Shopping
Historically a crossroads for Middle Eastern and European
traders, present-day Athens holds a treasure trove of goods from
all over the world. This city boasts a plethora of boutiques,
department stores, speciality shops and markets. Popular buys
include antiques, ceramics, books, jewellery, shoes and olive
oil.
In the centre of Athens there are numerous music stores and
bookshops, some of which offer translations of the modern Greek
authors and music records no longer in production. The Monastiraki
Square flea market runs into Pandrossou and Ifaistou streets and is
great for local produce and various antiques. While it is
operational all week, the best bargains are available on
Sundays.
Ermou Street is one of Athens' main shopping streets and hosts
clothing, accessory and souvenir shops, trading in everything from
old money and copper pots to fine ceramics, designer labels and
sensational jewellery. Vildiridis and Bulgari jewellers can be
found on Voukourestiou and the adjacent streets. Located beneath
the Acropolis, the Plaka shopping area also has numerous jewellery
stores, art shops, cafés and street vendors.