Athens: How to beat the PICKPOCKETS

Athens has a problem with pickpockets, and in this video I'm going to share with you where it happens, how it happens, and how to stop it from happening to you. So, let me show you how to beat the pickpockets in Athens.

Timecodes
00:00 - Start
00:16 - Have I been pickpocketed in Athens?
00:42 - Metro from Airport to city centre
00:59 - Getting on and off the tram
02:07 - What you can do
03:00 - Monastiraki Square
04:01 - Changing of the Guard
04:19 - Queuing at the Acropolis
04:39 - Changes to Acropolis tickets
05:16 - Walking around Athens
06:10 - What you can do
06:44 - Summary

There are many things to consider when going on holiday, and I suppose that pickpockets are not on top of your list, but in terms of Athens safety and Athens crime, you should consider it. So, let's begin with the Athens Metro, particularly from the Athens Metro airport to the city centre, especially Syntagma or Monastiraki. You've purchased your tickets and walked onto the Athens metro stations, and you're waiting for the Athens metro train to arrive.

Now you see the train arriving, so you gather your things. You're stressed and tired after the flight, so your focus is on making sure you get on that train. And that's when it happens: You're all bunched up trying to get on, and your focus is not on the person behind you pickpocketing you.

Lastly, and the most devious, is this: The train comes to a stop at your station, and everyone is already bunching up to make sure they get off quickly. The doors start to open and then suddenly stop. There's a massive shudder, and an alarm goes off. The doors are not opening properly. Everyone lurches forward and is completely bunched up. Then the doors open, and you all get off. But the pickpockets have already done their work.

So, what can you do? Before leaving the airport, ensure all your cash, cards, passports, and other important documentation are safely secured in your suitcase. The only money you need is just under ten euros per ticket, so decide if that's going to be cash or a card. Then, when you pay by card, consider putting it safely back in the suitcase.

And that's precisely what I didn't do. I kept the euros I got the previous day in one of those paper wallets. So, when I was on the train, coming to my stop at Syntagma, I fell victim to the door not being opened, and in the struggle, I was pickpocketed. I didn't even notice until I tried to buy a coffee on Ermou Street 15 minutes later.

Another way to prevent all of that from happening is to book a taxi before you fly, following travel advice and travel tips from experienced travelers.
Now, onto the next two most common places...watching the changing of the guards and watching entertainers at Monastiraki Square. The Changing of the Guard is a must-see for anyone coming to Athens.

However, sometimes, there can be hundreds of people there. Everyone is focusing on the display, and this is the perfect opportunity to see what you have in your pockets and bags.

The next is Monastiraki Square. It's a great place, and I love going there to absorb the vibe, see the sights, and check out the food. There are also lots of different types of entertainers to stand and watch. But it's also a good opportunity for the pickpockets to do their magic while you're watching.

It's similar to when you're walking around and someone comes up to you, either to ask for directions or try to sell you something. You're preoccupied and distracted, and that's when it happens.

So, how on earth do you avoid all of those? Well, for starters, only take out what you actually need. Remember, it's not just cash and cards they're after, the odd phone or camera also helps.

If you have to wear a backpack, make sure the most important things are in the deepest and hardest pockets to access. But above all, don't wear the backpack on your back; turn it around to your front. That's what locals do. Do you need your wallet or phone in your back pocket? In fact, do you really need your wallet at all? Just take what you need.

If someone comes up to you attempting to sell you something, walk away.

And there you have it. Please don't let this put you off going to Athens. Every single major city in the world has pickpockets, and if you follow my advice, then the chances of it happening to you are almost zero.

LINKS
Monastiraki Walking Tour - https://bit.ly/3QRGPZr
Monastiraki Flea Market - https://bit.ly/4bhIaB0
Changes to Acropolis Tickets - https://bit.ly/3JCgOtj
Varvakios Market - https://bit.ly/44OL7GH