Find the Best Things to Do in Monastiraki
About Monastiraki
Photo courtesy of Nelly Paraskevopoulou
Monastiraki is a very old neighborhood in Athens and is well known for the flea market which takes place very Sunday, spreading over side streets and sidewalks. During the week visitors love strolling through the quaint alleys and discovering all sorts of treasures: from vintage photos to antique furniture, second hand clothing and much more. The central square of Monastiraki, with a metro station very close, is a favorite hang out for the young crowd, who perch on the steps, the fountain and many open air happenings take place here.
See & Do
The Museum of Islamic Art, part of the Benaki Museum, includes examples of all its local variations from as far as India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, the Middle East, Arabia, Egypt, North Africa, Sicily and Spain and is definitely worth visiting. Very close by is the Pottery Museum which hosts an interesting pottery collection from many countries, works by famous Greek artists and fascinating insight into this most ancient of crafts.
Eat
Many restaurants in Monastiraki serve the classic Greek specialty of souvlaki with choriatiki salad and tzatziki, whihc in many cases can be eaten as street food, while others like Bairaktaris are famous for their traditional Greek cuisine. Melilotos on Kalamiotou street serves inspired, healthy dishes and Miniatura on Romvis street is a favorite for a lunch break during a shopping spree. Pure Bliss also on Romvis is a multispace with alternative atmosphere and organic snacks. Chocolate lovers must not miss Chocolat 56, on Ermou street. Frozen yoghurt is a the new fad in Athens and Froyo on Kapnikareas street serves this cool dessert.
Party
Nightlife in Monastiraki is casual and arty. Six dogs club is the place to enjoy tecno underground music, and Agias Irinis sqaure offers a wide choice of day and night venues: Rooster with fantastic desserts, Throubi and Tailor Made with their bohemian crowd. On Eolou street Magaze and Mama Roux are the top spots, frequented by city lovers, with urban style and cool taste.
Stay
Hotels in Monastiraki overlap with the neighborhood of Plaka, but boutique hotel Magna Grecia with the wonderful roof garden view of the Acropolis, Plaka hotel on Mitropoleos street O & B Athens boutique hotel in Psyrri area and the affordable Carolina hotel on central Kolokotroni street are good choices in the area.
Shop
The flea market is a must, but other choices for shopping include Jamevar on Perikleous street with a colorful collection of fabrics from India, EA on Agias Irinis with handmade fairies and cute decorations, Monte on Kapnikareas with a top collection of brand name fashion at outlet prices and the Centre of Greek Tradition on Mitropoleos with handcrafted artifacts from all over Greece. Palaio Opalio near the cathedral is a small treasure trove with quaint vintage and antique objects. Mati on Athinas street is famous for traditional artefacts.