Neighbourhood guide · Athens, Greece
Plaka & Makrygianni
The oldest neighbourhood in Athens, wrapped around the slopes of the Acropolis: car-free lanes, neoclassical mansions, tavernas on the steps and the city's greatest museum next door.
About Plaka & Makrygianni
Plaka has been lived in continuously since antiquity and sits right beneath the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. Its maze of mostly pedestrian streets is lined with restored neoclassical houses, Byzantine churches, souvenir shops and tavernas. Adrianou and Kydathineon are the busy main streets; wander off them and it quickly becomes quiet and village-like.
Climb towards the rock to find Anafiotika, a tiny hamlet of whitewashed, Cycladic-style houses built in the 19th century by builders from the island of Anafi. Nearby are the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds, the Monument of Lysicrates and, at the eastern edge, Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
South of the Acropolis, Makrygianni is home to the Acropolis Museum and the start of Dionysiou Areopagitou, a wide pedestrian promenade that curves around the hill to Thiseio. It is one of the best places to stay in Athens, with many of the city's finest hotels and rooftop views of the Parthenon.
Where Plaka & Makrygianni is
The best of Plaka & Makrygianni
Seven of the best hotels in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Design hotel
AthensWas
A design-led boutique hotel on the pedestrian promenade beneath the Acropolis, with a rooftop terrace and steps from the Acropolis Museum.
5 Dionysiou AreopagitouExplore View on map
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Eco-design
COCO-MAT Athens BC
A design hotel near the Acropolis Museum with famously comfortable natural-material beds, a rooftop pool and Acropolis views.
5 FalirouExplore View on map
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Parthenon views
Divani Palace Acropolis
A five-star near the Acropolis with a rooftop terrace facing the Parthenon, an outdoor pool and remains of the ancient city walls in its basement.
19-25 ParthenonosExplore View on map
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Rooftop pool
Electra Palace Athens
A classic five-star in Plaka whose rooftop pool looks straight at the Acropolis. A peaceful base within walking distance of everything.
18-20 NikodimouExplore View on map
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Roof garden
Herodion Hotel
A well-loved hotel moments from the Acropolis, with a roof garden, the Point A rooftop bar and warm, attentive service.
4 Rovertou GalliExplore View on map
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Rooftop views
The Athens Gate Hotel
A stylish hotel opposite Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with a rooftop restaurant overlooking both and the Acropolis.
10 Syngrou AveExplore View on map
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Boutique luxury
The Dolli at Acropolis
An intimate luxury hotel in a restored neoclassical mansion near the Acropolis, with a rooftop pool and views of the Parthenon.
Near the Acropolis MuseumExplore View on map
Ten of the best cafés in Plaka & Makrygianni
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On the famous steps
Anafiotika Café
A café on Plaka's most famous steps, good for a morning coffee or afternoon meze on the way up to Anafiotika.
24 Mnisikleous StreetExplore View on map
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Retro tribute
Café Melina
A retro café dedicated to the actress and Culture Minister Melina Mercouri, full of her memorabilia, serving coffee, meze, crêpes and homemade desserts from morning to late.
22 Lysiou StreetExplore View on map
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Roof terrace
Café Plaka
A cosy café with a fireplace in winter, a roof terrace in summer and famous pancakes, next to the much-photographed pink house.
1 Tripodon StreetExplore View on map
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Hidden gem
Kimolia Art Café
A colourful, quirky little café hidden in the back lanes of Plaka, a peaceful stop away from the crowds.
5 Ypereidou StreetExplore View on map
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Acropolis views
Klepsydra
A tiny café in upper Plaka where time seems to slow down, with outdoor tables overlooking the Roman Agora and one of the best Acropolis views from a coffee table in the city. Try the apple pie.
9 Thrasyvoulou StreetExplore View on map
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Gelato
Maniera Gelateria
Gelato made to traditional Italian recipes with Greek ingredients, on Plaka's main street.
87 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
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Old-school kafeneio
O Glykis
An old-school kafeneio with worn blue tables, named after the Greek word for a sweet coffee. Thick Greek coffee, ouzo or tsipouro with meze, marinated anchovies and backgammon.
2 Angelikis Hatzimichali StreetExplore View on map
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Acropolis view
Oraia Ellada
The café at the top of the Center of Hellenic Tradition, with a spectacular view of the Acropolis. Browse the crafts downstairs, then stop for coffee.
Center of Hellenic Tradition, 59 Mitropoleos StreetExplore View on map
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1930s café
Tristrato
A charming café in a 1930s building, hidden behind a flowering courtyard on a quiet Plaka corner.
34 Dedalou StreetExplore View on map
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Café on the steps
Yiasemi
Plaka's most photographed café, with tables and cushions lined up the Mnisikleous steps and a jasmine-scented garden. Good for breakfast and all-day brunch, then a drink as the lanterns come on.
23 Mnisikleous StreetExplore View on map
Ten of the best restaurants in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Creative Greek
2Mazi
Inventive cooking inspired by the Greek islands and made with local produce, served in a neoclassical mansion with a modern interior.
48 Nikis StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1864
Bakaliarakia tou Damigou
A family-run basement taverna beneath Brettos bar, open since 1864 and famous for one dish: crisp battered salt cod with garlic sauce.
41 Kydathineon StreetExplore View on map
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Fine dining
Daphne's
An elegant restaurant beside the Monument of Lysicrates, long popular with politicians, artists and celebrities, serving refined Greek and Mediterranean cooking.
4 Lysikratous StreetExplore View on map
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Authentic Vietnamese
Hanoi Athens
A cosy, much-loved Vietnamese restaurant on the edge of Plaka, near the cathedral, serving authentic home-style cooking: fragrant pho bo, fresh rolls, crispy spring rolls, noodle bowls and Vietnamese coffee. Generous portions at fair prices; open daily from noon to midnight.
12 Petraki StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1932
O Platanos
A taverna under the plane trees since 1932, serving the classics: moussaka, dolmades with egg-lemon sauce and roast lamb.
4 Diogenous StreetExplore View on map
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Homemade food
Saita
A low-key taverna opposite the church on Kydathineon, known for grilled lamb chops, meatballs and cod with skordalia.
21 Kydathineon StreetExplore View on map
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Parthenon views
Strofi
A long-running restaurant on the south side of the Acropolis whose rooftop terrace has unforgettable views of the Parthenon. Book a table for sunset.
25 Rovertou Galli StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1898
The Old Tavern of Psarras
Plaka's oldest restaurant, open since 1898, on a pretty stepped corner. Fresh fish, grilled octopus, moussaka and loukoumades, with live Greek music.
16 Erechtheos & Erotokritou StreetsExplore View on map
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Since 1836
To Kafeneio
Open since 1836 in the quieter, uphill part of Plaka: grilled lamb, beef stifado and fasolada in a cosy room lined with vintage photos.
1 Epicharmou StreetExplore View on map
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Courtyard meze
Zohós
Contemporary meze made with seasonal, local ingredients in the courtyard of the Electra Palace hotel, with more than 60 wines.
Electra Palace, 18–20 Navarchou Nikodimou StreetExplore View on map
Seven of the best bars in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Historic distillery
Brettos
A Plaka landmark and one of Athens' oldest distilleries, famous for its glowing wall of coloured bottles. Try the house liqueurs and ouzo.
41 KydathineonExplore View on map
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Sunset views
Electra Roof Garden
The rooftop of the Electra Palace, next to its pool, with a sweeping view of the Acropolis: one of the best places in Plaka for sunset drinks or dinner.
Electra Palace, 18–20 Navarchou Nikodimou StreetExplore View on map
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120+ wines
MONO Wine Restaurant
An all-day wine restaurant two steps from Plaka with more than 120 wines and cocktails, deli boards and an intimate, minimalist room.
4 Palaiologou Venizelou StreetExplore View on map
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Parthenon views
Point A
A refined rooftop bar just below the Acropolis, where every cocktail comes with a complimentary bite. One of the closest views of the Parthenon you can get.
Herodion Hotel, 4 Rovertou GalliExplore View on map
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Rooftop
Thea Terrace
The rooftop bar of the Central Hotel in Plaka, with Acropolis views, a good spot for a drink before dinner.
Central Hotel, PlakaExplore View on map
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Since 2007
Tiki Bar Athens
Athens' first tiki bar, opened in 2007, a couple of minutes from Acropoli metro and the Acropolis Museum: rum cocktails, retro decor and a laid-back crowd.
15 Falirou StreetExplore View on map
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160+ Greek wines
Wine O'Clock
A friendly wine bar 80 metres from Acropoli metro and 50 metres from the Acropolis Museum, pouring more than 160 Greek wines by the glass, with tastings.
10 Lempesi StreetExplore View on map
Nightlife in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Live Greek music
Stamatopoulos
A historic Plaka taverna, founded in 1882, with live Greek music every evening from about 7pm to 1am. The crowd spreads over two garden-like levels and the mural-covered dining room, and gets more local as the night goes on.
Lyssiou & Flessa StreetsExplore View on map
Four of the best places for fitness & spa in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Traditional hammam
Al Hammam
A traditional hammam on one of Europe's oldest streets in Plaka, about 100 metres from the ancient Tower of the Winds, with steam, scrub and foam rituals, massages and couples' experiences.
16 Tripodon StreetExplore View on map
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Indoor & rooftop pools
Electra Palace Spa & Pools
The spa at the Electra Palace has a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and treatment rooms, and the hotel's rooftop pool looks straight at the Acropolis.
18–20 Navarchou Nikodimou StreetExplore View on map
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The finest Acropolis view
Philopappos Hill
The pine-covered Hill of the Muses opposite the Acropolis, crowned by a Roman monument, with perhaps the finest view of the Parthenon in Athens. Free, peaceful and magical at sunset.
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Yoga under the Acropolis
Swaha Yoga Centre
A central yoga studio right underneath the Acropolis, with styles from hatha, vinyasa flow and kundalini to restorative yoga, plus meditation and Pilates.
Beneath the AcropolisExplore View on map
Eight of the best museums in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Classical sculpture
Acropolis Museum
The masterpieces of the Acropolis, from the Caryatids to the Parthenon sculptures, displayed in light-filled galleries at the foot of the rock, with the Parthenon in view.
15 Dionysiou Areopagitou StreetExplore View on map
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Historic building
Athens University History Museum
The building where the University of Athens first opened in 1837, one of the oldest houses in Plaka, high on the slope under the Acropolis. Inside are old scientific instruments, medical and pharmacy collections and portraits; the balcony has fine views. Mainly open weekday mornings.
5 Tholou StreetExplore View on map
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Greek Jewish heritage
Jewish Museum of Greece
On the edge of Plaka near Syntagma, a moving museum of more than 2,300 years of Jewish life in Greece: a reconstructed Romaniote synagogue, religious objects, costumes, documents and a sober section on the Holocaust, which destroyed most of Greece's Jewish communities. Closed on Saturdays.
39 Nikis StreetExplore View on map
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Gold and silver
Lalaounis Jewellery Museum
Greece's first museum of jewellery, a short walk from the Acropolis Museum, showing thousands of pieces by the celebrated goldsmith Ilias Lalaounis, inspired by ancient, Byzantine and natural forms, alongside changing exhibitions of contemporary jewellery and a working goldsmith's workshop.
12 Kallisperi Street & Karyatidon StreetExplore View on map
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La Divina
Maria Callas Museum
The world's first museum dedicated to the great soprano, opened by the City of Athens in 2023 in a restored neoclassical building opposite the cathedral. Four floors tell her story through costumes, jewellery, letters, photographs and recordings, with immersive listening rooms, a shop and the La Divina café on the ground floor. Closed on Mondays.
44 Mitropoleos StreetExplore View on map
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Greek traditions
Museum of Greek Folk Art
The national museum of Greek folk art, on Plaka's main street: embroidery, regional costumes, carved wood, silverwork, ceramics and shadow puppets, plus rooms of naive murals by the painter Theophilos. Its annexes nearby include the restored Ottoman Bathhouse of the Winds on Kyrristou Street.
17 Kydathineon StreetExplore View on map
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Listen as you go
Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments
A charming small museum in an 1842 mansion beside the Roman Agora, showing more than 1,200 traditional Greek instruments, from lyras and bouzoukis to bagpipes and drums, with headphones to hear each one played. Concerts are held in the garden in summer. Closed on Tuesdays.
1–3 Diogenous StreetExplore View on map
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Antiquity to Byzantium
Paul & Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum
A private collection of Greek art spanning 5,000 years, from Cycladic figurines and Mycenaean gold to Byzantine icons and jewellery, displayed in the neoclassical Michaleas Mansion and a modern new wing on the north slope of the Acropolis, at the top of Plaka.
12 Theorias StreetExplore View on map
Nine of the best shops in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Leather sandals
Achillion Sandals
Classic Greek leather sandals in all the traditional styles, on Plaka's main shopping street.
110 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
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Made in Greece
Athens Protasis
Handmade products designed and made in Greece, a good place for a thoughtful gift.
136 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1987
Byzantino
Gold jewellery inspired by ancient Greek and Byzantine designs, made since 1987.
120 Adrianou Street & 17 Pandrossou StreetExplore View on map
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Crafts, not souvenirs
Center of Hellenic Tradition
Quality Greek arts and crafts, from ceramics to textiles: reviewers call them art rather than souvenirs. There's a café with an Acropolis view upstairs.
59 Mitropoleos & 36 Pandrossou StreetsExplore View on map
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Olive products
Elaias Gi
Fine Greek olive oil and everything from the olive tree, from soaps and cosmetics to olive-wood kitchenware.
122 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
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Greek makers
Flâneur
Handmade products by contemporary Greek artists alongside outdoor gear and backpacks.
1 Flessa StreetExplore View on map
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Greek designers
Forget Me Not
A smart take on souvenirs: clothing, accessories, shoes, home décor and gifts by contemporary Greek designers.
100 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1971
Ioanna Kourbela
The celebrated Greek designer's shop, from a family workshop founded in 1971, known for beautiful handmade knitwear and easy, elegant clothes.
109 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1895
Martinos Antiques
A family antiques house open since 1895, with furniture, paintings, Islamic art and jewellery.
50 Pandrossou StreetExplore View on map
More from our lists in Plaka & Makrygianni
Restaurants in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Rock ’n’ roll classic
Hard Rock Cafe Athens
The Athens branch of the famous rock ’n’ roll restaurant chain, on Adrianou Street in Plaka near Monastiraki, with views of the Acropolis: legendary burgers, ribs and cocktails surrounded by music memorabilia, plus the Rock Shop for souvenirs. Open daily from 9.30am; the kitchen serves until 11pm (11.30pm on Friday and Saturday).
52 Adrianou StreetExplore Book a table View on map
Cafés in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Books and coffee
Little Tree Books & Coffee
A cosy bookshop café a few minutes from the Acropolis Museum, with shelves of English and Greek books, good coffee, homemade cakes and a friendly, local crowd: a calm break from sightseeing.
2 Kavalloti StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 20 of the Best Cafés in Athens: Specialty Coffee, Classic Cafés & Chains
Attractions in Plaka & Makrygianni
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World-class museum
Acropolis Museum
A stunning modern museum at the foot of the Acropolis, with the Parthenon marbles displayed in a glass gallery facing the temple itself. Walk over the excavated ancient neighbourhood beneath your feet.
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouExplore View on map
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Old town
Plaka & Anafiotika
The oldest neighbourhood in Athens: pedestrian lanes, neoclassical mansions and tavernas, with the whitewashed island-style houses of Anafiotika tucked into the slope of the Acropolis.
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Ancient site
Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds
Roman-era marketplace with the remarkable octagonal Tower of the Winds, an ancient clock tower with sundials, a water clock and carved wind gods.
Pelopida & EolouExplore View on map
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Ancient site
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The colossal columns of what was once the largest temple in Greece, beside Hadrian's Arch and with the Acropolis as a backdrop.
Vasilissis Olgas AveExplore View on map
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UNESCO World Heritage
The Acropolis & Parthenon
The symbol of Athens and of Western civilisation: the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike crowning the sacred rock. Book a timed ticket online and go early or late to beat the heat.
Dionysiou Areopagitou (main entrance)Explore View on map
Art in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Emerging artists
Dio Horia Gallery Acropolis
Founded in 2015, with spaces in Athens and Mykonos, focusing on emerging artists from the periphery, a few steps from the Acropolis Museum.
5–7 Lempesi & 16 Porinou StreetsExplore View on map
See the full list: 21 of the Best Art Galleries & Museums in Athens
Cinema in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Rooftop in Plaka
Cine Paris
A rooftop garden cinema on Plaka's main street, founded in 1920 and now programmed by Cinobo, with the illuminated Acropolis rising behind the screen. New releases, restored classics and themed tributes; come before sunset for the view. Closed for the winter; reopens in spring 2027.
22 Kydathineon StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 24 of the Best Cinemas in Athens & Glyfada: Open-Air & Indoor
Medical & Health in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Hamam & massage
Old City Hamam & Spa
A hamam and massage spa just below the Acropolis, offering full-body, remedial and couples massages, as well as a traditional steam bath.
1 Athanasiou Diakou StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 20 of the Best Hospitals, Clinics & Therapies in Athens
Shopping in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Plaka souvenirs
Adrianou & Kydathineon Streets
The two main streets of Plaka, lined with souvenir shops, Greek crafts, ceramics, jewellery, natural cosmetics, olive oil and honey, with views of the Acropolis and tavernas for a break. Shops here are usually open on Sundays and late into the evening.
Adrianou Street & Kydathineon StreetExplore View on map
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Near the Acropolis Museum
McDonald's Acropolis
A handy McDonald's a short walk from the Acropolis Museum and the Akropoli metro station, useful for a quick bite or breakfast before climbing the Acropolis.
1 Makri StreetExplore View on map
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The poet sandal maker since 1920
Melissinos Art
Pantelis Melissinos, third generation of Athens' famous 'poet sandal maker' family (since 1920), handcrafts bespoke leather sandals based on ancient Greek designs, in a workshop near the Acropolis Museum. Closed Mondays.
16 Tzireon StreetExplore View on map
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American diner
TGI Fridays Plaka
TGI Fridays in the old town, on Kapnikareas Street by the little Byzantine church of Kapnikarea, just off Ermou Street between Plaka, Monastiraki and Syntagma: burgers, ribs, fajitas, sharing platters and cocktails, handy after a day's sightseeing.
3 Kapnikareas StreetExplore View on map
Transport in Plaka & Makrygianni
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Since 1963
Keytours
A family tour operator near the Acropolis, organising day trips and excursions since 1963: Delphi, Meteora, Mycenae and Epidaurus, and Nafplio, with free last-minute changes and customer care every day.
26 Athanasiou Diakou StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: Getting Around Athens: Airport, Metro, Taxis, Ferries & Day Tours
Car Rental & Sales in Plaka & Makrygianni
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By the Acropolis
Sixt Athens Acropolis
Sixt's city branch, 200 metres from the Acropolis metro station along Syngrou Avenue, open 8am to 9pm every day, with premium and convertible cars as well as everyday models.
11 Syngrou Avenue, corner of Lempesi StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 13 of the Best Car Hire, Car & Motorcycle Dealers in Athens
Greek Islands in Plaka & Makrygianni
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On the sand at Plaka
Iria Beach Art Hotel
An art-filled hotel on Plaka beach, with rooms a few steps from the sand.
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Sunsets in Plaka
Machi’s House
A guesthouse in the hilltop village of Plaka, ideal for sunsets and village atmosphere.
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Naxian dishes by the water
Peppermint
A beach bar and restaurant on Plaka serving traditional Naxian dishes and cocktails by the water.
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Dunes and space
Plaka Beach
Several kilometres of pale sand and dunes on the west coast, with beach bars and quieter natural stretches.
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Sunsets from the Kastro
Plaka, Milos
The hilltop capital of Milos, with white lanes, boutique stays and a sunset view from the Kastro that is one of the best in Greece.
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Miles of sand and dunes
Plaka, Naxos
A long, natural beach of sand dunes on the west coast, with relaxed beach bars, small hotels and some of the best sunsets on Naxos.
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The best sunset on Milos
Sunset at Plaka Kastro
Climb the steps to the top of Plaka for a panoramic sunset over the bay of Milos.
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Brunch and mixology
Tohu
A beach bar on Plaka with specialty coffee, brunch, grilled dishes and mixology cocktails.
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Modern beach style on Plaka
Yucca
A modern beach bar and restaurant on Plaka, with cocktails, snacks and rooms to stay.
