Athens is a unique city with ancient and modern treasures to enjoy, but is Athens safe for solo travelers? While many families tend to travel to Athens, it’s also a terrific place for solo travelers. There are many incredible places to see in Athens, as well as mainland Greece in general, and this solo travel to Greece guide has helpful information for visiting Athens alone.
You can use this guide to help you navigate the top places to see in Athens. It also includes recommendations for places to stay, interesting facts about Greece, and safety tips. If you’re wondering, “Is Greece safe for solo female travelers?” this guide will answer all your questions and more.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Best Places to See in Athens
Visit the Acropolis
A must-see during any solo travel Greece experience is the Acropolis. This citadel towers above the city and once served as a temple, a place of refuge for city dwellers during times of conflict, and a place to celebrate the arts. This historic and architectural marvel is perfect for learning about ancient Greek culture. You can’t solo travel to Greece without spending a day at the Acropolis.
Remember, this is a popular spot to visit in Athens, so it gets crowded quickly. It’s best to visit as early as possible to skip the crowds.
Explore the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is home to thousands of archeological artifacts found near the Acropolis. The museum offers various exhibits and galleries, including the Parthenon Gallery and the Archaic Acropolis Gallery.
The museum also has a restaurant and daily talks about items housed there. To enter the Acropolis Museum, you must purchase a ticket, which gives you access to everything inside.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Athens Tours: Click here to check out the top Athens tours
Best Athens Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Athens
Best Athens Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Athens
See the Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora is known for being one of the best places to view an ancient Greek marketplace. Located beneath the Acropolis, you can view excavations of this former gathering place as well as the nearby Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos, famous for their historical significance and stunning architecture.
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Parliament
The changing of the guard at Parliament is a sight every Athens visitor should experience. While the guard changes daily in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I recommend visiting on a Sunday for a unique cultural ceremony. At 11 a.m., guards dressed in traditional military uniforms change places in a stunning show of tradition.
Tour the Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is a remarkable architectural wonder and one of the only stadiums in the world constructed solely of marble. Built in the 4th century B.C., it was once where athletes would compete against each other in track events, similar to the Olympics we know today.
When you’re done touring the exterior, you can stop inside the stadium shop to buy souvenirs or walk to the nearby café for a fresh coffee.
Check Out the Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus was built in 471 B.C. and is a breathtaking place that will transport you back to ancient Greece. Dedicated to the mythological Greek god Zeus, the temple is famous for its Doric architecture.
Wander Around Plaka
The beautiful neighborhood of Plaka is filled with shops and cafes hidden behind native trees and flowers. As one of the oldest sections of Athens, Plaka is not only historical but also a great place to experience local Greek culture.
You can shop for artisanal items you can’t find anywhere else or relax at one of the cafes lining the cobblestone streets while listening to live music. Plaka is also home to Cine Paris, considered one of the top outdoor movie theaters in the city, with a stunning view of the Acropolis.
Journey to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Another great activity to add to your Greece solo travel itinerary is a half-day trip to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. Sounion is a popular site for archeology, beaches, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
While there, visit the Temple of Poseidon—tour the temple’s ruins dedicated to Poseidon, the mythological Greek god of the sea.
Quick Tip: View my full Europe packing guide here.
Is Athens Safe at Night? Local Nightlife
Athens boasts a lively nightlife scene with bars, live music venues, and nightclubs—there’s no shortage of things to do in Athens at night. Wondering, “Is Athens safe to explore after dark?” Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone, and trust your gut instincts.
Exarchia is a hip urban area (think graffiti, bohemian shops, and rock cafes) with a wide variety of cheap bars and some of the best Rebetika clubs in the city. This is where the rebels hang out, and while it often gets a bad rap, it’s a great place to party with local Athenians.
Koukaki is a sophisticated and safe residential area with views of the Acropolis. It isn’t the most popular choice for tourists, but the charming, colorful, pedestrian-friendly streets offer many quaint bars.
Metaxourgeio, aka Keramikos, is ideal for a bar crawl. It is known as a vibrant, alternative area with excellent shopping, art galleries, theaters, cozy courtyard cafes, jazz lounges, and cocktail bars.
Kolonaki is the most exclusive area of Athens, filled with chic yet quirky wine, cocktail, and jazz bars. You’ll find something unique, often considered the Beverley Hills of Athens. Don’t feel daunted—while it might be classy, there’s nothing pretentious about it.
Grungy Gazi, located in the heart of the Athens LGBTQ+ scene, is where the super-clubbers go. This former industrial area is home to some of the city’s best gay bars, Rebetiko clubs, and live music venues.
Known as a hotbed for local nightlife, Psirri is another trendy area with a bohemian vibe and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. People-watching is essential, and bar crawling is easy as you move from sophisticated wine bars to laidback beer bars.
As the oldest neighborhood in Athens, Plaka is an iconic area full of twisting backstreets and cute bars and restaurants. Though always busy, ensuring excellent people-watching, you won’t get the same local feel as other areas in Athens.
How to Get From Athens Airport to the City Center
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) provides visitors with many public transportation options to and from the Athens city center. Travel times take an average of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
The best ways to get from the Athens airport to downtown are:
- Metro
- Railway
- Bus
- Taxi
- Airport transfer
Metro
The metro (blue, line three) runs from Athens airport, with stops at and . Trains operate every 30 minutes from the airport between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., with stations clearly identified in English and Greek. From Monastriraki to the airport, trains operate between 5:38 a.m. and 11:04 p.m., and from Syntagma, 5:40 a.m. to 11:06 p.m. This takes around 40 minutes, with a ticket costing about eight euros.
Suburban Railway
The suburban railway (“proastiakos”) has electric trains departing the Athens Airport Station every 15 to 25 minutes between 5:52 a.m. and 10:50 p.m., taking you to Plakentias Station, the central Athens station located in the district of Kolonos/Colonos. From here, you can switch to the metro and continue to the city center with the same ticket.
From the central Athens station to the airport, trains run between 4:30 a.m. to 9:03 p.m., Monday through Friday. Travel takes around 40 minutes, with a price of 10 euros.
Express Buses
Express buses operate 24/7 with services every 30 to 60 minutes, with times taking between 40 to 60 minutes and tickets costing around six euros. The Express bus stop can be found outside exits four and five—there are various routes, but X95 to Syntagma Square and X93 to the Intercity Bus Station are the most popular for tourists.
Taxi
Taxis wait outside of the Arrivals Hall on level three. There is an official flat rate fee from the airport to the city center, with journeys taking 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
The daytime flat rate fare is 40 euros, with a flat rate fee of 55 euros for journeys between midnight and 5:00 a.m. (determined by arrival rather than departure time)
Solo Travel Greece: Public Transportation
Getting around Athens by public transport is easy thanks to the metro, a convenient way to visit various spots in the city.
The Athens Metro has three lines you can access with your metro ticket. Line one will take you to Piraeus, line two goes to Syntagma Square and the Acropolis, and line three leads to the Athens International Airport with a stop at Syntagma Square.
The metro leaves every three minutes and runs for most of the day (about 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.), so you can easily catch a ride wherever you need. Unfortunately, there’s no Uber in Athens, but there is a downloadable taxi app called Beat that’s virtually the same.
Best Places to Stay When Traveling to Athens Greece
There are many places to stay in Athens, and these are some of the best options for solo travelers.
Herodion Hotel
The Herodion Hotel is situated beneath the Acropolis, making it the perfect place to stay for unique views. The hotel features many great amenities for travelers, including a rooftop garden, soundproof windows, and a restaurant serving tasty Greek dishes.
InnAthens
This modern hotel is near many top places to see in Athens, like Zappeion Hall and the Syntagma Metro Station. If you want to be centrally located, this is a great choice. The rooms at InnAthens are decorated beautifully, including marble bathrooms and free WiFi. The hotel is also known for its bar and restaurant, which serves guests a large traditional Greek breakfast.
360 Degrees
360 Degrees is a trendy hotel famous for its stunning panoramic views and rooftop bar. The rooms here feature free WiFi and special seating areas for ultimate comfort.
Athens Studios
If you’re on a budget, check out Athens Studios. Situated near the Acropolis Museum, this hotel offers spacious rooms, many featuring kitchenettes and balconies. This hotel also has a bar where you can grab a drink and try fresh local cuisine.
Is Greece Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Best Areas to Stay
If you’re a woman eager to solo travel to Athens, consider these areas, which cater to the unique needs of solo female travelers.
Plaka
Plaka is a charming area of Athens known for its cobblestone streets and quaint shops. It’s bordered by a small neighborhood hidden among fragrant and colorful plants that will take your breath away. It’s the perfect place to experience a cozy and traditional Greek atmosphere.
Monastiraki
This neighborhood has ancient ruins like Hadrian’s Library and the Ancient Agora. There are also many museums, home to many rare artifacts discovered in archeological digs around Greece. Besides this, Monastiraki is also known for its variety of flea markets scattered around Monastiraki Square, selling everything from handmade soap to antiques. There are also many cafes and unique restaurants where you can grab a drink or bite to eat.
Syntagma Square
As the central square of Athens, Syntagma Square is a highly historic area of Greece. It has weathered many battles throughout World War II and has been the location of many political rallies, making it one of the most popular places to see in Athens.
Syntagma Square is home to the Greek Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Syntagma Metro Station, a transportation hub and an archeological museum.
Additionally, you’ll find plenty of food vendors selling delicious Greek treats like koulouri, a hot bread ring sprinkled with sesame seeds. Also, visit the nearby Ermou Square, home to numerous cafes and eateries.
Acropolis
The Acropolis is a must-stop place for anyone traveling to Athens Greece. Not only is it historic, but it’s also an important cultural spot. You can tour the grounds and view nearby archeological digs. I also suggest signing up for a guided tour to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Athens Travel Guide Planning
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m traveling?
I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Is Athens Safe? Solo Travel Tips
While Athens is a relatively safe city to wander around, there are several things to be aware of, including pickpockets. Pickpockets are abundant in the city, especially at the metro and other heavily crowded places. Try not to carry many possessions with you, especially expensive ones. To protect your wallet or purse, place it in front of you so you can keep a close eye on it.
Avoid staying in certain spots that can be extremely crowded and dangerous for solo travelers. You’ll want to avoid the areas around Omonoia Square, the Larissa Train Station, and Metaxourgeio. These should be avoided at night since the streets and sidewalks are poorly lit.
As the capital of Greece, Athens is a great place for solo travelers, full of cultural wonders and unique things to see and do. Athens is also home to a mouthwatering array of food that will surely please foodies.
While there are several essential things solo travelers should remember, Athens is a relatively safe city and the perfect Greece solo travel destination.
Author Bio
Chrysoula’s blog, Travel Passionate, is in English and French, focusing on luxury travel and cultural and culinary experiences worldwide. She enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and is interested in presenting the best locations, attractions, and accommodations in each area she visits. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
