Monastiraki is a very particular area that reflects Athens history
the awesome Monastiraki
Surrounding the homonym square, the neighborhood of Monastiraki in Athens ranks next to Plaka as a top tourist neighborhood. It spans the gamut from high-end international retail chains on Ermou to the low-tech individual entrepreneurs selling their wares on the flea market.
A very particular area, the neighborhood reflects Athens history: On the North side of the square is located the Ottoman-era «mosque of Tzistarakis», on the West side is the orthodox church of the «Dormition of the Virgin Mary of Athens», the pillars of Hadrian’s Library, built in the 2nd century A.D., can be seen through and next to the arches of the Mosque, while – directly above them – the imposing Acropolis dominates the backdrop! The neighborhood is also the home to the «Roman Agora of Athens» and the «Tower of the Winds».
The name «Monastiraki», which means «small monastery», refers to the orthodox monastery that occupied the square during the Ottoman era of Athens.
Charming alleyways cut across Monastiraki, providing a nice escape from the steady tourist traffic. Some of the best gyro and souvlaki restaurants in all of Athens can be found here.
Every other day a different street-performance act takes place and countless roaming buskers pass from here, covering all styles of music, from folk to jazz.
The Bazar of Athens in Monastiraki during the Ottoman period Drawing by Edward Dodwell (1767-1832)
Monastiraki is also the location of the biggest and most popular flea market in Athens. A shopper’s paradise located just a few meters from the square it’s not an actual flea market but a collection of small shops. Here you can buy almost everything from clothing, jewellery, cheap souvenirs like T-shirts, toy evzone soldiers, marble Greek statues, postcards and quality souvenirs like backgammon sets, Byzantine Icons, traditional Greek products, musical instruments and leather goods.
See our selection of hotels in Monastiraki
The all neighborhood is served by the eponymous Monastiraki metro station. Line 1 (green line) connects Monastiraki to Piraeus port and Kifisia, while Line 3 (blue line) links Monastiraki to Athens International Airport.
Monastiraki metro station in 1912
the building of Monastiraki metro station
All in all, Monastiraki is one of few places in Athens that manages to convey this eternal city’s complex and multi-faceted character, as it encompasses social, gastronomic and historic elements in a generous bouquet that extends chronologically back to the ancient times.
the Psyrri neighborhood
The Greek Independence from Ottoman occupation back in 1833 was a turning point for Pysrri. Greeks from the provinces and veteran freedom fighters began settling and building workshops and other small industries.
Pysrri began its renovation period in the 1990s, and has since been a popular spot for young Greeks and travelers from aboard.
Like Omonia, Psyrri is a strikingly diverse commercial district, with countless stores and restaurants catering to various groups of immigrants. In the evening, it morphs into nightlife central, with both huge dance clubs and intimate hipster-filled holes-in-the-wall. The Thisio and Monastiraki metro stations are most convenient to Psyrri.
Our selection of Monastiraki & Psyrri hotels in Athens:
Electra Metropolis
Set in the heart of Athens, in an imposing 10-storey modernist building the Electra Metropolis hotel marries the retro chic aesthetics of the '50s and '60s with the modernity of the 21st century. High up on the 10th floor is the roof garden with a stunning 360° panoramic view of Athens and beyond.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Syntagma
Amazon Hotel
Amazon Hotel is located at Syntagma, in the center of Athens, in the scenic area of Plaka. Recently renovated, it has all modern amenities and with the particularly experienced staff, at Amazon Hotel Athens you will promptly feel the friendly and family atmosphere required to make your stay pleasant. The experienced staff as well as the reception of our hotel is at you disposal 24 hours a day so that you always have a pleasant stay.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Syntagma
Adrian Hotel
Located right under the Acropolis hill, Adrian Hotel is ideally located near all major Athens attractions. Rooms are elegantly decorated and feature private balconies. The rooftop terrace overlooks the Parthenon.
Andrian hotelconsists of 22 elegantly decorated rooms that feature all modern amenities. They are fitted with en-suite bathroom with toiletries and hairdryer and have soundproof windows and comfortable mattresses to provide undisturbed relaxation.
Private balconies have been specifically designed to offer superb views of the Parthenon and Plaka area.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro:Syntagma, Monastiraki
