ATM use.

I'm not sure how you would propose to get large amounts of euros over two weeks if not by visiting ATMs several times.

I assume you mean to pull out say 700 euro once a week rather than 100 euro every day?

Each bank has its own costs and fees. With mine, (B of A) costs are minimized a bit by withdrawing more and using a "partner" bank.

Most any place is safe as can be if you use the most basic precautions. Far more safe on average than most US cities I imagine.

Simple, find an ATM inside a bank, more secure that at one on the street. Have someone trusted stand behind you facing out to watch for other people coming in to use the ATM, if it makes you feel safer. Make sure you take a receipt for each transaction.

As far as the fees. We switched banks on purpose to one that doesn't charge ATM fees across the world. We now use Compass BBVA. No fees, but there is a conversion fee - can't avoid that.

We visit an ATM few times in a 2 week trip. I believe we have a daily limit of $250. We tend to use our NO FEE Visa card from United Mileage plus for most purchases. Easier than withdrawing cash, and my charges are secure... Cash is necessary for small purchases, gelato, some entry fees, etc.

Do some homework, it might be worth opening an account at a credit union, or at a bank that will not charge you an ATM fee.. deposit the money you think you will need (and a buffer amount over and above).

I agree with the above posts, research obtaining no conversion fee CCs and partner bank ATM cards. I use BOA travel CC, NO fees, not even USD conversion fees and their ATM is also feeless at partner banks (national banks in Italy, France, Germany) and only $5, per transaction at non-partner banks. It's also recommended to take back-up cards, both CC and ATM, should your primary cards become inoperable for one reason another. As an example, on one trip, I used my CC and just stuck it the front pocket of my day bag to allow for the next customer to move up in the queue. The next time I tried to use my CC it was rejected. A call to the CC company reminded me that CC/ATM and cell phones are not good partners. It's been a few years since this happened and both cell phones and CC/ATM cards may have changed, but I no longer place them anywhere near one another.
Wishing you Safe and Enriching travels.

No reason to use a card that requires you to find "partner banks". Just shop around at local credit unions. Many of them have ATM cards that charge nothing additional anywhere.