If you’re visiting Athens, you’re bound to pass through Monastiraki Square. The lungs of the city, it alone represents the history, architecture, religions and cultures that have marked Greece since Antiquity . We love this square and it’s often a meeting place for us, the Live Athens team! Are you ready for a trip back in time? Let’s discover all the treasures of Monastiraki Square.
Monastiraki: the heart of Athens
Athens has three major squares: Omonia, Syntagma and Monastiraki. The latter has a special place in the hearts and lives of Athenians. Busy from morning to night, Monastiraki is the city’s nerve center. From Antiquity through the Ottoman period to the present day, it’s a must-see attraction during your stay in Athens.
A strategic place in ancient Greece
Monastiraki was already an important center of the city in ancient times. Close to the Greek Agora, the Roman Agora, the Keramikos site and the Acropolis, you’ll discover the remains of Greek and Roman civilization.
Monastiraki, Athenians’ favourite square
If you ask an Athenian what his or her favorite square is, chances are he or she will answer Monastiraki without hesitation. A meeting place and a place of passage, you’ll come across groups of young Greeks on the steps and tourists from all over the world coming out of the metro. Monastiraki is first and foremost an ambience of cafés, fruit and koulouri (round sesame buns) vendors, and historic monuments that can’t be ignored. It all adds up to a remarkable picture that you’ll never tire of exploring.
The place to be for tourists
Because it’s both touristy and local, international and typically Athenian, Monastiraki Square also tops the list of tourist favorites. You’ll cross it many times to get from one district to another, take the metro or visit the many monuments that make up the city. Athinas and Ermou, two of the Greek capital’s main streets, converge on Monastiraki Square.
What to see in Monastiraki
Walking around Monastiraki Square is like stepping back in time. Let’s take a 360° tour of the monuments to visit, starting from Monastiraki Square.
- The Acropolis: A must-see during your stay in Athens. It is the symbol of the ancient period (8th century BC to 4th century BC).
- The ancient Agora, the nerve center of ancient Athens;
- The Roman Agora built in the 1st century BC, takes you back to the Roman period (3rd century BC to 4th century AD).
- Hadrian’s Library, a major Mediterranean cultural and intellectual center built around 131 BC at the request of the Emperor Hadrian.
- Pandanassa Church, built during the Byzantine period (395-1453). In the 11th century, it was a “great monastery”. But after the War of Independence, it lost its fortune and was relegated to the status of a “small monastery”. She gave her name to Monastiraki Square.
- The Tzistarakis mosque dates back to the Ottoman period (1453-1830). It now houses a ceramics collection from the Museum of Greek Folk Art. But many Athenians consider it a cursed place… (Be careful!)
What to do in Monastiraki
City walks, cultural visits, excursions to Piraeus, typical tavernas, shopping and cocktails on Monastiraki’s finest rooftops… You can do it all from Monastiraki Square. Here are some of the best ideas tested and approved by the Live Athens team.
Where to eat and drink in Monastiraki?
- Avissinia: In the heart of the Monastiraki district, between two second-hand stalls, lies a typically Greek taverna: Avissinia. From the restaurant’s terrace, you can gaze at the Acropolis and the Agora gardens while enjoying delicious northern Greek specialties. – Address: Kinetou 7 –
- Blue Fish: The chef blends the flavors of Greek cuisine with the sophisticated style of Japanese gastronomy to offer generous and truly delicious fish dishes. A slightly more expensive address, but well worth the detour. – Address: Kalogrioni 2 –
- Six D.O.G.S: Open from 10 a.m. to midnight, Six D.O.G.S is Monastiraki’s hip place to dine, drink cocktails with friends and dance the night away. Live concerts, performances, DJ’s, a real party place for Athenians. – Address: Avramiotou 6 –
- TAF: The Art Foundation is a truly atypical and welcoming arty café. We love this place for its intimate, typically Athenian setting. – Address: Normanou 5 –
The “Monastiraki” metro
Monastiraki metro station is served by two metro lines: line 1 (green) and line 3 (blue).
- If you want to get to the airport, take the blue line.
- If you want to go to Piraeus to take a ferry to the islands, you can take the green or blue line .
Monastiraki is one of the oldest stations on the Athens metro. Various archaeological digs carried out in parallel with the construction of the metro have uncovered numerous ancient ruins. Monastiraki is therefore a “museum station” like Acropolis station.
Subway timetable and frequency: The subway is open between approximately 05:30 and 00:30 (and up to 2 a.m. at weekends).
Unmissable walks and hikes from Monastiraki
Many city walks start from Monastiraki Square. Whatever you want to do, you can do it all from here. Here are a few ideas for unmissable hikes:
The Acropolis
A three-kilometre pedestrian route leads from Monastiraki to the sacred hill of the Acropolis. This is the must-do walk on your arrival in Athens. Take the opportunity to visit the Greek Agora.
Hills of Filopappou, Pnyx and Nymphs
© Laure M.
If you want to continue your walk, we strongly recommend climbing the Filopappou hill. Here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and the whole of Athens, all the way to Piraeus. On the way back down, you can also stop off at the Nymphs’ Hill, home to the Pnyx observatory. This was the meeting place of the People’s Assembly from the 6th to the 4th century BC.
Plaka and the National Garden of Athens
Just like the Acropolis, the Plaka district is one of the liveliest in Athens. But to avoid the crowds, go in the morning. Don’t forget to get lost in Anafiotika. And finish off at the National Garden for some cool shade from the lush plants.
Psyri, Athens’ trendy stroll.
It really is one of our favorite parts of town. Quiet in the morning and lively in the evening, the Psyri district changes its face throughout the day. Street-art murals and churches will accompany your urban tour of Psyri.
Keramikos, for lovers of art and gastronomy
A culinary and artistic stroll through the Keramikos district. From Monastiraki Square, you cross the small Psyri district and arrive at Keramikos. After visiting the archaeological site of the ancient cemetery of Athens and the Archaeological Museum of Ceramics, take time to stroll through these streets of cultural and gastronomic effervescence.
Shopping in Monastiraki
If you’re planning a day’s shopping in Athens, Ermou Street should satisfy you. Starting from Monastiraki Square, Ermou Street is Athens’ busiest shopping street. Here you’ll find all the international brands you need. Ermou Street is also home to one of the city’s most beautiful churches: Panagia Kapnikarea. At the end of the street, you’ll arrive at Syntagma Square.
Monastiraki Square is also famous for its Sunday morning flea market, with antique and second-hand shops in the adjacent streets. Clothes, books, knick-knacks, antiques – you’ll find it all here. Just strolling around will transport you into the Athenian soul.
Looking for Greek gift ideas to bring back to your family or friends? Monastiraki Square is brimming with small boutiques selling jewelry, objects bearing the image of the “blue eye” (matiasma), clothing, olive oil and natural cosmetics.
Melissinos Art – The Poet Sandal Maker is the place to go if you’re looking for genuine Greek leather sandals. Comfortable, sturdy and made-to-measure, these handcrafted sandals are internationally renowned. The price is a bit high, but the quality is definitely there. Don’t miss this little shop between the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square.
Address: Tzireon 16
Monastiraki’s best rooftops
Once you’ve made the rounds of Monastiraki Square’s many monuments, the best thing to do is get some height. This is one of the Athenian squares with the most rooftops. Restaurants and hotels have understood this. The view of the Acropolis is breathtaking. It’s an unforgettable experience, day and night. For a coffee, lunch or dinner, with your partner, friends or family, there really is something for everyone. We really invite you to contemplate Athens from one of Monastiraki’s rooftops.
The A for Athens
Looking for the best view of Athens? Then A for Athens is the place to be. This hotel is located just outside the Monastiraki metro station and is one of ours favorites. On the 6th floor, the Cafe Cocktail Bar awaits you. From up there, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the city. An exceptional 360-degree view of the Acropolis, the Fetihye Mosque, the Tower of the Winds, the Agora, Plaka, Lycabette Hill and, of course, Monastiraki Square. If you had to do just one, this would be it.
Le 360°
As its name suggests, the 360° restaurant also offers a breathtaking view of Athens. The entrance is located at Ifestou 2. It’s also one of our favorite terraces.
MS Roof Garden
A neighbor of the A for Athens, the MS Roof Garden enjoys a similar location, with extraordinary views of the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square.
Couleur locale
Do you like a relaxed, youthful, non-touristy atmosphere? See you at Couleur locale. In the narrow streets of Monastiraki, this bar-restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and offers one of the best views of the Acropolis. The entrance is at Normanou 3. After passing through the ground-floor bar, you need to climb to the 3rd floor.
And if you want even more addresses, we’ve compiled all the best terraces and rooftops in Athens in a full article here.
We hope you enjoy strolling around this lively square!
Sibel C.
Discover also other districts around Monastiraki such as :
Updated April 16, 2024
