Heraklion Street Art Lakkos
Heraklion's Lakkos neighborhood: a former underground hub now a vibrant canvas of street art, offering a unique urban exploration.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, vibrant atmosphere
Heraklion Street Art Lakkos
Best Time
Cooler temps, vibrant atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Heraklion's Lakkos neighborhood: a former underground hub now a vibrant canvas of street art, offering a unique urban exploration.
"A very interesting and unique place with loads of charming wall paintings."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover all the hidden art. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Art
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the unique and colorful murals. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Wall Paintings
Discover a kaleidoscope of charming and unique street art adorning the neighborhood's walls, showcasing the area's artistic transformation.

Lakkos Neighborhood Charm
Experience the quirky, hip, and urban aura of this former underground district, now a hub for local artists and a unique city experience.

Hidden Urban Aura
Wander through abandoned buildings and discover a different, interesting kind of urban atmosphere that sets Lakkos apart.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Urban Art Vibe
Timing is Key for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover all the hidden art. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Art
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the unique and colorful murals. :iphone:
🚶♂️ Explore Beyond the Main Area
Venture into smaller alleys to find more hidden artistic gems. :world_map:
☕ Enjoy a Local Cafe
Stop by a cafe to soak in the local vibe and refuel. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover all the hidden art. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Art
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the unique and colorful murals. :iphone:
🚶♂️ Explore Beyond the Main Area
Venture into smaller alleys to find more hidden artistic gems. :world_map:
☕ Enjoy a Local Cafe
Stop by a cafe to soak in the local vibe and refuel. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Lakkos to be a unique and interesting neighborhood, transformed by vibrant street art. While some parts may appear abandoned, the area offers a cool, hip, and quirky urban vibe with charming wall paintings. It's a great spot for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in Heraklion.
"A very interesting and unique place with loads of charming wall paintings. Once the neighborhood of Heraklion's underground world in the early 20th century, home to prostitutes and poor musicians, Lakkos now has a really cool vibe, hip and quirky in a good way."
SJ Kim
"We didn't sit at the cafe, but the small neighbourhood around it with the many graffittis gave off a different and interesting kind of urban aura. Walk around if you have the time."
Cookie Chan
"Silent and oldish part of the town with lots of abondoned buildings. Visited in the middle of friday on a hot day, so maybe that's why it was so quiet. There were few constructions on the site so was not able to enjoy the graffiti part, but found few quite nice ones."
Elizabet Riddl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lakkos is a neighborhood within Heraklion. You can typically walk from the city center or take a short taxi ride. It's often described as a part of the town you can explore on foot once you're in Heraklion.
While specific bus routes might vary, Lakkos is generally considered walkable from central Heraklion. Taxis are also a convenient option if you're coming from further afield.
The best way to experience Lakkos is by simply walking around and exploring its streets. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of wandering to find the art.
Lakkos is generally considered safe for visitors, especially during the day. It's a neighborhood undergoing revitalization, and many visitors report a positive and interesting experience.
Driving directly into the heart of Lakkos might be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's often recommended to park in a central Heraklion car park and walk or take a short taxi ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Lakkos neighborhood and view the street art. It's an open-air art gallery that you can explore freely.
Lakkos is a residential neighborhood, so it's accessible at any time. However, for the best experience and to see the art in good light, daytime visits are recommended.
Lakkos is a neighborhood, not a single attraction, so there isn't a designated entrance. You can enter it from various points as you explore Heraklion.
While not as common as tours for historical sites, you might find local guides offering street art tours of Heraklion that include Lakkos. It's worth checking local tour operator websites.
While you can technically visit Lakkos at night, it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours to better appreciate the street art and for safety reasons.
📸 📸 Photography
Every corner of Lakkos can be a photo opportunity! Look for murals with interesting details, contrasting textures of old buildings with new art, and capture the overall urban vibe.
Yes, absolutely! Street art is meant to be seen and appreciated. Just be respectful of residents and any private property.
The 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon – often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and bringing out the colors of the murals.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photographing the street art itself. However, always be mindful and avoid photographing residents without their permission.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the vibrant street art. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it will allow for more creative control over lighting and composition.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, the Lakkos neighborhood has cafes and some eateries where you can enjoy local food and drinks. Reviews mention good food available in the area.
You can expect traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine at the local tavernas and cafes. It's a great place to experience authentic local flavors.
Cafes and smaller tavernas in Lakkos often offer more affordable options compared to tourist hotspots. It's a good area to find a tasty and reasonably priced meal.
Many traditional Greek dishes are vegetarian or can be made vegan. Look for options like Horta (wild greens), Gemista (stuffed vegetables), or Fava (split pea dip).
While specific names can change, look for lively cafes that seem popular with locals. Reviews often highlight the good food and cool vibe of the neighborhood's establishments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the neighborhood has a unique urban charm, it's also a residential area. Stick to the main paths and be mindful of the surroundings. Bringing snacks and water is always a good idea, especially on warmer days. The experience can be a great way to break from traditional sightseeing and offer a more dynamic cultural immersion for the whole family.
🚶♂️ Solo Travelers
Feel free to wander at your own pace, stopping to admire the art and soak in the atmosphere. The presence of cafes also provides opportunities to rest, observe, and perhaps strike up a conversation with locals or fellow travelers. It's a safe and rewarding area to explore solo, offering a unique urban adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation of Lakkos
Today, Lakkos is celebrated for its vibrant street art scene. Walls that once held stories of hardship are now canvases for colorful and thought-provoking murals. This artistic infusion has given the neighborhood a 'cool vibe,' described as hip and quirky, attracting visitors looking for an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience in Heraklion. It's a place where history meets contemporary expression, offering a unique perspective on the city.
Experiencing the Street Art
To truly appreciate the art, it's recommended to take your time and explore the smaller streets and alleys. Some of the most impressive pieces might be tucked away, rewarding the curious explorer. The art not only beautifies the area but also serves as a visual narrative of the neighborhood's evolution, reflecting its past and present. It’s a living gallery that constantly changes as new art emerges.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit