Central Market Athens : 10 Reasons to Visit the Athens Food Market

One of our favorite discoveries during our recent trip to Athens was the Central Market Athens located on Athens street, also known as the Athens Food Market, or the Dimotiki Agora. This market dates all the way back to 1886. If you get excited about local food culture when you travel, then you won’t want to miss the Central Market in Athens.

This is the belly of Athens! It is the place to go to buy fresh seafood, meats, fruits and vegetables. You will also have the chance to eat prepared seafood and meats.

It is also a treat for the senses. Just look at these fresh crabs!

Fresh crab at the food market in Athens Greece.

The Central Market is divided into two parts : the large fish hall and the large meat hall.

(Warning : if you are sensitive to seeing raw meat, you may want to stop scrolling. Go here instead and read about Greek coffee culture instead. The Athens food market is a traditional covered market and there are raw meats hanging in the meat hall, pictured later in this post.)

Inside the fish hall at the Central Market in Athens Greece

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Table of Contents

The Meat Hall

The Central Market in Athens is a traditional covered market and meat is still presented in a traditional way. Some of the stalls date all the way back to the 1970s.

Inside the hall at the Athens food market

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The authenticity and tradition are part of what makes this market so special to me. It is rare to be able to see this type of market these days.

Hanging meat at the Central Market in Athens Greece.

The Fish Hall

Our favorite part of the experience was visiting the fish hall. However, I will add that if you are sensitive to the pungent scent of fish, this may not be the place for you. It smells quite fishy. This can be expected as there is so much raw fish under one roof.

Also, wear shoes that you can wash or that you don’t mind throwing away when you leave the market. Make sure your shoes will support you on a very slippery floor as well. The floor is wet, slippery and smells of fish but the experience is worth every moment!

Have you tried octopus (pictured on the left side of the photo below)? You have to try it in Greece!

The fish at the Central Market in Athens Greece.

Just look at this gorgeous squid!

Raw squid at the food market in Athens Greece

Eating at the Athens food market

We recommend having a bite at the market. You can eat in the fish hall or the meat hall. There is a selection of freshly prepared foods that you can wash down with a glass of wine or ouzo.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables at the Dimotiki Agora (Athens Food Market)

You will also want to visit the fruit and vegetable stands in the market. We loved seeing all of the fresh ingredients and were so inspired to cook traditional Greek dishes once we got home.

Potatoes at the Central Market in Athens Greece.

Look at these beautiful lemons! Food is one of our favorite things to bring home from our travels.

Lemons for sale in a crate at the Central Market in Athens Greece.

And the baby onions!

10 Reasons to Visit the Central Market in Athens

Get a feel for the local culture. Visiting the central market will give you a peek into the authentic culture of the city of Athens.
You will know what to order in the local restaurants in Athens. Take a walk around the fish hall of the market and check out the prices. The most reasonably priced fish are the fish that are in season at the time locally.
Instagram opps! The market is the perfect place to take photos to bring home with you.
Bring home some fruit. The market is the best place to pick up fresh, seasonal fruits to bring back to your hotel.
This market is a fine example of a traditional food market – not to be missed!
You can try the food at the market. Don’t leave without trying some fresh seafood and/or meats.
People watching. This is the perfect spot to see the locals, watch them interact and hear their language.
It is a feast for the senses. The market is fishy and noisy and such a fun experience to have.
You can make your own dinner. If you are staying in an apartment and love to cook when you travel, you’ll be able to buy all the ingredients you need at the market.
Try new foods. You can try a variety of fresh seafood and meat at the market.

Central Market Athens : address

Athinas, Athina, 105 51, Greece

The outside of the Central Market in Athens, Greece.

Area around the market

Not far from the Central Market, is Evripidou street. You need to try “pastourma”, made of dehydrated goat, camel, lamb or beef. Prepared with a cumin paste, garlic, hot paprika and fenugreek.

If you want to try “pastourma”, stop by Miran or Arapian. If you go to Miran, you will also want to try their famous “sujuk” made from either lamb or beef.

Miran : Evripidou 45, Athina 105 54, Greece

Arapian : Evripidou 41, Athina 105 54, Greece