Plaka is one of the oldest residential areas in Athens. The name Plaka means joke, and you can certainly have fun in this area of Athens. You may have thought of walking up to the Parthenon, and if you do, you will walk through this district, remarkable for its Neo-Classical architecture. There are other archaeological sites to visit in this area too.
Plaka was built around 1834 after Greece won its independence from the Turks, and although the beautiful 19th century buildings fell into disrepair, they have now been bought and lovingly restored to their original glory by wealhy Athenians and other Europeans.
Many young people now go to Psirri and Gazi for their entertainment, but Plaka is the place to go for a night time stroll and to sample traditional Greek cuisine.
How to Get to Plaka from Syntagma Square
You need to be on the opposite side of the road to the Parliament building, near the main post office, where there are a line of bus stops. Cross the road near the post office and walk up Philellinon Street, on the right hand side. Opposite the Russian Church on your left, there is a small side street, Kidathenaeion, on your right. If it has been raining, take care as the street’s paving slabs are made of marble, reminders of the areas past splendour. You are now officially in Plaka.
Shopping in Kidathenaeion Street
There are many souvenir shops, some selling Greek speciality foodstuffs, olive oil, mastica, pistachio nuts, almonds, saffron and a whole cornucopia of other delights. Kombouloi (worry beads) can be purchased as can paintings, postcards, replicas of archaeological finds, and the inevitable gold and silver jewellery.
Places of Interest in Kidathenaeion Street
There is a Children’s Museum which has programmes for children, which are offered in different languages, so that children can learn about Greek culture, history and traditions. Close by is the Greek Folk Art Museum, with exhibits of traditional crafts, such as embroidery and icons. In the narrow side streets you will also find art galleries.
You will also pass the Byzantine Church and if you go one evening, you may see a Greek wedding in progress. The street is pedestrianized, so the wedding processions and Easter celebrations can all be seen on this street.
Eating in Kidathenaeion Street
There are many traditional tavernas on this street, all offering much the same fare at similar prices. One, The Acropol, has traditional dancing outside most of the afternoon and evening. This is tucked away behind the little square where there is a kiosk which sells just about everything. The tavernas get crowded on Sunday lunchtimes, but the rest of the time you can find a convenient table. If you’ve just come back from a trip to the Parthenon, you will probably need to sit and relax. The atmosphere in Plaka is just that, although sometimes the kamakis can be annoying. These are the people who try to get customers into the tavernas. However some are working on a commission only basis, so you can understand why they are persistent.
Nighttime in Plaka
You can have a meal and then go to the Plaza open air cinema on the same street. It usually shows new films, especially if they have a Greek theme, and it is fun to sit and watch the pipestrelles fly in and out of the light across the screen.
It is at night that you can see why Plaka is the Joke, as holiday makers and Greeks are all there to have as much fun as they can.
The Plaka Village in the Heart of Athens
Although it‘s in the heart of Athens, Plaka seems a world away. There are the cats, which feature on so many Greek postcards and calendars, as well as stray dogs. The unusual thing about these is that they all have names. Ask a waiter and he will tell you the dog’s history. Kidathenaeion
Everyone is friendly, and if you are a lone tourist, someone will engage you in conversation. If you want to avoid others-take a book.
There are hotels here too, and they range from hostels on this street, to 5 star ones in the near vicinity. It’s a place that would be great to stay in, if you want to see the Greek lifestyle - and that involves a lot of eating and drinking. The Greek god of wine, Dionysus, must surely approve of life in Plaka.
Mark Azavedo 05/15/2010 'The New Athens: Psirri and Gazi" suite 101
Barbara Rogers 12/06/2006 "Athens Gateway to Greece" Suite 101
Lynne Evans - I have a BA(hons) in English and American Lit, and a MEd in TEFL and multicultural education.I have been a consultant in the fields of ...
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