WHAT CAN I BUY AND WHERE?

Athens Shopping Guide: Where & what to shop?

Athens is the shopping metropolis of Greece. Here meet shopping streets, small boutiques and markets. Shopping centers have also become increasingly popular in recent years. Between fancy ideas, designer fashion and luxury labels, you can find everything. 

On this page, find the best places for your shopping spree in Athens, from shopping streets and malls to markets. Read also about the best souvenirs to bring home, as well as practical information like opening hours.

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Where to go Shopping in Athens?

The greatest density of elegant shopping streets can be found in the area around Kolonaki, which is considered the most distinguished neighborhood of Athens. Here there are many jewelry and jewelry stores, as well as antique dealers.

Probably the most famous shopping street in Athens is Ermou Street, which is one of the five most expensive shopping streets in Europe. It connects Syntagma Square with Monastiraki.

Here is also located one of the most famous shopping centers of Athens, Attica, The Department Store, which is also called the "Harrods of Athens". Spread over 8 floors, more than 850 brands are offered.

If you are looking for typical Greek souvenirs, Plaka is the place to go. Famous is the Monastiraki Square and the eponymous flea market with its stalls, cafes and restaurants. 

Opening Hours in Athens

Stores in Athens are generally open from Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. Supermarkets often open as early as 8:00 a.m., fashion stores as early as 9:00 a.m. Supermarkets close no later than 9:00 p.m. Many stores are closed for 1 to 2 hours at noon.

Weekends: Generally, all stores are closed on Sunday. Only in typical tourist areas, such as Plaka and Monastiraki Square, stores are open on Sundays.

Good Places to Shop

Shopping streets, shopping centers, and markets

Souvenirs from Athens

What can I take with me?

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3 Well Known Places to Shop

Ermou Street

Ermou Street is the main shopping street in Athens with international brand stores and small boutiques in the side streets. Many shoe stores have settled here.

The Mall Athens

The Mall Athens is considered one of the largest shopping malls in Southeastern Europe and is located in the suburb of Maroussi. The futuristic design is remarkable, with the roof made entirely of glass, which floods the entire center with daylight. Numerous restaurants provide for the physical well-being of the visitors.

Monastiraki

The area is known for its many quaint little stores and boutiques where many a bargain can be found. Goods range from clothing and vinyl to accessories, paintings, antiques, costume jewelry and jewels. Even those looking for a bouzuki as a souvenir are in the right place.

Wochenmarkt am Maybachufer in Berlin in Deutschland

What Can I Combine with Shopping?

Athens is a capital city with over 3 million inhabitants. That is why the shopping streets, neighborhoods and centers are spread all over the city, there are numerous pedestrian zones in Athens. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the main sights with a short shopping break. 

Examples include Tsakalof Street near Kolonaki Square and the Voukourestiou pedestrian zone, as well as Monastiraki and Plaka, which scores with its proximity to the Acropolis. 

In addition, there are the Athens shopping centers.

Places to Shop Near the Attractions

  • Tsakalof Street, Voukourestiou, Skoufa and Ermou Street: The location in the city center also makes these important shopping areas of Athens the best place for shopping during a city trip. For those who like to find alternatives to international brand stores, stroll through the side streets.
  • Athens Heart Mall Emporiko Centro: The mall relies on metal, wood and glass, which have been cleverly combined. The result is a shopping center in the city center that is as imposing as it is elegant. Particularly impressive is the roof, a construction of translucent membrane panels that open like a sunroof to reveal views of the Acropolis as well as Lycabettus Hill, flooding the mall with light.
  • Plaka: Plaka is the oldest neighborhood of Athens and is located right at the foot of the Acropolis. This a good place to walk among taverns, street food, craft stalls and typical souvenirs from Athens.

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Shopping FAQs

WHAT ARE THE NORMAL STORE OPENING HOURS IN ATHENS?

Stores in Athens are usually open between 9:00 to 21:00. Supermarkets sometimes open earlier. Many stores are closed for 1 to 2 hours at noon.  It always pays to check the exact opening hours of the stores on the Internet.

CAN I SHOP ON THE WEEKEND?

Stores and shopping centers are usually closed on weekends. Only the stores in the tourist areas like Plaka and Monastiraki are also open on weekends. The famous flea market of Monastiraki is also held on weekends.

IS PAYMENT BY CARD POSSIBLE EVERYWHERE IN ATHENS?

Supermarkets, shopping centers and stores almost always accept giro cards and credit cards. Small cafes, restaurants and market stalls often do not accept cards. Asking about card acceptance before ordering is therefore a recommendation in Athens.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVE NEIGHBORHOODS WITH INDIVIDUAL FASHION?

The district especially around Kolonaki Square is the area in Athens with small, exclusive boutiques with individual fashion.

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