The Monastiraki Flea Market (Athens)

The Monastiraki district is the place to be for serious bargain hunters at its famous daily flea market, which is as colourful and bustling as any during European cheap city breaks. Throughout the day, it is teeming with tourists and locals seeking out gifts, trendy fashions, artwork and everyday items at rock bottom prices and the rich variety of wares is phenomenal; you just never know what you might come across. It is essentially a Carnaby Street, Portabello Road and Camden Lock all rolled into one with even a little Bond Street glamour just for good measure.

 

The usual designer fakes, cheap jewellery, tourist souvenirs and the like are all found here in abundance but it really stands apart for its weird and wonderful stalls, selling everything from old Second World War weapons and army surplus wear, original hand crafted icons, old LPs and even rusty old bicycles or exotic Chinese herbal remedies. Early Sunday mornings are the real highlight, where you will come across old coins and war medals, vintage toys and lovely Byzantine jewellery among a mountain of household junk. On weekend breaks in Athens, you will witness plenty of eccentric characters entertaining the throng of bargain hunters, and there is no finer place for people watching.

 

You may not come across a priceless ancient relic for sale, but a visit to the Monastiraki Flea Market is worth its weight in gold simply as entertainment value. Many of the traders are local celebrities themselves and full of wit and charisma and you will find some great places to mingle and hear local gossip in one of dozens of charming cafes. The Monastiraki Flea Market itself is a historic area and short breaks in Athens can indulge in sightseeing and rummaging for gifts at the same time. The restored Turkish Mosque, which is now a ceramics museum, and the ancient Agora are just two of the must see landmarks within a stone’s throw of the flea market.