Plaka

The Basics

This charming old neighborhood is full of cafés and restaurants as well as shops aimed at tourists (with prices to match). That said, it's definitely one of the nicest parts of Athens to wander around and is centrally located near archaeological sites and museums. Whether you explore Athens independently or as part of a city tour, you're likely to end up here at some point. Dozens of guided tours pass through the neighborhood, from small-group walking tours and shore excursions to night tours and tours that include dinner or a Greek dance performance.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Plaka is a must-visit for all first-time visitors.

• Plaka is a reliable place to buy souvenirs, but expect prices to be inflated.

• Much of the neighborhood is wheelchair-accessible, but check ahead with individual attractions for accessibility information.

How to Get There

Pedestrian-friendly Plaka is located in the heart of Athens, near the Acropolis and many of the city's numerous museums. It's easy to get to using the metro—both the Acropoli and Monastiraki stations are near the neighborhood—and the huge Syntagma Square transit hub is nearby.

When to Get There

Plaka is a 24-hour destination, so it's best to plan your visit around what you want to see in the area; for example, while the sprawling Acropolis Museum is open daily, the Bath House of the Winds is closed on Tuesdays. Hang around when night falls for a meal in a local taverna or, at the very least, a drink in a pub.

Anafiotika

Arguably the prettiest part of Plaka, Anafiotika is a charming little area that was originally constructed by migrant workers from the Cyclades, who came to work on King Otto's palace. Much of its architecture was influenced by the hometowns of the original inhabitants, with whitewashed walls and lots of angular structures typical to the islands. It’s a fun place to wander and worth visiting for great city views.

Ways to explore

Filled with shops and restaurants and bordered by many of the top attractions in Athens, Plaka’s tangle of ancient streets is the ideal place to wander on a day of sightseeing. Pair the neighborhood with the Parthenon and Panathenaic Stadium on an Athens bike tour, or learn about its history between bites of souvlaki and sips of Greek coffee on a food tour. Being close to the Acropolis, Plaka is featured on just about every guided experience in Athens, from full-day shore excursions to small-group walking tours of the city’s key landmarks.

Accessibility

Many parts of Plaka are wheelchair accessible, but several streets have steps and narrow sidewalks. For the best experience, join a wheelchair-friendly tour.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, guidebook, cash for street vendors and performers

What to wear

Plaka is best experienced on foot, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Not allowed

Rules vary by tour, but most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Address

Steps from the Acropolis, Plaka can be reached on foot from just about anywhere in central Athens. It’s also close to the Syntagma Square transit hub, which makes it easy to access from the airport and other parts of the city.

Driving

Like much of central Athens, Plaka is full of pedestrian streets where parking is hard to come by. Instead of driving there, call a taxi, use a rideshare app, or book a guided tour that includes transportation.

Public transportation

From the Athens airport, take the metro line 3 or X95 bus to Syntagma Square, a short walk from the heart of Plaka. The metro line 2 also stops at Syntagma, as do several buses from all over the city.

Best times to visit

There’s always something to do in Plaka, so plan your visit around what you want to see. Its museums are best visited in the morning, while its outdoor restaurants are liveliest in the evening.

Best days to visit

That depends on your interests—many attractions, such as the Acropolis Museum, are open daily, while the Bath House of the Winds is closed on Tuesdays.

Best months to visit

It’s best to visit Plaka in the spring or early fall, when it’s warm enough to dine outdoors but cool enough to have a pleasant experience at the open-air archaeological sites.

Special events

Festivals and special events: Check out live folk music and other celebrations at the This is Athens City Festival in May, or have an after-hours experience at sights such as the Acropolis Museum during the August Full Moon festivities.