Monastiraki Flea Market is a network of shopping streets around Monastiraki Square in Athens’ old town, with its second-hand bazaar centred on Avissinia Square. Adrianou Street is the main artery, and Sunday is the day to visit for the open-air market.
- Where: Around Monastiraki Square, in the Plaka–Monastiraki old town shopping area.
- Market hours: Monastiraki’s open-air market operates Sundays from 08:00 to 14:00.
- Main route: Adrianou Street leads through the market area to Avissinia Square.
- Metro: Monastiraki station is served by Lines 1 and 3.
Where does Monastiraki Flea Market begin?
Monastiraki Flea Market begins around Monastiraki Square, where the square opens toward the Acropolis Rock and the Plaka neighbourhood. Plaka–Monastiraki is part of Athens’ “Old Town Market - Flea Market” shopping area.
The square itself is a useful landmark before you follow the smaller shopping streets. Monastiraki takes its name from a monastic compound once on the site; the remaining building is the 10th-century Pantanassa basilica on the square. Nearby monuments include the Tzistarakis Mosque and Hadrian’s Library.
Which streets and squares should you look for?
Adrianou Street is the market’s main artery, while Avissinia Square is its centre for second-hand goods and antiques. Monastiraki shopping streets include Adrianou, Pandrosou, Ifaistou, Thiseiou, Agiou Filippou, Astigos and Ermou, with street vendors and small shops.
Make Adrianou your starting point, then work your way toward Avissinia Square. The square is also called Giousouroum, and the second-hand bazaar there is known as Yusurum. For more context on the surrounding streets and neighbourhood, read this guide to Monastiraki and Psiri.
When does the open-air market operate?
Monastiraki’s open-air market operates on Sundays from 08:00 to 14:00. The city’s general weekly laiki-market hours are 07:00–14:00; those are separate from Monastiraki’s Sunday hours.
On Sundays, street bands play in Monastiraki, and the area south of Avissinia Square becomes an open-air bazaar stretching toward Thissio. Market hours and transit schedules can change, so check the official site before you go; use the City of Athens for market hours and STASY for metro service.
How do you get to the market on foot or by metro?
Monastiraki station is the direct metro stop for the market area, with entrances and exits at Ifaistou/Athinas, Athinas/Themidos and Monastiraki Square. Its renovated neoclassical station dates to 1895.
If you are already in the area, orient yourself at the square, then follow Adrianou or the surrounding shopping streets. For getting around beyond the market, this practical guide to Athens metro and public transport covers the wider network.
Ifaistou Street offers a defined route through the market: it is 200 metres of flat paving with a slight downward slope, ending at Adrianou Street. Ifaistou is busy while shops are open and becomes quite dark at night.
For broader travel around the city, Athens’ metro and public transport network connects the market with other neighbourhoods.
The walk from Emporikon Athens Hotel to Monastiraki station takes about 3 minutes; rooms at Emporikon Athens Hotel are available to browse.
FAQs
What is the Monastiraki market area called?
The second-hand bazaar at Avissinia Square is called Yusurum; the square is also known as Giousouroum.
Which metro lines serve Monastiraki?
Monastiraki station is served by Metro Lines 1 and 3.
What is the Ifaistou Street market route like?
It is 200 metres long, with flat paving and a slight downward slope, and ends at Adrianou Street.