Last Updated on January 12, 2021 by Nina Ahmedow
Living in noisy and polluted Athens means that I often have to escape the city for a while. Although travel is not always feasible (I wish I had the budget) there are ways to escape the city without going on a day trip from Athens. Exploring the many Athenian neighborhoods opens up a different world, and the best area for this is the old town of Plaka. Plaka in Athens is the historical center of the city. And it’s the only part of the city with so many neoclassical and other old buildings.
Plaka is located right underneath the Acropolis. So, as a tourist, you will probably see Plaka in Athens at some point while sightseeing even if you only have a layover in Athens. And I’m sure you will enjoy the lovely view while you go for a walk. The rest of the city is full of ugly gray buildings from the 1950s.
But Plaka is extremely charming with its colorful, quaint buildings and narrow alleys. Several of the streets in this part of Athens are inaccessible to cars so you will actually get to enjoy your walk. There are many cozy cafés and restaurants in the area allowing you to sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere. You will also find small boutiques and souvenir shops in Plaka if you’re looking for gifts.
Many of the picturesque buildings in Plaka are in pretty good shape due to restoration efforts.
Anafiotika is a part of Plaka where you can observe the typical architecture of the Cycladic islands. In the middle of the big city of Athens, you suddenly feel like you are on a spectacular Greek island.
This charming and scenic neighborhood is my favorite part of Athens. And I fall in love with it all over again every time I take a walk there.
Have you ever been to Athens? What’s your favorite neighborhood in the city?
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