Shopping in Athens
Athens is not Europe's premier shopping destination when it comes to fashion
clothing and design products. Many of the imported goods are also not much
cheaper than in Scandinavia. But you can make a bargain on some locally made
goods, and gold is considered a bargain in Athens. The chain Lilas Lalaounis is
reputable and has several outlets spread throughout the city.
Athens is also considered a good place to buy antiques, but be careful not to
get caught up in the airport upon departure. If you are stopped by something
that could possibly come from one of the archaeological sites, you will have a
major explanation problem and will probably not reach your plane home.
Athens Shopping Areas
The shopping streets of Athens are mostly pedestrian streets, yet filled with
the hustle and bustle of people. The different industries tend to flock
together, so you can find e.g. many shoe stores in one place, bookstores in
another place, gold and silver outlets in third place, etc. This makes it easy
to compare prices.
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Most shops are located in the old town of Plaka, which is also the
tourists' favorite area. But you should also look at Monastiraki, which
is known for its many antique shops. Every Sunday, big markets are organized in
both of these districts.
If you are looking for shoes or clothes, try the pedestrian street Ermou
at Syntagma, where you will find most of the major chains. Also try the slightly
less expensive Eolou cross street. More fashionable and exclusive is in
the Kolonaki district, where the shops offer the latest in fashion.
Opening hours and VAT refund in Athens
On weekdays, the stores are generally open from 0900 to around 2000, but
usually close for a few hours in the afternoon, between 1400 and 1600. This does
not apply to the larger department stores. Saturdays close most 1500, and
Sundays are mostly closed.
Don't forget that you pay 19% VAT and that on all purchases over 120 euros,
or about NOK 950, you can get a refund of the VAT on departure. Not all stores
have a VAT refund scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the
entrance to buy expensive products. Remember to bring a completed and stamped
form and receipt.
Eat in Athens
Most of us have a certain relationship with Greek food, and have tried both
moussaka and souvlaki. But a full Greek meal usually consists
of several small starters, a main course with grilled lamb or goat meat,
preferably in a stew, possibly fish, with vegetables and salad. The dessert
often consists of cheese or sweet cakes topped with honey.
Although there are not many vegetarians in Greece, nor many clean vegat
restaurants, there will still be alternatives for you who do not eat meat. The
Orthodox Greeks traditionally fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, and many
restaurants, especially outside the larger cities, only serve vegan dishes these
days.
Greek food culture is quite radically different from Norwegian. The average
Greek hardly eats breakfast, but a hearty lunch during the day. Dinner rarely
arrives on the table until after 2100. For this reason, many restaurants close
in the afternoon, opening only from 2000 onwards. Dinner should be spent a long
time, with wine and raki.
Plaka district of Athens
If you are going out and eating in Athens, you do not have to look for a
restaurant long if you are going to the Plaka district. Here, it is teeming with
both dining and bars. Admittedly, many are aimed solely at tourists, with not
too much focus on the gastronomic, so look for a place with more Greeks than
Scandinavians.
Among Athens's better restaurants we can mention Hermion in
Pandrossou 15. Far from the city's cheapest place, but well worth a few
extra euros.
Monastiraki in Athens
Plaka is a great area, but prices are often higher than other districts
because of all the tourists. If you want to try something more local and
authentic, visit the Monastiraki district, where quality food can be served at a
very reasonable price in the many tavernas in the streets around the main
square, Plateia Monastirakou.
Special restaurants in Athens
Dinner in the Sky
This is an experience you just have to experience is the claim of many
tourists in Athens. A dinner at Dinner in the Sky is not cheap. But you get a
panoramic view of Athens and the Acropolis. The menu is fixed and costs about
1500 kroner. But with the dining table 40 feet up in the air, you get a meal you
haven't experienced before.
The address is Technopolis, located west of the Acropolis and close
to the " Ermou and Pireos " park. Opening hours are 1900 to 2300 every
day. It is recommended (of course) to reserve a table in advance. Click here for
the Dinner in the Sky website.
Climate data Ταβέρνα Κληματαριά
Klimataria restaurant is a family restaurant dating back to 1927. Here you
will find Greek food, Greek dance and Greek music. Gossip at Klimataria is of
course the barbecue dish (tis caused) with good wine to. The prices are also
nice at Klimataria.
The address is Pl. Theatrou 2, located near the flea market in
Monastiraki. You can download maps and read more about Tavern Klimataria
here.
Opening hours are from 1200 to 0200 all days / nights.
Beverages in Athens
No country in Europe has produced wine longer than the Greeks, and their wine
history can be traced back at least 6500 years. The most famous is probably the
white Retsina wine with a characteristic pine flavor, which has been produced
for over 2700 years.
You will probably also come across the Greek national drink ouzo. This anise
liquor is often served as an aperitif before a meal, but is rarely drank
afterwards. Then there is more wine that applies.
Two brands of beer are produced in Greece, Alpha and Mythos, and both are
tasty, light beer. The ubiquitous Carlsberg, Heineken and Amstel are also
available everywhere. |