Athens is not only a city of history and culture, but also a lively metropolis with a vibrant market scene.
In Athens, markets of all kinds are held in numerous neighborhoods. There are weekly markets, flea markets, eco markets, organic markets, and much more. If you're looking for an authentic experience and want to immerse yourself in the local culture, exploring these markets in Athens is a great option.
In this article, we take a closer look at six of the best markets in Athens, covering a variety of interests and tastes.
Let's start!
1. Monastiraki Flea Market
Monastiraki is located in the historic center of Athens. It can be easily reached by the green metro line 1 and the blue line 3 via the stop of the same name.
In the area there are many quaint little stores and boutiques that offer their wares all year round. One is reminded a bit of an oriental bazaar. However, not only tourist goods are sold, there are also many arts and crafts and antiques.
Also those who are interested in Greek musical instruments and would like to have a bouzouki as a souvenir, will certainly find something here.
In addition, every Sunday the famous Monastiraki flea market is set up, where not only dealers sell their goods, but mainly private sellers are represented.
You can buy everything from clothes and vinyl to accessories, paintings, costume jewelry and jewels, household goods, paintings, books and even antique pieces. Many a visitor has found a bargain here. By the way, bargaining is mandatory and even expected.
Usually it is quite crowded already at 11 o'clock in the morning and also the cafes around the square are well occupied. It is a recommendation to go there as early as possible.
2. Piraeus Flea Market
The flea market in Piraeus takes place every Sunday. It is located right next to the metro station of the same name and can be easily reached by the green metro line 1.
Numerous stalls offer almost all kinds of goods, ranging from designer handbags, clothes and shoes to frying pans, spoons, pots and even bedspreads and blankets.
The flair at the market is oriental, bargaining is expected.
If you have had enough of shopping, go to one of the numerous cafes or restaurants and enjoy the view of the harbor.
3. Athens Central Market - Varvarkeios
Varvarkeios is the market hall of Athens. Here you can buy all kinds of food, from meat, fish and seafood to fruits and vegetables, cheese, nuts, dried fruits and spices. Regional specialties are also on offer and those who wish can even purchase household goods.
The market hall was founded in 1886 and is open from Monday to Saturday. It is recommended to go as early as possible, when everything is still nice and clean and fresh. Since the market hall opens very early, it usually closes in the late afternoon.
It is very noisy in the hall, as all the merchants loudly advertise their wares. Even if the atmosphere reminds a bit of an oriental bazaar, there is no trading here, the prices are fixed. The displays of the stalls are hardly decorated, the goods as such are in the foreground. Many merchants let the buyers taste the cheese or olives directly at the stall.
There are smaller cafes and snack stands in the market hall that offer traditional Greek food. Taverns and restaurants are located around Varvarkeios.
You can reach the Athens Central Market by taking the green metro line 1 and the red line 2, stop Omonia Square. From there it is only a few minutes walk.
4. Pandrossou Street Market
The market on Pandrossou Street is a collection of almost a hundred stores. It sells traditionally and locally made items, souvenirs, postcards, Greek specialties and antiques.
On Sundays, a flea market is also held, where there is a good selection of old, almost antique goods in addition to the usual flea market junk. Many a person has found a bargain here. The goods are displayed on stands, on cars and partly also directly on the street.
The market is located between the metro stations Thiseio, green line 1, and Syntagma, red line 2and blue line 3. From the metro stations it is about 10 minutes walk Syntagma is a little closer.
5. Antique Market on Avissynias Square
On Avissynias Square a small market is held every weekend. The market can be easily reached by taking the green metro line 1, Thisseio stop. From there it stretches across Avissynias Square to Ermou Street.
The market is known mainly for its antiques, which are traded here. In addition, there are old books and records, ceramics and other antique items.
Around the market, numerous cafes and restaurants invite you to rest after shopping and strolling. From the top floor of Café Avissynias you have a wonderful view of the Acropolis.
6. Laiki Farmers Markets
The Greeks call these markets "Laiki" or "Laiki Agora", which means people's market. They are food markets held in almost every neighborhood. Fresh agricultural products are offered, mostly it is the farmers themselves who sell their goods here.
Mostly fruits and vegetables, spices, eggs, flowers and plants are offered, as well as a myriad of different kinds of olives.
There are about 195 such markets in Athens, and about a quarter of them offer only organic products.
The peculiarity of the Laiki is that they are held regularly on the same days in the same neighborhood, but not always in the same street. Early in the morning, one street or another is suddenly transformed into a colorful market with stalls, sunshades and vendors loudly advertising their wares. Towards afternoon, everything is dismantled again and the street looks as if nothing had happened.