Neighbourhood guide · Beneath the Acropolis

Plaka: Our Favourites

The oldest neighbourhood in Athens: our favourite hotels, tavernas, cafés, bars, shops and small museums in Plaka and Anafiotika, with the story of the old town beneath the Acropolis.

Neighbourhood feature

Plaka: the old town beneath the Acropolis

By the ULTIMATE Athens Editorial Team

Lanes of ochre and pink houses, bougainvillea over the doorways, tavernas on the steps and the Acropolis above every rooftop: Plaka is the Athens everyone dreams of, and it has been lived in for thousands of years.

Read the full storyClose the story

Plaka wraps around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, a maze of mostly pedestrian streets where ancient monuments, Byzantine churches and neoclassical mansions stand side by side. Climb higher and you reach Anafiotika, a village of whitewashed island houses built by builders from Anafi.

Read the full back story below, then explore our favourite places to stay, eat, drink and shop.

The back story

The back story

Plaka: the back story

Plaka·In depth: history

The oldest neighbourhood in Athens: how a village of lanes and churches beneath the Acropolis survived empires, became the heart of the new Greek capital and grew into the most charming corner of the city.

Explore View on map

Sights & museums

Ancient monuments, churches and small museums.

La Divina

Maria Callas Museum

Plaka·Music museum·Ticket

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
Greek traditions

Museum of Greek Folk Art

Plaka·Folk art museum·Ticket

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
Listen as you go

Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments

Plaka·Music museum·Ticket

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
Antiquity to Byzantium

Paul & Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum

Plaka·Art and archaeology museum·Ticket

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
Historic building

Athens University History Museum

Plaka·History museum·Ticket

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
Greek Jewish heritage

Jewish Museum of Greece

Plaka·History museum·Ticket

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
Old town

Plaka & Anafiotika

Plaka·Historic neighbourhood

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

Plaka·Ancient site·€€

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
Rooftop in Plaka

Cine Paris

Plaka·Open-air cinema·€

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

Where to stay

Rooftop pool

Electra Palace Athens

Plaka·Luxury hotel·€€€

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

Where to eat

Since 1898

The Old Tavern of Psarras

Plaka·Taverna·€€

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
Since 1836

To Kafeneio

Plaka·Taverna·€€

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
Since 1932

O Platanos

Plaka·Taverna·€€

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
Homemade food

Saita

Plaka·Taverna·€€

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
Authentic Vietnamese

Hanoi Athens

Plaka·Vietnamese restaurant·€€

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
Since 1864

Bakaliarakia tou Damigou

Plaka·Fish taverna·€

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
Fine dining

Daphne's

Plaka·Greek & Mediterranean restaurant·€€€

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
Creative Greek

2Mazi

Plaka·Fine dining·€€€

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
Courtyard meze

Zohós

Plaka·Contemporary meze restaurant·€€€

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
Rock ’n’ roll classic

Hard Rock Cafe Athens

Plaka·American restaurant·€€

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

Café on the steps

Yiasemi

Plaka·Café-bistro·€€

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
Retro tribute

Café Melina

Plaka·Café·€

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
Acropolis views

Klepsydra

Plaka·Café·€

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
Old-school kafeneio

O Glykis

Plaka·Traditional café·€

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
Hidden gem

Kimolia Art Café

Plaka·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
On the famous steps

Anafiotika Café

Plaka·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
Roof terrace

Café Plaka

Plaka·Café·€

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
1930s café

Tristrato

Plaka·Café·€

A charming café in a 1930s building, hidden behind a flowering courtyard on a quiet Plaka corner.

34 Dedalou StreetExplore View on map
Acropolis view

Oraia Ellada

Plaka·Café·€

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
Gelato

Maniera Gelateria

Plaka·Gelateria·€

Gelato made to traditional Italian recipes with Greek ingredients, on Plaka's main street.

87 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map

Bars & nights out

Historic distillery

Brettos

Plaka·Historic bar·€

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
Rooftop

Thea Terrace

Plaka·Rooftop bar·€€€

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
Sunset views

Electra Roof Garden

Plaka·Rooftop bar & restaurant·€€€

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
120+ wines

MONO Wine Restaurant

Plaka·Wine restaurant & bar·€€

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
Live Greek music

Stamatopoulos

Plaka·Music taverna·€€

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

Shopping

Greek designers

Forget Me Not

Plaka·Design gift shop·€€

A smart take on souvenirs: clothing, accessories, shoes, home décor and gifts by contemporary Greek designers.

100 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
Since 1971

Ioanna Kourbela

Plaka·Designer clothing·€€€

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
Since 1987

Byzantino

Plaka·Jewellery·€€€

Gold jewellery inspired by ancient Greek and Byzantine designs, made since 1987.

120 Adrianou Street & 17 Pandrossou StreetExplore View on map
Crafts, not souvenirs

Center of Hellenic Tradition

Plaka·Arts & crafts·€€

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
Olive products

Elaias Gi

Plaka·Olive oil & olive-wood shop·€€

Fine Greek olive oil and everything from the olive tree, from soaps and cosmetics to olive-wood kitchenware.

122 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
Since 1895

Martinos Antiques

Plaka·Antiques·€€€€

A family antiques house open since 1895, with furniture, paintings, Islamic art and jewellery.

50 Pandrossou StreetExplore View on map
Leather sandals

Achillion Sandals

Plaka·Sandal shop·€€

Classic Greek leather sandals in all the traditional styles, on Plaka's main shopping street.

110 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
Greek makers

Flâneur

Plaka·Concept store·€€

Handmade products by contemporary Greek artists alongside outdoor gear and backpacks.

1 Flessa StreetExplore View on map
Made in Greece

Athens Protasis

Plaka·Design shop·€€

Handmade products designed and made in Greece, a good place for a thoughtful gift.

136 Adrianou StreetExplore View on map
Plaka souvenirs

Adrianou & Kydathineon Streets

Plaka·Shopping 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
American diner

TGI Fridays Plaka

Plaka·American restaurant chain·€€

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

Fitness + spa

Traditional hammam

Al Hammam

Plaka·Hammam & spa·€€€

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
Indoor & rooftop pools

Electra Palace Spa & Pools

Plaka·Hotel spa·€€€

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
Yoga under the Acropolis

Swaha Yoga Centre

Plaka·Yoga studio·€€

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

Share your Plaka experience

Been to Plaka? Share your favourite tavernas, cafés, shops and quiet corners with other visitors.

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