The streets may be pedestrianized, but don’t presume that everyone plays by the rules – keep an eye out for the occasional speeding motorbike!
Located immediately to the north of the Acropolis, Plaka is the historic heart of Athens. Its proximity to the famous Athenian citadel, and its abundance of religious shrines, have earned it the nickname “Neighbourhood of the Gods”, and you often feel a sense of wonder at this beautiful place as you wander through it.
Lost and Found
Lying on top of and around the ruins of the ancient Athenian agora, Plaka was actually abandoned by its inhabitants during the 1820s because of the fierce battles of the Greek War of Independence being fought against the Ottoman Empire. They soon drifted back, though, and the neigbourhood began to rebuild. These days, Plaka is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, and after spending some time there, the reasons become obvious.
An Easy Pace of Life
Most of the streets in Plaka are pedestrianised, making a stroll through the neighborhood a pleasantly relaxing change from the often hectic avenues in rest of Athens. You can wander beneath hanging flowers, past beautiful old red-roofed houses and towards one of the many street vendors selling delicious plates of traditional Greek food. It’s a great place to unwind with a cold drink and watch the everyday happenings of traditional Athenian life. If you’re after designated attractions, the lovely Byzantine Saint Nicholas Ragavas church is almost a thousand years old, the ruins of the ancient agora are great for a sense of historical perspective, and the exquisite Lysicrates monument is the dramatic ancient centrepiece of Tripodon Street.
If you only have a short amount of time in Athens and want to see as much as possible in one day, this full-day private tour is the perfect option for you! You will visit the Greek Essentials, including the Parthenon, Acropolis Hill, New Acropolis Museum, the Plaka neighbourhood, the Ancient Greek Agora and the Olympic Stadium.
On your all-inclusive, private full-day tour of Athens, you will:
With your expert guide, you will discover the city’s most important cultural sites, including the colossal remains of the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the plateau of the Acropolis, you will find the awe-inspiring heights of the Parthenon pillars, gaze on the beautiful female forms of the Caryatid columns, discover some of the earliest theatres known to man and enjoy panoramic views over the city.
Your guide will explain the central role these monuments, and more, played in classical society and immerse you in the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. You will also wander through the Agora, the heart of classical Athens. Once a bustling marketplace, in these now peaceful ruins, you’ll walk in Socrates’ footsteps amongst classic temples and Byzantine churches, learning how Athens became the birthplace of democracy
On your way to lunch at a place recommended by your local guide, explore bustling Plaka, the oldest district in the city. Sometimes called “the neighbourhood of the gods”, Plaka is known for its winding alleyways and scenic shopping.
After finishing lunch, escape the heat of the day with a visit to the spectacular (and air-conditioned) New Acropolis Museum. Here you will learn firsthand the artistic wonders that once adorned the monuments of the Acropolis.
Finally, you will also visit the stunningly marbled Panathenaic Stadium. Constructed for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, this immense structure is a strong reminder of the continuing legacy of ancient Athens in the modern day.
This tour includes the "combo ticket" that will give you skip-the-line access to the Roman Agora, Kerameikos site & Museum, Lykeion Gymnasium, Hadrian's Library and the Temple of Olympian Zeus during the 4 days following your tour.
Experience the glorious ancient city of Athens, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities, where venturing off the tourist drag is near impossible without a passionate, knowledgeable local guide.
On your private walking tour of Athens, you will:
Named after the goddess Athena, Greece’s capital is one of the world’s oldest cities spanning over 3,400 years of history, and human settlements are believed to date back to the 11th millennium BC. Today, the city packs a heady punch of fascinating ancient history, and hip, gritty neighbourhoods all overlooked by the iconic Acropolis.
Enjoy meaningful insights from a local Athenian as you wander around the buzzing historic centre. As you explore the famed shopping street, Pandrossou Street, your guide will give you invaluable recommendations for the artisanal shops, and authentic restaurants - many of which are hidden in plain sight.
On your walking tour, you’ll see several of the city's major attractions, including Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds, and the Lysicrates Monument, and hear their fascinating stories from your guide. You will be taken to one of the oldest bakeries in Athens, where you can enjoy a coffee and a traditional Greek pastry - while jotting down more expert recommendations for food!
Your tour ends in front of the incredible Acropolis Museum - one of the most important museums in the world with art history stretching back 2400 years. It was ranked the 11th best museum in the world, and you are welcome to explore at your own pace.
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