If you’re planning on visiting Athens, be sure to make time in your schedule to spend a leisurely afternoon strolling the vibrant, twisting, pedestrian streets of the Plaka, which was once the main agora (market) of the ancient city. The Plaka is located at the base of the Acropolis, so it makes for a perfect stopping point on your way down the hill. The largest and most historic street, the Adrianou, Syntagma and Monastiraki, reportedly hasn’t changed much since the days of the early Greeks. Since then, the Plaka area has gone through many phases: during the Ottoman period, it was the Turkish quarter, and later it was known as the Arvanite district.
Today, there’s something for everyone wandering the quaint, shaded mesh of streets, shops and cafes. Whether you have spent a lot of time at the Acropolis or not, the stunning Acropolis museum is a must-see. Depending on your interest, the Plaka area also has plenty of other interesting museums and galleries, the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, the Hellenic Children’s Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Greece being just a few examples. The Plaka is also a mecca for tourists looking for souvenirs—many of the shops sell the same old tired trinkets, but shoppers seeking unique treasures should consider scoping the stores for copies of old café menus, traditional embroidery and instruments, jewelry and olive oil.
The Plaka has plenty of quaint but casual outdoor patio-style restaurants and cafes, some with fantastic gardens. Meliartos is a solid bet for a nice lunch or coffee, or head to Esperides for a view of the Acropolis. Avocado is a must-visit for the vegetarians out there. Those looking for traditional food and friendly service should try the meatballs orbekri meze (meat stew) at To Kafeneio. For an authentic taste of fresh seafood, souvlaki, or moussaka with a nice glass of ouzo, consider heading over to Ydria. You may want to note that local restaurants often pre-cook oven-based dishes in the morning (these dishes are called mayerefta), so you may want to order this for lunch and the tis ores (fresh meat and fish) in the evening.
