Athens’ Neighborhoods: Monastiraki
Take a trip and explore Athens with a local
Hello there! My name is Nick Iakovidis and I live in Athens, since I was a baby. I would like to take you on a trip to my home like no other will ever take you! I’ll share with you the secrets of my city, that gave birth to Socrates and Plato, and guide you through her streets. So, prepare yourselves for a great adventure and walk with me in one of the oldest cities in Europe!
We start with the most famous neighborhood of Athens, Monastiraki.
Hanging Around the main Square
Monastiraki is the heart of Athens. You can reach it either by bus, train or metro, so it is pretty easy to get there without getting lost. Once out of the train station, you will reach the “Monastiraki Square” which you can see in the photo below. It is always filled with people, locals, street artists, and tourists from every place on earth.
See that church in the left corner? This is the church of “Panagia Pantanassa” (“Mother Mary — Queen of the World”). It may seem insignificant, but it is in fact one of the oldest churches in Athens, built around the 10th century AD! It was originally part of a much larger monastery, which covered the entire square. When the monastery was destroyed during the 19th century, the church became known as “little Monastery” or “Monastiraki” in Greek, thus giving its name to the neighborhood! Look closely at its corners and you will spot parts of ancient Greek pillars, which were used for its building, proving how old it really is!
While the train station is a common meeting point with our friends, family, or dates, the locals don’t like spending much time here. There are plenty of routes to choose from and wander into the streets! Also, I would like to advise you not to fall into temptation and sit in one of the many roof gardens like “360", “MS Roof Garden”, “Anglais”, and “Citizen”, neither have souvlaki at the restaurants found in Mitropoleos street, near the square! These places are tourist traps and overcharge everything.
Wander around the old “Flea Market”
Instead, take the Ifaistou street and go on a trip to the Flea Market of Athens, also known as “Yusurum”. Originally created by Jewish immigrants in 1863, this market is where you can find anything you ever wanted. Vinyls and CDs at “Zacharias”, rock, punk, and heavy metal accessories at “Full Moon”, leather sandals and silly t-shirts, lots of hippie clothes, cannabis products, and souvenirs. Whether you want to buy a mini-Parthenon or a cool-looking set of leather boots, this place will get you covered.
But if you want to dig really deep while in there, and find valuable treasures, unlike anything else, you need to go to “Abyssinia Square”, located at the end of Ifaistou. Named after the Africans from Ethiopia, who settled there during the Ottoman occupation, it is where numerous antique shops are located. Here you will find comic books, posters, memorabilia, collectibles, rings, and telephones, all coming from decades ago! Here, laying on wooden tables in front view you may find things like broken clocks, old musical instruments, even valuable coins from 100 years ago! It is the perfect place to find a unique gift to take back!
Extra tip: every Sunday there is a bazaar of antiques here, so don’t miss it!
Have a drink on me!
Are you tired from your trip and need a drink?
Then spend your time in one of the many bars, hiding around the Flea Market! Unlike those found in the central square, here you will have a great time, enjoying your drink like a true Athenian!
Need a place where you can marvel at the Parthenon while drinking your favorite cocktail or coffee? Then, allow me to introduce you to “Couleur Locale”, or as it is known here, “one of the most beautiful terraces of the city”:
Beautiful, isn’t it? “Locale” opened in 2014 and since then, it has become a favorite place for university students to party. Be sure to check out its signature cocktails like “Gin Basil Smash”, “The Surfer” and “Sleep no More”, made with gin and unique Greek flavors, like mastic, basil, and lemon. So, take your friends and go have the party of your lives under the attic night sky!
Perhaps you prefer a more quiet approach! Like a small green garden inside an old neoclassical house! Well, then say no more, and knock on the wooden door of the building right next to “Locale”. Don’t be afraid, it is not abandoned! It is just camouflage!
This is “Taff: the Art Foundation”:
Yes, this is real. Yes, it is in Monastiraki, hidden in plain sight.
TAF opened its doors to the public in May 2009 and since then it remains one of the most active and creative organizations in the city. It hosts a variety of cultural events, like concerts, galleries, and art exhibitions, all made by local artists. If you seek an artistic, bohemian paradise, right in the heart of Athens, you’ve found it!
Still, want more?
Then, take out your phone and prepare to update your Instagram! It’s time to visit the most instagramable cafe in Monastiraki!
This is “Ellyz Cafe”
“Ellyz” resembles more a pink paradise, straight out from a Disney movie, rather than an actual place. Once inside, you will find yourself enjoying your brunch on a cozy couch, while hundreds of flowers are hanging over your head. Its menu could make even Willy Wonka himself green from envy! Try chocolate pink hearts, creamy lemon tarts with flowers, and tasty rose cheesecake, which will melt in your mouth! Coffee lovers don’t forget to try a pink cappucino or a fredo latte with a large pink donut on top!
Extra tip: make sure you go to Ellyz with a friend who knows to take great photos!
Of course, Monastiraki is a multicultural neighborhood. Besides the above cafes and bars, you will find exotic places to travel you in faraway lands. Don’t miss to check out “James Joyce Irish Pub” (which is a personal favorite) and enjoy a Guinness with juicy chicken wings, while watching sports on one of the many tv screens. Or how about a visit to exotic Cuba? Seek the “Buena Vista Social Bar” and have a Latin party on its vintage decorated terrace!
A “Crossroads of Civilizations”
It is time to share with you one final secret. Go to the end of Adrianou Street and start walking towards the centrer. In front of you, you will see one of my favorite spots in Monastiraki. On your right lies the ancient Agora of Athens, covered in a green dress of trees and bushes. You might spot the temple of Ifaistos and the Stoa of Attalos, graciously standing above all the others. Perhaps you might hear the sound of trains arriving at the station.
On your left there are the numerous cafes and restaurants of Adrianou, always filled with people. You will see elders reading their newspapers while drinking ouzo, tourists laughing and carrying their luggage, children loudly playing on the street next to people, who are selling antiques. A young couple might pass next to you, enjoying ice cream while holding hands, or a company of college students, eager to plan their night party at one of the bars mentioned above. You will hear Greek, Russian, and English, all mixed together in multicultural harmony. Perhaps, if you are lucky enough, you will feel the light summer breeze of Athens cooling your face, as the sun makes its way down to the West.
This is Athens. This is Monastiraki!
A Crossroads of Civilizations!
