Best central shopping areas: Ermou Street for international brands, Kolonaki for luxury and Greek designers, and Plaka and Monastiraki for crafts, leather goods and souvenirs.
What to buy: Handmade leather sandals, Greek olive oil, jewellery, ceramics, botanical cosmetics and locally designed fashion.
Best markets: Monastiraki Flea Market for antiques and vintage finds, Varvakios Central Market for food, and neighbourhood laiki markets for seasonal produce.
Opening hours: Large stores usually stay open throughout the day, while smaller independent shops may close during the afternoon. Most regular retail shops close on Sundays, although many tourist-oriented businesses in Plaka and Monastiraki remain open.
Shopping in Athens is shaped by neighbourhood character rather than large indoor commercial centres. A short walk can take you from international fashion stores on a busy pedestrian street to small jewellery studios, traditional food shops and artisan workshops hidden along narrow lanes.
Where you should shop depends largely on what you want to find. Ermou Street is the main destination for familiar high-street brands, while Plaka and Monastiraki are better for leather goods, souvenirs and handmade products. Kolonaki focuses on luxury fashion and contemporary Greek design, and Glyfada combines shopping with the relaxed atmosphere of the Athenian Riviera.
This guide explains the best places to shop in Athens, what local products are worth buying and what visitors should know about opening hours and Sunday shopping.
Best Shopping Areas in Athens
Best for: High-street fashion, shoes and cosmetics.
This pedestrian shopping street connects Syntagma Square with Monastiraki and is the most convenient choice for mainstream international brands.
Best for: Antiques, vintage clothing, records and leather goods.
The lanes around Monastiraki Square are lively and eclectic, with permanent shops alongside the better-known Sunday flea market activity.
Best for: Crafts, jewellery, ceramics and souvenirs.
The historic streets below the Acropolis are filled with artisan shops, sandal makers, small galleries and visitor-focused stores.
Best for: Luxury shopping and Greek designer boutiques.
Kolonaki is home to premium fashion houses, jewellery stores, concept shops and independent local designers.
Best for: Coastal fashion, lifestyle boutiques and relaxed browsing.
This southern shopping district combines modern retail streets with cafés and the seaside atmosphere of the Athenian Riviera.
What to Buy in Athens
Athens is a good place to shop for products connected to Greek materials, food traditions and contemporary design. The following items are among the most practical and distinctive purchases for visitors.
Leather Sandals
Handmade leather sandals are one of the most popular items to buy in central Athens. Workshops around Monastiraki and Psirri produce both traditional Greek-inspired styles and simpler contemporary designs.
Good-quality leather usually softens and adapts to the foot over time. Before buying, check the stitching, sole and finish rather than relying only on the appearance of the upper straps.
Greek Jewellery
Athens has a strong tradition of goldsmithing and silversmithing. Shops range from established jewellers in Kolonaki to small contemporary studios producing geometric pieces, jewellery inspired by ancient motifs and designs using semi-precious stones or recycled metals.
For more original work, look beyond the main souvenir streets and visit independent studios.
Greek Olive Oil and Local Food
Speciality food shops sell extra virgin olive oil, thyme honey, Chios mastic products, mountain herbs, capers, olives, spices and regional cheeses.
For food products, choose sealed packaging suitable for travel and check airline and destination-country restrictions before packing liquids, oils or fresh products.
Ceramics
Athens has both traditional painted pottery and a growing contemporary ceramics scene. Small studio shops around Plaka, Koukaki, Mets and Psirri sell tableware, vases and decorative pieces made by local artists.
Ceramics are usually more fragile than other souvenirs, so ask the shop to package them securely for transport.
Cosmetics and Skincare
Greek cosmetics often use ingredients associated with the Mediterranean, including olive oil, herbs, yoghurt, honey and bee products. They are widely available in pharmacies, beauty stores and dedicated brand shops.
Pharmacies are often a convenient place to compare sun-care products, skincare and smaller travel-friendly items.
Contemporary Greek Fashion
Athens supports a growing group of local fashion and accessory designers. Visitors can find linen clothing, summer resort wear, handmade bags, jewellery and minimalist footwear alongside international brands.
Kolonaki, Kolokotroni Street and the surrounding commercial triangle are particularly useful areas for discovering independent labels.
Athens Tickets
Markets and Flea Markets
Athens has several very different types of markets. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are looking for antiques, fresh food or a glimpse of everyday neighbourhood life.
| Market | Main focus | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Monastiraki Flea Market | Antiques, vintage goods, records and collectables | Sunday for the fullest market atmosphere |
| Varvakios Central Market | Fresh meat, fish, spices, olives and food products | Morning, Monday to Saturday |
| Laiki Agora | Fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers and local produce | Depends on the neighbourhood and weekday |
Monastiraki Flea Market
The Monastiraki Flea Market centres on Ifestou Street and Avissinia Square. During the week, the area consists mainly of permanent shops selling leather goods, vintage clothing, musical instruments, records, books and second-hand items.
Sunday is the liveliest day, when additional traders and informal stalls appear around the square and nearby streets. Arrive earlier in the day for easier browsing and a better chance of seeing the full range of goods.
Varvakios Central Market
Located on Athinas Street, Varvakios Agora is Athens’ main central food market. The covered halls contain meat and fish stalls, while the surrounding streets are lined with shops selling olives, spices, nuts, dried fruit and other food products.
This is an active working market rather than a polished visitor attraction. Mornings are generally the best time to experience it at its busiest.
Neighbourhood Markets
Weekly street markets, known as laiki agora, take place throughout Athens on different days. Local producers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, olives and household goods.
The exact location and schedule vary by neighbourhood. The Friday market on Kallidromiou Street in Exarcheia is one of the better-known examples among visitors.
Shopping Streets
Athens’ main shopping streets each have a different character, ranging from international fashion and luxury boutiques to antique shops, local crafts and traditional food stores.
Shopping Malls in Athens
Most visitors spend more time shopping in central Athens than in suburban malls. However, malls can be convenient during very hot weather, rainy days or when you want several brands and services in one place.
The Mall Athens
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The Mall Athens contains international fashion chains, electronics stores, restaurants and entertainment facilities.
Golden Hall
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Golden Hall is an upscale shopping centre in Marousi, focused on premium fashion, lifestyle shops and dining.
Athens Metro Mall
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Athens Metro Mall is located next to Agios Dimitrios metro station in the southern suburbs.
It offers mainstream fashion brands, everyday services, food and entertainment.
Attica Department Store
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Attica offers several floors of fashion, shoes, accessories, beauty products and international designer brands.
Its central location makes it the easiest department store to combine with sightseeing.
Souvenirs and Local Products
A little care helps distinguish locally produced goods from generic imported souvenirs.
Opening Hours and Sunday Shopping
Opening hours in Athens vary according to the type of shop, neighbourhood and time of year. Use the following as a general guide rather than a fixed schedule.
| Store type | Typical weekday pattern | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| Major chains and malls | Usually open continuously from morning until evening | Often close earlier than on weekdays |
| Independent shops | Some follow continuous hours; others close during the afternoon | Many close in the afternoon |
| Tourist-area shops | Often remain open later | Commonly open throughout the day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ermou Street begins beside Syntagma Square and is the most convenient option for international fashion, shoes, cosmetics and accessories. Attica Department Store and the luxury shops around Voukourestiou Street are also nearby.
Plaka is the closest shopping area to the Acropolis. Its streets contain jewellery shops, sandal makers, ceramic studios, art stores and souvenir shops. Monastiraki is a short walk away and offers more vintage, leather and second-hand goods.
Most standard retail stores and malls are closed on Sundays. Many tourist-oriented shops in Plaka and Monastiraki remain open, but hours vary by business and season.