Plaka is without a doubt the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens, with its narrow and winding streets, lovely neoclassical buildings, small cafes, traditional taverns, souvenir shops and ancient ruins in almost every corner.
It has a totally different atmosphere than the rest of the city center, creating a feeling of nostalgia of the old Athens.
Even though it is very commercial and popular with tourists, it is the ideal place to enjoy a nice walk, as there are plenty of things to do and see, while strolling around its streets and alleys.
My wife and I were happily strolling in the area of Plaka, Athens.
We took great interest in seeing the street art and graffiti in the area.
So we walked up and up the hill roads where there were street art on the walls bordering the road, without realizing that we have reached an area where there were few people around.
Three young local guys suddenly approached us. One has a map in his hand and asked us how to get to the hill top. When he was asking us, his hand reached out under the map towards my wife’s carrier bag slung in the front. Immediately, I pushed my wife away from his hand and shouted in a loud voice that he should just continue walking up.
They realized I was aware as to what they were trying to do and left us.
We have a narrow escape. With that, we quickly walked downhill towards the more populated areas.
The lesson is don’t walk to areas there are few people around!
retireediary 
Goodness! That’s kind of scary. Good thing you were onto them so quickly.
Yes, they could have snatched my wife’s handbag 🙏
It helps that you were aware of what was going on. Too many people aren’t. I’m glad you both were unhurt. Great pictures!
We had a similar incident in Budapest, so were on alert 🙂
It didn’t make sense to us that three local lads were asking directions from a couple of foreign tourists. We have seen this trick before ::-)
whew! That was a close one! Good thing you reacted quickly and aggressively. In spite of it, you were able to capture and post these delightful photos. Thanks for sharing the story and photos.
Haha, many of these photos on this post were taken before the incident. They attracted us to go higher and higher up the hill.
Oh…..happy that you and your wife git away safe.
Thank you! We realized it and get out of harm’s way 🙂
Good thing you caught their act in time. When we were on Athens, walking around that same area of Plaka, I felt uncomfortably unsafe. While my husband and the couple traveling with us wanted to keep going, I insisted on going back, especially because it was late and the sun was setting soon. Obviously I was right. Thanks for sharing your story.
I think we should blame the bad economy in Greece. I believe people won’t do that if everybody has a good job, good life 🙂
True. Life is hard in so many places…
Yes; although doesn’t have to be; if not for overspending, incompetent governance, aggression, wars, riots etc.
How unpleasant. Unfortunately tourists are prime targets everywhere. Even in Paris, where I don’t look like a tourists, gypsie women tried to con us. I I shouted them away.
Then in le Marais, broad daylight, I almost got mugged by a guy who started asking directions, then going incoherent, placing his arm on my shoulder and “easing” me towards the wall. 😦 I managed to ease his arm away without violence and start walking backward slowly. I didn’t want to knifed on top of it! 😉 Then he walked away… pfff.
As always, asking for direction is a ploy to get tourists off guard; but it is so obvious. Why do you ask an Asian couple for direction?
Exactly. Very suspicious… And unfortunately, even in Paris, Chinese visitors are a common target of thieves. A shame.
Yes, Chinese are easily recognize overseas.