Varvakios Central Municipal Market

Market · Monastiraki

Varvakios Central Municipal Market

Market · Monastiraki

Νο68 Βαρβακειος Αγορα, Athina, Greece

Highlights

Bustling market with fish, meat, produce, spices, and local eateries.

Νο68 Βαρβακειος Αγορα, Athina, Greece Get directions

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@afar

A Food Expert's Guide to Eating in Athens, Greece - AFAR

"A short walk away, souvlaki beckons at the beloved Varvakeios Market... Tasos Perdikis is vigorously fanning his charcoal at Volvi. 'For souvlaki, charcoal is crucial,' says Perdikis, who hails from a family of six generations of butchers in Northern Greece." - Anya von Bremzen

https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-food-experts-guide-to-eating-in-athens-greece

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@afar

"Beautiful Chaos at Athens' Central Market Athens' Central Market is a home to a tremendous number of vendors selling everything from fresh Aegean octopus, fish and meat of every variety, to spices, olives, and cheeses. The area is surrounded by little eateries, tavernas, and cafes taking advantage of the fresh produce and catering to the bustling crowds. Even if you're not in the market for meat or fish products, it's an interesting visit and a great way to experience a slice of local culture. Nose your way to Mokka on Athinas Street for freshly ground Greek coffee roast over hot sand; Karamanlidika tou Fani, a charming deli-cum-ouzeri, for spicy salami, pickled vegetables, and salt fish to accompany your ouzo; and Diporto, a basement tavern that’s been in business since 1887. There’s no sign, no menu, no tablecloths—but the simple food is good and the atmosphere wholly authentic, despite the fact that there are often more tourists than market traders eating lunch there these days."

The Best Things to Do in Athens

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@afar

The European Food Adventures to Take this Summer - AFAR

"A bustling Athens food market where you weave among vendors sampling bites like yogurt and honey and other traditional foods, then cap the outing with a rustic lunch paired with Greek wine at a popular nearby tavern." - AFAR

https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-european-food-adventures-to-take-this-summer

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@ricksteves

Athens Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"▲ Fun and aromatic sensory adventure, with a mind-boggling assortment of food and local color." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/greece/athens

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@nomadicmatt

The Best Walking Tours in Athens (Updated 2025)

"On Devour's Ultimate Athens Food Tour I visited the central market as part of thirteen tastings across nine traditional establishments, which gave me a vivid, sensory introduction to local ingredients and street-level food culture." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/best-walking-tours-athens/

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David Lee

Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Authentic Market Experience in the Heart of Athens! This is an absolutely fantastic meat and fish market right in the center of Athens — a must-see for anyone who loves local culture, fresh food, and a bit of old-world atmosphere. Inside, skilled butchers are hard at work preparing beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, along with just about every other cut you can imagine. The sights, sounds, and aromas are pure Athens — lively, authentic, and full of character. The fish section is equally impressive, with rows of fresh fish, shellfish, squid, and octopus glistening on ice. You’ll see locals choosing ingredients for the day’s meal, restaurant buyers loading boxes of seafood, and shopkeepers calling out their daily specials. Just across the street, there’s an equally wonderful produce and olive market, bursting with colorful fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and local olives. The atmosphere there is just as vibrant and friendly — another spot you simply shouldn’t skip. If you want to experience everyday Athenian life and see where locals really shop, this market is the perfect place. Come hungry, bring your camera, and take your time wandering through — it’s one of those experiences that makes Athens unforgettable.

Paula O'Neill

Google

ΒΑΤΙΣΤΑΣ fish stall is the best one I have come across here at this fish market. They speak English, are very knowledgeable, kind and helpful. The produce is excellent 👌 I buy Salmon and Sea Bass from here. You can get your fish filleted and they do an excellent job too. Go here first!!! (but save some fish for me, 🙏 😉)

Martin C

Google

Really nice this market. It’s very organised and tidy. You may find it very interesting if you are a nuts / seafood / herbs lover, as majority of these grocery are fairly cheap. In general, it’s really a nice place to feel local Greek culture and food.

Bondiamo

Google

A bustling municipal market in the Monastiraki district. Here you'll find everyday ingredients from meats, fish, produce, herbs, cookware, and more. It is a great site to visit and see the ingredients that locals use to prepare their meals. We were a bit turned off by one of the herb stores that tried to gouge us as tourists on the price of products.

Imad Mirza

Google

Amazing museum with a vast array of fascinating artefacts. We thoroughly enjoyed walking along the vast halls of exhibits, some dating back several thousand years. The coffee shop in the centre was a good place to rest before resuming our visit. Can recommend!

Agusta Firstia

Google

You can buy good olives or olive oil and eat grilled fish with fair price.

John

Google

As a tourist, I cannot recommend these type of visits enough. You get to really see the local culture unfiltered from the lens of tourism. Free to visit and no one gave us any grief for just browsing.

Peter E

Google

Typical European meat & fish market with lots of vendors selling primarily to local shoppers. Smell can challenge some primarily due to water used to wash down as well as melting ice in seafood area it is very clean Some foods or cuts I hadn't seen before including shark fins & head, as well as sheep & pig heads. Certainly not for everybody but only takes 5 minutes to do an aisle of both.