FInd our free VisitPlaka Map 2024 and our Athens travel books!
Enjoy the most historic streets of Athens, from Kydathineon to Thisio with some Shopping ideas from us!
Most of Plaka visitors come to the area when they first arrive in Athens. For most of them it is either something they have heard about from friends or relatives, or it is the first thing they read in Athens city guides (ok after Acropolis and Parthenon).
What makes Plaka unique are its streets. Some simply paved, some in white like Aegean islands (Anafiotika) or even still without even on the hill of Acropolis, one made of marble, while other full of graffiti. Since Plaka is built on a hill, there are stairs everywhere, hidden paths, unexplored places even for us, that we describe the place… Plaka is magic.
So, Tripodon is the most ancient street in Europe, Kydathineon is a part of the early Russian community in free
Athens, Areos and Adrianou are the paths that connected ancient agora to destroyed city gate, Pandrossou remains intact for centuries, while Tholou is where the Bavarians were located when they arrived to the city… Plaka is both a mystery inside the oldest city of Europe. Ancient, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman parts of Greek history are still in this area of Athens. From there you can start exploring the hills of the city, with their mythology, history and amazing view, on one direction, discovering yourself.
We suggest an early morning walk around the empty streets of Plaka
Moreover, the choices that the area offers are limitless. Shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries, experiences, museums, lessons…. everything is there, that you need a trip just for Plaka streets and not for Athens. The city of Athens is related to Acropolis, but this is nothing compared to what is there for all of us, no matter how many times it was destroyed….
Here are some tips while walking in Plaka
- Is Plaka open on Sundays? Yes, Plaka is always open since its an area, you can go everywhere you like.
- What is the most famous street in Plaka? Well there are all that are mentioned above. Some say Tripodon, others Adrianou, few Kydathineon, the marble Street.
- What does Plaka mean in Greek? Some say it is a Greek name, but probably it is not. It came from Arvanites, people that immigrated to south Greece and Peloponnesus from the north, after 6th century AD. They were baptised Orthodox and were fully integrated to Roman people of Byzantine Empire. During Ottoman period, those who were Muslim were closer to Ottomans. This explains the history of the area, since it has been inhabited since ancient times.
- Can I drink tap water in Plaka and Athens? Yes of course. You should also know that Greek legislation makes the cafe/tavern business to bring tap water for free, and they are obliged to ask whether you want bottle water and charge it extra.
- Shopping hours in Plaka. Well Plaka shops are open most of the day, their timeframe is wider than normal shops.
- Is Plaka more expensive? Well the answer is both Yes and No. Everywhere in the world the shops that operate in “tourism” areas have higher prices. But the goods that offer are also different. In Plaka someone say that the market is more expensive that this of a supermarket, as it is in Barcelona or Rome.
What to see in Plaka. we have our Athens Plaka map, just for that. And not forget, Plaka Stairs