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 (just remember that it is illegal to carry historical artefacts out of Greece).

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.