Monastiraki

The basics

Monastiraki is always abuzz, as locals and visitors come here to shop, sightsee, dine, and people-watch. Its swarming pedestrian laneways are lined with rows of shops and stalls selling everything from mass-produced souvenirs to handmade carpets and fine jewelry. The area is also home to several notable historic and cultural sights; including the ancient remains of Hadrian’s Library; and the 18th-century Tzistarakis Mosque, which hosts a branch of the Museum of Greek Folk Art.

Many sightseeing tours of Athens combine a visit to Monastiraki with nearby sights such as the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora of Athens. Food and nightlife tours also make stops in Monastiraki, which contains a high concentration of restaurants, wine bars, and tavernas.

Things to know before you go

• Monastiraki is a must for souvenir hunters.
• Haggling is customary at the market, so put on your best poker face and prepare to negotiate. *Arrive hungry; Monastiraki is one of the best places in the city to sample meze, souvlaki, and local wines.

How to get there

Monastiraki is in central Athens, on the north side of the Acropolis. To get here by public transit, ride the Metro (lines 1 or 3) to Monastiraki station.

When to get there

Try to visit on a Sunday, when the flea market is in full swing. Come before 11am to avoid the crowds and—in summer—to avoid the searing midday sun.

Street Food in Monastiraki

Browsing the wares on offer from Monastiraki’s seemingly endless line-up of vendors is hungry business. Rumbling tummies can be sated at the Central Market (Varvakeios Agora) on Athinas Street, where vendors sell everything from pastourma (cured beef) to halva (sweet treats made from tahini and honey); as well as nuts, spices, fish, raw meat, and vegetables. Restaurants near the market prepare simple plates using market produce.

Ways to explore

Monastiraki is always abuzz, as locals and visitors come here to shop, sightsee, dine, and people-watch. Many sightseeing tours of Athens combine a stroll through Monastiraki with nearby sights such as the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora of Athens. You can also visit by bicycle, e-bike, Segway, car, or bus. Food and nightlife tours are a very popular way to discover this dynamic neighborhood. Monastiraki contains a high concentration of restaurants, wine bars, and tavernas, as well as hotels and vacation rentals.

Accessibility

Monastiraki metro station is fully accessible, as is the square. Access to bars, stores, and restaurants varies. As elsewhere in Athens, curbs may be high, sidewalks narrow, and paving uneven.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen and a reusable water bottle are essential for Athens in the summer.

What to wear

A sunhat is a summer must, while a layer comes in handy for spring and fall evenings. Practical shoes are vital year-round.

Not allowed

Make like a local and shun any eatery that has staff on the door touting for trade: If they were as good as they say, they wouldn’t need the advertising.

Address

Monastiraki is in central Athens, on the north side of the Acropolis.

Driving

Driving in downtown Athens is not for the faint-hearted, and parking is thin on the ground. Walk, take public transportation, jump a rideshare or a taxi, or join a tour.

Public transportation

To get here by public transit, ride the metro (lines 1 or 3) to Monastiraki station.

Best times to visit

Monastiraki’s craft stalls, antique stores, and souvenir shops are open from morning until the evening, so there’s really no bad time to visit.

Best days to visit

Sundays are a fun day to visit Monastiraki’s flea market, which often features music from live bands. The nightlife is liveliest on Friday and Saturday nights.

Best months to visit

Shoulder season months—April, May, September, and October—bring smaller crowds and less intense heat than Athens’ summer peak.

Special events

If you’re visiting during Apokries, Greece’s answer to Carnival, which falls in February or March, check local media for parades. They often start in or pass through Monastiraki Square.