Plaka

This charming old neighborhood is full of cafés and restaurants as well as shops aimed at tourists (with prices to match). That said, it's definitely one of the nicest parts of Athens to wander around and is centrally located near archaeological sites and museums. Whether you explore Athens independently or as part of a city tour, you're likely to end up here at some point. Dozens of guided tours pass through the neighborhood, from small-group walking tours and shore excursions to night tours and tours that include dinner or a Greek dance performance.

• Plaka is a must-visit for all first-time visitors.

• Plaka is a reliable place to buy souvenirs, but expect prices to be inflated.

• Much of the neighborhood is wheelchair-accessible, but check ahead with individual attractions for accessibility information.

Pedestrian-friendly Plaka is located in the heart of Athens, near the Acropolis and many of the city's numerous museums. It's easy to get to using the metro—both the Acropoli and Monastiraki stations are near the neighborhood—and the huge Syntagma Square transit hub is nearby.

Plaka is a 24-hour destination, so it's best to plan your visit around what you want to see in the area; for example, while the sprawling Acropolis Museum is open daily, the Bath House of the Winds is closed on Tuesdays. Hang around when night falls for a meal in a local taverna or, at the very least, a drink in a pub.

Arguably the prettiest part of Plaka, Anafiotika is a charming little area that was originally constructed by migrant workers from the Cyclades, who came to work on King Otto's palace. Much of its architecture was influenced by the hometowns of the original inhabitants, with whitewashed walls and lots of angular structures typical to the islands. It’s a fun place to wander and worth visiting for great city views.