Monastiraki Square

Once the site of the largest monastery in Athens, this square is now one of the major shopping districts in the city.

TravelCurious Tip

Be sure to arrive early to the Sunday flea market – after 11am the streets are packed.

Athens is one of the world’s great cities for shopping of every kind, and Monastiraki is probably the best place for it. Here you can find everything from high-end labels to the cheapest flea market wares. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, t-shirts, pottery or musical intstruments, Monastiraki is the place to come.


An Athenian Melting Pot

The square is named for the 10th century Church of the Pantanassa, which used to have an adjoining monastery. The monks are long gone, however, and solemnity has been replaced by a lively, vibrant street atmosphere that will be familiar to all who have visited Athens. Monastiraki square is the perfect place to dive into the labyrinthine streets of shops, stalls and cafes, streets which can seem charming, seedy, intimate and hectic all at the same time.


Flea Circus

The best time to visit is undoubtedly on Sunday, when it can feel like the entire Greek population has descended on this little neighbourhood for the weekly flea market. During the rest of the week you can always find street sellers hawking their wares, but on Sundays you can barely move for them and their customers, especially after 11am. The air is filled with the sounds of furious haggling and the aromas of traditional food. Patience is key – there are plenty of genuine, high-quality items to be found at reasonable prices, but finding them does require a certain amount of dredging through cheap, mass-produced tat.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Athens
Temple of Hephaestus
Located just above Thissio, this ancient temple was opened in the 5th century BC and still remains largely intact.
Odeon of Agrippa
Built about 15 BCE, it was a large odeon located in the centre of the Ancient Agora of Athens.
Ancient Prytaneion
A building that housed the Prytaneion or seat of government in ancient Athens.
Stoa of Attalos
It was the first and largest shopping center of antiquity with 21 shops between the two floors.
Koulouri
A ring of bread sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Tzaziki
A healthy Greek cucumber yogurt dip or sauce you can serve with chicken, veggies, pita chips, gyros, and more.

Related Tours

Athens Famous Landmarks & Hidden Gems: Private Walking Tour

Experience the glorious ancient city of Athens, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities, where venturing off the tourist drag is near impossible without a passionate, knowledgeable local guide. 

On your private walking tour of Athens, you will:

  • Enjoy this fascinating orientation tour of the highlights and hidden gems of Athens with a private guide;
  • See the highlights of the historical centre in a matter of hours, including Athens Cathedral;
  • Explore the shops and bars of the famous Monastiraki area;
  • Watch the Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
  • See some of Ancient Greece's most iconic sites, including Hadrian's Library, Arch, and the Roman Agora;
  • Wander through the charming Plaka district, with its white staircases, cafes, and terraces;
  • End your tour outside the legendary Acropolis Museum, where you can continue to explore at your leisure. 

Named after the goddess Athena, Greece’s capital is one of the world’s oldest cities spanning over 3,400 years of history, and human settlements are believed to date back to the 11th millennium BC. Today, the city packs a heady punch of fascinating ancient history, and hip, gritty neighbourhoods all overlooked by the iconic Acropolis.

Enjoy meaningful insights from a local Athenian as you wander around the buzzing historic centre. As you explore the famed shopping street, Pandrossou Street, your guide will give you invaluable recommendations for the artisanal shops, and authentic restaurants - many of which are hidden in plain sight. 

On your walking tour, you’ll see several of the city's major attractions, including Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds, and the Lysicrates Monument, and hear their fascinating stories from your guide. You will be taken to one of the oldest bakeries in Athens, where you can enjoy a coffee and a traditional Greek pastry - while jotting down more expert recommendations for food! 

Your tour ends in front of the incredible Acropolis Museum - one of the most important museums in the world with art history stretching back 2400 years. It was ranked the 11th best museum in the world, and you are welcome to explore at your own pace. 
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