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Plaka

Plaka

About
Wander through the narrow cobblestone alleys of this neighborhood at the foothills of the Acropolis. You'll find quaint shops selling jewelry, clothes, ceramics, and souvenirs, plus sidewalk restaurants and family-run taverns serving authentic Greek food. Being one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, you’ll be able to see Roman columns, medieval churches, and ancient landmarks like the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. The area gets busy, especially during summer, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Explore Plaka and the nearby landmarks on a guided tour of Athens—it will typically include the Acropolis, Parthenon, and other ancient temples and museums. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area

Neighborhood: Plaka
Due to its proximity to the Acropolis, Plaka remains the area where the majority of foreign visitors stay and play. Its attractive features include small squares, some notable museums and the beautiful Mitropolis cathedral, as well as a host of places to stay, eat and drink. Its pedestrian zones make it a pleasant place to escape from the city’s notorious traffic. Adrianou and Kidathineon Streets contain a number of souvenir shops, offering classier items than you will find in the Flea Market. The most rewarding section to explore is the upper reaches towards the Acropolis itself, where many old stone houses with tiled roofs have survived. Up here you can find leafier corners and the odd quaint taverna with unobstructed views of the ancient rock.
How to get there
  • Monastiraki • 3 min walk
  • Akropoli • 7 min walk
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See what travelers are saying

  • Sandy C
    The Villages, Florida69 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Platka Athens
    Amazing place to visit, very very busy and crowded with people and cabs and scooters. Typical shopping and restaurants, we particularly enjoyed the Pyra restaurant courtyard. Close proximity to the Acropolis and archeological museum.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 6, 2023
  • Ash
    Riverside, California102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A district full of history and romance
    I stayed in an apartment in the Plaka district that had a beautiful view of the Parthenon, restaurants, and shopping all around. Everything that I wanted to see on my trip was within easy walking distance. The streets were full of fellow travelers. This district is a tad bit more expensive than other areas, especially if you are looking for souvenirs. It is a lovely district full of history and romance. 10/10 recommend.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 27, 2023
  • Seaside35037050545
    Denver, Colorado4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fun afternoon in a magical place.
    The Place is an experience. There is street after street of small shops that have anything a tourist may want or need. They have all manner of souvenirs for every age group. Best of all they have dozens of restaurants (mostly Greek) that are serving great food and snacks. It goes on and on for dozens of blocks and the streets are walker friendly although there is an occasional car that thinks it needs to be there. Prices are very reasonable to our surprise and delight. We did not experience any price gouging by any shop and we brought stuff in quite a few. The shop keepers were friendly even if you didn't spend any money in their shop which was a pleasant surprise unlike a lot of tourist places. Best of all you can see the Parthenon from everywhere in the Plaka which enhances the experience. Do it, you'll love being there.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 30, 2023
  • nova
    London, United Kingdom79 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    great shops and restaurants
    lots of great shopping to do and nice restaurants to eat at. it was so lovely to see musicians and the people working at various places there were very kind and helpful. it’s very busy but we found it easy to navigate by foot and walk back to our hotel near the acropolis.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 30, 2023
  • R K
    61 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice neighbourhood with shops and restaurants.
    Normally I am not that fond of overly touristic sites and shopping, but this neighbourhood is very nice. The Odos Adrianou is a long street full of shops with souvenirs, clothing and local products, alternating with terraces and nice restaurants. The side streets are green with vines and offer more upgrade food. The street starts across from Hadrian's Gate, continues along Hadrian's Library and the Roman Agora and ends above the Greek Agora, with even more terraces. The street here is like a balcony over the agora and a great place to sit and rest. The vibe in Plaka is very nice and it does not feel unsafe.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 13, 2023
  • ErikToshev
    Sofia, Bulgaria86 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The ancient sights everywhere & the seaside are worth it
    The ancient monuments are amazing. The energy at the Acropolis hill and Plato's Academy Park are amazing. I also enjoyed the my walk by the seaside. That said, Athens is way too big, it's overstimulating for a solo traveler like me, the pace is at times too fast and it's too busy and crowded. The metro was crowded at all times of the day! Certainly better with a group. Not many capitals in Europe have ancient monuments, mountains and sandy beaches with palms all in the same place.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 18, 2023
  • Veritas
    607 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting area to visit
    Very pretty area in Athens , Plaka. Nice walking area with pretty places , restaurants and architecture . Very quaint area where you would love to stay longer and enjoy a nice meal and wine
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 20, 2023
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom11,666 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Area to Stay If You’re A First-Timer in Athens
    This is real tourist territory. It’s the oldest district of Athens, built around the slopes of the Acropolis, and it’s a colourful and lively area. We stayed in the Plaka area at the end of Adrianou St, near the Acropolis Museum and the southern entrance to the Acropolis. This was our first time in Athens and Plaka proved to be a fabulous base for exploring the city. It could not have been more central. We walked everywhere. It was a 4 - 5 minute walk to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Lysicrates Monument, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the National Gardens are all just around the corner. The two main streets running through Plaka are Adrianou and Kydathineon Streets. They are busy and popular thoroughfares, lined with shops, souvenirs, bars and restaurants that spill out onto the pavement. It felt very safe walking around at night time because there were so many people around and the place was buzzing well into the night. We easily found new, favourite bars and restaurants. Our favourite bar, was Brettos, the oldest distillery in Athens and our two favourite restaurants were just off the main strip, To Kafeneio and Scholarcio (see separate reviews). Overall, Plaka is a busy, vibrant area and was a great place to stay as a first-timer to Athens.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 4, 2023
  • angeleyes27
    Brigantine, New Jersey5,338 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    oldest neighborhood in Athens
    It is a winding street beneath the Acropolis filled with shops and cafes. There are gelato stores and souvenirs shops. It is close to Acropolis archeology museum. I know this is the oldest neighborhood in Athens. I didn't really see the ruins that are here. I would have liked historical markers to find some of them. Only one I saw was near Daphne restaurant. But quaint and fun for a stroll.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 15, 2023
  • Lynne W
    Quakertown, Pennsylvania80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Plaka
    Plaka is an amazing neighborhood in Greece. Such a beautiful place! Great area within walking distance of so many historical sights. Wonderful hotels with views of the Acropolis. So many great restaurants and shops. Enjoyable place to walk around and take in the sights. One of the best areas to stay while visiting Athens.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Vadim
Murmansk, Russia34,986 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
Plaka is deservedly the most popular area of Athens. This is due to its age and the concentration of small shops, studios, restaurants and excellent views of the Acropolis. If you look from South to North, it is an inverted trapezoid, the base of which is Ermou street, which connects two important squares of Athens, where there are metro stations Monastiraki and Syntagma. If you go from Monastiraki, the first thing to do is to go around the perimeter of the Roman forum and take a photo. Go inside for 6 euros, I do not see the point. Everything is perfectly visible from the outside, especially since only 2 structures have been preserved: the Tower of the winds and the Gate of Athena Archegetis. The next important item is Adrianou street. There is no ancient heritage on it, but there are plenty of Souvenirs on this topic. Following the arc of Adrianou. it will lead You to a monument similar to the pedestal on which posters and ads were previously pasted. It is important for the history of architecture and monument of Lysicrates. This is the first known use of the Corinthian order. And by the way IV century. It is installed in honor of the victory of the Lysikrates choir in the creative festival in Athens. Plaka ended here, turn back and turn right in the direction of traffic. This is another important street of the Kydathinaion district. After walking 300 meters, you will see the Museum of Greek folk art. Five floors of the Museum are filled with rich collections of national costumes, household items, etc. This is a fashionable topic in historical science-the history of everyday life. Well, then you need to wander through the small streets of Plaka. This is the most pleasant thing here. Photos with views of the Acropolis and preserved paintings by George Savakis are very romantic...
Written July 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

michkmich
Athens, Greece37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
It starts practically from Acropolis museum down to Monastiraki and Thesion. You pass from the old Athens and you end to market place of Athens, Agora, since antiquity. Nice to walk through but it can also become a cultural encyclopedia if you know a bit of history to understand what is happening around you.
Archaic then Classic, Hellinistic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and temporary are all mixed in the shadow of Acropolis.
Nice cafe and restaurants and people of all kinds complete the picture.
Avoid rush hours since it will spoil your tour. Program your route so that you enjoy it most.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mjvinette
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
If it wasn’t on the maps, this would appear to be just another block in an old neighborhood. Across the street from the entrance is a house with a real estate for sale sign in the front yard. A non threatening entry gate and a few euros and suddenly you are in a 4500 year old neighborhood where the people who lived, worked and played in the shadows of the Acropolis are walking as shadows beside you. Not a lot of info posted on the site but a pamphlet from the entry is enough of a guide. I got a special feeling of closeness to the actual stuff left in ruins and we had the place almost to ourselves. This probably wouldn’t happen during high season.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

permia
Ireland66,030 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
We began with breakfast in the lovely Melina Merkouri Café. Honouring she affectionately known as the last of the Greek Goddesses it is beautifully atmospheric with photos of the accomplished woman, in addition to fine fare.

We had many a happy hour wandering around gorgeous little streets admiring the surrounds and visiting some of its many attractions.

Wonderful Frissiras Museum has an outstanding collection of art. An engaging temporary exhibition was underway, in addition to superb permanent works such as At the Bar and My Mother with the Silent Telephone.

Eateries abound and we enjoyed tasty outings at Byzantino Restaurant and others.

Not far from the former is the outstanding historic Monument of Lysikrates. Dating from the mid 330s BCE and built by the wealthy Athenian Lysicrates, a Choregos who financed music and dramas in the ancient theatre.

Grand Byzantine churches are plentiful, we particularly liked Agios Nicholas Rangavas Church with gorgeous stone work throughout.

Another fine one on Kidathineon is the Church of the Metamorphosis (Kottakis) set in peaceful sylvan grounds.
Written January 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Global Citizen
London, UK139 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Family
Plaka, a vibrant neighbourhood has a village feel. It’s narrow cobblestone streets are lined with tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes, amazing antiques and local ceramics. If you are interested in hand-painted icons, wood carvings and other pieces of art made by local artists, this is the place for you. The cafes and family-run tavernas offer fresh food and are open till late. The whitewashed homes give a Greek-island vibe to this neighbourhood.
It’s thriving, busy and exhilarating…a must visit for anyone visiting Athens!
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chandi M
Jerusalem, Israel335 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
The knowledge and idea of the fact that we walk around historical ruins is exciting itself. But the site is quite bland. It is cool at night to see the juxtaposition of it alongside the contemporary tourists sounds and restaurants.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,666 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is real tourist territory. It’s the oldest district of Athens, built around the slopes of the Acropolis, and it’s a colourful and lively area.
We stayed in the Plaka area at the end of Adrianou St, near the Acropolis Museum and the southern entrance to the Acropolis.
This was our first time in Athens and Plaka proved to be a fabulous base for exploring the city.
It could not have been more central. We walked everywhere. It was a 4 - 5 minute walk to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Lysicrates Monument, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the National Gardens are all just around the corner.
The two main streets running through Plaka are Adrianou and Kydathineon Streets. They are busy and popular thoroughfares, lined with shops, souvenirs, bars and restaurants that spill out onto the pavement.
It felt very safe walking around at night time because there were so many people around and the place was buzzing well into the night.
We easily found new, favourite bars and restaurants. Our favourite bar, was Brettos, the oldest distillery in Athens and our two favourite restaurants were just off the main strip, To Kafeneio and Scholarcio (see separate reviews).
Overall, Plaka is a busy, vibrant area and was a great place to stay as a first-timer to Athens.
Written December 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Greg9313
Metz, France42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Family
This is the old part of town - narrow streets, boutique shops, exquisite restaurants, everything one could dream of while visiting ancient town. Also, we found great value for the money here. High quality clothes and souvenirs are much less expensive than in Paris, London or New York.
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

barbywr
Buenos Aires, Argentina368 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
Much has been written about Plaka, it is a walk that is really worth doing, I would just like to talk about an incident (which is constantly repeated) with taxis:

Taxis, at least with tourists, refuse to use the meter. They want to set a price before getting into the taxi (a price that is markedly higher than if the taximeter were turned on). If you do not accept that price, the taxi driver may refuse to take the passenger. This phenomenon occurs in several tourist areas, but in Plaka (almost in front of the Onasis Foundation) there is a group of taxi drivers who flatly refuse to use the taximeter.

My suggestion for alternatives:
1- accept the price (very high) and not get bad blood.
2- order a cabify or similar: it does not necessarily arrive quickly
3- keep walking...

These events happened with most (not all) taxi drivers, it is popular throughout Athens, I talked about it with one of the Hotel Concierges and he told me that there is not much to do. I think that Athens being such a tourist city, it could regulate and control these issues a little more. So taxi drivers may have a higher rate on the meter, but at least the tourist does not feel cheated.
Google
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

stcyprien218
Tucson, AZ115 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
Plaka is lovely but can get very crowded so choose to go early in the morning or late afternoon. It has all the souvenirs shops you can dream of and cafes and restaurants galore. But I liked it for its charmed early morning, little alleyways and beautiful houses and trees. We saw remnants of Adrian Wall too and it was a relatively easy walk to get to the museum of Archeology from our Hotel.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Plaka - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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