Plaka

Plaka is the historic old town of Athens, spread across the northeastern slope of the Acropolis and largely pedestrianised. Its lanes are lined with neoclassical mansions, small churches, souvenir and craft shops, and café and taverna terraces.

Landmarks such as the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds and the Lysicrates Monument sit within its streets, and Anafiotika is tucked above. It is busy in high season, but quieter early or late in the day, when the stone lanes and bougainvillea-draped facades are most pleasant to wander.

Allow time to get pleasantly lost.