Thissio Monastiraki
Area Overview, Quality of Life & Real Estate Market 2025
Location & Historical Background
Thissio and Monastiraki are located in the heart of Athens' historic center, just a stone's throw away from the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. The two neighborhoods directly border each other and form an integral part of the city’s cultural identity. Thissio takes its name from the Temple of Hephaestus, which was mistakenly associated with Theseus in the past, while Monastiraki was named after the old monastery that once stood in the main square.
These areas boast a long history, with vivid remnants of ancient, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Athens still visible in the urban fabric. Cobblestone streets, ruins, temples, and preserved buildings create an architectural and historical mosaic that attracts both visitors and residents looking to live in a neighborhood rich in character and authenticity. Monastiraki Square, with the Acropolis in the background, is a favorite meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
The neighborhoods of Thissio and Monastiraki lie in the historic center of Athens, with Monastiraki situated to the east of Thissio. The pedestrian street Apostolou Pavlou in Thissio features a series of cafes, while the charming narrow streets around it reveal many old neoclassical mansions. Just a few minutes on foot is Monastiraki Square, where one can find literally everything – from antiques and souvenirs to clothes and jewelry.
In these two areas, entertainment never ceases, as at any time of day or night you can find something open to enjoy your coffee or drink. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and all kinds of shops fill the streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere where leisure continues uninterrupted. Especially along Pandrossou pedestrian street, on the other side of Monastiraki Square, you'll find an abundance of tourist shops with souvenirs and T-shirts. The scenery is idyllic, with views of the Acropolis and walks through picturesque alleys that transport visitors back in time.
Additionally, the large park surrounding Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian street (Thissio area) serves as an important green "lung" in the heart of the city, offering a sense of coolness and tranquility. In conclusion, Thissio and Monastiraki are considered excellent areas to live – offering a lively daily life, historical character, and the convenience of not even needing a private vehicle, as everything is within walking distance.
Nature and Green Spaces
Despite the urban density and continuous visitor traffic, Thissio offers significant green spaces that act as oxygen lungs for the area. Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian street, which connects Thissio with the Acropolis, is lined with trees, quaint courtyards, and small gardens, providing a pleasant environment for walking and relaxation.
At the edge of the area lies Filopappou Hill, a vast green space of historical significance, ideal for walks with panoramic views of Athens. Also within walking distance or accessible via public transport are Pedion tou Areos and the National Garden, meeting residents' needs for daily contact with nature without having to leave the city center.
Transportation & Accessibility
Thissio and Monastiraki are among the best-connected locations in the Athens Basin, both by fixed-track systems and city buses. Due to their central location and proximity to major transit networks, daily commuting is flexible, fast, and predictable, significantly reducing the need for private vehicles.
Metro / Electric Railway (ISAP)
The two areas are served by two stations on Metro Line 1 (Green Line):
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Thissio Station (ISAP - Line 1)
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Monastiraki Station (ISAP - Line 1 & Metro - Line 3)
Line 1 (Piraeus – Kifisia)
This is the oldest and one of the most important lines, connecting the southern suburbs (Piraeus) with the northern suburbs (Kifisia) while crossing through the center of Athens. Thissio and Monastiraki stations are just one stop apart, allowing for easy transfer.
Distance from Syntagma:
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Syntagma to Monastiraki: 1 stop (Metro – Line 3)
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Syntagma to Thissio: 1 transfer (M3 → M1 at Monastiraki, then 1 stop)
Indicative travel times:
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Piraeus to Thissio: ~14 minutes
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Monastiraki to Omonia: ~2 minutes
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Kifisia to Monastiraki: ~28 minutes
Trains depart every 5–10 minutes on weekdays and every ~15 minutes during off-peak hours.
Metro – Line 3 (Blue)
Monastiraki Station serves as a junction between Line 1 and Line 3 (Airport – Nikaia), offering direct access to Syntagma, Omonia, Ermou, Halandri, the Airport, and Western Athens.
From Monastiraki:
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To Eleftherios Venizelos Airport: direct connection (~45–50 minutes)
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To Syntagma: 1 stop (~2 minutes)
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To Nikaia: direction toward the western suburbs
Transfer between Line 3 and Line 1 is available at the same station (Monastiraki) with easy, ticket-free change.
City Buses The area is served by several bus routes passing through Apostolou Pavlou, Agion Asomaton, Ermou, and Athinas streets, offering access to and from various neighborhoods.
Main bus routes:
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049: Piraeus – Omonia (via Thissio)
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035: Omonia – Petralona (passes through Thissio)
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227: Ano Petralona – Akadimia
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815: Tavros – Koumoundourou Square
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856: Perama – Tampouria – Omonia (nearby)
The bus stops are within walking distance of the ISAP stations, offering additional coverage during peak hours or for locations not served by the Metro.
Suburban Railway (Hellenic Train)
Although there is no direct suburban railway station in the area, it is possible to transfer from:
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Piraeus Station → Larissis Station (Suburban Railway)
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From there → Monastiraki (via Metro Line 3)
Transfer times are short, and total cost remains low (~€2 overall).
Road Access & Walking
Thissio and Monastiraki are ideal for walking or cycling. Most streets are pedestrianized or low-traffic, with a safe road network, good signage, and lighting.
Road connections include:
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Ermou Street (toward Syntagma, Monastiraki)
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Athinas Street (toward Omonia, Patission)
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Apostolou Pavlou (pedestrianized with resident access)
Parking
Due to the historical character and tourist activity in Thissio and Monastiraki, parking options include:
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Private parking facilities (e.g., Adrianou, Mitropoleos)
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Municipal resident-only parking spots
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Access to organized parking areas near Monastiraki or Plaka
Education and Infrastructure
The Monastiraki–Thissio neighborhoods host several schools and educational institutions, meeting local residents' needs. Additionally, Thissio is home to specialized or vocational schools such as the Unified Special Vocational High School of Athens (at Agion Asomaton & Dipylou), serving students with special educational needs.
The presence of nearby schools, along with access to playgrounds, sports facilities, and other infrastructure, makes the area family-friendly.
Real Estate Market
The Thissio – Monastiraki area, part of Athens' historic center, remains consistently attractive to both Greek and foreign investors. The combination of cultural heritage, location, tourist demand, and proximity to major landmarks makes it an ideal choice.
Average Property Sale Prices
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General average sale price: As of February 2025, the average asking price for residential properties in the area stood at approximately €2,524/sq.m., showing an increase of +5.21% compared to the previous year.
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Newly built apartments (up to 5 years old): Prices range between €3,000 and €4,000/sq.m. depending on view, accessibility, and amenities. Demand in this market segment is high, especially for modern residences in quiet yet touristic locations.
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Older apartments (over 35 years old): These are priced between €2,000 and €2,500/sq.m., with lower prices found mostly in properties that are unrenovated or have low energy efficiency.
Average Sale Prices by Subarea
| Subarea | Average Sale Price (€/sq.m.) |
|---|---|
| Monastiraki | ~ 3,400 €/sq.m. |
| Thissio | ~ 2,600 €/sq.m. |
| Plaka | ~ 4,000 €/sq.m. |
| Psyrri | ~ 2,850 €/sq.m. |
| Acropolis | ~ 3,800 €/sq.m. |
Average Rental Prices by Subarea
Rental prices vary depending on location, age, and property quality. The general average in the historic center area is around €15.92/sq.m. (June 2025), with the following indicative rates:
| Subarea | Average Rent Price (€/sq.m./month) |
| Monastiraki | ~ 19.48 €/sq.m./month |
| Thissio | ~ 13.73 €/sq.m./month |
| Plaka | > 20 €/sq.m./month |
| Psyrri | ~ 15–17 €/sq.m./month |
| Acropolis | ~ 19–22 €/sq.m./month |
⚠️ Disclaimer
The real estate pricing information presented in this text is based on secondary data from the current state of the market as of August 2025. Prices reflect average asking prices per square meter, based on data from publicly accessible sources (listings, trends, averages), and do not represent actual contracts, official state valuations, or binding appraisals. The data is indicative and subject to change depending on location, property condition, and private negotiations. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or a substitute for an official appraisal by a certified valuer. Use is at the reader's own discretion.
