Are there neighborhoods to avoid in Athens?

Omonia Square and the blocks immediately surrounding it — particularly toward Metaxourgeio's western edge and along Patision Street north of the National Archaeological Museum — warrant caution after dark, with higher rates of street-level drug activity and occasional petty crime. During daylight hours these areas are navigable and even worth passing through, but walking alone at night with visible luggage or expensive gear is asking for trouble. Exarcheia has a reputation that exceeds its reality: yes, it's anarchist territory with graffiti and the occasional protest, but it's also full of good tavernas and locals going about their day. Piraeus, specifically around the port's back streets rather than the main passenger terminals, gets rough at night. The tourist-heavy zones like Monastiraki and Psyrri are safe but prime territory for distraction theft on crowded nights. Standard European-city awareness — keep your phone off the table, bag in front, skip the shortcut through the unlit alley — covers most of what Athens requires.

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• Where can I eat after midnight in Athens?
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