Monastraki, The Plaka, Psirri – ASCSA Greece Odyssey 2026

The oldest part of Athens at the foot of the Acropolis

We will be staying in accommodations at the foot of the Acropolis in an old neighborhood called Psirri a few blocks from the old Monastraki neighborhood.

Monastiraki and The Plaka are two of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, located at the heart of the city. Adjacent to Monastiraki in one direction is The Plaka and in the other direction is the old section of Psirri where we will be staying at L’aaventura Hotel and City Circus Hostel. Psirri, an area enjoyed by tourists and locals, is filled with restaurants, cafes, clubs, bars, bakeries, and shops.

Monastraki is known for its lively square, convenient Metro station, picturesque streets, narrow alleys, bustling flea market, Greek ruins, and traditional tavernas and restaurants. The square is a famous meeting place for Athenians. Standing in the middle of the square, you can see a blend of historical eras, architecture and cultures, and many roads leading to different, enticing directions The views of the Acropolis from the square are breathtaking by day and night.

A bit of waundering the streets of Monastraki brings you to the oldest, equally-colorful neighborhood called The Plaka. It is an area of pedestrian streets full of restaurants, jewelry stores, tourist shops, and cafes.

All these old neighborhoods are at the foot of the Acropolis. It is nearly impossible to tell when you are passing from one to the other….just let yourself get lost a bit, always keeping the Acropolis in view, then when you want to get back to where you started, just ask a local for directions to “Monastraki Square”

Note: Lovely beaches are located in Pireaus (harbor) which is easily reachable by subway from the square and then with a short trolley ride.

Things to do in Monastraki and The Plaka

Tzistarakis Mosque – built in 1759 as a mosque. Today it is the Museum of Modern Greek Culture.

Hadrian’s Library – built in 132 AD as an offer to the city of Athens by Hadrian, the Roman emperor. The entrance to the Library was overlooking the Roman Forum, founded by Julius Caesar in 10 AD and as an extension to the Ancient Agora.

The small Byzantine church of Pantanassa – what is left today by the nunnery of the Byzantine times

The flea market – The most important modern street in Monastiraki is the bazaar on Hephaestus Street and the adjacent straits or Jusurum, named after a Jewish old shop owner in the area which is actually the flea market of Athens center.

Walking on Adrianou street you will find yourself right next to the Ancient Agora where the most powerful men in the political and social life of antiquity used to walk. You will also see the sight of, the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the most perfectly preserved ancient temples in Greece.

Take a tour of the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora. The corner of the site of the Roman Agora, known as the Tower of the Winds, is considered to be the first meteorological station in the world.

Dining

The Plaka, Monastraki, and Psirri provide dining and shopping at its Greek best! Everywhere in the old section, especially in and around Monastraki Square, the hillsides and open squares around The Plaka, and along the narrow walking streets in nearby Psrii where we are staying, you will find popular gyro and souvlaki spots and traditional Greek Tavernas with live music and dance (by the guests!) We will always be on the lookout for the right place for us to eat each day!!!

Traditional Greek food

Souvlaki/Gyros – grilled meat skewers or thinly sliced rotisserie meat wrapped in a warm pita with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and fries

Moussaka – eggplant and minced meat casserole

Baked goods – tiropita, spanakopita