I must've been in a different Athens from those who thought it was a shit hole, I thought it was okay around the two main squares (Monastaraki and Syntagma) and in the area around the Acroplis - maybe didn't venture off the beaten track too often!! I also found the people really helpful and approachable. The food and drink was well priced for us allowing the Euros to stretch pretty far.
We had an enjoyable trip on the Metro up to the game with three Pana fans who were keen to know more about Scotland and Motherwell (one even thought we had an excellent stadium!!). They were really friendly and helpful as well, giving advice about the stadium and their team, and taught me the Greek for arsehole, which has been useful as an insult already.
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would return to Athens again for a longer holiday.
I guess it has "rough" areas as have all the big cities and towns in Britain, you only to wonder what they thought about Motherwell when they came over here given some thought Athens was a shite hole!!!!