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kosta_karapinotis

Active member
My wife and I are going to Greece in a few days. We both like to shop (her more than me) but we've never actually had enough time in Athens to explore the shopping.

Where should we go?

Someone told us Monastiraki is a good choice, but are there other places? We'll have a few days to poke around.
 
Ermou is the main shopping mall in Athens. It has all the major department stores, show shops, etc. If you want to pick up some antiques and older stuff, then the Monastiraki antique market can be pretty good depending on the day. I've bought an old radio, a gramophone, an old clock and even a bronze Buddha statue but that has been over a period of time because most times there's nothing that I have found interesting. And don't forget to bargain hard!
 
Ermou is where you go shopping. Monastiraki is mostly for tourists - locals only go to monastiraki for ancient Greek sandals because this the only place you can really find them. There are a few places in peristeri, glyfada, and kifisia, but those areas are far from downtown.
 
Ermou is where you go shopping. Monastiraki is mostly for tourists - locals only go to monastiraki for ancient Greek sandals because this the only place you can really find them. There are a few places in peristeri, glyfada, and kifisia, but those areas are far from downtown.
All the things that I bought from the Monastiraki antique market are for my apartment in Athens but definitely there are many overpriced things there like furniture which is 2-3 times what I can get them on FB markeplace.
 
All the things that I bought from the Monastiraki antique market are for my apartment in Athens but definitely there are many overpriced things there like furniture which is 2-3 times what I can get them on FB markeplace.
Yeah, that's what I figured if someone is going to shop there since there are a lot of antique shops there as well. I was near there a lot this past summer looking for wedding supplies for my bobonieres... I have a place in Sepolia, so I rarely get to that area of Athens unless I'm meeting up with someone...
 
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Yeah, that's what I figured if someone is going to shop there since there are a lot of antique shops there as well. I was near there a lot this past summer looking for wedding supplies for my bobonieres... I have a place in Sepolia, so I rarely get to that area of Athens unless I'm meeting up with someone...
I get it. For me, it's a 20min walk so it's easy to buy something and walk home with it. I even have a granny trolley for the heavier stuff. I love my granny trolley, I use it for the laiki on Sat mornings too.
 
These are all great tips, thank you for weighing in! I did take some of your advice. Went to Ermou street and Monastiraki were highlights.
 
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After having gone to Greece recently I'd like to weigh in. I know you guys already went but figured this info could help others, or help you again for next time.

I agree about Ermou Street and Monastiraki.

I would like to add that I would seriously consider tracking down a farmer's market. When my family and I just went to Greece, we went to and it was glorious. It was more than just food - we bought all kinds of souvenirs for cheaper, including beautiful jewelry.
 
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After having gone to Greece recently I'd like to weigh in. I know you guys already went but figured this info could help others, or help you again for next time.

I agree about Ermou Street and Monastiraki.

I would like to add that I would seriously consider tracking down a farmer's market. When my family and I just went to Greece, we went to and it was glorious. It was more than just food - we bought all kinds of souvenirs for cheaper, including beautiful jewelry.
If we're talking about the same thing, it sounds like you went to a laiki/λαϊκή (pronounced lie KEE), which is flea/street market. Those are interesting to go to. You can always find stuff there.
 

Day Trips from Athens Locals Love

I’ll be spending some time in Athens and would love to understand where locals actually go when they want a break from the city. I’m not looking for the standard tourist excursions, but the kinds of day trips people choose when they just need a change of scenery, fresh air, or a slower pace for an afternoon.

Are there nearby towns, coastal spots, mountains, or historical areas that Athenians return to again and again? Places that feel easy, familiar, and restorative rather than “must-see” destinations. I’m especially curious about trips that don’t require much planning or an overnight stay.

If you live in Athens or know the area well, what day trips do you personally love — and why do you keep going back?

Favorite day trips from Athens?

I was talking to someone recently about Athens and realized that a lot of people use it mostly as a base before heading to the islands, but there seem to be so many good day trips nearby that don’t get discussed as much.

The obvious ones like Delphi, Hydra, Nafplio, Cape Sounion, and Aegina always come up, but I’m curious which places people actually enjoyed the most once they went. Sometimes the smaller or less hyped trips end up being the most memorable.

I’m especially interested in places that are realistically doable in a single day without feeling rushed. Could be history-focused, food-focused, beach towns, mountain villages, or even somewhere mostly known for the scenery and atmosphere.

Would love to hear everyone’s favorite day trips from Athens, especially places that surprised you once you got there.

Any must-try dessert spots in Athens?

I might be heading to Athens this summer, and I’ve already started making a mental list of all the food I want to try—but I feel like desserts deserve their own plan.

I know about some of the classics like loukoumades and baklava, but I’d love to hear about specific spots that are really worth going out of the way for. Whether it’s a traditional pastry shop, a place known for one standout dessert, or even something more modern, I’m open to all of it.

Also curious if there are any places that are especially good in the summer, something refreshing, lighter, or just perfect after a long day walking around the city.
Would love any recommendations or favorites you’ve found!

How walkable is Athens?

I’m thinking about visiting Athens this year and trying to figure out how easy it is to get around on foot. I usually prefer walking when I travel, especially in cities where you can explore neighborhoods naturally without relying too much on transportation.

How walkable is Athens overall? Are the main areas like Plaka, Monastiraki, and the Acropolis close enough to each other to comfortably walk between them, or is it more spread out than it looks?

I’m also wondering where it makes the most sense to stay if I want to rely mostly on walking. Would it still be worth using the metro, or even renting a car, or is that unnecessary for a short trip?

Is it worth spending time in Athens in August?

I’m starting to plan a trip to Greece, but the only month I’m really able to travel this year is August. I know that’s peak season for a lot of the islands, but I’ve heard mixed things about Athens in August.

Some people have told me the city can feel pretty quiet because many Athenians leave for their villages or the islands during that time. Others say it’s still lively because of tourism. I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worth spending a few days there before heading to another part of Greece for a Panagia festival we want to attend.

Athens is such an important city historically and culturally that I don’t want to skip it if it’s still enjoyable. On the other hand, if a lot of places are closed or the city feels half-empty, maybe it makes more sense to focus our time elsewhere?
Share and discuss your Athens photos, questions and experiences!

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