Shopping in Athens: a guide for Israelis – Ermou, Kolonaki, malls and the outlet
Where to shop, what's open when, and how to get there by metro: Ermou Street, Kolonaki's luxury brands, Kifisia, the malls and the outlet near the airport.
- Most shops in Athens close on Sunday, except tourist areas such as Plaka.
- The McArthurGlen outlet near the airport opens on Sundays 11:00–20:00 (check in winter).
- Purchases over €50 per receipt qualify for a VAT refund.
Plan your shopping for weekdays and keep the outlet for your flight day. You'll fit everything in and get your VAT refund at the airport.
Before you go: when are shops open?
- Regular shops in the centre (per the City of Athens tourism site): Mon & Wed 9:00–15:00; Tue, Thu & Fri 9:00–14:00 and 17:30–21:00; Sat 9:00–15:00.
- Chains, malls and department stores usually stay open all day: roughly 10:00–21:00 on weekdays and until 20:00 on Saturday.
- On Sunday almost everything is closed, except a few Sundays a year set by law and tourist areas such as Plaka and Monastiraki.
- On public holidays most shops close. Today's status and the next holiday: Greek holidays and shop hours.
1. Ermou Street – the main shopping street
A long pedestrian street between Syntagma Square and Monastiraki with the big fashion chains. Mid-range prices, easiest for families.
- Getting there: Syntagma metro (Lines 2 and 3) at one end, Monastiraki (Lines 1 and 3) at the other.
- From the airport: Metro Line 3 direct to Syntagma, about 40 minutes.
- Note: from 16 September 2026, due to works, Monastiraki station on Line 3 closes at 21:40 Sunday to Thursday. Replacement bus X24 runs to Syntagma.
2. Kolonaki – luxury brands
Athens' upmarket neighbourhood. Voukourestiou Street, which the city calls "the Bond Street of Athens", has Hermès, Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Cartier among others, plus well-known Greek jewellers. Skoufa Street has designer boutiques.
- Getting there: Kolonaki station is still under construction. Nearest: Syntagma (Lines 2, 3) or Evangelismos (Line 3), then a short walk.
3. Kifisia – upscale northern suburb
A green, upmarket suburb with big labels and young Greek designers. Main shopping streets: Kassaveti, Kolokotroni and Argyropoulou.
- Getting there: Metro Line 1 (green) to the last stop, Kifisia. About 36 minutes from Monastiraki.
4. Monastiraki flea market and Plaka souvenirs
The heart of the flea market is Avissinias Square. On Sundays there is street music and stalls spread towards Thissio: vintage, antiques and collectibles. Go early – after 11:00 it gets very crowded. Plaka's souvenir shops usually open on Sundays too.
- Getting there: Monastiraki metro (Lines 1 and 3).
5. McArthurGlen Designer Outlet – the outlet near the airport
More than 100 brand stores and, according to the outlet, up to 70% off all year. It is in Spata, next to the Attica Zoological Park.
- Hours (official site): Mon–Fri 10:00–21:00, Sat 10:00–20:00, Sun 11:00–20:00. In winter, check the website for Sunday opening.
- Getting there: Metro Line 3 to Doukissis Plakentias, then bus 319 straight to the outlet. By taxi about 15 minutes from the airport and 30 from Syntagma.
- Tip: easiest on your flight-home day, as it is close to the airport. And don't forget your VAT refund on purchases over €50.
6. The Mall Athens – the big mall
A large mall in Marousi with brands, restaurants and a cinema.
- Shop hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–21:00, Sat 10:00–20:00. Shops closed on Sunday (only cafés, restaurants and the cinema open).
- Getting there: Neratziotissa station (Line 1 and the suburban railway), with a footbridge straight to the mall.
7. Golden Hall – the luxury mall
An upscale mall opposite the Olympic Stadium, with designer boutiques and jewellers.
- Shop hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–21:00, Sat 10:00–20:00. Shops closed on Sunday; cafés open.
- Getting there: Line 1 to Irini, then walk through the Olympic complex.
Need a supermarket on Sunday?
Most supermarkets close on Sundays. Kiosks (periptero) and small convenience chains stay open. The Sklavenitis branch at Smart Park in Spata, next to the outlet, also opens on Sundays 11:00–20:00.
FAQ
Are shops in Athens open on Sunday?
Most shops are closed on Sunday, except on a few Sundays a year set by law and in tourist areas such as Plaka and Monastiraki. The McArthurGlen outlet opens on Sundays 11:00–20:00.
How do I get to the McArthurGlen outlet in Athens?
Metro line 3 to Doukissis Plakentias, then bus 319. By taxi it is about 15 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from Syntagma.
What is the biggest mall in Athens?
The Mall Athens in Marousi, with brands, restaurants and a cinema. Take line 1 to Neratziotissa.
Can I get a VAT refund on shopping in Athens?
Yes. Israelis get a VAT refund on purchases over €50 per receipt. All the steps.
Hours are taken from each place's official website and the City of Athens tourism site, October 2026. Hours can change on holidays, so check before you go.
