Plaka

Πλάκα

The “Quarter of the Gods” on the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, Athens' oldest neighbourhood, with neoclassical houses, Byzantine churches, the white lanes of Anafiotika and rooftop restaurants.

Plaka is Athens' oldest continuously inhabited neighbourhood, hugging the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. Its street layout dates back to antiquity. Neoclassical houses built in the 19th century stand alongside Ottoman-era ruins and small Byzantine churches. Because it lies near ancient sacred sites, it is known as the “Quarter of the Gods.” The main streets, Adrianou and Kydathinaion, are lined with souvenir shops, open-air restaurants and cafés. The closer you get to the Acropolis slopes, the narrower and quieter the lanes become.

Must-sees include Anafiotika. In the 19th century, craftsmen from the Cycladic island of Anafi settled beneath the Acropolis rock while building the royal palace. They brought the white cubic houses and blue doors of their island home to Athens. Today it is a small labyrinth of island-like lanes on the hillside, and a great vantage point for photographing the Acropolis rock and the city skyline. Other highlights are the Monument of Lysicrates (334 BC, the earliest surviving example of the Corinthian order); the Roman Agora and the octagonal Tower of the Winds (1st century BC, a water clock and wind vane); the ruins of Hadrian's Library; and small museums dedicated to Cyprus, Jewish history and folk instruments.

Next door, Monastiraki Square is home to a flea market (busiest on Sundays) and the famous Souvlaki shops, with views up to the Acropolis. Further west, the Psyri district has murals and bars. Rooftop restaurants in Plaka, such as the stepped restaurants on Kydathinaion and Mnisikleous streets, offer dinner with a view of the floodlit Acropolis. This is Athens' classic evening experience. Prices are on the high side, but the atmosphere is worth it. Getting there: metro line 2 to Acropoli station, line 1 or 3 to Monastiraki station, or line 2 or 3 to Syntagma station, all within a 5- to 10-minute walk. The district is open all day. Keep an eye on your belongings on the busy main streets, and compare prices before buying souvenirs.

Plaka

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