that Attiki is not a bad place).

As I was doing a lot of research I understeand that the "safety" situation in Athens at the moment looks like this:
1)Omonoia and Victoria metro station area are the worst part of town, quite dangerous after dark
2)north-west suburbs are not unsafe but they were also a little bit forgoten in last years, not the best place to live but also not the worst
3)all other suburbs are ok
4)Hilton area and Monastiraki area are the best places and the safest

Am I right?

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Alkis

· #4 · Nov 3, 2017

Which are the best areas to live in Athens is debatable and subject to personal preferences. My take is:

North Suburbs: leafy and good shopping/food, perfect for families.
Eastern Suburbs: more or less like the north suburbs but maybe a little less posh
South Suburbs: great advantage of being on or close to the sea and the beaches.
West Suburbs: they are generally safe and not that different from the rest of Athens frankly but they are a bit more working class and they generally not the most interesting part of the city for a visitor. They are generally safe though unless you go to the very edge of the city.

In the Centre:
Kolonaki is the poshest area though it has also suffered from the crisis and the middle-class flight to the suburbs. Has good shopping, food and decent nightlife but it is safe and generally residential.
Acropolis / Koukaki / Makrigianni are probably the most popular areas currently, next to the Acropolis. I live there and it is my personal favorite

However, it can be difficult to find a flat these days, in part due to Airbnb.
Pagrati / Mets / Hilton area: solid Athenian middle class neighborhoods.
Plaka: the quaintest part of town under the Acropolis. Not many flats or small houses to be found there but sometimes you can find a gem. It can be annoyingly touristy though.
Monastiraki / Psiri: these are very busy areas, with a lot of nightlife and, while not dangerous usually, can be a bit "intense". Unless you are a little adventurous, I would not stay there.
Historic Center: Below Syntagma square, this is a very trendy area right now but it is not really a residential area and it is difficult to find flats. It is the most central place to live.
Exarhia: the student and anarchist neighbourhood. This can be lively and pleasant place to live though you may occasionally find yourself in the middle of a police standoff which rioters. The more you go higher on the (Lycabettus) hill, the less rowdy it is generally.
Kipseli / Patisia / Attikis Square etc. These used to be nice neighborhoods in the past but now they are definitely poor areas. They are not really dangerous per se but a girl may feel uncomfortable walking alone there at night. These are large areas so it obviously depends where exactly you are.

Hope you enjoy your stay in Athens! I hope you will be here till at least May/June which are the best months by far in Athens!

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skyduster

· #5 · Nov 4, 2017 (Edited)

Keeping in mind, mwmichal, that "unsafe areas" by European standards doesn't come close to the unsafe areas you might find in parts of US or Brazilian cities*. There are parts of Athens locals prefer to avoid, but they're still comparatively safe. Your biggest concern in the "bad areas" would be petty theft, not murder.

*To be fair to the US and Brazil, most violent crime in the bad neighborhoods isn't random. It's between gang members and is drug-sales-related.

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stewe1981

· #6 · Nov 4, 2017

I will you give you my opinion also. I will answer to the question about unsafe areas, which is competently different from the term of "nice areas". For example, Psyri with all this nightlife is considered as a relatively safe area, but IMO is a very ugly area and I would never rent an apartment.

I will focus on two big parts of Athens, so a map will be needed now.

All the area surrounded by the streets Lenorman, Achilleos, Marnis, 28is Oktovriou, Stratigou Kallari and the National Road is not ideal for someone to stay. Ofcourse, there are some small parts like around Sepolia station which are better. But especially the south part between Acharnon and Liosion streets is a big NO. North of this part, Aghios Eleftherios and Ano Patisia metro stations are much better, and more north like Perissos station very safe. This area is unsafe because of the refuges and the Russian/Balkan mafia.

All the area around Omonia Station is also a NO. Mark the area inside Marni, 28is Oktovriou, Stadiou, Evripidou and Deligiorgi. The small streets in this part are full of illegal immigrants, prostitutes, hard-drugs and junkies.

Last but not least, the suburbs South of Attiki Odos and West of the national road (Ano Liosia) should be avoided even to visit. These are areas that not even the police can go at night.

So this is my list of the really unsafe areas. Everywhere, even to the ugliest and poorest neighbourhoods you will have no problems other that ordinary crimes that you can find even in the finest cities around the world. In general, Athens and Greece have a very small number of homicides, while the vast majority is for personal reasons. Noone will kill you because was drunk and had a fight with you, or because he want to steal your wallet. If something bad happen to you it will be at the worst a robbery in the metro which you will probably not even notice. Just avoid the areas above and you will have a wonderful time.

Now, if you want some help with where to stay regarding the architecture, the social life and the transportation, we can also help you if you tell us what you are looking for. Some info about your origin, your age and the reason of coming here will help us a lot.

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mwmichal

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 4, 2017

stewe1981 said:
Now, if you want some help with where to stay regarding the architecture, the social life and the transportation, we can also help you if you tell us what you are looking for. Some info about your origin, your age and the reason of coming here will help us a lot.

I'm Polish student, I'm going to do my master thesis in Athens (compering possible use of renewable energy in Greece and in Poland). I'm not looking for a flat in city center because: first I will have for sure have to pay more for it than in the suburbs and second I will have 5 months in Athens to do sightseeing so no matter where I will live I will have enough time to see all the main attractions. For the flat I'm willing to pay about 500 euros per month and I'm looking for a big studio or a little 2 room flat. I have some offers and it seems possible to rent something decent in my budget. Or maby I'm wrong and for 500 euros I will get only flats in bad neighborhood?

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stewe1981

· #8 · Nov 4, 2017 (Edited)

Hehe.... This is a mistake that everone makes... Athens is the opposite from other cities. The centre is cheap and the suburbs are expensive!!! So you are thinking wrong. I cannot help you a lot with the prices because I do not rent a house, but I know that with 500€ you can find a very good apartment with one bedroom and separate livingroom/kitchen. The good thing is that there are plenty of new and renovated apartments at the centre, especially at areas with good nightlife, like Gazi and Psyri and around the Acropolis.

Prices in Athens are very low because of the crisis, and if you avoid famous AirBnB areas around the Acropolis, you can find whatever you want. Only have in mind that 90% of the apartments in Athens are without furniture and appliances, but this is something that changes during the last years, so you never know.

Tip, this is the best website for renting a house. Just have a look...
https://en.spitogatos.gr/

IMO you should find something near to the underground. Where exactly? Find Syntagma Station on the map and follow the Red Line to the South and the Blue Line to the East. These areas are also probably the safest. The rest is on you, how near you want to be in the "action" that is in the centre.... But Athens is small, maximum 20-25 minutes to reach the centre from the most distant station, and the monthly ticket costs 30€ for all the metro, buses and tram. So, do not be afraid to stay outside from the centre.

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lazaroskyr

· #9 · Nov 11, 2017

mwmichal said:
Thanks for response, right now I have to choose between a small and not so good flat in center near Hilton hotel or a nice flat with a big balcony (with view on Acropolis ) near Attiki metro station. I would love to rent that second flat but I'm a little bit afraid of my girlfriend safety (if I say little I really mean it , I get it that Attiki is not a bad place).

As I was doing a lot of research I understeand that the "safety" situation in Athens at the moment looks like this:
1)Omonoia and Victoria metro station area are the worst part of town, quite dangerous after dark
2)north-west suburbs are not unsafe but they were also a little bit forgoten in last years, not the best place to live but also not the worst
3)all other suburbs are ok
4)Hilton area and Monastiraki area are the best places and the safest

Am I right?

Hello.

I've lived behind Hilton, close to Divani Caravel for 3 years. I can reassure you that the area is very safe and nothing to worry about.

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lazaroskyr

· #10 · Nov 11, 2017

500 euros per month? I believe that will be very easy to find a place! And a nice one.

A friend of mine, before the crisis he was renting a two-bed flat in a nice area in Chalandri for 440.
My house, that had an excellent view of Lycavitos was about 380.

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blah blah blah

· #11 · May 8, 2020

stewe1981 said:
I will you give you my opinion also. I will answer to the question about unsafe areas, which is competently different from the term of "nice areas". For example, Psyri with all this nightlife is considered as a relatively safe area, but IMO is a very ugly area and I would never rent an apartment.

I will focus on two big parts of Athens, so a map will be needed now.

All the area surrounded by the streets Lenorman, Achilleos, Marnis, 28is Oktovriou, Stratigou Kallari and the National Road is not ideal for someone to stay. Ofcourse, there are some small parts like around Sepolia station which are better. But especially the south part between Acharnon and Liosion streets is a big NO. North of this part, Aghios Eleftherios and Ano Patisia metro stations are much better, and more north like Perissos station very safe. This area is unsafe because of the refuges and the Russian/Balkan mafia.

All the area around Omonia Station is also a NO. Mark the area inside Marni, 28is Oktovriou, Stadiou, Evripidou and Deligiorgi. The small streets in this part are full of illegal immigrants, prostitutes, hard-drugs and junkies.

Last but not least, the suburbs South of Attiki Odos and West of the national road (Ano Liosia) should be avoided even to visit. These are areas that not even the police can go at night.

So this is my list of the really unsafe areas. Everywhere, even to the ugliest and poorest neighbourhoods you will have no problems other that ordinary crimes that you can find even in the finest cities around the world. In general, Athens and Greece have a very small number of homicides, while the vast majority is for personal reasons. Noone will kill you because was drunk and had a fight with you, or because he want to steal your wallet. If something bad happen to you it will be at the worst a robbery in the metro which you will probably not even notice. Just avoid the areas above and you will have a wonderful time.

Now, if you want some help with where to stay regarding the architecture, the social life and the transportation, we can also help you if you tell us what you are looking for. Some info about your origin, your age and the reason of coming here will help us a lot.

I have just booked a 2 month stay in an apartment in marni , is it a terrible place ?????

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Roxinius

· #12 · May 27, 2020 (Edited)

blah blah blah said:
I have just booked a 2 month stay in an apartment in marni , is it a terrible place ?????

It is a ghetto, unsafe, and a scary place to be in on your holiday. There were people smoking ice, and shooting heroine right infront of the hotel, it was our view from our window. We were approached by drug dealers who tried to sell us drugs. And also prostitutes. I’m no snowflake however this was all too much. Don't ever go here.
Personally I would recommend Kolonaki and Koukaki.
Athens guide is a nice and comprehensive guide with good info on attractions, hotels, beaches, tours etc. A bit more about Athens if you're interested.

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