Nicknamed the “Neighbourhood of the Gods”, Plaka is a historic district on the north-east slope of the Acropolis in central Athens. It was developed around the remains of the Ancient Agora, with several significant ruins uncovered in its labyrinthine streets. Today, Plaka is home to elegant Neoclassical buildings, souvenir stores and traditional tavernas.
Things to do in Plaka
Soak up the historic atmosphere of Plaka while wandering its cobblestone streets, which are lined with handicraft stores, fashion boutiques and alfresco cafes. In the evening, you can people-watch from one of the traditional tavernas that serve authentic Greek cuisine before catching a classic flick accompanied by views of the Acropolis at Cine Paris.
Set across three floors is the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, which is based on the private collection of musicologist Foivos Anogianakis. It houses an impressive array of folk instruments, such as lyras, outis and baglamas, as well as a musical library and sound archive. If you're travelling with kids, head to the Museum of Greek Children’s Art or admire the paintings, sculptures and drawings of the Frissiras Museum.
Plaka is an ideal base for exploring the Acropolis of Athens, a 5th-century BC temple complex and home of the Parthenon. Marvel at the colonnaded entrance of the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike before soaking up the sweeping views across Athens. On the southern slope of the Acropolis is the Theatre of Dionysus and the 5,000-seat Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Getting around Plaka
Plaka is a 30-minute drive from Athens International Airport and 15 minutes from the port of Piraeus. Athens railway station is 10 minutes by taxi from the neighbourhood while the Syntagma metro station is five minutes on foot. The narrow streets of Plaka are ideally explored on foot.