Athens has a very long history of trade and its inhabitants a longstanding record of appreciating and creating luxury and the fashion that surrounds it. So, one could say that the art of shopping in the city has had centuries to develop. Whether your appetite for shopping consists of finding a few gifts for friends and family or buying your entire fall wardrobe, the shops, boutiques and street markets of Athens will have ample options for every budget.

After all, this cosmopolitan city’s shopping scene not unlike the city itself is a melange of old and new, traditional and modern, brand-name and handmade. Depending on what you are in the market to buy, you will need to know how to target your efforts most efficiently. You can begin by shopping where the locals do on streets adjacent to the central Syntagma and Kolonaki squares. This shopping area, called Ermou, is a pedestrian zone where international brands have their flagship stores and boutiques. You can find recognizable names such as Sephora (for all your personal care needs), H&M (for affordably chic clothing), and Zara (for clothes for the whole family).

On streets parallel and perpendicular to Ermou, local shops like Nikis, Mitropoleos, Perikleous, and Praxitelous can be explored. This is where you will find the real bargains especially if you are prepared to haggle. These shops offer everything from jewellery and loose semiprecious stones hats fit to order. Once you have perfected or at least brushed up on your haggling skills, you can wander down to the flea market centred on Pandrosou and Ifestou on a Sunday morning during your trip. This is a true flea market with second-hand items, antiques and even alcohol and various food items for sale. Even if you don’t have a Sunday morning to spare, the Ifestou section of town is coppersmith central. This is where you can pick up copper wine jugs, cookware, and any number of variations on that theme for insanely low prices. If your tastes skew more toward the luxury item price-level, the Kolonaki quarter is probably your best bet. Here you will find boutiques and designer shops aplenty on chic streets like Anagnostopoulou, Kanari, Skoufa, and Solonos. Nearby Voukourestiou which links Kolonaki and Syntagma is lined with well-known brands like Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren. Upon your departure from Athens, you may not be able to lift your baggage but you.

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Category: Recreation and Leisure/Travel/Destinations
Keywords: Athens, Greece, Hotels, Accommodation, Shopping