GREECE - Shopping in Athens

There are two official sales per year in Greece: summer and winter. In summer, sales starts from mid July till end of August. In winter, sales starts from mid January to February. I was visiting Greece early August 2015. So it was the best time to shop for me. Just like any other big cities and tourist attraction, Athens has quite a few popular places for shopping among the tourists and Athenians. One of the best places to buy just about anything is Monastiraki Flea Market and Ermou Street.



Well, technically Monastiraki Flea Market is not really a flea market except on Sundays.



A rubbish bin shaped like an ice cream cone in the area. I guess my son wasn’t impressed that it wasn’t a real ice cream cone that he could enjoy, haha.



There are many shops selling touristy stuffs along the streets.









A row of colourful wheeled luggage and bags for those who need a new luggage.



We were spoilt with choices when it comes to souvenirs shopping.



Miniature statues of Greek Gods.



Near the Monastiraki Square is the ancient ruins of Library of Hadrian.



The exterior walls and columns of the library.





Although it was called a “library” since the early 19th century, it is more than that. It provided the Athenians with a new, multi-purpose public square and cultural center that contained a garden, library and lecture halls.



We took some pictures at the entrance but didn’t proceed to enter the compound.



Further down from Monastiraki Flea Market is the Adrianou Street in the historic quarter of Plaka, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes.



The Stoa of Attalos is just across the street.



An electric railway train passing by the Stoa.





Antiques were sold here too. This looked more like a flea market to me.







You can find pretty much any junk or treasure further down Ermou Street.



And I spotted the Kilo Shop across the road.



Kilo Shop is just as its name suggests, you shop by the kilos, instead of individual pieces.



Although they’re 2nd hand items, they do look as good as new.



Ground floor is the ladies section. Upper floor is the men’s section.





If you like vintage clothing, you might find something you like here. I bought four T-shirts and a denim skirt here for about EUR 25.









Back to the Monastiraki Square.





The Metro Station of Monastiraki Square.





There is an excavation site in the station itself, so I decided to have a look.







It was nothing spectacular but it’s still a unique experience to see an archaeological excavation site in a subway station.





If you’re looking for bargain, head towards the side streets that are branching out from the main street of Ermou Street.





This was where I had the most fun shopping around.



Walking back to Ermou Street. Here, right in the middle of the street, is the small church of Kapnikarea.



You’ll usually find people who are tired of walking and shopping to sit on the low stone wall that surround this historic church.





There was sales everywhere in Athens during summer sales season. If you enjoy shopping, then you’ve come to the right place.







If all that shopping at Ermou Street and Monastiraki Flea Market is not enough for you, Athens also has a more upscale shopping district near Syntagma Square.





Attica Department Store is Greece’s biggest department store. It is located in one of the most prestigious districts of Athens, right at the city center. With over 850 brands, this place can really makes you shop till you drop.



Time for dinner again, after all the shopping.



Seafood platter, my favourite!



After dinner, I went for a walk in Plaka’s night market.





A flame acrobat performance at the night market.







The best thing about shopping in Athens is the shops and the archaeological sites are all in the same area. So I could easily do both at the same time.