To the west of Syntagma lies one of the oldest parts of the city, Monastiraki, which used to be the center of commercial and business life in ancient times and nowadays is a buzzing shopping district. The area is famous for its flea market as the main street leading off takes one to narrow streets with loads of artifacts to buy and sell. Do not forget to visit the Mosque, minus minaret, a relic of the Turkish occupation. Monastiraki is a mixture of old and new and you will be fascinated by its people and character. The area will inspire you, keep you busy and definitely make you shop!