Athens Central Market

The basics

This enclosed market is a popular stop on Athens food tours, as well as cooking classes that kick off with a market visit. It sits between the Monastiraki and Omonia neighborhoods and is surrounded by traditional shops selling spices, nuts, charcuterie, cheeses, pastries, and other specialties fanning out on all sides. Visit before or after a city tour to experience a different side of Athens and break up your sightseeing at the ancient ruins.

Things to know before you go

• The market has several tavernas and food counters where you can sample street-food snacks or have a casual lunch.

• The vibe of the market is loud and chaotic, with vendors calling out to shoppers and lots of good-natured haggling.

• The fishmonger area is the most atmospheric for taking photos, but the floors are often covered with innards so watch your step—and don’t wear nice shoes.

• Most stands take credit cards, but cash is always welcome.

• The market is accessible to wheelchairs, though crowds can make it hard to navigate between the stands.

How to get there

The market is in central Athens, just a 15-minute walk from Syntagma Square. The closest metro station is Omonia on the red line, about a 5-minute walk away. You can also visit the market as part of a walking or bike tour of the city’s top sights.

When to get there

Head to the market in the morning to experience it at its liveliest, when the stands are fully stocked and locals are out in force to shop. Midday is also a great time to visit, when you can stop for lunch at one of the street-food stands or other eateries after browsing the market.

Street food at the Central Market

The Central Market is home to several tavernas and food stands, ideal for sampling some of the best Greek street food in Athens. The most historic and famous is Ipiros, known for a variety of dishes, including patsas (stewed tripe). Stoa ton Athanaton is a beloved rebetadiko, where locals gather for a glass of wine or raki and a meze while listening to musicians perform live rebetika music. Karayiannis serves a wide variety of meze paired with ouzo, while Aris serves starters, salads, and grilled meat or fish sourced from the market vendors. You can even purchase fish at the market yourself and Aris will grill it for you on the spot for a small fee.