Plaka is a popular area for travelers to Athens. And it’s true that the place has a certain charm. There are also numerous bars, restaurants and souvenir stores… but unfortunately of uneven quality. So, to help you make your choice, we’re sharing with you our top addresses in Plaka.
Shopping in Plaka
There’s no shortage of souvenir stores in the Plaka district. In fact, you’ll find stores selling traditional souvenirs on every street corner, with varying degrees of taste. But if you’re looking for something other than Parthenon magnets or Greek goddess dresses, here are a few options for bringing home authentic and original souvenirs from Athens.
- Forget me not: Located on the famous Adrianou pedestrian street, Forget Me Not is THE souvenir store not to be missed in Plaka. It offers a range of objects created by Greek designers, 100% Greek souvenirs with a modern twist. Children’s items, T-shirts, books, decorative objects, jewelry… everything is in good taste, with an original design twist. A downside? High prices…
Forget Me Not – Adrianou 100 – tel : +30 210 325 3740 – website –
- Amorgos: An unusual souvenir store. In this old-fashioned ali-baba cave, you’ll find a jumble of antiques, knick-knacks, Greek puppets, jewelry, antique toys, costumes and folk objects. In short, an atypical address that will take you on a journey to the land of Greek myths and traditions.
Amorgos – Kodrou 3 – tel : +30 21 0324 3836 – Facebook
- Brettos: This Greece’s oldest distillery produces its own ouzo. Here you can buy all kinds of Greek spirits: ouzo, tsipouro, rakomelo and liqueurs. But also Greek wines. Free tasting before you buy (beware of headaches). What’s more, the boutique alone is worth a visit, with its hundreds of colorful bottles and friendly atmosphere.
Brettos – Kidathineon 41 – tel : +30 21 0323 2110 – Facebook
- Ionna Kourbela: An address for fashion-addicts. Indeed, this Greek designer is renowned for her minimalist style and clean cuts that fall perfectly to the ground.
Ioanna Kourbela – Adrianou 109 – tel : +30 21 0322 4591 – website
******
Eating out in Plaka
There are plenty of places to eat in the Plaka district. And we love this postcard image of checkered tablecloth-covered tables set up in squares, alleyways and stairways. But unfortunately, the quality isn’t always up to scratch. So here are the addresses we’ve tested and approved.
- Saïta Tavern: an institution since 1912. After all, it’s one of the oldest taverns in Athens. The setting is simple, as is the food. The main reason for coming here is to try the house specialty: fish croquettes with garlic sauce.
Saïta – Kidathineon 21 – tel : + 30 21 0322 6671
- Glykis (The Sweet): a small restaurant in a shady, flower-filled setting. Here you can enjoy mezzes and traditional Greek dishes in all simplicity.
Glykis – Geronta 2 – tel : +30 21 0322 3925
- Platanos Taverna: a genuine Greek tavern, located near the Wind Tower, where you can enjoy traditional dishes while sipping a glass of resiny wine.
Platanos – Diogenous 4 – tel : +30 21 0322 0666 – website
- Psara: one of the oldest taverns in Athens. The menu features simple, classic dishes that are well executed.
Psara – Erotokritou 16 – tel : +30 210 321 8734 – website
- Daphne: A well-known Athenian restaurant. Politicians, artists and celebrities of the moment come here to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine. Try the delicious seafood, as well as moussaka or lamb fricassee. Also worth mentioning: great desserts like galaktoboureko served with kaimaki ice cream (mastic ice cream).
Restaurant Daphne – Lisikratous 4 – tel : +30 21 0322 7971 – website
*****
Drinks in Plaka
Plaka is a lively evening district with a friendly, festive atmosphere. Here are a few places to go for a drink.
- Brettos: a lovely bar to discover for its stunning collection of colorful bottles that cover the walls from floor to ceiling, and where you can enjoy homemade ouzo and tsipoura.
Brettos – Kidathineon 41 – tel : +30 21 0323 2110 – Facebook
- Yiasemi: a café-bar located on the steps of a staircase in Plaka. Far from being a tourist trap, Yiasemi is the ideal place for a drink at any time of day. Very lively atmosphere in the evening. It’s also a popular spot for young Athenians.
Yiasemi – Mnisikleous 23 – tel : +30 21 3041 7937 – website – link to our article about Yiasemi
- Café Melina: Dedicated to the memory of Melina Mercouri, this café-bar transports us into the atmosphere of “old Athens”. It is decorated with photographs and objects that belonged to the famous actress and politician. Intimate atmosphere, ideal for breakfast or coffee during the day. Plus, great cocktails in the evening.
Cafe Melina – Lisiou 22 – tel : +30 21 0324 6501 – Facebook
*****
What to see and do in Plaka?
Are you looking for ideas on how to get around, have fun or find out more about Greek culture?
Then we suggest you take a look at the following articles:
- Visiting Athens: a itinerary in Plaka
- Plaka, the postcard district of Athens
- Anafiotika, an air of Cyclades in Athens
- Discover the Roman Agora
Laure M.
Updated April 18, 2024
