Photo: George E. Koronaios · CC BY-SA 4.0 · editedPlaka
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George E. Koronaios · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited
Why go
- The aristocratic Benizelos family once lived here
- Several Byzantine-era buildings, including the church of Saint-Jean-le-Théologien
- Until modern city planning in the early 19th century, it formed the core of Athens
Don't miss
- The Choragic Monument of LysicratesUntil 1834 the name Plaka covered only the area around this monument.In Plaka, one of the quarter's two landmarks On the map
- The Tower of the WindsOne of the quarter's two landmarks, the other being the Lysicrates monument.In Plaka, the quarter's second landmark On the map
- AnafiotikaA Cycladic settlement built by settlers from the island of Anafi, and the only such migrant settlement in the city to survive later rebuilding.Ano Plaka, the upper part, on the northeastern slopes of the Acropolis rock On the map
- The Roman Agora and Hadrian's LibraryRevealed by large-scale digs, which also uncovered Hadrian's Library.In Plaka, the heart of the ancient city On the map
Photo spots
- AnafiotikaThe traditional Cycladic architecture of the settlement is the thing to photograph here.Upper part of Plaka, right under the Acropolis On the map
Tips for your visit
- Adrianou Street, one of the oldest arteries, splits the quarter: the upper part leads toward Anafiotika, the lower reaches Monastiraki square.
- Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the quarter each year.
- Its streets hold museums, restaurants, cafés and shops selling traditional products.
- Many old houses and small lanes survived the grid layout and demolition that reshaped the city, so allow time to walk them.
Legends and hidden details
- One theory ties the name Plaka to the Greek word pliakou, meaning old.
- Another theory traces the name to a large stone slab set at a street crossing.
- The origin of the name is unclear.
Interesting facts7
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The quarter is nicknamed the Neighbourhood of the Gods, given its nearness to the Acropolis and many ancient sites.
Plaka - Wikipedia -
Power, water, telecoms and sewers all run underground in purpose-built tunnels, and Plaka is the only Athens neighbourhood with all utilities laid this way.
Πλάκα - Wikipedia -
35 hectares
Plaka covers an area of 35 hectares.
Pláka - Wikipedia -
Many Greek films were shot here, including And the Wife Shall Revere Her Husband.
Plaka - Wikipedia -
Plaka is the only district of the capital that keeps its late-nineteenth-century townscape over such a large area.
Πλάκα - Wikipedia -
2004
Painter George Savakis, who died in 2004, painted its old structures.
Plaka (Athen) - Wikipedia -
Actress Eirini Papa lived and worked here.
Πλάκα - Wikipedia
Shorts
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Plaka neighbourhoodDora Chalvatzi-Partsali
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The Plaka District in Athens GreeceSwifty Travels
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Plaka Athens Greece Πλάκα Αθήνα ΑττικήςA.S.Photos & Entertainment
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Plaka is not just a neighbourhood.Athens Attica
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Plaka Athens Greece Πλάκα Αθήνα ΑττικήςA.S.Photos & Entertainment
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Lost in the winding streets of Plaka 🌿 Athens GreeceEarths Beautiful Places
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Plaka - Athens, Attica, GreeceTripAdvisorTRIPWOWa
How to get there
- TrainTake the metro to Akropolis, Syntagma or Monastiraki. These stations lie at the edges of the pedestrian centre.
- TramTram stops at Syntagma and Zappeio also serve the quarter.
- On footWalk in from the edges, since the centre is pedestrianised.
Accessibility
- Pedestrian centre Car traffic is kept out of the centre, and nearly all traffic has been calmed.
Sources: Plaka - Wikipedia · Plaka (Athen) - Wikipedia · Πλάκα - Wikipedia · Pláka - Wikipedia · checked 17 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
How do I get to Plaka in Athens?
Take the metro to Akropoli, Syntagma or Monastiraki, then walk in, since the centre is pedestrianised. Tram stops at Syntagma and Zappeio also serve the quarter.
Are cars allowed in Plaka, Athens?
Car traffic is kept out of the centre, which is pedestrianised. Nearly all traffic in the quarter has been calmed since the 1990s.
Which museums are in Plaka, Athens?
The Jewish Museum of Greece, the Frissiras Museum of modern art and the Benizelos manor house are here. The Museum of Greek Folk Art has an annex in the Old Public Baths building.
Where is Plaka in Athens?
Plaka lies below the Acropolis, and its upper part, Ano Plaka, is right under the rock.
When was Anafiotika built?
Settlers from the island of Anafi built it in the second half of the 19th century.
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