🇬🇷 Athens

Monastiraki

Must-See ★ 4.5 · 17k reviews

Monastiraki (Greek: Μοναστηράκι, literally little monastery) is a flea market neighborhood in the old town of Athens, 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.

Visitor Info

Rating ★ 4.5 16,641 reviews

Visit Time ~45 min

Best Time Evening or early morning

Insider Tips

· Use it as a connector stop between shopping, food, and nearby ruins
· The square is liveliest in the evening but easiest to photograph early

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I buy at the flea market? ▾

Antiques, vintage coins, leather goods, icons, vinyl records, and Athens memorabilia — everyday the market runs but Sunday is by far the largest and most varied.

Where does the name 'Monastiraki' come from? ▾

It means 'little monastery' in Greek, referring to the small Pantanassa Monastery that still stands in the square, dating back to the 17th century.

Is Monastiraki safe for tourists? ▾

Yes, it is one of the most visited and lively areas in Athens; standard precautions apply in crowded markets as pickpocketing can occur.

Are there restaurants nearby? ▾

The area is packed with tavernas and souvlaki shops — Thanasis on Mitropoleos Street is a local institution serving lamb and beef kebabs since the 1960s.