The Monastiraki District is best known for its Sunday flea market which attracts Athenians and tourists alike. A great place to wander around, search for bargains, haggle over prices, gossip, and in general watch time go by in a most interesting fashion. Of course you can always make a purchase there. You can choose from old books, antiques, silver, plastic items, comics, old cameras, binoculars, and endless options in street food.

If you’re a numismatist, an avid coin collector, then Monastiraki is the place to be. You will find coins from different periods in Greek history in many of the souvenir shops across the district.

Although shops in Monastiraki do good business on all days, the Sunday flea-market in Monastiraki is so vibrant and big that it extends into the neighboring areas of Thission and Psiri. The main entrance to the flea market is from Monastiraki Square which is where the Monastiraki Metro Station is located. The Koimisis Theotokou church is also in the vicinity. The Roman Library of Hadrian is a short distance from Monastiraki. Across the street from the square is the Turkish mosque that includes a wonderful ceramics museum on its premises.

Monastiraki is easily accessible from both Plaka and Syntagma. The two main streets of the area are Pandrossou and Adrianou Streets. If you ever get a little tired from all the shopping and walking you are welcome to relax in one of the many cafes serving ouzo, mezedes, grilled meat, seafood, and many other Greek treats.

(Photo by Panoramas)

Related Articles

• August 18, 2009 -- Athens Neighborhoods: Psiri “Notorious No More” (2)