Athens City will use the cautious post-pandemic opening to tourism to begin restructuring the city of Athens.

A three-month ban of traffic to the city centre is among other restrictions to be introduced in order to promote a project known as the Grand Walk of Athens, a pedestrian-friendly program.

Traffic in Athens’ historical centre will be affected at the beginning of June and through to August, affecting the broader area of Plaka as demarcated by Mitropoleos, Ermou, Athinas, and Stadiou Streets, and in the section of Ermou Street from Athinas to Agion Asomaton Streets. Stadiou will remain open to traffic throughout the summer.

The ministerial decision also clarifies that Panepistimiou, Filellinon, Vasilissis Olgas, Irodou Attikou, and Stadiou streets (from Karagiorgi Servias street to Mitropoleos street) will also see restriction rolling out throughout the summer, so as to improve pedestrian traffic and cyclists.

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The overall urban development plan for Athens provides for a 6.8 km pedestrian walk (including the capital’s historical centre of Plaka) and will free some 5 hectares of public space for citizens and visitors, including a bicycle lane on central Panepistimiou Street.