When you walk around Athens on foot, a walk around Plaka and Monastiraki is a must.

Plaka is the most picturesque neighborhood of Athens, being built under (and in some places even upon) the sacred rock of Acropolis. This is precisely why all its buildings are low and many of them have an architectural beauty similar to the monument located above them. In Plaka you have the chance to admire ancient monuments such as the Roman Agora, the Winds(Aerides) and the Monument of Lysicrates, but also museums such as the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments of Phoebus Anoyanakis, the Frissiras Museum and the Hellenic Children's Museum. Every corner of Plaka hides a landmark, a detail worth admired. Apart from sightseeing, in Plaka you can also do the necessary shopping before you leave Athens. It features excellent shops for art, jewelry, leather goods and general memorabilia.

Next to Plaka is the neighborhood of Monastiraki, the name of which has become synonymous to the word 'bargain'. Here you can find literally everything (no joking). Antiques, books, everyday items, collectibles, anything you can think about is sold (and bought) here. In Monastiraki square you can still see the ruins of the Hadrian's Library, the Mosque of Tzistarakis but also a piece of the ancient bed of Eridanus river, which once ran through Athens. Shopping-addicts beware, for it is Ermou street that passes through Monastiraki square. This is the leading commercial street of Athens, ending at Syntagma Square.

If after so much walking you get hungry, both Plaka and Monastiraki have restaurants and taverns with food and snacks that will make you feel sated.