Modiano Market
Thessaloniki
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You can get one of the brightest experiences from the trip to Thessaloniki by paying a visit to the Modiano Market. Rich history, unique atmosphere, and the best Greek cuisine blend together for your pleasure here. 

Modiano Market history in brief

The Modiano Market in Thessaloniki has been a part of local inhabitants' life for about 90 years. It was established upon the project of Eli Modiano. He saw the world in the famous Italian-Jewish family. His father, Jakob Modiano, was a banker. The man studied architecture in Paris. After that, he came back to is hone city and created his best projects. Among them is the market (which later got his name). The construction of the Modiano Market began in 1922. It ended in 1930. 

There are fish, meat, fruit, butter, and spices stalls inside the building. You can also find several cozy taverns and bars here. Modiano Market has become the center of both the trading and social life of Thessaloniki. Furthermore, at present, it is one of the main attractions of the city. The market is always busy with visitors. It is noisy and loud. All those features ensure a unique character of the Modiano Market.

Things to buy

Modiano Market is a gastronomic Paradise. It is not an exaggeration. You can see the treasures of Greece on its market stalls:

  • Fragrant spices and herbal teas;
  • Honey from local farmers;
  • A great diversity of cheeses, which highlight Greek cuisine;
  • Fresh fish, meat, and delicacies;
  • Olives and olive oil;
  • Freshly made and hot pastries;
  • Coffee (freshly ground and coffee beans);
  • Traditional alcohol drinks (for example, ouzo and wine).

Modiano is the kingdom of scents, odors, and flavors. Furthermore, it is a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the authentic life of Thessaloniki. Apart from gastronomic products, the market has whatever your heart desires: from clothes and toys up to flowers. There is also a wide choice of cosmetic products of Greek production in it. 

How to bargain

Like anywhere in the world, every seller in Modiano does his best to attract customers with “the best prices” and “the tastiest products.” A lot of travelers wonder whether it is possible to bargain at Modiano. One should mention that bargaining is possible but everything has its limits. The Greek markets significantly differ from the rest ones. The sellers can offer you a small discount but you should not expect it to be about 30-50% of the cost. If the price is too high for the customer, he can ask whether any discount is possible. All the further actions (the purchase of goods and the necessity to seek for a cheaper item) depend on the seller’s response.

The Modiano Market enjoys a convenient location in the Thessaloniki city center. You can find it between two lively streets Egnatia Avenue and Vasileos Irakleou St. You can access the market via one of the entries available in these streets. The easiest way to get to the Modiano Market is on foot, from Aristotelous Square. The walk will take you about 5 minutes.

Tips

  • If you take a 5-10-minute walk from the market, you will get to the historic market of Kapani. People conduct trading here throughout centuries, since the Ottoman rule.
  • In the vicinity of the market, you can visit several popular Thessaloniki attractions. Just 60 meters away from the market, you can see the Ottoman building of Bey Hamam. In a 300-meters distance, there is the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki. Only 200 meters separate the market from the Monastery of St. Theodora.
  • There are cafes and taverns within the market’s area. You can relax, have a snack, and enjoy a cup of coffee here. Local dining venues also serve “Mezedes” – the mix of small snacks, which deserve particular attention.
  • The Modiano Market prices are always lower compared to the cost of goods in local shops. Thessaloniki residents highly recommend that you take a walk between the market stall before purchasing some goods. It is one of the best ways to find products at the best price.
  • At present, Modiano Market undergoes reconstruction. The works are about to end by the middle of 2020. All the illegally built stalls will be removed from the territory of the market. One also expects that the grade of safety will be also improved for the comfort of the customers.