This area is considered dangerous by many Paris visitors. I guess the risks are exaggerated — I was here many times day and night and I never saw any violence. There are lots of people selling metro tickets, counterfeit cigarettes and other stuff around the station. Views from the train are cool — busy streets in decay(it’s above the ground section of the metro). There are many cheap hotels in the area, it’s close to Gare du Nord railway terminal. Think twice before booking them — you can live here but it probably won’t feel like the Paris trip of your dream. I love the sounds of «Barbès Rochechouart» when they announce the station in trains :)