Shopping
It is almost unbelievable that Athens is not yet consecrated as one of the best fashion and shopping destination of Europe. It has everything the other capitals are so proud of: international brands, luxury products and major names, designer shops, smaller and more original boutiques — all showcased in pleasant walkable streets and neighborhoods, usually with lower prices than cities such as Paris, Milan or London. Even though years ago the city was hit hard by the crisis and many small shops had to close, it still offers plenty of shopping opportunities, in and around the center.
Chubykin Arkady/Shutterstock.comGreek products to buy
If you want to bring your loved ones, or yourself, a typically Greek souvenir here are a few suggestions: Alcohol: look for Ouzo, Tsipouro and Raki, local alcohols that come in small bottles so you can even bring them in your carry-on. Food: Greek pastries and loukoums are always a must. And of course, the olive oil here tastes nothing like what you can find back home. For something less known, grab a box of mastiha — natural resin obtained from the mastic trees of Chios island and used as the world’s first chewing gum. Knick-knacks: typical Greek objects include the "Evil eye" meant to drive away the "bad eye" and its negative effect, worry beads (or Kompoloi), an ornate set of backgammon.
Guruharsha/cc by-sa 3.0/wikimediaShopping Streets
The ultimate shopping street in Athens is Ermou Street, departing from Syntagma square. There, you can find all the classic brands such as H&M and similar department stores. If you are not familiar with shopping in Greece, check out the Hondos Center — a local cosmetic chain with good prices compared to other European countries. Voukourestiou, Patriarchou Ioakim, Skoufa, Tsakalof, Kanari and the side streets around Kolonaki are other options for shopping. There are many designer clothes, more expensive boutiques and jewelers.
William Perugini/Shutterstock.comAthinas Street — The Central Municipal Athens Market
In the middle of Athinas street, which runs between Monastiraki and Omonia square, there is a covered market hall. The market occupies a whole block, with a fish market in the middle. All around are butchers and spice shops, and around the market you'll find several simple but good places to eat.
Vladimir Krupenkin/Shutterstock.comNotos
Notos is a Greek department store chain offering a vast array of products, from fashion and accessories to cosmetics, house objects and more. It is a bit upmarket but you can still find various styles and prices. You can find the bigger one close to the Omonia square.
Anna Furman/Shutterstock.comShopping with a Sea View
If you like to combine shopping with other pleasures, you might want to go for a stroll in the small city of Glyfada, where you can also find many shops only a few steps away from the beaches and the sea. Glyfada is perfect for a sunny day, and is also one of Athen's most prosperous suburbs. While there, check out their beautiful Orthodox Church of Saint Constantine.
Mister No/cc by 3.0/WikimediaThe Loom
If you want to give your house a new appeal, The Loom is the right shop to go to in Athens. Here you will find a huge selection of stylish carpets, blankets and pillows with unique patterns and original styles. And if you are thirsty, you should know that there is always a bottle of red wine waiting for the customers.
Greentellect Studio/Shutterstock.comMelissinos Art
Located near Monastiraki Square, this store is a must in Athens, especially if you want to know more about the story of ancient Greek craftsmen. Sandals and jewelry are created by combining art and craft in a way that each product is unique — and all at very reasonable prices.
dean bertoncelj/Shutterstock.comAphrodite Jewellery
This elegant store displays beautiful jewellery pieces, across a broad price range. The owner, Nikolopoulos George, is also available to tell you the story behind of each item, including the production process.
pyrozhenka/Shutterstock.comPantopolion
Pantopolion is a traditional grocery store with authentic Greek food specialities. And if that's not enough, the store also offers a huge variety of typical beverages, such as tsipouro, tsikoudia or Greek beers and liquors, and also a wide range of honey and jams to sweeten your breakfasts or your afternoon breaks.
Thaiview/Shutterstock.comForget Me Not
This store consists of two rooms, the stone and the white room, where you can choose among a variety of items showing the best Greek design. The products include clothes, bags, shoes, stationery items and also home decor items, all of them being high quality products. The store assortment is updated with new brand-name items every day, so don't hesitate to come twice if you're in Athens for many days.
Adisa/Shutterstock.comOlive Tree Natural Cosmetics
Olive Tree Natural Cosmetics' assortment holds a wide variety of natural Greek cosmetics based on olive oil. Products for facial, body and hair care as well as bathing accessories and perfumes of good quality are on offer for people of all skin and hair types. It's a cool little place for souvenir shopping.
mythja/Shutterstock.comMastiha Shop
Mastiha shop offers natural cosmetic products produced from the mastic trees of Chios. Try their eco-friendly soaps and creams, essential oils, liqueurs, delicacies. This shop is centrally located close to Syntagma Square, but there are other locations including at the Athens airport.
Chris Jarvis/unsplash.com