Right in the heart of the flea market this popular small restaurant fills up quickly on weekends. Café Abyssinias is a popular spot where friends meet to share a carafe of wine and share appetizers. The second floor is quieter and offers a great view of the Acropolis. Reservations recommended.
Just a stone's throw away from Plaka, the Monastiraki Flea Market and the boutiques along Ermou Street, Bairaktaris pays hommage to Athens of pre-war times. This charming taverna has preserved the atmosphere of a bygone era in a unique way with its authentic decor, the simple but tasty food and old songs performed by guitar players. The taverna's specialty are the excellent kebabs and gyros that can also be ordered for take-away. In addition, there is a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes as well as tempting appetizers and salads.
Julius Caesar and Augustus built an extension to the older ancient Greek agora in the 1st century BC. This marketplace - a large building approximately 111 by 98 meters - was made up of a spacious courtyard, shops, storerooms and stoas. One of the most interesting sights within the Roman agora is the Tower of the Winds. This octagonal marble tower (which served as a water clock, compass, sundial, weather vane and water clock) was built by an astronomer. On each of its eight sides is a depiction of a directional wind. It is flanked by two gates east and west of the market. A 15th century mosque lies north of the agora along with the Gate of Athena Archegetis which today is relatively intact. This impressive gate consisted of a Doric portico and four columns. Note that visiting hours vary slightly during the summer and winter. Call for details.
The Dora Stratou Dance Theatre sponsors a festival each summer which offers an excellent opportunity for guests to sample this wealth of customs and traditions through a spectacular presentation of Greek folk dances. The dances and songs (from all parts of Greece) are performed by a group of 75 dancers, musicians and singers all decked in traditional costumes. This garden theatre which has a capacity for 900 persons is located at the back of Philopappou Hill, near the Acropolis.
One of the most authentic places for an alfresco dinner in Plaka is Xynos. Once you have managed to find the rather hidden entrance of this traditional taverna, you will discover the serene garden in the backyard where the tables have been set up. The unpretentious cuisine serves traditional Greek fare such as lamb, piglet and several vegetarian dishes. Musicians will accompany your dinner with a serenade of old songs.
There are only a few eateries in the old town of Plaka that stand out from the area's numerous tourist traps, namely the tavernas that are frequented not only by visitors but also by Greeks. This century-old eatery hidden in the basement of an old building, is one of them thanks to its hard-to-find authenticity and its loyal clientele. Don't expect fancy food here. Traditional taverna fare is served with simple but very tasty dishes such as deep-fried cod (bakaliaros), the specialty of the house.
Charming taverna nestled within the quaint historic Plaka district just below the Acropolis. Tou Psara, which means the fisherman’s taverna, dates back to 1898 and occupies two restored homes, a tree-covered courtyard and a terrace. Choose a handful of flavourful appetizers or settle in for a more substantial meal by selecting a regional Greek dish. Yellow chequered table linens, exposed stonework and wood create a welcoming rustic ambience both in and outdoors. The bougainvillea-covered terrace offers views out over the city and the courtyard offers a neighbourhood charm. Dine to live folk music and enjoy the friendly service. This taverna offers a memorable Greek dining experience that sees many return guests, Athenians and visitors alike.
Kouti
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Kouti (meaning the ‘box') is situated right next to the Ancient Agora in Monastiraki, just a short stroll from the Acropolis and the Old Town of Athens. The restaurant, occupying an old mansion, is the right place to unwind after visiting the numerous sites of the area. Kouti features mainly classic international cuisine with rather simple but tasty dishes, as well as a choice of salads and desserts. The draft beer served by the friendly staff is the perfect treat on a hot summer day.
Octagonal tower known in Greek as Aeridhes, was designed by astronomer Andronikos of Kyrrhos in the 1st century BC. It is one of the most interesting sights within the Roman Agora. This marble tower served as a water clock, compass, sundial, weather vane and water clock. On each side of the tower is a relief of a floating figure personifying the eight winds (Eolou, Boreas, Skiron, Zephyros, Lips, Notos, Euros, Apiliotis and Kaikias).
South of the Acropolis stands the world's oldest theatre. It was constructed in the 6th century BC and rebuilt in the 4th century BC. All the works of the great ancient dramatists Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were first performed at this location during the 5th century BC. Walking uphill towards the Acropolis, you will come across the Eumenes Arcade (constructed in the 2nd century BC) and the Asklepios Temple. Further to the west is the Odeon of Herod Atticus, a Roman theatre still used for concerts and performances.
The Odeon of Herod Atticus is an impressive open-air steep-sloped stone amphitheater situated on the south slope of the Acropolis. It was built by the Roman ruler Herodes Atticus in 161 AD in memory of his wife. It was originally constructed with a wooden roof with a seating capacity for 5,000. Since the 1950s the theater has been hosting musical, dance and theatrical events which are part of the Athens Festival. Check the Athens Festival calendar during the months of June through September. It is well worth experiencing a performance firsthand where you can admire this site in all its glory. It is located next to Dionysos Theater the world's oldest theatre built in the 6th century BC. Accessible by metro, Acropolis station.
The Ancient Agora, marketplace, was the heart of ancient Athens and the center of political, administrative, commercial and social life for centuries. Socrates strolled through the Agora 2,500 years ago engaging people in long, philosophical discussions. This unique archaeological park served as the city's marketplace from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD. Scattered throughout the Agora are statues and ruins of numerous buildings, the most interesting of which is the well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos or Thission, built in the 5th century BC. Many archaeological finds (some 65,000) are on display inside the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, a majestic building from the 2nd century BC. South of the Stoa of Attalos is the precious Byzantine church of Agii Apostoli. Free to children under 18 years of age.
A splendid religious complex, the Acropolis consists of several temples, which were built by the world's first democracy during the 5th century BC. The most majestic building of all is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Parthenon became the paragon of classical Greek architecture, and has suffered serious damage over the years. Visit the Acropolis Museum which features an outstanding collection of ancient Greek sculptures.
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