One of the best ways to get to know a city and understand its culture is by visiting the local markets. The sights, smells, and colors are often overwhelming and amazing at the same time. Markets give you an insight as to how the local population cooks, eats, shops and lives. By visiting the local markets in Athens, you’ll get a sneak peak at the city’s cuisine, local art scene, and more. Flea, food, and street markets in Athens are plentiful, so here are 5 suggestions to get you started!

Central Municipal Market of Athens

Athinas Street is the heart of Athens, and its here where you will find the city’s Central Market. One of the most famous markets in Athens, this local food market has been a part of the city since 1886. The locals also call this the Varvakeios Market. Expect to find fresh fish, local produce, and high-quality meats from vendors that have been around for decades. The market lines both sides of Athinas Street, and small alleys shoot off where you can find more local products and delicacies. You can easily get lost in the amazing sights and tempting aromas of this market for hours!

Address: Athinas, 42

Monastiraki Flea Market

One of the best-known flea markets in Athens is in Monastiraki
Photo by Raúl Villalón on VisualHunt

The Monastiraki Flea Market is an experience that you can’t miss in Athens. This market starts in the beautiful Monastiraki Square and snakes through the surrounding streets. It’s not so much a market, but more like a bazaar where you can find any number of oddities. Stroll on through any day of the week and find an eclectic mix of second-hand treasures, typical souvenirs, and local Greek products. Whether you plan on buying something or not, you should stop by just to see some of the marvelous and amazing things that you can find at the Monastiraki Flea Market.

Address: Ifestou, 2

Evripidou Street Market

Next, take in the exotic smells and rich flavors at the Evripidou Street Market. Evripidou Street has different sections, each with its own specialties. In the area closest to the Central Market, you can find delicious Greek products like fresh fruits and veggies, tasty dried fruits and nuts, and dairy products like Greek yogurt and feta cheese. Another section of the market is dedicated to spices, herbs, and plants, with smells and colors that are mix of exotic and cozy. Throughout the marketplace you can find restaurants, cafes, and shops that sell anything and everything. Evripidou proves that markets in Athens have no shortage of things to discover!

Address: Athinas, 42

Avissinias Square Market

One of the street markets in Athens
Photo by Sharon Mollerus on VisualHunt

Every Sunday, you can sift through second-hand goods, flea market finds, and various other curiosities at the Avissinias Square Market. Seriously, anything that you can think of is here! Shop the morning away and when you start to feel a bit peckish, grab a snack and some Greek wine from any of the nearby shops and cafes in the square. This market is similar to the Monastiraki Flea Market in that there are many vendors lining the streets selling any number of goods. You can also haggle prices with the vendors here, which is an experience in itself!

Address: Platia Avissinias, 10

Piraeus Flea Market

Last but not least is the Piraeus Flea Market. For those that wish to see a more authentic flea market that’s a bit less touristy than the rest, you should check out the Piraeus Flea Market. Every Sunday morning, from 8 AM to 2 PM, you can make your way through this market that carries everything from clothes to frying pans to musical instruments. This is one of the more genuine markets in Athens, where many locals themselves love to shop and see the sights. To see the most authentic side of Athens, make your way to the Piraeus Market.

Address: 

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