Posted by Plaka is the old town and the tourist heart of Athens. Almost all tourists come to Plaka once or several times. There are many restaurants, cafes and shops for locals and visitors of the city.
Plaka begins south of the central pedestrian area of Athens, Ermou Street, which runs between the large squares of Athens Syntagma and Monastiraki. To the south of the Plaka district is the mountain with the Acropolis.
There are few cars in Plaka. Many alleys are too narrow for traffic, others are closed for cars. This is what makes the quarter so attractive even in the otherwise so noisy and busy city of Athens.
The most beautiful part of Plaka is without doubt Anafiotics. The area at the foot of the Acropolis was built by people from the island of Anafi. White houses, blue shutters, very narrow alleys, picturesque as in the Cyclades. We have published an extra article about the Anafiotika district: Click here
Famous in Athens is Plaka for its many restaurants. Greek cuisine is offered almost everywhere. The prices are perhaps about higher than the average in Greece, but in most taverns in Plaka are still affordable.
For tourists Plaka, Athens’ old town, is also not a bad choice for a hotel. Here you are in the heart of the city, also many other sights, like the Acropolis, can be reached quickly and on foot. Also the Parliament with the famous guards, the National Garden of Athens and the stadium of the first Olympics in 1894 are not far away. Above all, Plaka itself is probably the most attractive district of Athens.
Athens district |
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| Old Town Athens | Anafiotika |
| Kolonaki | Exarchia |
| Psirri | Koukaki |
| Overview of Athens districts | |
Plaka Athens Highlights
Anafiotika
A picturesque neighborhood with small, white Cycladic-style houses, reminiscent of a Greek island town. The winding streets and tranquil atmosphere are ideal for a stroll.
Ancient Monuments
Roman Agora: An impressive marketplace from Roman times with the well-preserved Tower of the Winds.
Hadrian’s Library: A historic library with imposing ruins.
Choragic Monument of Lysicrates: A small, well-preserved monument from antiquity.
Traditional Taverns and Cafés
The alleys of Plaka are home to numerous restaurants serving traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh fish. Some of the best taverns are located in quiet corners overlooking the Acropolis.
Souvenir Shops and Crafts
Plaka is a paradise for souvenir hunters. You’ll find jewelry, handmade ceramics, leather goods, and Greek specialties such as olive oil and spices.
Museum of Greek Folk Art
A small but interesting museum with traditional clothing, crafts, and everyday objects from various regions of Greece.
Viewpoints and Proximity to the Acropolis
From Plaka, you can find some great viewpoints offering views of the Acropolis and surrounding Athens. It’s also the perfect base for exploring the Acropolis itself.
Churches
Agios Nikolaos Ragavas: A charming little church dating back to the 11th century.
Metamorfosi Sotiros Church: Another historic church with Byzantine charm.
Nightlife
In the evening, Plaka comes alive with live music and bars serving traditional Greek wine and ouzo.