CITY STROLLING
PLAKA ANAFIOTIKA
Between the northern slopes of the Acropolis and Ermoú Street, the picturesque Pláka neighborhood boasts two important archaeological sites on Pepopida Street: the first-century BC Roman Agora and the second-century Library of Hadrian. However, the main attraction of this historic area is its charming village ambience. Narrow pedestrian streets and the cheerful little squares of the Pláka quarter are lined with lovely bougainvillea-trimmed pastel-painted houses. Tucked away in peaceful corners of the neighborhood are historic churches, such as the Metamórfosis Church in the southwest and the Church of Kapnikaréa in the north. The picturesque setting invites leisurely strolls.
The Plaka quarter has an abundance of authentic Greek restaurants with inviting terrace seating. The area is famous for its Restaurant Staircase on Mnisikleous Street. Many of the restaurants look enticing but most are tourist traps (with aggressive hosts baiting passersby to enter) and should be avoided. Consult a guidebook or ask a local for recommendations before choosing a restaurant in this area, or instead try the quieter streets hidden away on the hillside, which conceal cute little cafés and tavernas. Also nestled into the slopes north of the Acropolis is Anafiotika, another atmospheric village-like neighborhood where tourists can enjoy a traditional Greek meal. The winding medieval streets of this Anafiotika are also a delight to explore.
MONASTIRAKI FLEA MARKET
A visit to the Monastiraki flea market in Athens is a must. Situated over a large area from Monastiraki square and metro station down to the end of Ermou street, the flea market is open every day, but on Sundays it is even more interesting to visit, as even more objects are on sale, especially on busy Abyssinias square. The flea market actually consists of shops which are open every day and on Sundays there is the extra bonus of open air improvised stalls. Things to buy range from clothes to old books, stamps, coins, furniture, bric a brac, postcards, memorabilia, decorative objects and more. The prices can vary and bargaining is always necessary. Even just browsing the shops and vendors is great fun.
Between the northern slopes of the Acropolis and Ermoú Street, the picturesque Pláka neighborhood boasts two important archaeological sites on Pepopida Street: the first-century BC Roman Agora and the second-century Library of Hadrian. However, the main attraction of this historic area is its charming village ambience. Narrow pedestrian streets and the cheerful little squares of the Pláka quarter are lined with lovely bougainvillea-trimmed pastel-painted houses. Tucked away in peaceful corners of the neighborhood are historic churches, such as the Metamórfosis Church in the southwest and the Church of Kapnikaréa in the north. The picturesque setting invites leisurely strolls.
The Plaka quarter has an abundance of authentic Greek restaurants with inviting terrace seating. The area is famous for its Restaurant Staircase on Mnisikleous Street. Many of the restaurants look enticing but most are tourist traps (with aggressive hosts baiting passersby to enter) and should be avoided. Consult a guidebook or ask a local for recommendations before choosing a restaurant in this area, or instead try the quieter streets hidden away on the hillside, which conceal cute little cafés and tavernas. Also nestled into the slopes north of the Acropolis is Anafiotika, another atmospheric village-like neighborhood where tourists can enjoy a traditional Greek meal. The winding medieval streets of this Anafiotika are also a delight to explore.
MONASTIRAKI FLEA MARKET
A visit to the Monastiraki flea market in Athens is a must. Situated over a large area from Monastiraki square and metro station down to the end of Ermou street, the flea market is open every day, but on Sundays it is even more interesting to visit, as even more objects are on sale, especially on busy Abyssinias square. The flea market actually consists of shops which are open every day and on Sundays there is the extra bonus of open air improvised stalls. Things to buy range from clothes to old books, stamps, coins, furniture, bric a brac, postcards, memorabilia, decorative objects and more. The prices can vary and bargaining is always necessary. Even just browsing the shops and vendors is great fun.
Luwian Athens Hotel
P. Tsaldari 10, Athens 10431
T. +302144094740
E. reservations@luwian.gr
License Number: 1350269
P. Tsaldari 10, Athens 10431
T. +302144094740
E. reservations@luwian.gr
License Number: 1350269
