I think most people when they hear about shopping in Athens they mainly mean “Monastiraki area”. Well, let’s forget about the touristic Monastiraki and Plaka for a moment and today I will follow one of our team member Helen, in a typical shopping Saturday. How difficult will be??
The places where most Athenians go for shopping are far from the centre of Athens. A typical Saturday morning for Helen begins with a walk in the beautiful paved streets of Kifissia, which lies on the north part of Athens and some consider it as a “posh” place. To be frank, probably they are right! Kifissia is the Chelsea of Athens and in the shadow of the big trees the wealthy Athenians renew their wardrobe with brands like Max Mara, Gucci and Prada. So, there is no need for Helen to travel to Manhattan for a new Manolo Blanik pair, neither to London for a trial of Mac cosmetics!! A quick stop for tea or coffee at “Menta” cafe, a small but beautiful and cosy cafe, to charge her batteries and catch up with friends and she is now ready to continue her shopping in another suburb nearby! To be honest, I feel a little bit tired already!
Next stop, Halandri and the shopping in Athens is now getting started. Here you won’t find luxurious brands but you will find everything you need to be in fashion today. Affordable and quality goods create a much wanted look for Helen, who always seems to have just popped out from the pages of Vogue! At least according to me who I have never purchased Vogue! No wonder why Halandri has been evolved in the shopping hot spot of Athens the recent years. Lunch with friends at the garden of “Ydroussa”, the house wine which will lighten up her mood and will prepare her for the final shopping stop of the day. (I am already dead! I just want to go home!)
It is now afternoon and Helen completes her shopping list with a visit in the cosmopolitan neighbour of Kolonaki, which is very close to Syntagma Square. Here she finds the latest trends from the most well known designers like Dsquared, Louboutin, Deux Hommes and Missoni, along with the best jewellery in town. In this small area of Athens you will find a different boutique in every corner. Walking down the Tsakalof Street, you will feel like being on a “catwalk”. She will finish her great day with a cocktail at the “Big Apple” and I will finish mine with… a nap!
So, the above places were Helen recommendation and where she uses to go for shopping, but I have also a suggestion to make! If you are in the centre of Athens you should visit perhaps Greece’s biggest department store, Attica City Link! It is situated close to Syntagma square and has everything that you might need, from the latest in women’s and men’s fashion to childrenswear, accessories and homewares. Also, next to the mall is Voukourestiou Street where is one of the most expensive streets in Athens!
You can find all the above mentioned places on our map!
If you need any extra information about shopping in Athens, just ask us!