Monastiraki
Monastiraki
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Lively flea market neighborhood with lots of small tavernas serving good-value local snacks.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience Monastiraki
The area
Neighborhood: Monastiraki
Monastiraki is a souvenir-hunting enclave with a difference. Apart from the dramatic backdrop of the Acropolis, its network of alleys and pedestrianized streets surround the remains of both the Greek and Roman agoras, adding the quaint concept that this is where the ancients also came to shop. Named after the tiny monastery church at its center, Monastiraki Square is a lively spot by day or night, with street peddlers vying for your attention to sell you nuts and sweets. Down beside the metro station, the official Flea Market is an unbroken row of souvenir shops until you come to antique-oriented Platia Avissinias, while Pandrossou Street on the other side of the square offers more tourist shopping. The pedestrianized street beside the Greek Agora is lined with cafés offering fine views.
How to get there
- Monastiraki • 1 min walk
- Thissio • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,547 within 3 miles
Attractions
559 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
5,689 reviews
Excellent
2,545
Very good
2,204
Average
701
Poor
142
Terrible
96
Mevo
Port Erin, UK24 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Ignore the bad reviews these are tourists who get stuck next to the flea market get into the backstreets across the road there is amazing eclectic mix of street food places wine bars, cocktail bars and an incredible vibrant scene. If you end up on the tourist side of monastaraki and see the acropolis there is not much except nice waking.. head up past Starbucks towards the shops cross the road and the enter a world of street food and amazing bars crawling with local young people all out for a good time. Amazing cocktail bars, graffiti murals and a large area to explore with people eating drinking and dancing in the street. I did not rate Athens the first two trips I made in 2015 and 2017 but when I found this place in 2020 I came back in 2021 and will keep coming back as my first and last port of call while touring the islands!
Another good area unspoilt by bucket loads of tourists (yes monestraki isn’t if you go where I have said there and very few tourists) is Phillipou again great bars and street food filled with locals and local prices not acropolis rip off.
Another good area unspoilt by bucket loads of tourists (yes monestraki isn’t if you go where I have said there and very few tourists) is Phillipou again great bars and street food filled with locals and local prices not acropolis rip off.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia16,140 contributions
Jul 2021
Monastiraki is one of Athens liveliest neighborhoods - a mix of history where on one hand one will find Greek and Roman ruins, Ottoman Mosque, Orthodox Churches ..etc and on the other hand hundreds of bars, restaurants, clubs, souvenir shops,...
The area is much more interesting and nicer at night.
The main square is just beneath the spectacularly illuminated Acropolis. Here you will find bunch of restaurants and shops.
For clubs and cafes cross the main street and get lost in the maze of alleys with terrific graffiti, murals and all kinds of clubs.
NOTE: this is a highly visited area, so you might expect scams and pickpockets here. In order to avoid several travelers experience here, use your common sense as in any other city and you'll be fine.
The area is much more interesting and nicer at night.
The main square is just beneath the spectacularly illuminated Acropolis. Here you will find bunch of restaurants and shops.
For clubs and cafes cross the main street and get lost in the maze of alleys with terrific graffiti, murals and all kinds of clubs.
NOTE: this is a highly visited area, so you might expect scams and pickpockets here. In order to avoid several travelers experience here, use your common sense as in any other city and you'll be fine.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CuriousTravelerRadio
Lancaster, PA1,458 contributions
Sep 2022
Monasteraki has some decent shopping, and frankly, it is slowly getting better than the old junk T-shirts that you can find anywhere. The streets are very narrow so try to go on an off time. Be alert - lots of pickpockets during tourist season!
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Demothesis
Portsmouth, UK251 contributions
Mar 2022
Monastiraki really is tourist central and understandably so, as it is located within walking distance of almost all of the main Athen attractions. Actually a fairly attractive district, it does however suffer from ‘tourist’ prices which means you are going to pay high prices for food & drink. If you walk north just a few blocks, prices will decrease 1/3 for almost everything. Walk half a mile and then will decrease another 1/3.
Plenty (if not an over abundance) of tourist shops all selling the same tacky items.
Plenty (if not an over abundance) of tourist shops all selling the same tacky items.
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
permia
Ireland38,313 contributions
Feb 2020
Staying in Psirri this was our first port-of-call in the marvellous city. Exciting and vibrant it’s a magnet for locals and visitors alike.
We enjoyed fine vistas of the Acropolis while strolling around. Grand Tzisdarakis Mosque now hosts modern Greek pottery exhibitions, but unfortunately was between exhibitions.
Lots of eatery choices beckon especially on bustling Pandrossou and Mitropoleos that are steeped in atmospheric welcomes.
Glorious Hadrian’s Library is outstanding and what is to be seen today provides an opening onto what was a vast space, including a cloistered courtyard bounded by one hundred columns.
What remains of the Little Monastery, whence the name, is exemplified by the gorgeous Church of St. Mary Pantanassa.
Conveniently a Metro station serving M1 and M3 is here; the latter takes you to the airport.
We enjoyed fine vistas of the Acropolis while strolling around. Grand Tzisdarakis Mosque now hosts modern Greek pottery exhibitions, but unfortunately was between exhibitions.
Lots of eatery choices beckon especially on bustling Pandrossou and Mitropoleos that are steeped in atmospheric welcomes.
Glorious Hadrian’s Library is outstanding and what is to be seen today provides an opening onto what was a vast space, including a cloistered courtyard bounded by one hundred columns.
What remains of the Little Monastery, whence the name, is exemplified by the gorgeous Church of St. Mary Pantanassa.
Conveniently a Metro station serving M1 and M3 is here; the latter takes you to the airport.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WinerDinerFaversham
Belfast, UK71 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This is an area bustling with restaurants and shops. Every imaginable curio is available as well as a few shops selling quality olive wood gifts. The restaurants are actually quite good-well the one we stumbled on is. If you fancy wandering between gifts, curios and restaurants it’s well worth it.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sherlock arting
Rome, GA142 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
Monastiraki ( literally little monastery) is a flea market neighborhood in the old town of Athens, Greece, and is one of the principal shopping districts in Athens. The area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction in Athens and Attica for bargain shopping. The area is named after Monastiraki Square, which in turn is named for the Church of the Pantanassa that is located within the square. The main streets of this area are Pandrossou Street and Adrianou Street.The Monastiraki Metro Station, located on the square, serves both Line 1 and Line 3 of the Athens Metro.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shush
Kingswinford, UK163 contributions
Feb 2020
Bustling area filled with locals and tourists. The centre square is a little scruffy and you probably need to keep a close eye on your wallet. The flea market entrance is off this square which is a busy area filled with shops selling all manner of items. Also close by are several Roman sites - Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library - connected by a row of busy restaurants running down the metro line. Bustling atmosphere with buskers. The far end of the market has an area of antique dealers selling all manner of items. Leads onto Psyrri area which again is an interesting place with plenty of eateries and specialist shops. Served by the Monastiraki metro
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sharon H
Las Vegas, NV2,079 contributions
May 2019
Monastiraki is a busting marketplace with many colorful shops, vendors, and restaurants. Performers and musicians play on the streets and in the outdoor tavernas, and the wonderful smells of food grilling is everywhere. Perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or evening!
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ginges_revenge
Brisbane, Australia2,749 contributions
Mar 2020
Its not a bad neighborhood. We had lunch in Monastiraki Square which was quite boring and wasn't the nicest or cleanest place we had been. Its got history but also a lot of tacky touristy shops selling the same souvenirs you can get all over the city. Id rather spend my time looking at the history rather than shopping. You can do that anywhere. Your in Athens, a place with amazing history, spend your time looking at that.
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gigi A
San Lorenzo, CA3 contributions
Hello we are going in October for 2 days, any recommendations to where & what to do? Thanks.
BS R
Fremont, CA48 contributions
Just walk everywhere. Athens is small enough that you can explore. Even though Monastiraki can be sketchy, still worth checking out. Also la plaka, Acropolis obviously. Ermou street always bustling.
db15523
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
Are the shops open late in the evenings on week days?
Escape-overseas
Stevenage, UK1,757 contributions
Hi,
There are a lot of tourist shops in the area which appeared to be open into the night, as with the other tourist hot spots, together with restaurants and ice cream shops. Certainly during the late evening you shouldn't struggle to spend your hard earned cash.
Antoine D
Montreal, Canada132 contributions
Hello
I m visiting Athens on April and i would like to know a good place to buy Orthodox Icons in downtown Athens
If someone can help me
Thank you
M D
Washington DC, DC467 contributions
I would not buy one in Monastiriki. Maybe worth calling the Greek embassy here in the US for advice. Athens is great! Have a fantastic time! Sunday is flea market day in Monastiriki if you like shopping antiques but be wary of fakes.
Carla S
Lebanon
Flormar store is open on sunday?
Thank you
Anna A
Athens, Greece162 contributions
Hi,
All regular stores are closed in Greece on Sunday. But the stores, restaurants, coffee shops are open on Sundays in Monastiraki all year around at least until late afternoon as this is the main tourist area,
P1er
Texas19 contributions
Are the Monastiraki shops now open on Sundays??
Alexandra C
31 contributions
Yup
vicu70
Hurlingham, Argentina213 contributions
Hola Viviana,voy a estar en Atenas en agosto.El mercado funciona todos los dias o solo fin de semana??? me alojo en Plaka ,alguna sugerencia?? recomendaciones para comer??? gracias.Victoria
Monastiraki (Athens) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Monastiraki
- Monastiraki is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Monastiraki tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 153 Monastiraki tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Monastiraki:
- Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens (From $75.82)
- Experience the Athens Nightlife (From $64.83)
- Small-Group Athens Food Walk (From $53.84)
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Athens Private Tour (From $158.23)
- Athens Full Day Private Tour (From $153.84)
- Hotels near Monastiraki:
- (0.01 mi) 360 Degrees Hotel
- (0.03 mi) Athens Observatory Suite - Breathtaking views of the Acropolis
- (0.03 mi) LUXURY PENTHOUSE 2 -ACROPOLIS VIEW
- (0.03 mi) A for Athens
- (0.03 mi) My Athens Place - Eleni Suite
- Restaurants near Monastiraki:
- (0.01 mi) 360 Degrees
- (0.01 mi) Τhe Greco’s Sea Prj Monastiraki
- (0.01 mi) The Greco's Project
- (0.02 mi) Ananias Rotisserie
- (0.02 mi) Venetis
- Attractions near Monastiraki:
- (0.00 mi) Monastiraki Square
- (0.00 mi) Vegan Food Tour Athens
- (0.01 mi) Church of St. Mary Pantanassa
- (0.01 mi) Avysinias Square
- (0.01 mi) Greek Philosophy Tours