Continuously inhabited since ancient times, Plaka blends elements from the Ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman empires. Its features include neoclassical buildings, pedestrian-only streets, cozy cafés, and small gardens filled with bougainvillea and vibrant street art. It’s a must-visit neighborhood in Athens, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s layered history.
Getting to Plaka:
- From Syntagma Metro station: Take Voulis Street straight to Kydathinaion Street.
- From Monastiraki Station: Walk down Adrianou Street starting from the flea market.
- From Acropolis Station: Cross Dionisiou Aeropagitou and enter at Vyronos Street.
For Brunch or Lunch in Plaka
Saita Taverna: Directly opposite the Metamorfosi Kottaki Orthodox Church, this spot offers homemade Mediterranean dishes.
Vyzantino Restaurant: A staple since 1948, serving traditional fare.
I Palia Taverna tou Psarra: Plaka’s oldest restaurant, opened in 1898, is renowned for fresh fish and seafood spaghetti. Don’t miss the loukoumades.
To Kafeneio: Set in a 400-year-old building once home to notable Greeks, this café dishes up traditional yet creative Greek cuisine.
Scholarhio Ouzeri: Locally known as Kouklis, after its owner, this ouzeri transports you to another time.
Best Coffee Shops in Plaka
Yiasemi: A charming bistro-café known for its Instagram-worthy setup with tables on the staircase. Perfect for people watching.
Café Melina: A retro café honoring Greek actress and political activist Melina Merkouri.
Kimolia Art Café: A colorful and unique spot tucked away in the backstreets of Plaka.
Anafiotika Café: Known for its scenic location on famous steps, ideal for morning coffee or a Greek meze later.
Café Plaka: Features a fireplace for winter and a peaceful roof terrace for sunny mornings. Try the pancakes.
O Glykys: A traditional kafeneio offering coffee, tsipouro, homemade treats, and a game of backgammon.
Dioskouroi: A popular spot among students and locals alike.
Best Bars in Plaka
- Brettos: Athens’ oldest distillery, founded in 1909. Known for its eye-catching wall of illuminated bottles and specialty in colorful cocktails.
Don't Miss
Anafiotika
Anafiotika, nestled under the Acropolis in Plaka, offers a glimpse into Cycladic architecture with its white-washed houses reminiscent of island villages. The neighborhood was originally settled by workers from the island of Anafi, seeking familiarity and affordability. It’s bounded by two 17th-century churches: Agios Georgios tou Vrahou to the east and Agios Simeon to the west.
While exploring Anafiotika, you’ll navigate narrow streets and intimate courtyards filled with flower and herb planters. Keep an eye out for the rustic sign pointing towards the Acropolis via Theorias, a scenic stone-paved path around the ancient hill. For a panoramic view of Athens, including Lycabettus Hill, return to Agios Georgios. This route offers not only a historical exploration but also stunning vistas of the city.
Cine Paris
During the summer, Athens transforms, setting up outdoor movie screens throughout the city, making for a perfect way to enjoy the warm weather.
Cine Paris in Plaka has embraced this tradition for over 30 years. Each summer, its rooftop garden becomes a prime movie-watching spot, offering a clear view of the Parthenon in the background. The films shown are mostly classics, played in English or with English subtitles, appealing to nostalgic movie fans. Additionally, if you love old films, you’ll appreciate their shop stocked with vintage movie posters.
The Pikionis Pathway
The Pikionis Pathway around Philopappou Hill, Dionysiou Areopagitou, and the Acropolis offers a unique blend of Athens’ ancient and modern history. Designed in the 1960s by Dimitris Pikionis, it was intended to complement the architectural elegance of the Parthenon, which dates back to the time of Callicrates and Ictinus.
Pikionis creatively utilized materials from demolished buildings, fragments of ancient pottery, and non-valuable marble and stone artifacts. He combined these with contemporary materials like concrete and bricks. His goal was to create a physical timeline that narrates the city’s past and present through its design.
Despite the intricate and thoughtful design, many who walk these pathways remain unaware that they are not ancient but were constructed just a few decades ago. This blend of old and new underlines the complex layers of Athens’ historical narrative.
Are you planning a trip to Athens and wondering where to stay? Dive into our comprehensive guide to discover the best neighborhoods that cater to every type of traveler. Don’t just visit Athens—experience it like a local with our insider tips!
