Shopping in Athens – Ermou Street, Monastiraki Flea Market, Kolonaki

Shopping in Athens – what to expect

Shopping in Athens is a fun mix of familiar fashion chains, local designers, colourful markets and Greek products you won't easily find at home. The city is compact and most shopping areas are within walking distance of one another: from Syntagma Square down Ermou Street to Monastiraki and Plaka, and up to the Kolonaki neighbourhood. The big advantage is that you can combine shopping with sightseeing – stop for coffee, pass an ancient site and carry on. One key tip: most shops close on Sundays, apart from some in the tourist areas, so plan your shopping day for a weekday or Saturday.

Ermou Street – the main shopping street

Ermou is a pedestrian street running from Syntagma Square towards Monastiraki, and it's the main shopping street of Athens. Along it you'll find international fashion chains, shoe shops, cosmetics and accessories – and, surprisingly, a tiny ancient Byzantine church right in the middle of the street. It's busiest on Saturdays and in the evenings before holidays; in summer, go in the morning or towards evening when it's cooler. At its lower end you're already in the heart of Monastiraki, so it links easily to the flea market and a stroll through the old town.

Monastiraki flea market

The Monastiraki flea market is one of the most colourful spots in Athens. The lanes around the square are lined with small shops selling souvenirs, leather sandals, jewellery, clothes, rugs and vintage finds, and on Sunday mornings there's also an antiques and second-hand market around Avyssinias Square. This is the place to hunt for treasures – old records, copperware, maps and prints. Gentle bargaining is fine, especially if you're buying several items. Watch your bags and wallets in the crowds, and leave time afterwards for souvlaki in one of the nearby streets.

Kolonaki – boutiques and designers

Kolonaki is the elegant neighbourhood of Athens, at the foot of Lycabettus Hill. Its streets are home to Greek and international designer boutiques, concept stores, galleries and cafés where Athenians sit to see and be seen. The mood is entirely different from the old town – quieter, more polished and more upscale. It's a great area for clothing, designer jewellery and homeware you won't find in the chains. From Syntagma it's a gentle uphill walk, and you can round off the visit by heading up Lycabettus for sunset.

What to bring home – Greek products

The best souvenirs from Athens are the ones you eat or use. Quality olive oil from Crete or the Peloponnese, Greek thyme honey, Kalamata olives, dried herbs such as oregano and mountain tea, and mastic from the island of Chios – as sweets, liqueur or skincare. Greek natural cosmetics based on olive oil and honey also make lovely gifts. The central market on Athinas Street and the delis around it stock many of these products. Flight tip: oil and honey need to go in checked luggage or be bought in duty-free because of liquid limits.

Leather sandals, ceramics and handicrafts

Athens is famous for handmade leather sandals – long-established workshops make classic designs, and some can adjust them to fit while you wait. Other favourite keepsakes include hand-painted ceramics, including replicas of ancient vases, komboloi (Greek worry beads), little pots for brewing Greek coffee, jewellery inspired by ancient designs and the blue evil-eye charm. You'll find most of these in Plaka and Monastiraki. Our advice: look for shops where you can see the craftsperson at work, and check that the item is genuinely made in Greece.

Shopping tips for Athens

Visitors from outside the EU may be able to claim a VAT refund on purchases in participating shops – ask for the form at the till and check the conditions before you fly. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for small market stalls. If you've bought a lot, there's no need to haul bags onto the metro – Yana can arrange a private transfer with room for every parcel. And if you'd like to explore the backstreets of the old town more actively, a motorized city tour is a fun way to cover ground and spot interesting little shops to return to.

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