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| Home > City Guide - Athens - Shopping | ||
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Shopping Athens’ busiest shopping street is the pedestrian-only Ermou, off Syntagma Square, where shoppers can pick up souvenirs, clothing and accessories. The most upmarket shopping district in Athens is nearby Kolonáki, where designer boutiques rub shoulders with coffee shops and chic restaurants. This area includes Tsakalof, one of the most expensive streets in the world. Thankfully, Athens has not adopted mall culture and no massive retail emporiums taint the city's shopping scene. Monastiráki Flea Market is the largest open-air market in Athens. The market takes place daily 0800-1400 on the edge of the Pláka and offers visitors everything from antique glass to second-hand books, old toys and ancient coins. Kentrikí Agorá (Central Market) is housed in a huge 19th-century metal structure near Omonia Square and is open early morning to early evening, often taking a break for siesta during summer, selling fresh fish, meat and fresh produce. Smaller markets radiate out from the central building. Household items, fresh fruit and vegetables are sold weekly in Laiki (People’s Markets) all over Athens. Shops generally open Monday and Wednesday 0900-1430, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 0900-1330 and 1730-2030 and Saturday 0900-1500. Small, family-run shops may stay open as late as 2200, for the sale of food, drinks and newspapers. Bargains can be snapped up at the sales in August and February. Haggling is standard practice in the tourist areas of Athens and is essential in order to avoid paying extortionate prices. There is a long tradition of silver and gold craftsmanship in Athens and jewellery made here can be of a particularly high quality. There are several shops around Lekka, as well as more expensive outlets along Voukourestiou. Other good-value items include spirits, ceramics and leather goods. Typical Greek gifts include hand-woven rugs, known as flokati, copper coffee pots, virgin olive oil and honey. In Athens, there is a big market in reproductions of museum pieces and religious icons – the best places for visitors to buy these are at the shops in the museums themselves. Visitors from outside the European Union who have been in Greece for less than three months can claim back VAT of up to 18% on purchases over €117. A ‘tax-free cheque’ will be issued in the shop to be presented along with the receipt to customs when leaving the county. Global Refund (website: www.globalrefund.com) can provide more information. |
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