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xmelissaa

Active member
I have to admit, i’m a shopaholic and I want to spend a bit of time exploring the stores and fashion of Greece by shopping! Any advice?
 
Great question!

Best place to visit for shopping in Athens is Monastiraki, hands down. It is a great place to buy Greek souvenirs, jewlery, art and more. Be sure to negotiate a bit on the big priced items.

Here is a photo of Monastiraki in Athens, enjoy your trip!

IMG_7079-e1566512839187-720x960.jpeg
 
I agree! The best place to shop in Athens is Monastiraki. It’s a bit more touristy, but I love the charm and architecture of the streets. You can also find a ton of artwork, jewerly, cafes and a bunch of other stores to keep you occupied on your shopping day. Ermou is the main shopping street, and it leads to Monastiraki. That’s where most of the expensive stores are, and they’re worth checking out even if they’re not in your budget!
 
Athinas street is a bit more casual, but still has some of the best shopping. It’s more affordable and will have some more authentic fashion choices, not like any chain stores you’ll find all around Europe.
 

Is Kolonaki worth visiting?

I'm planning another trip to Athens and keep hearing good things about Kolonaki. I've walked through Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma several times over the years, but I've never really spent much time exploring Kolonaki.

For those who have visited, is it worth adding to my itinerary? I've heard it's a more upscale neighborhood with great cafés, restaurants, shopping, and a different atmosphere than the more tourist-focused areas. I'm wondering if it's the kind of place where you can spend a relaxed afternoon wandering around or if it's mainly for luxury shopping.

If you recommend visiting, what shouldn't I miss? I'd love suggestions for cafés, bakeries, restaurants, viewpoints, or any hidden gems nearby. I'd also be interested in hearing what makes Kolonaki stand out compared to other neighborhoods in Athens.

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?

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.

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?

Is the Athens Riviera worth visiting if you're staying downtown?

I'm curious whether the Athens Riviera is worth exploring if you're staying in central Athens. I've heard wonderful things about the coastal areas, especially Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and the beaches along the way, but I'm wondering whether it's worth taking time away from sightseeing downtown.

I love the idea of experiencing a different side of Athens, especially somewhere with seaside cafés, beautiful views, and perhaps a relaxing lunch overlooking the water. However, I'm not sure how much time I should set aside for it.

Is it realistic to visit the Riviera for just an afternoon, or would you recommend spending an entire day there? Also, is public transportation convenient, or is renting a car a better option?

I'd love to hear which areas are your favorites and whether you think the experience is worthwhile for visitors with limited time in Athens.
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