Best Shopping in Athens

[kosta_karapinotis]

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.

 

[Vangelis]

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!

 

[ellinasgolfer0320]

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.

 

[Vangelis]

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.

 

[ellinasgolfer0320]

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...

 

[Vangelis]

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.

 

[kosta_karapinotis]

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.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

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.

 

[ellinasgolfer0320]

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.