Bazaar at Monastiraki

If you are lucky enough to travel to Greece, and love a flea market, the Monastiraki Bazaar is the place to go. On Sunday, people come from everywhere to display their goods. Plan to spend all day, because the amount of goods to go through is overwhelming. Take your time and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the crowds, rather than fight it. Have a good breakfast under your belt before you leave for Monastiraki, because it is difficult to get a seat at any of their cafes or restaurants. Local residents will meet early in the day and socialize at the eating facilities.

The Monastiraki Bazaar is located adjacent to the Plaka, which is the historic district of Athens. Monday through Saturday, the Monastiraki Square is a collection of small and interesting shops. On Sunday, people come from everywhere to sell their wares. They pile their merchandise in the streets and are ready to bargain. In these mountains of goods, you can find just about anything. The people selling come from many different countries. It is said that many are refugees from the Soviet Union, and several other European countries.

Tourists at the Monastiraki Bazaar will find that perfect souvenir to bring home to remember the day. Serious shoppers can find anything from antiques to used furniture. Jewelry, tons of books, ceramics, silverware, and whatever you can think of from the modern to the antique can be found on the crowded streets of Monastiraki on Sunday. Don’t be afraid to bargain, because it is a part of their culture and perfectly acceptable. Bargains can be found if you can sift through the tons of new and used goods.