For the third time in five days I entered the center of Athens and there was a demonstration that all roads leading to Syntagma square and the parliament building be blocked by police cordons. Today it was the turn of the workers of the Ministry of Culture, so there were no public museums or art galleries open. Of course, you could still visit the Acropolis, and after all, that is the main attraction in Athens after all these centuries. As my taxi driver told me as we passed to enter Plaka (a winding route, but very picturesque) “The steps may be new, but the rock is the same rock.”
Only a stray dog seemed to notice when we were going the wrong way down a one-way street. He was a little upset when he heard the horn and had to move from his sleeping position in the middle of the street. I finally reached my destination: Kidathenaeion Street and was glad I took the detour as I will be leaving Athens in a few days and will miss this area under the shadow of the Acropolis more than I can say.
If you start at Syntagma Square and go through Mitropoleus Street, where the cathedral stands in its ornate splendor, go straight on Philellenon Street and turn right in front of the Russian Church. This is the beginning of Kidathenaeion Street and Plaka. Plaka means “joke” and the area was noted for its bohemianism in 19th-century Athens. Now you can still see the carefully restored neoclassical buildings that thirty years ago were neglected and in disrepair. Over the years they have been restored to their former glory.
At the top of this marble street is a small restaurant where you can have good coffee and pastries, cheese or spinach pies, the traditional Greek sandwiches and international rolls, baguettes and wraps. There are also beers and soft drinks, including natural orange juice.
Walk a little further and on the corner of Kidathenaeion and Nikis streets is Majestic Travel, an unattractive place but a travel agency that I have used frequently over the years and has always given me good value for money. price and friendly service. To the right is a small corner store that sells just about everything.
Cross Nikis street and you are in the tourist area with souvenir shops ranging from cheap shops to expensive gold shops. There are traditional Greek taverns, a couple of pizzerias, the Folk Art Museum and a beautiful Byzantine church opposite.
Cross the road and you will come to the leather goods store on your left and a bar on your right, and walk a little further until you find Plaka Taverna and a cafe bar opposite it, facing a small square where you can sunbathe . or sit in the shade provided by the café-bar and the huge hundred-year-old trees. By now you could probably use some food and Plaka Taverna has been my choice for over thirty years.
When you’ve eaten, walk to Adrianou Street and see the ruins of the agora, then come back and pass all the souvenir shops that line both sides of that street. If you walk all that street you will reach the ruins of the Roman baths in the Monastiraki area, where there are more cafes-bars and taverns and from where you have a clear view of the Acropolis.
Don’t let the protests stop you from spending time in Athens, the rest of the mainland, or the Greek islands. You can always get information about demonstrations from hotel staff and travel agency staff. I have been able to cross Athens without much trouble during the street closures for demonstrations. Just be prepared for a little detour and pay about three euros more if you’re in a taxi.
Come to know Athens and walk through my favorite street! The country needs you!