Athens is a testament to Greece's time-hallowed history and traditions. Greeting you with a seemingly never-ending wellspring of historical monuments, the city intoxicates even the most jaded tourist. When all is said and done, and the marmoreal glow of Athens’ popular landmarks begins to temper, a calmer and relaxing time filled with shopping (and dopamine!) is set to relieve you of your slump.
It is funny that although shopping in Athens is not brandished on travel brochures and books, you will always find yourself carrying home a souvenir or two from your Mediterranean escapade. Truth be told, the city is filled with amazing shops and boutiques for every style, taste, and budget. From zigzagging through colorful flea markets to being treated like a celebrity in exclusive boutiques, to hanging out at the mall, Athens has a little bit of everything to assuage everyone’s retail desires. We’ve curated a list of our local guides’ favorite shopping destinations right in the heart of Ancient Greece for you to fully enjoy your trip.
Ermou Street
Probably one of the most popular retail districts in Athens, Ermou Street is a cobblestone pedestrian avenue perfect for a romantic day of shopping. The avenue begins just by Syntagma Square and stretches all the way to the old gas works in Gazi, making it central, convenient, and something out of a fairy tale. Find cosmetic brands such as Sephora, fashion staples in Zara, and contemporary pieces at Massimo Dutti.
Ermou isn’t just another run-of-the-mill mile-long city high street. Glide through what was once Fokas Department Store and admire the classical building which is now home to Athens’ Biennale of Contemporary Art. Enter Hondos Center, a cosmetics paradise like no other.
Although famous for its plethora of makeup brands and selections, the department store also has leagues of shops catered to selling lingerie, hosiery accessories, and more. You’re lucky if you find yourself in the middle of Ermou during Christmas, as the street sparkles with lights and Christmas cheer throughout the season.
Monastiraki Market
Monastiraki Flea Market is a great place to visit throughout the week, but if you’re looking for some real adventure, pass by on a Sunday. On days when other districts may seem quiet, closed, and resting, Monastiraki Market comes to life with its array of souvenir shops, specialty stalls, and knick-knacks.
Take your pick of spices, replica items, vinyls, or antiques for keepsakes. Appreciate the vibrant murals lining the alleyways. And while you’re taking a break from all that shopping, enjoy some street food whilst appreciating the Acropolis looming over the market square. It may be a good idea to have a local accompany you around the market in order to get the best bargains, pass by the most interesting stalls, and eat a considerable amount of authentic Greek food.
Exarchia
Stolbovsky, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For a bit of vintage shopping, head on over to Exarchia, home to eclectic vintage shops and second-hand designer stores. The Greek fashion scene has increasingly embraced vintage and second-hand, and Exarchia has been the front, middle, and center of it.
Shops not only sell fashion items, but all kinds of novelty items, from books, to fabrics, to musical instruments. Here is where you will definitely find a bargain. On Saturdays, the neighborhood wakes up to an already busy farmers market with fresh veggies, fruits, and spices. If you have limited time on your Athens trip, we recommend keeping Exarchia in your itinerary. You will definitely not leave with empty hands.
Kolonaki
You've trodden the cobblestone streets of Athens, and now you want to pamper yourself with some luxury. Feel just like a celebrity at Kolonaki, home to boutiques of the world’s biggest fashion houses. Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dior, you name it, they have it.
Kolonaki is both up to date with fashion trends and well-respected for its contribution to the arts scene. With various museums and art galleries squeezed between upscale fashion shops, you will want to pirouette through Kolonaki for days. If you would like to know more about the shopping scene in Athens, contact our professional guides and charter a private tour for an elite experience.
Athens Malls
The malls in Athens are relatively new, which is something out of the ordinary in Europe. Four of our favorite malls include The Mall Athens, Athens Heart Mall, Athens Golden Hall, and Attica. The oldest of these is The Mall Athens on Marousi Street. It is a local favorite with everything you may need throughout your trip. Just 20 minutes away from the city center, the mall is a one-stop-shop for necessities and shopping sprees of all budgets.
Athens Heart Mall is on Pireos Street, and is very convenient and easily accessible. Athens Golden Hall caters to those searching for high-end fashion brands all in one place. Last but not the least is Attica, another department store well-loved by locals and right next to Syntagma Square. When the winding alleyways and crowds of people become overwhelming, Athens’ malls are wonderful places to stroll, relax, and shop in peace.
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet
Image by pch.vector on Freepik
First opening its doors in 2011, McArther Glen Designer Outlet became the city’s first ever two-storey open-air outlet of its kind. For the shopaholic, outlet stores are a go-to for sales reaching 70% off and hundreds of stores right at your fingertips. You will find fashion brands, kitchenware, children’s clothing, toys, and even a supermarket in this easily navigable outlet. If you are traveling with children, designated rest and play areas can be found around the area. In the summer, the shaded seating areas do wonders to beat the heat in between shopping and walking around.
Outlets are usually further away from the city center because of their size, and so riding a shuttle bus to the outlet would set you back an hour. Taking the metro is also convenient and cheap, as the nearest station, Doukissis Plakentias, is accessible from Egaleo, Syntagma, and Ethniki Amuna Metro Station.
Psiri
Dimitris Kamaras from Athens, Greece, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If your idea of shopping includes polishing off delicious plates of the local cuisine, then Psiri is your elysium of happiness. A gastronome’s paradise, Psiri is lined with local shops ready to give you a taste of Greece’s many flavors. Have more daring dishes other than gyros and give Taramasalata, Papoutsakia, and Galaktoboureko a try.
Aside from enjoying Athens’ culinary masterpieces here and now, we recommend that you take a taste of it home with you in the form of spices and herbs. Various shops along Psiri sell an assortment of ingredients you can take home to share with your loved ones.
Conclusion
In true Greek fashion, Athens will leave you craving its alluring vibrations long after you’ve returned home from your trip. Although one thing is for certain - that souvenir you got in Monastiraki Market? It is a remembrance of a lifetime.
Be sure to make the most of your shopping escapade while in Greece by getting in touch with our friendly local guides. Book a customizable private tour for an exclusive and one-of-a-kind adventure.