Upmarket – Kolonaki
Walking Distance 50΄
Could it be the largest concentration of high fashion boutiques in Athens? Yes, indeed. Without doubt Kolonaki - just off Syntagma Square and the commercial triangle - is by far the most chic central address and shopping area of the capital.
Above Kolonaki stands the evergreen Hill of Lycabettus that offers the best views of the city. It is worthwhile getting to its summit for a coffee break or a visit to the small chapel of St George with the funicular railway situated at Aristippou Street. Even better, Kolonaki is within reach to all major museums, palaces and the house embassies of Athens. Kolonaki is elite, exclusive but at the same time extremely inclusive. All the innovative, talented fashionmongers of Greece have found their shelter here. Its closeness to the Parliament makes it a meeting point for politicians, high profile journalists, actors, models and businessmen and women. So, gossip is a past time in Kolonaki. Cultural centers such as the British Council, the French and German Institute have made the neighborhood a hub for expats. Dotted around the square are kiosks with stocks of foreign press and magazines.
The heart of the neighborhood is the Filikis Etaireias Square. There you are bound to discover an ancient "little column" (aka kolonaki) that the whole area takes after its name. Along with all the major designers and high-end boutiques, Kolonaki attracts large crowds at night. Its nightlife pleases all ages and a diverse number of visitors from the rest of Athens. Everybody wants a taste of Kolonaki's "beautiful people".
The "exclusive" Voukourestiou: is the pedestrian street of Kolonaki. In the 1950s, Voukourestiou was the street for the hip and trendy European and American goods next to the traditional gold and jewelry shops. It is running from Panepistimiou Street to the slope of Mt. Lycabettus. It is the street that has epitomized fancy shopping in Greece for generations. And it still does. One thing is for certain, it is the place to discover the best of what Greek jewelry craftsmanship has to offer. No wonder the unique Numismatic Museum of Athens with its grand collection of coins and gems is so close to Voukourestiou Street.
Panepistimiou Trilogy: The Neoclassical Trilogy of Athens consists of three buildings of exceptional neoclassical architecture: The Academy of Athens, The National & Kapodistrian University of Athens and The National Library of Greece. All three buildings are located in central Athens next to each other, between Panepistimiou and Akadimias Street.
Tip#5: Voukourestiou: the street packed with items for high-end brand lovers. The hottest place for limited pret-a-porter and unbeatable collections. Herodotou in Kolonaki: the chocolate street that leads to all major museums. Charitos, Kanari, Xanthou Streets: Greek haute couture, ateliers and showrooms. Skoufa: the nightlife center but also a gastronomic destination.
Tip#6: The Gardens of Panepistimiou: The backyard of the Numismatic Museum. Just one step off the noisome Panepistimiou, there is a 800 sq. m garden and a coffee shop where copies of ancient Greek and Roman statues co-exist with plants and trees of the Greek flora.
Athens Nightlife
| Makrygianni str., (1.a) | Food, Coffee, Wine-Bars, Bars, Theatre |
| Thiseio Area, (1.a) | Food, Coffee |
| Plaka Area, (1.b) | Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Bistro, Live Music Halls, Cultural Events |
| Psirri Area, (1.c) | Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Wine - Bars, Bistro, Live Music, Theatres, Cultural Events |
| Gazi Area, (1.d) | Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Wine - Bars, Bistro, Live Music, Theatres, Cultural Events |
| Ag. Eirinis Square, (2) | More Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Wine - Bars, Bistro, Live Music< |
| Karitsi Square, (2) | More Restaurants, Cafes, Bistro, Theaters |
| Syntagma Sqruare, (2) | More Restaurants, Cafes, Bistro, Theaters |
| Exarcheia Area, (3) | Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Wine - Bars, Bistro, Live Music |
| Kaningos Square - Ippokratous (3) | Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Bistro, Theaters |
| Kolonaki Area, (4) | Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Wine - Bars, Bistro, Live Music |
| Lykavitos Hill Area, (4) | Food, Coffee |
Useful Market Information
Most shops are open Monday – Friday from 09.00’ to 21.00’
Saturday from 09.00’ to 20.00’
In the Touristic area, (Plaka – Monastiraki – Acropolis) all shops are open on Sundays.
In other shopping areas, some shops are open on Sundays: from 011.00’ to 20.00’
- from May until October
- first Sunday of November
- usually the last three Sundays of December.
Sales periods are officially planned and fixed:
- Winter period starts on the second Monday of January up to the end of February
- Summer period starts on the second Monday of July up to the end of August.
All high-end shops in Athens accept credit cards. Even smaller businesses like bakeries or groceries accept them. Tax-Free service is available.
All shopping districts are in a close proximity, which make Athens Center ideal for walking.
However, there are a plethora of public transport options to access the shopping areas of the city center. Last Metro & Tram routes is: Sundays to Thursdays at 0:00’ and Fridays & Saturdays at 2:00’.
