Plaka walking route: from Syntagma to Anafiotika and the Acropolis Museum
Plaka is the old quarter at the foot of the Acropolis, and the best way to see it is on foot. Here is a route with the stops, walking times and metro stations.
- You can cross Plaka on foot in under 20 minutes, but with stops the route takes a few hours.
- The main streets are Kydathineon and Adrianou; Panos street climbs to Anafiotika.
- The nearest metro stations are Syntagma, Monastiraki and Akropoli.
Start at Syntagma, walk down Kydathineon, climb to Anafiotika and finish at the Roman Agora and Monastiraki. Wear comfortable shoes: Anafiotika has stairs and uneven stone.
Getting to Plaka
Plaka sits between Syntagma Square, Monastiraki and the Acropolis. Three metro stations are close:
| Station | Lines | Walk to central Plaka |
|---|---|---|
| Syntagma | 2 and 3 | 5-7 minutes via Nikis street |
| Monastiraki | 1 and 3 | about 3 minutes to the start of Adrianou |
| Akropoli | 2 | about 7 minutes via Dionysiou Areopagitou |
From the airport, metro line 3 reaches Syntagma in about 40 minutes. See the Athens metro guide.
The route
1. Syntagma and Kydathineon. Leave Syntagma along Nikis street. Kydathineon starts near Nikis and runs south-west into the heart of Plaka, past the Church of the Holy Trinity, one of the Byzantine churches scattered through the quarter.
2. Lysicrates Monument. On Lysicratous street stands a circular marble monument from 335 BC, one of the oldest surviving examples of the Corinthian order.
3. Adrianou street. Kydathineon meets Adrianou near a small square that serves as a meeting point. Adrianou crosses Plaka east to west and is home to the Benizelos Mansion, described as the oldest surviving private house in Athens (early 18th century).
4. Up to Anafiotika. From the junction, climb steep Panos street. Anafiotika was built in the mid-19th century by craftsmen from the island of Anafi working on the royal palace: whitewashed houses with blue shutters. It is best early in the morning or at dusk.
5. Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds. On Plaka's western edge, along Adrianou. The Tower of the Winds is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in Greece.
6. Hadrian's Library and Monastiraki. On the border of Plaka and Monastiraki, often overlooked and rarely crowded. From there it is 3 minutes to Monastiraki station.
How long does it take?
Crossing Plaka takes under 20 minutes. With stops, photos and coffee, allow a few hours. From central Plaka to the base of the Acropolis is about 15 minutes uphill through Anafiotika. The streets are flat near Syntagma and Monastiraki and climb sharply toward the Acropolis.
On to the Acropolis and the museum
The main Acropolis entrance is on the south-west side of the hill, from Dionysiou Areopagitou. In summer, book tickets in advance: see the Acropolis guide. The Acropolis Museum is about 10 minutes' walk south and deserves a separate visit of a couple of hours. The Ancient Agora is about 15 minutes west via Monastiraki.
Tips
- Some churches require covered shoulders and knees.
- In summer, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Want to shop afterwards? See shopping in Athens.
FAQ
How much time do you need for Plaka? You can cross it in under 20 minutes, but with the stops on this route plan a few hours.
Which metro station is closest to Plaka? Monastiraki for the west side, Syntagma for the north-east and Akropoli for the south.
What is Anafiotika? A small quarter on the upper slopes of Plaka, built in the mid-19th century by craftsmen from Anafi, with island-style white houses.
Can you walk from Plaka to the Acropolis? Yes, about 15 minutes uphill through Anafiotika, or via Dionysiou Areopagitou to the main entrance.
