Discover Plaka: The Timeless Heart of Old Athens

Plaka is one of the very few areas that have been continuously inhabited from antiquity to today. Streets with names referring to gods, narrow alleys, jasmine, mansions, and sounds of a barrel organ. It’s ideal for walking, romantic strolls, photography, history, and also dining with a view.

Sights & Monuments

SIGHTSEEING

Anafiotika

A small Cycladic-style "neighborhood" built at the foot of the Acropolis by craftsmen from Anafi. Narrow white alleys, blue windows, views of Athens. It's like being in the Cyclades, but you're in the center of Athens!

SIGHTSEEING

Monument of Lysicrates

The only surviving "choragic monument" in Plaka. Dates back to the 4th century BC.

SIGHTSEEING

Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments

Housed in a mansion. Small but excellent for music lovers.

SIGHTSEEING

Roman Agora & Hadrian's Library

A small Cycladic-style "neighborhood" built at the foot of the Acropolis by craftsmen from Anafi. Narrow white alleys, blue windows, views of Athens. It's like being in the Cyclades, but you're in the center of Athens!

SIGHTSEEING

Old Byzantine Churches

E.g., the Church of Agios Nikolaos Rangavas or Agia Ekaterini (Saint Catherine).

COFFEE

Cafe Melina

Neoclassical building, dedicated to Melina Mercouri. Beautiful courtyard, quiet place.

COFFEE

Anafiotika Cafe

Hidden at the end of the Anafiotika route. Ideal for coffee with the Parthenon in the background..

EAT

Aerides

Aerides cafe-restaurant is an excellent spot for a break from Athens' busy streets and urban atmosphere!

EAT

A Little Taste of Home Restaurant

A Little Taste of Home’s diverse menu boasts dishes from Syria, Greece, and other countries across the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

EAT

To Kafeneion

Housed in a 400+ yearw old building offers a great variety of "mezedes".

Plaka doesn't have an intense nightlife, but it offers:

DRINK

Cafe Melina

One of the oldest distilleries in Athens. Colorful bottles, retro aesthetic, and signature liqueurs.

DRINK

Dos Gardenias

Latin bar in an old house, unique music and cocktails.

DRINK

Cine Paris (open air cinema)

A classic open-air cinema with a view of the Acropolis. A reason in itself to visit Plaka in the summer.

Green Spaces & Walks

Walk around the perimeter of the Acropolis (Dionysiou Areopagitou Street)

One of the most beautiful spots in Athens. You pass by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, with views towards Plaka.

Paths to Philopappou Hill

Plaka is a perfect starting point for hiking with panoramic views of the city.

Shopping – Small Shops & Local Products

Tips

  • Tip 1

    Go early or late to avoid the crowds.

  • Tip 2

    Wear comfortable shoes — the cobblestones are beautiful but slippery!