Athens, Greece — Shopping
Shopping in Athens, Greece
Haggling is standard practice in the tourist areas of Athens and is essential in order to avoid paying extortionate prices.
Markets
In the Monastiráki area, on the edge of Pláka, shops open out onto the street, bazaar style, and sell everything from combat army boots and second-hand books to fake designer sunglasses and ancient coins. Sunday mornings bring the Monastiráki Flea Market, where goods range from antique furniture to rather dubious bric-a-brac. Kentrikí Agorá (Central Market) is housed in a huge 19th-century metal structure near Omonia Square and is open Monday to Saturday for fish, meat and fresh produce. Household items and fresh fruits and vegetables are sold weekly in the Laiki (People's Markets) all over Athens.
Shopping centers
Avid shoppers will find a large shopping mall, called The Mall, in the northern suburb of Maroussi. However, no massive retail emporiums taint the shopping scene in the city center.
Key areas
Athens' busiest shopping street is the pedestrianized Ermou, off Syntagma Square, where shoppers can pick up the season's latest clothing and accessories. The most upmarket shopping district in Athens is nearby Kolonáki, where designer boutiques and jewelry shops rub shoulders with cafés and chic restaurants. This area includes Tsakalof, one of the most expensive streets in the world.
Typical Greek gifts include hand-woven rugs, known as flokati, copper coffee pots, virgin olive oil and honey, all of which can be found in the souvenir shops in Pláka.
Shopping hours
Shops generally open Monday and Wednesday 0900-1430, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 0900-1330 and 1730-2030 and Saturday 0900-1500 (though some of the larger shops now stay open till 1700 Saturdays). Small, family-run shops, selling food, drinks and newspapers, may stay open as late as 2200.
Tax information
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 €120. A 'tax-free check' will be issued in the shop to be presented along with the receipt to customs when leaving the county.
