Athens is a city becoming more and more known for its fusion of great ancient beauty, modern evolution and burgeoning underground culture. It’s no surprise then that the shopping scene in the Greek capital offers an equally interesting mix of options. Whether you prefer to take a leisurely stroll and window shop, or head to a hub where you can find all your favourite brands and stores in the one spot, Athens has got your shopping needs covered.
If you want to shop among the Gods...
The centre of Athens has no shortage of must-see shopping spots, set among the ancient sites of the Athenian agora. For those looking to get well acquainted with high-end Greek couture and well-known European designers, a morning in Kolonaki will do the trick. Step into the top fashion and jewellery houses of Prada, Chanel, Lalaounis and Kessaris as well as the hottest boutiques on well known Skoufa street like Freeshop and Luisa World.
As the glamorous streets of Kolonaki lead you down towards the city centre, be sure to walk through Kolokotroni Street where you’ll find the flagship store of Ancient Greek Sandals for your next pair of forever-sandals, and neighbouring lab The Naxos Apothecary.
Syntagma’s Ermou street houses all the major Greek and International retail brands like Migato, Korres, Sephora, Zara, Nike, Oysho and more. One could easily lose themselves in the little streets branching off from Ermou to explore the side-streets of Monastiraki leading up towards Psyrri, where you’ll find stores selling ethnic items, crystals, beads, materials, leathers, artworks and more.
For souvenirs and Greek nicknacks, Monastiraki and Plaka remain the ideal places to explore. In Plaka, among the gaudy touristy trinkets and t-shirts (an important part of any holiday!) discerning shoppers will find some truly impressive clothing, shoes and accessories designed by Greek artists and fashionistas. Stores such as Forget Me Not, Heroes and Thiki take the Greek souvenir to another level, showcasing trendy, witty and super stylish creations by Greek artists and designers.
In Monastiraki the Flea Market (entryway from Monastiraki Square outside the metro/HSAP station) remains the same - selling a mish-mash of everything from ancient Greek helmets and Jesus sandals to beads, Doc Martin boots, and beautiful handmade leather bags.
If you want to find everything, under one big roof…
Shopping malls weren’t a big thing in Athens until just over a decade ago when places like The Mall and Golden Hall in the northern suburb of Marousi became regular hangouts for people of all ages - and, thanks to their close proximity to highways and public transport, from around the city they are very convenient for locals and tourists alike.
Depending on your location, you should be able to find a shopping centre within a decent distance, housing favourite big-name retailers like Zara, H&M, Bershka, Calzedonia and many more. Other notable Athens malls include Athens Metro Mall in Agios Dimitrios and Athens Heart Mall in Tavros. Of course, shopping isn’t the only activity on the menu at these malls, with lots of places to eat and spend time with friends (some even include cinemas and bowling halls). Because shopping malls are still relatively new and scarce in Athens, they are always busy so if you prefer to avoid crowds when getting your retail therapy, weekdays or early on weekend mornings are your best option.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Spata has become the leading destination for internationally-recognised, top-quality labels such as Ralph Lauren, Diesel, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nike and Hugo Boss among many other brands, which can be scooped up at discount prices. Not exactly a mall, but rather a large shopping village, shoppers can enjoy over 100 boutiques, free parking and facilities for people of all ages such as restaurants, cafes, clean WCs and areas for kids to get engaged in fun games.
In the centre of Athens, another popular shopping destination where you can find a bit of everything is Attica department store. A great place to find high-quality global and Greek brands in beauty products, clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women, and children, Attica also has a restaurant area, nail bar and personal shopping assistant services (arranged by appointment only).
If you want to venture out a little further and make a day of it...
For a more leisurely approach to shopping, meander through the green, leafy streets of Kifissia which are lined with boutiques (check out SImple Character and Soho-Soho), designer names, big retail brands as well as art galleries and great eateries (brunchers should fuel themselves at Different Beast and lunchers will love Nice n’ Easy).
South of Athens, Glyfada ,known as the “Miami of Attica”, has no shortage of places to shop for clothes, shoes, sunglasses and homewares. To become one with the signature Glyfada style than can’t be found anywhere else in Athens, step into Ensayar women’s and A La Mode. The best bit about shopping in Glyfada? Being a stone’s throw away from the Athenian Riviera, which most people would consider a perfect way to end a day of retail therapy.
Athens shopping tips:
- Most stores and malls are closed on Sundays throughout Athens (with only a few exceptions)
- Traditionally, stores close earlier at around 3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays (but this does not apply to larger stores and most malls)
- Cards are accepted at most stores, but carrying some euros with you may prove handy at smaller stalls and markets.
More about Shopping in Athens on Greek City Times:
Stylish Eco-Friendly Shopping in Athens
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