See Also
• Top-Rated Lodgings in Athens
• Suggested areas to stay in Athens
• Top Activities and Experiences to Enjoy in Athens
• Top Cultural Institutions in Athens
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• Online booking for Acropolis entrance tickets
The 9 Best Shops in Athens for Greek Souvenirs
Procuring goods in Athens presents travelers with abundant choices. From the high-end fashion boutiques situated in posh Kolonaki to the inexpensive memorabilia stalls lining the alleys near Monastiraki Square, visitors have numerous options satisfying nearly every buying necessity under the sun. Amongst all these alternatives, distinguishing the finest stores specializing in one-of-a-kind items distinctly “Athenian” in nature, handmade by locals and imbued with Hellenic flair can prove difficult. The following represent some of our favorites.
Handmade Greek Sandals
In the 1950s, a Greek entrepreneur sparked trends in the footwear industry from his small Athens boutique specializing in traditional sandal designs. Celebrities ranging from musical groups to actresses became patrons of the shop run by Stavros Melissinos, who featured handcrafted leather footwear emulating ancient Greek styles. Upon retiring several decades later, he passed the family name and craftsmanship to successive generations, two of whom now own stores continuing his legacy of customized and made-to-order sandals fashioned from high-quality leather. Customers can have in-stock selections individually fitted or commission one-of-a-kind designs.
- Melissinos Art – The Poet Sandalmaker is owned and run by son Pantelis Melissinos, located near the Acropolis Museum. Pantelis continues his father’s tradition of not only classic Greek-style sandal-making but artistic expression as well • Complete Evaluation of Melissinos Art
- Olgianna Melissinos Sandals near Monastiraki Square is run by daughter Olgianna Melissinos and her spouse, Hristos. Their Cretan leather sandals and accessories have additional of a contemporary style and are also offered for purchase through their website.
• A full review of Olgianna Melissinos hotel is available
Yanni Gallery
Abstract impressionist artist Yanni Souvatzoglou derives inspiration from traditional Cycladic sculptures and Greek mythology to fashion metal artworks portraying elongated human forms in contemporary anthropocentric designs. Located at the junction of Syntagma and Plaka neighborhoods, closed on Sundays.
• Full Evaluation of Yanni Gallery
Samouelian Musical Instruments
Accomplished musician and instrument craftsman Giannis Samouelian represents the 3rd generation at the helm of this family-owned instrument shop, still in its original Plaka location since 1928. All of the shop’s Greek musical instruments (bouzouki, baglamas, tzouras, and laouto) are handcrafted by Giannis and his sons; a variety of guitars, violins, woodwind instruments, amplifiers, and accessories are also available.
• Full review of musical instrument makers 
Pandora Art Gallery
A beautifully contemporary fine art gallery positioned on the border of Monastiraki and Plaka, representing local present-day artists since 1975. All artwork exhibited here is authentic; mediums represented involve ceramics, macrame, acrylic and oil paintings, and exceptional ceramic and nail carvings. Prices extend from high-end to amazingly budget-friendly. Open for ten months of the year; closed January and February, and each Friday.
• Complete Assessment of Pandora Art Gallery
Giorgio Hatter
The Polychronopoulos family continues the generational tradition of millinery through Giorgios (George) and Vasiliki (Vicky) at their flagship store in Athens` city center. Original straw Panama hats, trench hats, broad sun hats, newsboy caps, and fabric caps are offered, and custom children`s hats can be ordered. Open year-round except Sundays • Full review of Giorgio Hatter
Ioannidou Art Gallery
Xanthi Ioannidou has been creatively manifesting and commercially vending paintings at this vibrant Plaka studio gallery for over 20 years. Her work draws inspiration from her childhood experiences in the Peloponnese region and imagery from the ancient Bronze Age Cycladic civilization. Commissioned art pieces are also accepted. Accessible daily year-round.
• Full Review of the Ioannidou Art Gallery
Remember Fashion
Beloved underground fashion boutique in Psirri, run by the son of the shop’s original proprietor and still going solid since the 1970s. Among the iconic bands, singers, and celebrities that have sourced their clothing here are The Clash, Ramones, Debbie Harry, Sonic Youth, Pearl Jam, Lana del Ray, and Chloë Sevigny – take time to flip through the photo albums on display of their visits.
• Review of Remember Fashion
The Naxos Apothecary
Beautiful shop near Syntagma Square selling a wide variety of local, organic, and homeopathic skin care and wellness products, owned by the founder of Korres cosmetics. Buy off the shelf or have bespoke lotions and potions created in-house for you in their open lab. Then take a break from shopping at their chic café/bar/restaurant selling delicious herbal teas, smoothies, cocktails, mocktails, light meals, and snacks. Closed Sundays.
• A class=”darklink” href link to the ” Full Review” of The Naxos Apothecary
