Monastiraki
Μοναστηράκι
The liveliest square in old Athens, beside a Byzantine chapel, a mosque and a flea market, with views up to the Acropolis.
The square is named after a small 10th-century chapel belonging to a Virgin Mary monastery. Nearby are an 18th-century mosque, Hadrian's Library and a metro station. The flea market is on Ifestou Street, selling antiques, leather sandals and souvenirs, with the most stalls on Sundays. Rooftop bars around the square offer views of the Acropolis at night. Nearby Mitropoleos Street is home to famous souvlaki (grilled meat skewer) restaurants. Admission is free. Monastiraki station is on Metro lines 1 and 3. It is crowded, so watch out for pickpockets.
Opening hours
Open all day; shops approx. 09:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Ancient Agora of Athens
- Hadrian's Library
- Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds
- Areopagus Hill
- Kerameikos
- Acropolis of Athens & Parthenon
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- Anafiotika