Shop till you drop in Athens

Shop till you drop in Athens, Athens, Greece (A)

Are you ready to shop 'till you drop? Athens is the place to be; whether you're looking for the latest fashions, accessories, wholesale items or sensational souvenirs, this is the city to shop! As this quote says: Anyone who says money doesn't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop. ~ Anonymous Bring your wallet, wear some comfortable shoes and be prepared for some serious shopping!
How it works: The full article is featured in the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download the app to your mobile device to read the article offline and create a self-guided walking tour to visit the sights featured in this article. The app's navigation functions guide you from one sight to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Sights Featured in This Article

Guide Name: Shop till you drop in Athens
Guide Location: Greece » Athens
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (A))
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 2.0 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Author: Perry Papageorgiou
Author Bio: Athens is such an inspiring city, where ever you turn, it's bursting with history, tradition and culture. Join me as we experience this city together. I am an Australian born of Greek migrant parents now living in Athens and would love to share the wonders of this great city with as many people as i can!
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Koukoutsi
  • Ermou Street
  • Monastiraki Flea Market
  • Central Market
  • Aiolou Street
  • Kapsianis (Καψιάνης)
1
Koukoutsi

1) Koukoutsi

Koukoutsi, which in Greek means pip is the name of our first shopping destination. Located on fashionable Skoufa Street of Kolonaki, Koukoutsi is a shop selling T-shirts. What’s different about this store is the range of T-shirts. One of a kind, Koukoutsi stocks T-shirts that have been designed by designers from all around the world plus they stock their own range. There are two owners of Koukoutsi and they started this business with the idea that people are looking for a T-shirt with a difference and they saw that the Greek market was in need of such a store. Now let’s get back to the name ‘Koukoutsi’ which means pip in Greek. The name came from a little idea which grew to a well established business. This is a great store to by a T-shirt that stands out from the rest.

Opening hours are generally the same everywhere (except the touristy areas) are split shifts three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.) and morning shifts for the other three days (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).

Kolonaki has also got great night spots. Download the “Night spots in Athens” for more details on night life in Kolonaki.
2
Ermou Street

2) Ermou Street

Ermou Street is filled with locals and tourists all year round shopping for the latest fashions. Athens has a variety of shopping strips and Ermou Street caters for everyone as there is a wide variety of clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics and many more. Only in recent years are malls being built throughout Greece. Greeks have been used to the shopping strips and each one is known for it’s products. Ermou is probably known as the place to buy shoes! Just some trendy Greek shoe stores are Tsakiris Mallas, Rollini, Bournazos. There are plenty of fashion stores like Zara, H&M and well known Greek labels like Sprider and BSB jeans. If you are visiting towards the end of seasons, you are sure to pick up some great items and at more than half the price. Ermou Street is quite long and takes you all the way to Monastiraki. Half way down Ermou Street is the Byzantine church of Kapnikareas built in the mid-11th century. You will generally see people taking a break here. Ermou is also filled with little coffee shops to take a break and rejuvenate yourselves for the next shopping site! Opening hours are generally the same everywhere (except the touristy areas) are split shifts three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.) and morning shifts for the other three days (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).
3
Monastiraki Flea Market

3) Monastiraki Flea Market

Monastiraki Flea Market, located at Monastiraki Station, is probably the most famous market in Athens. Whether you want cheap nick nacks or you need to do the souvenir shopping, you will find exactly what you want here. There is a great variety of handmade items for the house, jewellery, leather goods, Greek statues, items made from olive trees; olive oil and artwork. Also Greek produce like, olive oil, vinegar, spoon sweets (preserves) and the list goes on and on! The great thing about this place is that like most bazaars around the world you can haggle on prices if the shop owners don't do it first. Monastiraki generally stays open all day and well into the night, as it is one of the main tourist areas. My advice to you is to get lost amongst the many little streets in Monastiraki. Just hold your bags tight! There are also many little shops to stop and have a bite and a drink. Download the “Night spots in Athens” for more details.
4
Central Market

4) Central Market

Central Market is a huge fresh food market. It’s located on Athinas Street, in between Omonia and Monastiraki. Generally Greeks shop from fresh food markets and each suburb has it's own weekly market stalls set up throughout the streets. The Central Market though has everything you want under one roof of an amazing building. It sells only the freshest fruit and vegetables, a huge selection of dried fruits, nuts, olives, spices, cheeses, yogurt and the list goes on and on! We haven’t even gotten to the meat and poultry section yet. As you can probably guess, the variety of produce is extensive. Take your time as you walk through this market, it’s buzzing with people throughout the day! The market is open Monday through to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. The surrounding streets like Evripidou, Aristogitonos and Armodou also have many market stalls to browse. Wander around the busy market place at your own pace and experience the market shopping like a local!
Image Courtesy of Jorge Láscar.
5
Aiolou Street

5) Aiolou Street

Aiolou Street, another great shopping strip in the heart of Athens. This strip is filled with stores stocking wholesale items as well as clothing and shoe stores and much cheaper prices than Ermou Street. You will come across clothing and accessories stores but also homeware stores and outlets. My personal favorite are the homeware stores like Guy Laroche and Aslanis Home. Aiolou Street is quite a long street so there is plenty to see. Aiolou Street is named after the god of winds Aiolos in ancient Greek mythology. Apparently this was the first paved street in Athens. Aiolou Street stretches from Omonia at Panepistimiou Avenue/Eleftherios Venizelos to the Roman Agora in the heart of Plaka. In Kotzia square closer to Omonia is the old national and the modern national bank buildings and you can see the ancient ruins which where found when excavation had started for the modern building. Opening hours are generally the same everywhere (except the touristy areas) are split shifts three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.) and morning shifts for the other three days (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).
6
Kapsianis (Καψιάνης)

6) Kapsianis (Καψιάνης)

What a place to end this tour! Think about all the shopping you have done so far and the souvenirs that you have bought. This last shop Kapsianis stocks everything you need to package and wrap your gifts. In here you will find, boxes and bags of all sizes and ribbons; everything you need at wholesale prices! My cousin had taken me to this store earlier this year and I come here to buy all the materials I need to wrap my presents. Kapsianis is the surname of the shop owners and they stock all types of packaging. My favorite in this shop is the stock upstairs. I travel quite a bit and take plenty of jewellery with me wherever I go. I have bought boxes specifically for rings, glassed lided boxes for earrings so I can see at a glance what I have and plenty more. You can get lost in the place with so much variety. Opening hours are generally the same everywhere (except the touristy areas) are split shifts three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.) and morning shifts for the other three days (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). There are also many bars around Syntagma. Download the “Night spots in Athens” for more details.

Walking Tours in Athens, Greece

Create Your Own Walk in Athens

Create Your Own Walk in Athens

Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Walking Around the National Garden

Walking Around the National Garden

The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto’s queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour

Plaka Attractions Walking Tour

In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The “neighborhood of the Gods”, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.

From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Athens Introduction Walking Tour

Athens Introduction Walking Tour

Athens is one of the oldest European cities, widely regarded as the birthplace of Western Civilization. Its history begins in the Neolithic period between 4th and 3rd millennium BC. The first settlement on the site of Athens was situated on the rock of Acropolis which means “high city” in Greek.

According to the Greek mythology, the name “Athens” emerged from a competition between the...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis

Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis

Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour

Athens Food Walking Tour

Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatzíki, dolmádes, kalamarákia) can constitute a full meal. Greece’s most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Souvenirs Shopping: 19 Uniquely Greek Products to Bring from Athens

Souvenirs Shopping: 19 Uniquely Greek Products to Bring from Athens

A cradle of European civilization, Greece, in general, and Athens, in particular, have long been - from the days of the Roman Empire up until present - the lure for travelers and history buffs seeking to find and bring home something memorable. Today's Athens (much as its ancient self) offers a...
15 Best Cafes in Athens

15 Best Cafes in Athens

While in Athens it is immediately noticeable that the local cafe culture thriving. Through this directory you will get a chance to visit very different establishments, ranging from "kafenia", to hip, modern coffee shops and get first hand experience of the diversity of contemporary Greek...
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens

A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens

Just as many things in Greece, dining in Athens is very much laid-back with the majority of local eateries seeing patrons begin to congregate for dinner only after 8 pm. Eating-wise, the Athenians favor simplicity, leaning to the more casual and not so pricey tavernas where food is plentiful. To...