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Shopping in Athens |
Shopping in Athens -- a showcase for its traditional and modern culture and lifestyle-- can be a fascinating and satisfying experience for all. Amidst the many well-known and international name brands and traditional Greek art and folklore shops, are hundreds and hundreds of chic boutiques and specialty shops blossoming with great fashion finds for every taste and budget. The “new kid on the block” are the glitzy department stores that have won the hearts of the natives and visitors who shop there. The close proximity of each shopping district means that a weekend in Athens can combine a stroll on a cobblestone path amongst the locals buying fresh produce at traditional markets and bazaars, with browsing elegant displays of haute couture, prêt a porter clothing, shoes and accessories by talented Greek and foreign designers that are sure to impress.
Here is a quick shopping-by-area guide to help you discover all that you might find in each:
Kolonaki
Fashionistas, head to the shops in Kolonaki. The neighbourhood of the “elite” Athenians, it has traditionally housed top designers and expensive retail boutiques. Greek design houses are located around the main square known as Plateia Kolonakiou. Chic boutiques-- carrying '60s-inspired stilettos and clutches, form-fitting crystal studded T-shirts and fancy cocktail dresses (designed to make every woman feel like a goddess) and tailored designer suits for men -- can be found on Anagnostopoulou, Skoufa, Tsakalof and Haritos streets, while high-end international brand name chains are found along Voukourestiou Street. Part of the shopping fun in Kolonaki is stopping for a cup of coffee and people watching, or enjoying a meal at the many fashionable restaurants. Be sure to try and fit both in for a complete Athenian shopping experience.
Historic Centre
The allure of shopping in Athens’ historic centre is obvious by the mix of people from around the world that stroll and shop here daily. Plaka and Monastiraki are the main shopping, eating and sightseeing areas. This is where you go to buy gifts for friends and relatives: souvenirs, folk art and traditional Greek wares such as pottery, worry beads, handmade leather sandals and bags. Woven rugs, intricate tablecloths, linens and carpets are sure to be appreciated by all. Don't miss the outdoor bazaar at Monastiraki's Avissinia Squareon Sundays for a gallery of bargain antique mirrors, wood furniture and bric-a-brac. Explore the streets off Athinas Street for a view into the Athens of the '60s, where small storekeepers maintain their exclusive shops of sorts from leathers to metal and glass works. Gourmands scoop into the barrels of olives, herbs and spices along Evripidou Street. Theseion and Psirri, at the base of the Acropolis and just across Athinas Street, is where you can stop and take a break before you check out the art galleries and vintage shops that are starting to flourish in these most charming of Athenian districts. Stadiou and Panepistimiou Avenues, connecting at Sintagmaand Omonoia, are up and coming boulevards hosting large department stores. International brand names, cosmetics, fabrics, beads, gold and silver jewellery, and European-made leather shoes, boots and more shoes can be purchased on the pedestrian-only street Ermou and adjoining streets that stretch from Kolonaki to Sintagma.
Department Store Shopping in Athens
New upscale department stores, shopping complexes and malls are the latest additions to Athens’ dynamic shopping landscape. They can be found in Sintagma, Psychiko, Marousi, Kifisia and Glyfada. All offer tempting wares and fashion finds that are hard to resist. Make sure you ask about TAX FREE shopping available at most retail outlets.
Beauty
Athens is becoming more and more associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, it seems. Beauty and wellness centers, spas, nail salons, and fitness centers continue to flourish in Athens, offering special treatments such as Thalassotherapy, massage, and facials, at affordable prices. The exclusive spas are found in the centre at many of Sintagma’s five-star, luxury hotels, but also in the affluent neighbourhoods such as Kolonaki, Kifisia, Marousi, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni. The Athenians frequent hair and nail salons often, making sure to look their best. As such, there are salons everywhere. Don’t forget to ask about the newest Greek cosmetics and body products that have made headlines for their quality and organic ingredients.
GreekJewellery
Athens has had a long tradition of handcrafted jewellery for almost 3,500 years. Many Greek jewels sold in Athens’ shops are considered works of art, and the craftsmen are known throughout the world. Some are pricey; others are not. Take a tour of the many shops that offer them and you are sure to find something that fits your taste and wallet.
Green markets, Bazaars
For an earthy, organic Greek experience spend some time at the Greek farmers markets, known as laiki. A cultural staple in Athenian daily life, laiki is an outdoor market that stems for several blocks. It is held on a designated day, and avenue, once a week. Most areas in Athens have one, and the days vary. Ask any local resident, for more information on when laiki takes place in your area. The largest market in Athens is the main market, Varvakeios Agora, located near the Ancient Agora in the Historic Center. Amidst the scores of butcher shops and fresh fish markets, are merchants selling fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, cheese and even small house wares. Open daily except Sundays.
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