Take a few hours to explore this central Athens suburb that is home to shops, restaurants and ancient Greek landmarks.

Explore Plaka and find delightful shopping and dining opportunities close to several ancient landmarks. Known locally as the “Neighbourhood of the Gods”, this historic district was the site of Athens' first residential area.

The suburb is crossed by a labyrinthine network of paths and alleyways. Wander on foot along Adrianou Street, the area's main thoroughfare, for easy access to its many attractions. Take a chance on one of many side streets to find rustic art galleries and quaint boutiques alongside bars, cafés and restaurants.

Restaurants in the area have a penchant for outdoor dining. Take a seat on a terrace and enjoy a meal while you watch the crowds pass. Cuisine served is usually mezedes, a tapas-style selection of traditional dishes. Combine your meal with a glass of iced ouzo, a Greek liquor made from aniseed. Alternatively, take a cool drink on the road and spot street performers showing off their tricks.

Within this district, you'll find a number of old Athenian sites. Stop by the Ancient Agora of Athens, Monastiraki Square, the Library of Adrianos or the Tower of the Winds.

Amongst historic landmarks, you can see the artefacts of the ages at the Jewish Museum of Greece, the Museum of Greek Folk Art and the Athens University Museum. Wander uphill to Anafiotika, an inner district of Plaka that sits on the slopes of the Acropolis. Standing out from its surrounds, this otherworldly area features ancient Cycladic architecture and tumbling purple bougainvillea.

Get to Plaka by train to Monastiraki station. This public transport service is cheap and well connected, meaning you can pass through Plaka as an interchange to other destinations in Athens. Plaka draws crowds at any time of day, but is particularly special in the afternoons when the setting sun bathes the area in romantic light.