Athens guide | part 2 of 6 ~ Sightseeing & shopping

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Plaka

The area is below the Acropolis and more or less between Monastiraki and Syntagma. Many of Athens' older buildings dating back two or so centuries, narrow and largely pedestrianised streets lined with cafes, restaurants, tavernas, gift shops (some with original gift items!) As fresh and oasis-like a feeling, especially early on a sunny morning, as you can get in a city, especially the normally noisy and buzzing Athens. It's enjoyable to walk, discover small exhibits on the way through and small museums such as the Museum of Children's Art {see map location No29}, The Museum of Greek Folk Art {see map location No30}, Museum of Musical Instruments. At night it comes alive, with many socializing over an evening coffee Frappe and then eventually, numerous shared plates of food at its tavernas, and Acropolis-hillside-clinging restaurants. Though this is a tourist magnet, it contains some desirable homes and many live and work here; a few of the oldest homes still remind of an era void of creature comforts.
 

Monastiraki 

From the electric train station of this name, heading west in the area that skirts the park around the Thission and Ancient Agora, at the end of the shopping street Ermou. There is the flea market {see map location No25} where items ranging from off-brand winter jackets, to army knives, vie with old telephone cards (especially along Adrianou - which also has several rather romantic cafes and restaurants - on Sunday mornings).
Many gift shops and most notably antique, junk and collectors corners of every sort. This is touristy, but it's mixed in with the sort of old shops, that are gems and one of a kind. By the way, walk just down from the station away from the flea market to Kirikou street and you'll find the busiest and most popular after-work Gyros places - if a Gyros is good anywhere, it is here!
 

Psirri

North of Monastiraki you'll find old warehouse buildings, mid-age office and industrial buildings presenting a new face. This is the area of intriguing restaurants in novel settings with original interior and exterior design, benefiting from the character and nature of the original use of these industrial buildings. Art galleries and artists' workshops and studios, neighbour Experimental Theatres and cafe/bars.
Find what you like here by wandering around during the day and return for the prize pickings (the places you choose to dine in and have a drink at) later that night.
 

National Gardens

Behind and to the south of the Parliament building {see map location No11}, bordered by Amalias Street, are these extensive gardens - housing the Zappeion Exhibition hall {see map location No9} and providing semi shaded walking, away from traffic, amongst trees and shrubs. Walk through the gardens to get to the Marble Stadium {see map location No56} (a cafe awaits as your reward, next to the stadium!).
 

Lykavittos (or Lycabettus)

Bit of a steep walk uphill to the viewing area and church of Agios Georgios {see map location No57}, rewarded by excellent views. The Lykavittos theatre {see map location No59} is actively used for performances. There is a restaurant (price category A/B) and a cafe at the top. You can take the funicular to the top {see map location No58}, or grab a taxi if the climb (on a hot day?) is just too much.
On the way to Lykavittos, at Dexameni (beyond Kolonaki square), there is a Summer Cinema - movies shown in the open air, worth a try if it's a new experience for you.

There is also a summer cinema in Plaka square: Cine Paris. It has wonderful plants and a view of the Acropolis, competing with the movie for your attention.
 

See here other places with magnificent Athens and Acropolis views
 

Kolonaki

To the north of the Parliament buildings and the National Gardens, across the wide Vasilissis Sofias street (home to the Benaki Museum and many of the major national embassies), is the smart district of Kolonaki. Boutique clothing stores, pricier antiques, furs, jewelry and kiosks which sell a better cigar and great selection of foreign press, magazines and newspapers! This is where the pricier apartments are in the centre of Athens, unless you prefer Plaka or a "loft" in Psirri. The cafe on one side of Kolonaki Square, with a row of tables out on the pavement - would be a great source of gossip at lunchtime each day, one suspects.
 

Shopping

The first area you will normally be recommended to shop in is Ermou street, the pedestrian street that runs off Syntagma at McDonald's. Yes there are some good shops here for clothes, but veer off into the side streets for cloth and varied items and also try Monastiraki.
If you like big shops or to buy brands, head a for the Town Hall (Kotzia square). The Notos Galleries department store will reward you with good views from its roof top cafe.
If you will be going to Pireas and are looking for lower priced items, you'll probably do better there.

Opening hours are: 8.30-13.30 & 17.30-20.30 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Monday and Wednesday 8.30-14.00. Saturday 8.30-14.30 (or 15.00), Sundays closed. Some department stores are open everyday from 8.30 to 20.30 without a break. Tourist and other shops in tourist areas may be open for more hours and on Sundays.
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While you walk around the areas we mention in the mini-guide, you will have plenty of opportunity to buy something special or luxurious and perhaps, you will discover a few bargains.

It is not very likely that you will find any ancient Greek relics on sale - but if you did, their export is illegal anyway. 

Worth a visit is also the six-storey, colourful and buzzing bookstore "Eleftheroudakis" on Panepistimiou (between Syntagma and Omonia) {see map location No48}. You can find an enormous variety of books, a lot of them in english or other languages, fantastic books about art and travel, wonderful maps and more. The look is modern, but the bookstore/publishing house have been around for many many years and the staff know their stuff!
Recommended for a break from sightseeing: browse through the fascinating collection of books and then have a cappuccino and a fresh salad (or pasta) on the top floor.
 

Plus: Olympic Games 2004 information   Pireas port map   Printer-friendly (whole guide)

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