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Monastiraki Flea Market

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Monastiraki Flea Markets

From souvenirs and oddities to artisan craft and Greek pastries, this buzzing flea market is a great place to experience the local culture.

Head to the Monastiraki Flea Markets to discover a buzzing hive of stalls and vendors overflowing with knick-knacks, souvenirs, antiques and oddities.

Visit these markets any weekday during regular business hours for conventional store souvenirs, or experience the flea markets on weekends, especially Sundays. Small stalls open up in place of the bigger stores, and carpets roll out, filled with all kinds of cheap trinkets and gems. Locals sell their wares in seemingly endless rows of shops spanning from Monastiraki Square across to Platia Avissinias, from Ermou Street down to Adrianou Street.

Mass-produced items, such as hats, T-shirts and prints of religious icons, are displayed alongside unique artisan musical instruments, paintings by monks from Mount Athos and handmade Greek sandals. Monastiraki holds many rewards for those hunting bargain souvenirs or rare items.

The flea market stalls usually close in the early afternoon, so start your hunt before midday. Mid-morning is the best time to avoid the crowds and the summer heat. Stop by one of the many cafés and bars lining the streets to refresh yourself with a cold drink and some Greek pastries. If you are visiting a little later in the day, try an ouzo, an aniseed liquor. It goes well with mezedes, a selection of small dishes.

Reach the Monastiraki Flea Markets using Athens’ affordable public transportation network. Local buses and the metro train system serve the area regularly. The outer edge of the markets is located next to the central Monastiraki train station. This is right in the heart of ancient Athens, just north of the Acropolis. Be aware of pickpockets in the area and keep your valuables close when sitting in cafés. With a little care, though, these markets are a lively and colorful place to spend a few hours.

Popular Activities at Monastiraki Flea Market

Give yourself heaps of time at Monastiraki Flea Market. Here are the best activities:

Want to discover this famed attraction in an unforgettable way? Then you must try out a Private Session with a Local Photographer in Athens.

For many more activities, have a look at our Athens things to do page.

Guide to Exploring Monastiraki Flea Market

Roman Agora (Forum)

Imagine shopping where the ancient Greeks did, as you stroll through the remains of the former meeting center of Athens, composed of colonnades with marble columns.

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Temple of Olympian Zeus (Naos tou Olimpiou Dios - Olympieion)

Stand at the foot of towering columns which honor the father of all Olympic gods at this 1st Century temple.

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Stoa of Attalos

Marvel at this elaborate two-storied double colonnade where the ancient Athenians shopped and socialized.

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Pnyx

Visit the birthplace of democracy, where men first gathered as equals to make decisions about the fate of their growing city.

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New Acropolis Museum

This modern museum is labor of love that has taken decades to complete and accommodates millions of visitors each year.

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Panathenaic Stadium

Home to the first modern Olympic Games, this gleaming white marble stadium has seen many victories, from ancient times to today.
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Ancient Agora

Walk along the covered promenades where affluent Athenians exchanged gossip, political news, and wares.

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Mount Lycabettus

Unrivaled panoramic views of the ancient city of Athens await you atop this rocky summit.
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Temple Of Poseidon

High on a rocky hillside overlooking the sea is one of Greece’s most recognizable temples, which pays homage to Poseidon, God of the Sea.

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Parthenon (Parthenonas)

Step back in time and explore the ancient myths etched into the walls of the largest Doric temple in Greece, originally dedicated to the warrior goddess Athena.

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Benaki Museum

Explore a smorgasbord of artifacts and artwork,from all of the important Greek eras, in this exquisitely restored mansion.

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Temple of Hephaestos

Step back in time in this remarkably preserved piece of architecture, which has served as a Greek temple, a Christian church and a museum.
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The Tower of the Winds (Horologion)

This magnificent sundial and weather vane features marble sculptures of the eight wind deities and was one of the first clock towers in history.
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Academy of Athens

Visit Greece’s national academy to admire the neoclassical architecture of one of Athens' most striking landmarks.
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Acropolis (Akropolis)

The ancient Greek city rises like a phoenix from the city center of modern Athens, lighting up at night in splendid glory.

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Syntagma Square (Constitution Square)

This square was built in ancient times and remains at the center of political and social activity in modern Athens. 

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Areopagus Hill

Admire views over the Ancient Agora from this hill, the site where ancient murder trials were staged and where, according to the Bible, St. Paul preached.

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Adrianos Library (Library of Hadrian)

In the ruins of this monument to knowledge, see the notches in marble where papyrus book rolls were once stored.
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