If you want to combine shopping with sightseeing, Monastiraki is the place for you.
The historic Hadrian's Library and the former 18th -century Tzistarakis Mosque are right on the square, with the Acropolis visible in the background.
Here we have gathered all the important information about Monastiraki flea market including, things to do, opening times, how to get there, and some history of the place.
Things to Do at the Monastiraki Flea Market
This area is full of quaint little shops and boutiques selling their wares all year round. You might be a little reminded of an oriental bazaar. However, not only tourist goods are sold, there are also a lot of handicrafts and antiques, furniture, hand-painted chests and picture frames, miniatures and knick-knacks.
In addition, woven and hand-embroidered traditional costumes, leather-bound books and colorful "Flokati", the shepherd's rugs, are offered.
On many a side street the smell of new leather is in the air, where the shoe shops have accumulated. Walking a little further, the smell of wood and lacquer is a sure sign that furniture and antiques are sold here.
The range is also varied here, everything that pleases is traded, from clothing and vinyl to accessories, paintings, costume jewelry and jewels, household goods, pictures, books and even antique pieces. Many a visitor has found a bargain here. By the way, bargaining is mandatory and even expected.
If you are interested in Greek musical instruments and would like a bouzouki as a souvenir, you will definitely find what you are looking for here. Nearby, just a few side streets from the metro station, is the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments.
Entrance, Tickets and Tours
There is no entrance fee to visit Monastiraki flea market.
In addition to the fixed stands that are open every day, the famous Monastiraki flea market is set up on Sundays, where not only traders sell their goods, but mainly private providers. They then spread towels out on the sidewalks or set up small tables they brought with them, where they offer their wares.
It's usually quite crowded by 11 a.m. and the cafés around the square are also full. It is advisable to go to the flea market as early as possible on Sundays.
How to Get to the Monastiraki Flea Market
The Monastiraki flea market can be easily reached with the green metro line 1 and the blue line 3 via the station of the same name.
History and Facts about Monastiraki Flea Market
Monastiraki is part of the historic center of Athens and has been the commercial heart of the city for centuries. The square owes its name to the Church of Panagia Pantanassa, one of the oldest in the city, which once belonged to a large monastery, called Mega Monastiri, which stretched across the entire square. After the fall of the monastery, only the church remained and the square is called Monastiraki, which is the diminutive of Monastiri.