Plaka is one of Athens’ most emblematic districts. Here’s an itinerary in Plaka to discover the charming of this district. We’ll take you on a tour of Plaka’s great classics, as well as the little nuggets off the beaten track.
If you’re spending a few nights in Athens, this is an ideal place to stay, as the area is very central to transport links and major sites. Find here our favorite hotels in Athens.
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To begin our itinerary in Plaka : the Russian Church
Let’s start our stroll a little before entering Plaka proper. Our starting point is the Russian Church, also known as Agios Nikodimos (on the corner of Filelinon and Souri streets, a few minutes’ walk from the Syntagma metro station). This is one of the largest Byzantine churches in Athens. Built in the 11th century, it was partially destroyed during the War of Independence in 1821, then restored at the expense of Tsar Nicholas I and made available to the Russian population of Athens.
Let’s enter Plaka
From the Russian Church, take Souri Street and then, slightly to the left, Ypereidou Street (also spelled Iperidou). Here we are in Plaka.
Let’s turn into the first street on the left (Kodrou street) and take a few minutes to have a look at the Amorgos boutique an astonishing Ali Baba’s cave selling traditional objects and antique knick-knacks.
A little further on, at Kodrou 9, you’ll find a mansion that once belonged to an ancient Athenian family. It now houses the Children’s Art Museum. It is a good example of what is known as Athenian neoclassical architecture:
- a pastel-coloured façade
- elements around doors and windows reminiscent of ancient temples
- a sculpted marble balcony
- a roof lined with corrugated brick figures called acroteria.
All along this itinerary in Plaka, just look up and you’ll see neoclassical-style houses.
Let’s continue our stroll through Plaka
Continue to the end of Kodrou street, then turn right into Kidathineon street. We then pass the Saita tavern (Kidathinaion 21). One of the oldest tavernas in Athens, founded in 1912, its specialty is fish croquettes served with garlic sauce.
Then let’s stop at the Nakas jewelry store at numbers 16 and 31 Kidathineon Street (it’s the same store on both sides of the street). Here you’ll find beautiful jewelry at affordable prices, a welcome change from the usual touristy stores.
Let’s continue straight on to Filomoussou Eterias square: a pretty square with a few cafés and tavernas (unfortunately a little too touristy for our liking). We recommend a walk around the square to soak up the atmosphere. We pass Ciné Paris, one of Athens’ most pleasant open-air cinemas. It’s a real treat to attend a screening under the stars on a summer’s evening.
Our tips for lunch in Plaka
Now that you’re in the Filomoussou Eterias square, you can choose a tavern on the square and eat on the terrace. The setting is certainly pleasant, but the quality of the food is not always up to scratch.
Alternatively, we recommend Psaras, a good traditional tavern (16 Erechtheos St.). But our favorite is just a few steps from the Plaza Eterias. It’s Glykis (Street Geronta, number 2), a charming little establishment where you can enjoy mezzes and Greek specialties in a calm, cool setting, on a flower-filled terrace planted with trees.
Let’s continue itinerary in Plaka towards the monument of Lysicrates
Let’s continue our stroll through Plaka, taking Kidathineon Street and passing Brettos, one of Greece’s oldest distilleries. With its colourful bottle display case, you can’t miss it! The company has been in business since 1909, producing its own liqueurs. You can taste before you buy. Ideal for a souvenir or a treat for yourself. In the evening, people come here for a drink; the place is lively, the atmosphere festive.
Go straight ahead, cross Adrianou Street and take Thespidos Street, then turn left at Tripodon Street (this part of the street is called Selley Street) to see the monument to Lysicrates on the square of the same name (this square was one of Lord Byron’s favorite spots in Athens). This building dates from 334 BC. In ancient Athens, many identical monuments lined this street. They were built to honor the winners of the best plays.
Why is the Lysicrates monument the only “survivor” of this series of buildings? Well, he figures it’s because a French monastery of Capuchin monks had been built here, and the Lysicrates monument had been integrated into the monastery grounds. The monastery has since been destroyed, but Lysicrates’ famous building has been protected. The Greek government then wished to recover this precious pillar, and in exchange offered the French government a plot of land on which to build the French Institute of Greece.
Authentic Plaka
Now we take you to our favorite street in Plaka. When we’re opposite the Lysicrates monument, turning our backs on Lysikratous street, let’s take Vironos street and then immediately right onto Epimenidou street (Επιμενίδου), which starts almost opposite Daphne’s restaurant.
Let’s climb the staircase in front of us, which leads to the Acropolis. It will take us gently towards Anafiotika. Here we are in calm, silent Plaka, off the beaten track . You’d think you were in a small village, but you are in the center of Athens!
Direction Anfiotika
Take rue Epimenidou up to the top. And here we are at the foot of the sacred hill of the Acropolis. Turn right into Stratonos Street (a tarmac road where cars can drive). We can see the Acropolis from below, with the Greek flag fluttering in the wind. Go straight on, where a sign indicates a dead-end road for cars. Here we are in Anafiotika.
Here, stroll at your leisure through the narrow streets. Take a tour of this small, hidden district: venture up the staircases and through the maze of alleyways. You’ll discover white houses with blue shutters… it’s like being in the Cyclades! To find out more about Anafiotika, take a look at the article we wrote about this neighborhood.
To finish our stroll through Plaka
After exploring Anafiotika, let’s head back down Pritaniou Street and then down the stairs to Mnisikleous Street. Here we arrive at the picture-postcard image of Plaka: small restaurants with flower-filled terraces, set up on the steps.
Feeling hungry? Looking for a break? So we recommend you go to Yiasemi and sit on the steps in the street, on the roof terrace or in one of the indoor rooms. You’ll enjoy good home-cooked food at very reasonable prices for the area.
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You can also round off your visit with a visit to the nearby Acropolis. Here are our tips, solutions and practical information for visiting the Acropolis.
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That’s it, our walk is over. We hope you enjoyed it.
If you’d like to eat out, buy a few souvenirs or enjoy some entertainment, check out our article on the best addresses in Plaka.
Laure M.
Ready to discover the neighborhoods around Plaka? Then take a look at our articles on the following neighbourhoods:
Updated on April 4, 2024
