Best Shopping In Athens

One unique thing about the shopping places in Athens is its non-standard timing. Knowing the timings is very important to avoid disappointment. Most small shops in the fringes are open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm. However, the departmental stores in the city center are open from 9 am to 9 pm, from Monday to Saturday. So if one is planning to go shopping in Athens on Sunday, they will find most local shops closed except for the basic necessity vendors.   

Here is a brief Athens shopping guide about the places one must-visit.

1. Monastiraki Flea Market

The cobbled, pedestrian-only area of Monastiraki is the best Athens flea market, and also a cult landmark to visit. The vibrant streets of Monastiraki feature unique, bazaar-style hawker shops and small stores selling anything and everything under the sun. Clothes, jewelry, antiques, second-hand books and records of old music and movies, handmade local craft, leather products, musical instruments, sports, and hiking gear – the variety is eclectic. Grecian sandals are a special item of this area, so are exotic herbs and spices. With some seasoned bargaining, Monastiraki Flea Market is the hub for cheap shopping in Athens.

2. Plaka and Thiseio

Plaka and Thiseo are the two Athens shopping streets for walkers, as they exit the Acropolis Museum. Plaka towards the right has everything that will remind you of Greece. Touristy items like t-shirts and caps with the Greek flag on them or pictures of the Acropolis, necklaces and beaded bracelets with customized names are flaunted on the renovated neoclassical shops. There are Grecian statues and antiques, packaged olive and olive oil and other small trinkets are available aplenty. On the left side, Thiseio is not as flashy but has many handicraft shops selling very creative and artsy products, colorful candles, handmade jewellery, handbags and perfect souvenirs to take back home. These two neighborhoods are very much frequented as a night market in Athens.

3. Syntagma and Ermou Street

Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens is where one would go for urban shopping. The Square and branching off from it the famous shopping streets in Athens, Greece – Ermou Street is lined up with one high-end shop after the other. From internationally recognized brands like Zara, Marks & Spencer and United Colors of Benetton to big Greek stores like Public and Plaisio – the options are endless.

4. Marousi

Not the best-known place on the list, but Marousi has an appeal of its own. Most of it is a cozy local market with the usual shops and a bunch of local bookstores and music stores. Near to Marousi, there are three Athens shopping malls – The Mall Athens, Avenue and Golden Hall Athens.