Galaxy

Syntagma & Plaka


Once upon a time (1972 to be exact), this was a modern bar – the sort with an actual European-style bar. Now it's a worn-at-the-edges but atmospheric time capsule with gallant bartenders who respect the spirit of the place, which can be summarised in the framed photos of the Rat Pack and Franz Kafka. It's at the end of the arcade.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Syntagma & Plaka attractions

1. Museum of the Bank of Greece

0.02 MILES

This museum covers the general history of money, from ancient times on. There's a token nod to the euro era, but really this place is about that venerable…

2. National Historical Museum

0.05 MILES

This grand old collection of swords, ship figureheads and portraits of moustachioed generals is a bit short on signage; it's best for people who already…

3. Numismatic Museum

0.08 MILES

The collection of coins here, dating from ancient through to modern times, is excellent, but of more general interest is the dazzling 1881 mansion in…

4. Museum of the City of Athens

0.14 MILES

Housed in two interconnected buildings, including the palace where King Otto lived between 1830 and 1846, this small museum is not so much about the city…

5. Athens Academy

0.16 MILES

This ornate building, completed in 1885 and modelled on Plato's Academy, is Greece's most prestigious research institution. It was designed by Theophil…

6. Koraï 4

0.17 MILES

When the German military occupied Athens in 1941, it requisitioned the Ethniki Insurance offices and for three years used the two-level basement as…

7. Plateia Syntagmatos

0.17 MILES

Generally considered the centre of Athens, this square is a transport hub and general hang-out spot, especially on warm summer evenings when young people…

8. Athens University

0.21 MILES

This splendid building was designed by the Danish architect Christian Hansen and completed in 1864. Although the university has expanded massively around…