Plaka - Athens, Greece

While thinking about Athens, the first thing which comes to our mind is Plaka, a neighboring town of Athens. Every tourist who comes to Athens visits Plaka once as it is one of the most beautiful towns of Greece. 

The cobbled roads lined with cafes and restaurants with colorfully furnished terraces and narrow pedestrianized alleys are the major attraction of this town. Unlike other nearby villages of Athens Plaka hasn't lost its original identity still after decades. Plaka's residents still keep its beauty alive, the decorated buildings and street walls are the evidence of it. Since it's a pedestrian-friendly town one can enjoy a nice walk and keep themselves fit. While walking throughout the streets you'll explore many attractive sites such as museums, archeological sites, ancient mentions, etc and get acquainted with the traditional characteristics of Greek

If you're fond of music then you must visit the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments. It was built in the 90s and exhibits the collection of musicologist Foivos Anogiannakis.

Another good place to explore is the Frissiras Museum, which was built in 2000. Here you'll explore contemporary European art.  

Jewish Museum is another tourist attraction of Plaka with an interesting collection of rare books, textiles, domestic and religious artifacts. 

If you wish to discover more about Athens then visiting Athens University Museum is the best option. Here several transcripts and old pictures can be found which tell about the history of Athens.

The Museum of Pavlos and Alexandra Kanellopoulou is also a great option to visit as the museum is dotted with many archaeological finds and artworks from the prehistoric period. After exploring all the major sites you can also spend some time at Monastiraki Square and enjoy the astonishing view of the Acropolis dominating the landscape.

While exploring further you’ll discover Anafiotika where many blue-doored white houses and stepped streets decorated with flower pots can be found.

 

Where to stay in Plaka? 

In Plaka, you'll find many hotels with unique and quirky designs. Hence, when visiting Athens it is better to stay in Plaka so that you can get more time to explore the town. Here are some of the best hotels where everyone should stay once. 

Noble Suites: Noble Suite is an excellent alternative for families. Only a short distance from the attractions, this hotel offers big accommodations (even junior suites can accommodate two adults and two children) and is decorated in a lovely neoclassical style.

Herodion Hotel: The Herodion Hotel offers a stylish base for touring and shopping, along with a terrace restaurant with spectacular views of the town.

Sweet Home Hotel: Sweet Home Hotel is a delightful selection for culture buffs, with lavishly furnished rooms and suites in a renovated historic building within easy reach of many of the city's major historical landmarks.

Ava Hotel & Suites: The Ava Hotel & Suites is a classy resort located only yards from the Temple of Zeus and at the heart of the Acropolis. The rooms and suites are spacious and have a fully furnished kitchenette.

 

 

Where to shop in Plaka?

If you love shopping then you're at the right place because at Adrianou street you will find many shops which offer Greek local products, jewelry, and trendy or traditional clothes. 

 

Where to eat in Plaka? 

Restaurants of Plaka serve a wide range of delicious Greek food. Hence, whenever you get a little bit tired or thirsty, you can go to the Filomouson Etairias Square, or just Platia as several cafes or restaurants are there where you can enjoy your coffee or meal.

 

How to reach Plaka? 

By Metro: One can easily reach Plaka by metro train as Athens is well connected by metro track. Although if ever get an opportunity to stay in Plaka then do not miss it as by this way you don't need to visit Plaka by metro and can have enough time to explore Plaka.

By Taxi: Reaching Plaka by taxi is considered the quickest way. It will cost you up to €65 - €80 and will reach the destination in 30 minutes.

By Bus: As Plaka is a neighborhood village of Athens hence reaching Plaka by bus is also a great option. Direct buses operate from Athens to Plaka.