guanche
Most popular neighborhood in Athens
Plaka is probably the most popular neighborhood in Athens, as well as one of the oldest. And, given its location just below the Acropolis, it's also the one that attracts the most tourists. The neighborhood consists of a cluster small streets full of restaurants and souvenir shops and is divided into two sections (High Plaka and Anafiotika) by Adrianou Street, one of the oldest streets in the city. The origin of the name is unclear, but there are two more or less accepted ideas: one states that the name derives from the Albanian word "pliakou," meaning old. The second version references a large stone plaque which was once located between the Adrianou, Tripodon and Lysicratous streets.
Plaka is small and very easy to cross on foot. I liked the neighborhood because of the historic streets and monuments, though the crowds of tourists are a bit overwhelming. It's not the best place to eat. The prices aren't exorbitant but the quality and authenticity of the food just didn't seem very good. If you do want to eat, make sure to pick a restaurant frequented by locals.
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