Shopping in Athens
The Athenians have been world class shoppers since ancient times when all important meetings and business transactions happened in the Agora, or marketplace. Not much has changed in 1,000 years. Our NileGuide top ten list of places to shop in Athens will get you hooked into the modern Athenian marketplace and exiting Greece with classic style.
The first two on our list our the choice places to shop for the majority of the locals, especially on Thursday and Friday nights. Ermou and Attica both offer large amounts of Greek, European, and American name brands in fashion, shoes, and jewelery. Running just alongside the Attica department store is Voukourestiou Street, perhaps the priciest street in Athens with known names like Hermes and Fendi, but also high end Greek designers such as the jeweler Liana Vourakis.
Keep wandering up Voukourestiou and you'll eventually hit Skoufa, a long string of boutiques and cafes for the well heeled to rest their shop-weary tootsies. Should the weather be inclement or just too darn hot, head to the Golden Hall for an air conditioned, luxury shopping adventure.
For lovers of old things or for those looking for more quintessentially Greek items, head directly to the areas of Plaka and Monastiraki underneath the Acropolis. In the Monastiraki Flea Market one can find everything from bicycles to military surplus stores and everything in between. The antiques in Avyssinias Square serve as a tangible link to the not-so-distant past of Athens- the best deals being had on the Saturday markets when dealers are looking to be rid of merchandise for good. Adrianou Street links Monastiraki to Plaka; while having a reputation for being somewhat on the "junk souvenir" end of the shopping spectrum, there are some rare shops such as the Seamstress and the Olive Tree that offer more unique conversation pieces.
Eleftherodakis is the place for book lovers; seven levels offer a little bit of everything, including a cafe and children's section. Public, not on the list, also has a nice selection of English books and travel guides.
The first two on our list our the choice places to shop for the majority of the locals, especially on Thursday and Friday nights. Ermou and Attica both offer large amounts of Greek, European, and American name brands in fashion, shoes, and jewelery. Running just alongside the Attica department store is Voukourestiou Street, perhaps the priciest street in Athens with known names like Hermes and Fendi, but also high end Greek designers such as the jeweler Liana Vourakis.
Keep wandering up Voukourestiou and you'll eventually hit Skoufa, a long string of boutiques and cafes for the well heeled to rest their shop-weary tootsies. Should the weather be inclement or just too darn hot, head to the Golden Hall for an air conditioned, luxury shopping adventure.
For lovers of old things or for those looking for more quintessentially Greek items, head directly to the areas of Plaka and Monastiraki underneath the Acropolis. In the Monastiraki Flea Market one can find everything from bicycles to military surplus stores and everything in between. The antiques in Avyssinias Square serve as a tangible link to the not-so-distant past of Athens- the best deals being had on the Saturday markets when dealers are looking to be rid of merchandise for good. Adrianou Street links Monastiraki to Plaka; while having a reputation for being somewhat on the "junk souvenir" end of the shopping spectrum, there are some rare shops such as the Seamstress and the Olive Tree that offer more unique conversation pieces.
Eleftherodakis is the place for book lovers; seven levels offer a little bit of everything, including a cafe and children's section. Public, not on the list, also has a nice selection of English books and travel guides.
Attica the Department Store
9 Panepistimiou St
An entire city block of air conditioned, upscale shopping...
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