Athens may be famous around the world for its ancient history, but anyone who’s visited knows the shopping scene here is equally impressive. Whether you’re on the hunt for some last-minute souvenirs at the Monastiraki Flea Market or splurging in a designer store along Voukourestiou Street, there’s something for every type of shopper.
If you have some extra cash to spend and are in the mood to treat yourself to some shopping in Athens, Greece, here are our favorite areas for some retail therapy.
Where to Shop in Athens?
Ermou Street
Just down from Syntagma Square, you’ll find some of the best shopping in Athens on Ermou Street. This half-kilometer cobblestoned stretch is home to many well-known international brands like H&M, Zara, and Bershka, so it’s a firm favorite among locals and tourists alike. Since it’s pedestrian-only, it’s easy to stroll along and browse at your own pace, but keep in mind, it can get extremely crowded, especially during the high season. That said, there’s always a great vibe to the area, particularly when the street musicians hit the street.
Plaka
A former nightclub district turned shopping hotspot, Plaka might be a little touristy, but there are plenty of reasons for its popularity. Between the charm of its colorful avenues and the fact that it has one of the highest concentrations of Greek jewelry stores in Athens, Greece, shoppers will be in their element here. Secure some handcrafted gold at Byzantino Jewelry, or snag some products featuring contemporary Greek design at Forget Me Not, which is a rather sought-after Athens jewelry store. In short, you’ll find it all in these must-visit Athens stores.
Monastiraki Flea Market
Just around the corner from Monastiraki Square, the Monastiraki Flea Market is the kind of place where you arrive with zero shopping plans and somehow leave with a bag full of things you didn’t know you needed. The streets are lined with a mix of souvenir stalls, leather shops, and food stands, but you’ll also come across some of the best vintage stores in Athens tucked into the surrounding narrow lanes. While the market itself is generally safe, stay alert at all times, as pickpocketing can be an issue.
Athens Central Market
Get a taste of local Athenian life at Athens Central Market. This isn’t your typical shopping hub, and it’s a feast for the senses. Vendors set up shop around 7 am, serving some of the freshest street eats in town. Seafood takes center stage, with everything from mackerel to sardines on offer. There’s no denying that visiting the Athens Central Market is a unique experience, but it’s worth noting that the smell of fish can be overwhelming.
Kolonaki
Those who enjoy the finer things in life will love Kolonaki and all its luxuries. A true playground for the wealthy, it’s home to major designer names like Gucci and Prada along with the famed Voukourestiou Street, where you’ll find high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Even if it’s out of your price range, it’s worth a visit just to do some window-shopping. When it comes to luxury shopping in Athens, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Shopping Malls in Athens
When the Greek sunshine gets a little too intense, sometimes the best move is to escape to a shopping mall in Athens. The city has a few big names worth checking out, like the Mall Athens, with stores like Mango and Pull&Bear. Other spots include Athens Metro Mall and Attica Mall Athens, with stores for luxury shoppers. Each offers a mix of shops, fashion, food, and some even have cinemas, all under one roof for you to explore with ease.
Another great option is McArthur Glen, a huge designer outlet in Spata, only 15 minutes from Athens Airport. You can even plan for some last-minute shopping before your flight back home, and book an Athens Airport transfer that will take you directly to the airport.
Luxury Shopping in Athens
We’ve already touched on Kolanaki as being a hub for luxury shopping in Athens, but it’s not the only place to pick up some designer goods. In the northern parts of Athens is Kifisia, a boujee shopping district with a number of boutiques where you can really splurge, like BSB Boutique, Luisa World Kifisia, and Hugo Boss. A few other spots to check out include the trendy town of Chalandri and the coastal suburb of Glyfada, both of which have plenty of upscale shopping opportunities.
Thrift Stores in Athens
In a city as hip and edgy as Athens, you can bet there are lots of thrift stores around, but you need to hit the right neighborhoods to find the good ones.
Psirri has some of the top Athens thrift shops for anyone who wants some cheap shopping in Athens, like rats.vintageclothing. Considering the location, their items are priced quite reasonably, and the layout is more organised than others in the area. True to its quirky character, Exarchia also features plenty of second-hand stores worth checking out, like Yesterday’s Bread Second Hand. Their selection leans more toward men’s fashion, though there are a few pieces for women as well. If you’re lucky, sometimes you can score high-end labels like Balenciaga or Prada at a fraction of the retail price.
Shoe Stores in Athens
Looking for a new set of kicks? Most shopping areas will have somewhere selling shoes, but streets like Ippokratous and Charilaou Trikoupi have a high concentration of shops selling footwear. Ermou Street also has some of the top sneaker stores in Athens, with Footlocker, Nike, and JD Sports being the most popular.
Frequently asked questions
Is Athens, Greece good for shopping? 
Yes, it’s a wonderful city for shopping, with lots of variety. This includes Attica’s many stores in Athens city center and upscale shopping districts like Kolonaki and Plaka, with the latter having some of the best jewelry stores in Athens, Greece.
What is the famous street in Athens for shopping?
While the city has plenty of well-known shopping streets, the most iconic is Ermou Street. This area is home to some of the best clothing stores in Athens, Greece, including popular international brands like H&M, Zara, and Bershka, along with a plethora of other Athens clothing stores.
What is the best thing to buy in Athens, Greece?
The best things to buy in Athens include unique pendants from Aphrodite Jewelry, leather goods, Greek wines and honey, olive oil, and much more.
Are luxury brands cheaper in Athens?
Although the rules vary depending on the product, visitors in Greece who aren’t traveling with an EU passport can often secure a VAT refund. Depending on how much you spend, this can sometimes add up to a significant amount.
What part of Greece is best for shopping?
Many parts of Greece provide excellent shopping opportunities, but nothing beats Athens in terms of the number and variety of stores.
Should you haggle in Athens?
Generally speaking, haggling isn’t standard practice when clothes shopping in Athens. There are certain situations where a shopkeeper may not have prices on their products, and some people try to bargain, but it’s not especially common.
