The crime rate in Athens is relatively low. You can walk safely down almost any street, day or night. But take precautions against pickpockets when strolling in the Omonia Square area late at night. If you are unfortunate enough to be riding a trolley or subway at rush hour, make sure your wallet or handbag is secure. Ladies should also avoid holding their handbags with the street-side hand as there have been several incidents of bikers snatching them. Such petty theft is on the rise, unfortunately (as are instances of rape and disorderliness on the islands, generally carried out by drunken foreign visitors).
Strikes and demonstrations occasionally choke downtown traffic. Although animosity toward U.S. foreign policy runs high, visitors from the U.S. aren't usually harrassed.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't wear swimwear anywhere other than on the beach. The Greeks believe that this is where it belongs.
Do dress conservatively when visiting monasteries or churches: no bare arms or legs.
Don't stare at people too much, as many Greeks still believe in the power of the evil eye.
Do be prepared for lots of people to be smoking heavily in restaurants. Remember that smoking is the norm, and non-smokers are in a minority.
