Old town and historic sights in Athens
Old town and historic sights in Athens means a walk through Plaka, the restored neoclassical district at the foot of the Acropolis, and the Acropolis itself. Plaka's pedestrian lanes are lined with 19th-century houses, shops, restaurants and Roman-era ruins. Most people reach it from the Acropolis or by metro.
Places to go
Plaka
Plaka is the old neighborhood of Athens, climbing the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. Its streets are pedestrian, lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.
Kastella
Kastella is a hilltop neighborhood in Piraeus, built on Profitis Ilias hill, with steep alleys that climb above the harbor. The top rewards the walk with a wide view.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora was the civic heart of classical Athens, a marketplace that also held assembly and residential remains. You walk its open grounds among ruined stoas, temples and foundations.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Plaka sits at the foot of the Acropolis on its northern and eastern slopes. Its restored 19th-century neoclassical homes line pedestrian streets, with shops and restaurants along the way and picturesque Roman-era ruins among them. The district is nicknamed the Neighborhood of the Gods because of how close it lies to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites.
Anafiotika is the calmer corner at the northern edge of Plaka. Its lanes are quiet and many green spaces there are part of the wider green area around the Acropolis. Kastella, a hilltop neighborhood in Piraeus, has picturesque alleys above the harbor and makes a quieter walk. Walking Plaka and Anafiotika suits people who like to go at their own pace and stop for lunch at a taverna.
Where to go
- Plaka. Restored neoclassical homes, pedestrian streets, shops, restaurants and Roman-era ruins at the foot of the Acropolis. At the foot of the Acropolis, by metro.
- Anafiotika. A calm, green corner on the northern edge of Plaka, part of the Acropolis green space. Within Plaka, by walk.
- Kastella, Piraeus. Hilltop neighborhood with picturesque alleys to walk above the harbor. In Piraeus, by walk. A trip that goes here: Piraeus Hop On Hop Off Mini Train, 24 Hours, $12 a person
Getting there
Plaka is reached by metro.
When to go
Spring and late autumn are the best times to visit Athens. Winter is quieter with fewer tourists, and early mornings help you avoid the heaviest crowds in Plaka.
Good to know
- Plaka's main streets get crowded, so start early or walk into the quieter lanes toward Anafiotika.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the old town is made of stone lanes and slopes.
Questions
How far is the old town of Athens from Piraeus port?
Athens is about 12 km from Piraeus port. Plaka is reached by metro, taxi or bus.
Is Plaka worth visiting?
Yes. Plaka has restored 19th-century neoclassical homes, pedestrian streets, shops, restaurants and Roman-era ruins at the foot of the Acropolis. It is busy with tourists, but the lanes are a good place to wander.
Is the Acropolis near Plaka?
Yes. Plaka sits at the foot of the Acropolis on its northern and eastern slopes, so the Acropolis is a short walk from the old town.
