Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
Shopping
Shopping is a favourite Athenian pastime and the number of stores is rather
mind-boggling. Major retail development throughout Athens had seen a swath of
new stores opening downtown and the city's first major shopping mall launched
in the northern suburbs, but the economic problems have reversed that trend.
Shopping Districts
The most concentrated high-street shopping is on pedestrianised Ermou, which must have
more shoes per square metre than anywhere in the world, as well as most of the leading
local, European and global brands. The refurbished Citylink complex houses the Attica de-
partment store and is the new gateway to the top international designers and big-name jew-
ellers along Voukourestiou, leading to the chic designer boutiques throughout Kolonaki.
Plaka (with main shopping streets Kydathineon and Adrianou) and Monastiraki (with its
enormous flea market) are the places for souvenir hunters, from kitsch statues and leather
sandals to jewellery and antiques. Exarhia is the place for more eclectic shoppers, from
comics to goth clothing and vinyl. Outlying suburbs Kifisia and Glyfada also offer great
shopping, in a more relaxed environment.
Find a delectable array of food and spices at the colourful central market (
Click here
)
,
and all manner of housewares in the surrounding streets.
Top Tip
›
Sale times (July to August and January to February) offer some great bargains.
›
Haggling is only acceptable (and effective) in smaller, owner-run souvenir and jewellery stores (especially for
cash).
