Monastiraki is always abuzz, as locals and visitors come here to shop, sightsee, dine, and people-watch. Its swarming pedestrian laneways are lined with rows of shops and stalls selling everything from mass-produced souvenirs to handmade carpets and fine jewelry. The area is also home to several notable historic and cultural sights; including the ancient remains of Hadrian’s Library; and the 18th-century Tzistarakis Mosque, which hosts a branch of the Museum of Greek Folk Art.
Many sightseeing tours of Athens combine a visit to Monastiraki with nearby sights such as the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora of Athens. Food and nightlife tours also make stops in Monastiraki, which contains a high concentration of restaurants, wine bars, and tavernas.