MONASTIRAKI

The area was named after the monastery "Koimiseos tis Theotokou" (the Assumption of Virgin Mary) that used to be there. It is a narrow area between the streets, Ermou and Adrianou, and the Metro stations "Monastiraki" (in Monastiraki Square) and "Thisio" (the junction of Apostolou Pavlou Street with Ermou Street). Hypothetically, of course, we say that it extends to Aiolou Street to the east and the Roman Agora to the south.

Monastiraki is the pleasure of the collector. On Hephaestus Street, there are tens of small shops selling furniture, appliances, clothes and shoes, as well as, beads, used records and small items of decoration. Especially in the antique bazaar of Avissinias Square, the well known Giousouroum, when you really look thoroughly, you may find a small treasure. That may be a telescope, a rare antique, a diving suite or a shiny saxophone, all in debatable prices, as it was done in Athens in bygone years. What one sees wandering in Monastiraki on Sunday morning, it is rare to see elsewhere. Crowds of people roam the pedestrian precincts, sometimes with the sole purpose of a stroll, in itself, with no particular destination.

Of course, it's not that Monastiraki is without destinations: the cafιs and the restaurants of the surrounding streets, underneath the magnificence of Acropolis and next to Thisio, the Roman Agora or the Aerides, are the attracting poles for the enchanted tourists and for those who wish to read their newspapers in the shade, under the sounds of the electric train, the cheerful people passing by and sometimes the sound of a laterna (hand organ). The most recent addition to the image of Monastiraki is the square that completed construction on December 2008. It consists of a multicolored mosaic which refers to the multiculturalism of the area. Here, visitors can see the ancient view of the Eridanos River from the new 6 meter deep opening of the square.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY ATHENS METRO: 1 (Green Line), 3 (Blue Line), Station "Monastiraki"

BY BUS: 025, 026, 027, 035, 200, 227, 500

BY FOOT: From Syntagma Square, follow Ermou street all the way down until you meet up with Monastiraki Square. This will take approximately 10 minutes.

Shopping

SHOPPING CENTER PLAKA
A terrific one-stop shop for all your souvenir needs.... more
EL HABANERO
Tobacco, cigarettes and cigars for all tastes. Point of reference for smokers with an opinion.... more
NOTOS GALLERIES LAMPROPOULOS
The oldest and highly respected Greek-owned department store.... more
ZOLOTAS
Boasting two fine boutiques in Athens and one on the Place Saint-Germain dès Prés in Paris, Zolotas has won the... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP III
A beautiful space filled with unique souvenirs from the Benaki Museum – such as ceramics, silver vessels, reliefs and sculptures,... more
TO KOMBOLOI TOU PSIRI
Worry beads of every kind and size with value of 5 Euro to 5,000 Euros in an exceptional store.... more
MOFU
Vintage and Contemporary Design for the 70s nostalgic in a very interesting environment.... more

Nightlife

USE BAR
Small bar playing mainly black music. Absolute hip hangout, open from nine in the morning for coffee and cold sandwiches,... more
SIX D.O.G.S
Cosy multiplace with live and DJ shows as well a gallery exhibitions and festivals.... more
JAMES JOYCE
James Joyce is considered, “a different type of Irish pub.” There, they blend the best of the old with the... more
POP
Small bar with the best indie sounds in the city, clean drinks and fanatic regulars.... more
AIR LOUNGE BAR (Fresh Hotel)
The swimming pool area on the 9th Floor of the Fresh Hotel is where you will find the “Air Lounge”... more
BLACK DUCK MULTIPLARTE
This multi-space located in the heart of Athens has provided the stage for numerous mature Greek acts over the years.... more
XILIES KAI DUO NICHTES
Performing for Spring season 2010 at this ethnic establishment is Mariastella Tzanoudaki, Fotis Theodoridis & friends. Entrance: 10 Euros. Menu:... more