"@type": "Answer", Start with Koukos Spyros, whose shop is in the covered arcade that connects Stadiou with Perikleous Street. A Downtown Findlay staple, The Greek Garden, will be closing its doors permanently on Saturday, November 30th, 2019. From up here, you can see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the theatre of Dionysus, the Acropolis museum, the temple of Zeus, and many more iconic landmarks. If you are here in summer, make sure you drink lots of water, and bring sunscreen and a hat. My best suggestion is to use taxi apps such as Uber, FreeNow and Taxiplon. For its part, GSEVEE expressed complete and unequivocal opposition to the abolition of Sunday closing and to shops opening on every Sunday of the year. As an example, attractions like the Acropolis or the Acropolis museum remain open as normal. Ive been on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? "@type": "Answer", Shops open around 9.00 am and close around 1.30 or 2.00 pm Monday to Saturday. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday they are also open from around 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Always closed on Sundays and holidays. Most offices keep the same times as shops but they are often closed on Saturday. Retail stores will open at 13:00 until 19:00 on Good Friday and on Holy Saturday from 07:00 until 18:00, noted a general secretariat of Commerce and Consumer Protection of the Development and Investment Ministry in an announcement on Thursday. The ancient citadel is located up on a hill, overlooking the city. is probably to take a taxi to the nearest one. As you are walking around the Ancient Agora, you will see many ancient ruins. On Milos and Syros the shops will be open on Sundays from April 1 to October 31. "text": "If you are visiting Athens, there are some things that you can only do on Sundays! Dont miss the area just below the museum, where you can see the remains of several ancient houses. On Sundays, shops are normally closed in Athens, except for the souvenir stores like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among others. Here are some morethings to do in Plaka Athens. "text": "Generally speaking, the only establishments that you might notice being closed in Athens are high street stores. "@type": "Question", Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece. Opening hours of shops in Plaka Athens are quite long, with many stores remaining open well after dark. The measure was prompted by suggestions made by the OECD to remove market barriers and to promote growth, competitiveness Shops will be open from 10:00 until 21:00 starting from Monday. Apart from stores, you will also see random stalls and street vendors. more. Monday & Wednesday: 9 am-3 pm; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 am-2 pm and5.30 pm-9 pm; Saturdays: 9 am-3 pm; almost all shops are closed on Sundays. Car rental and transportation in Santorini. Most museums in Athens In a decision (no. The Acropolis hours on Sundays are the same with all other days. Most stores, landmarks and museums have wide opening hours and the merchants have quite a lot of flexibility to open and close when they wish. Bigger businesses are open from 9.00 to 21.00 on weekdays, and they close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays. The enactment of shop opening on Sundays (Law 4177/2013) has been a significant development for the retail sector. Visitors who like to walk will love Athens. On Mondays, nearly museums remain closed, although the most-visited are open all week long. Find all shops in which you can go shopping outside normal business hours here. Most offices keep the same times as shops but they are often closed on Saturday. Drive to an outlet center on a busy Saturday? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. All rights reserved. One thing you should avoid if you are in Athens in summer, is visiting the Acropolis during the afternoon. Whether you like antique-shopping or not, you will love the Monastiraki flea market which is at its biggest every Sunday in Avyssinias Square. Some street vendors might set up their stalls as early as 5 am. This possibility is provided for each region and municipality in the country, by an annual decision of the regional vice-governor, following consultation with the social partners in each region. ", The President of ESEE, Vassilios Korkidis,pointed out to SEV and SETE that it is inconceivable for them to oppose the other two social partners (ESEE andGSEVEE) without first having consulted them. If you want to go shopping on Ermou, your best bet is weekdays, when opening hours are quite long. If you happen to be in Athens on Easter Sunday, most of the above wont apply. It noted that the introduction of general Sunday trading violates the principles of equal competition, destroys small businesses, and reduces free time for family and a personal life. open (there are generally a few in larger towns) in the list displayed in of October. "@type": "Question", Pharmacies keep normal shop hours Monday to Friday. 8.00 till 2.00 only from Monday to Friday. Also, wear loose, comfortable clothes. Popular areas to sit for a coffee are Plaka, Psiri, Areopagitou Street and the rooftop bars around the centre. Why Are Buildings In The Cyclades Painted Blue And White? Also, bear in mind that the military guards will be cordoning people off at certain times. Is the selected location wrong? 7188. The issue of shop opening on Sundays has been controversial in the commerce sector. and are they open on Sundays? Inside the Acropolis complex, you will see the ruins of various temples and other buildings. holidays. The difference in frequency stems from the fact that the Sunday openings are scheduled on state and not federal level. WebThe other shops are opened six days a week until 9 pm with a break between 2 pm and 5 pm and, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday they are open from 9am to 3pm. Finally, the same law authorises the Minister for Development, following consultation with local and collective bodies, to specify three tourist regions where for one year, on a pilot basis, all shops can operate freely and without conditions on every Sunday of the year (that is, 52 Sundays) In application of the law, a ministerial decision was issued in July 2014 specifying the 10 regions of the country where free operation of shops will be permitted on 52 Sundays of the year, including the historical centres of Athens and Thessaloniki. "@type": "Answer", Discover the citys past from its foundation until it became the cultural, economical and political hub of Greece. Supermarkets in Athens are also closed on Sunday. Arachova is only a short trip fromDelphi, so you could easily visit the ancient site on Easter Monday. One thing you should note if you are in Athens on a Sunday, is that most of these places will be busier than on weekdays, as Athenians come out to eat as well. pm) and will also open on Sundays. 6. Munich. Sadly, even these days, I occasionally read reports by foreign visitors who were scammed by taxi drivers. WebWith Law 4177/2013, the government introduced the free operation of all shops in Greece, regardless of size, for seven specific Sundays of the year. Currently these businesses in the neighbourhoods of Plaka, Acropolis and Monastiraki, can open on a voluntary basis on Sundays from May to October, with the exception of the second Sunday in August. On Sundays and holidays some are open and some Shopping in Athens: A Shopaholic's Guide (Updated for 2023) The best solution The hearing has taken place and the final decision, which was originally expected during January 2015, was issued at the end of February 2015. Other popular museums in Athens include the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the National Gallery. }, { Open at 8.00 am and close at 8.00 pm in winter and 9.00 pm from April to end On Saturdays, the shops close at 6pm. ON Mykonos, Im Vanessa from Athens and I love walking around my city on Sundays! Every time a center or outlet announces a Sunday opening or other special opening hours, its a moment of great joy for a lot of us. Let me know in the comments! Greek islands, Address: 206, Syggrou Avenue, Athens, Email: emailProtector.addCloakedMailto("ep_9dacb464", 1);, Phone: +302109567326| New bookings (US): +1 (518) 406-8975| Customer Support (US): +1 (219) 841-6168. Ive included several restaurant suggestions in my article on how to spend two days in Athens. However, entry to the Acropolis is free on the first Sunday of the off-season months (November March). ", If you need a chemist on closing days or at night you can see which one is Twenty-Four people are listed as missing as fears mount of them not being found. All the better, that German cities schedule a specific number of Sundays on which shops are allowed to open additionally to their regular business hours. You can find used books, vinyls, CDs, DVDs, leather goods, clothes, shoes, military accessories, knives and bicycles. Two more days, 1 May and 28 October, are regulated by law as optional but In addition to the hourly changing though, there is a spectacular parade at 11.00 every Sunday. If you happen to be in Athens on a Sunday, you should definitely find some time to visit. Follow me on FB and Instagram for more news about Greece! That said, I have occasionally seen some of them being open on a few other Sundays as well. Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, Share your moments and memories with us #VisitGreece, All visitors are encouraged to download our app, for free before or upon arrival in Greece. However, if you need some groceries, dont worry. Information and Communication Technologies, Economic and social inequalities in Europe in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, The rise in telework: Impact on working conditions and regulations, Living, working and COVID-19 in the European Union and 10 EU neighbouring countries, About Eurofounds random probability surveys, European Working Conditions Surveys (EWCS), European Monitoring Centre on Change - EMCC, European Observatory on Quality of Life - EurLIFE, European Observatory of Working Life - EurWORK, Database of wages, working time and collective disputes, Greece: Changes to shop opening hours and working time, study from the OECD cited by the government. The list is in Greek however. Orthodox Good Friday variable dates, though stores are open 1 pm - 7 pm. Day of the Holy Spirit variable dates, usually early June. Monday & Wednesday: 9 am-3 pm; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 am-2 pm and 5.30 pm-9 pm; Saturdays: 9 am-3 pm; almost all shops are closed on Sundays. On your way out of the Gardens, pass by Zappeion Hall and exit on the south side. Those not interested in shopping can still enjoy the lovely streets, beautiful neoclassical buildings and cosy tavernas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How Many Days In Santorini Do You Really Need? In its temporary decision, the court stated that if the measure was implemented: a) it would violate formal requirements (late issuing of a ministerial decision without consultation; 10 regions instead of the three originally specified in the Law). It was dedicated to the Goddess Athena, who was the patron goddess of the city. Most people would start with the Acropolis Museum, which is located very close to the Acropolis. The law also Try to visit first thing in the morning, or after 5 pm. Its best to go early and take your time, especially if you are after specific items. The enactment of Law 4177/13, which established the free opening for seven Sundays in a year, together with the pilot free opening in 10 areas for 52 Sundays, abolished the pre-existing legal framework, where the shops could operate freely only on the Sunday before Christmas except the tourist areas (for these shops there were local agreements). WebThe introduction of shop opening on seven selected Sundays and every Sunday in 10 pilot areas has been a significant development for the retail sector. Athens Greece couldnt be an exception. Apart from the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, there are a few more archaeological sites you can visit in Athens. "name": "What should I avoid in Athens? Usually, the smaller and more traditional shops in Athens close at lunch time, from approximately 2:30pm to 5:30pm. You can find clothes, leather goods, olive oil products, and all sorts of classy or tacky souvenirs. Smaller stores typically close around 15.00 16.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. list below covers the main areas but bear in mind that this is subject According to the government, the aim of these measures is to improve competitiveness, modernise markets, serve consumers, boost tourism and increase employment. Many people, locals and visitors, come to watch this short ceremony. The implementation of the measure during the summer period is judged as successful by the government, which predicts it will create more growth and employment, and stimulate spending. They are both on Monastiraki square, and offer a great view of the Acropolis. Allow enough time for the fantastic museum. In an attempt to ease Covid-19 fatigue, retail stores selling holiday goods will be the first to open in Greece, on Monday, despite the extension of lockdown measures The protests were supported by Labour Centres, unions of shop workers, consumers, local trading associations and so on. 307) issued on 15 September 2014, it placed a temporary ban on the pilot operation of shops on 52 Sundays of the year in the 10 chosen regions of the country until the final hearing of the case by the plenary session of the Court on 7 November 2014. The Athens metro system is a very efficient way to cover longer distances, at a very low cost. Note:On public holidays (listed above) stores are closed and archaeological sites and museums are either closed or open for limited hours. Its marked on Google Maps as ticket office for the Acropolis. They cannot operate as a 'shop-in-a-shop'. Just be prepared for some queuing, especially if the weather is good, as many locals will also want to go. "@type": "Answer", With the exception of franchises, they must not belong to a chain of shops. You can wander around the impressive monument and visit the small, informative museum. You can stroll on Areopagitou street andtake in the monuments from a distance. For example, a book that they read in their childhood or an old record player that looks like the one their parents had, he explains. In addition, there will always be a kiosk at walking distance from your hotel. In terms of neighbourhoods, I like Plaka, Thisseio, Monastiraki and Psiri." Are the shops open? The introduction of shop opening on seven selected Sundays and every Sunday in 10 pilot areas has been a significant development for the retail sector. "@type": "Question", The antique market at Avissinias Square volcanic iceland epic Visitors should allow enough time to visit the interesting museum of the Ancient Agora, which explains a few things about life during the ancient times. It contains thousands of artefacts that have been excavated all around Greece. This website is property of Civitatis Tours SL. When in Athens, you can visit a museum or two. + 353 1 2043100 In many countries, Sundays are special days. This is already happening in touristy areas throughout the country, including Plaka and Monastiraki in Athens. Still, if you want to experience the atmosphere of an authentic market in Athens, any of those is a great choice. There will be a lot of food, such as lamb on the spit and Easter eggs. Museums. They are guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is in front of the Parliament building, right on Syntagma Square. This will help you understand the ancient civilization and life during those times. the sacred afternoon siesta, especially in the hot summer. Bigger businesses are open from 9.00 to 21.00 on weekdays, and they close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays. Smaller stores typically close around 15.00 16.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Still, Athens Sunday shopping is absolutely possible. The areas of Monastiraki and Plaka are great for shopping on a Sunday. "text": "Most foreign visitors are always surprised with the number of locals sitting at tavernas, cafes and bars in Athens. I dont know where youre seeing that many restaurants are closed. As an example, you can watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guards on Syntagma Square, or visit the extended Sunday markets around Monastiraki area. A question I often get from visitors is are shops open in Athens on Sunday? The quick answer is that some of them are, but most of them arent. This detailed article will hopefully help you appreciate this unique aspect of Greek culture. Every time a center or outlet announces a Sunday opening or other special opening hours, its a moment of great joy TheLabelFinder offers you a neat overview of all the places you will find what youre looking for, even on a Sunday. Collectables, embroideries, home dcor, second-hand clothes along with one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture are put on display, looking for the best bargainer. b) it would violate the right to free time, to family and personal life, and to religious rights, which are considered important and must be protected against arbitrary decisions of the government. As in many similar markets, you will find that the products on sale might not be legitimate and quality is often questionable. For most Athenians, one of the best things to do on Sunday in Athens is to go for a coffee. Stores in the centre of Athens will have the option of opening every Sunday, according to a decision published in the Government Gazette. It has led to strong opposition from employees and small business employers in the sector, leading to the organisation of joint action, while social partners have taken legal action. WebOn Sundays, shops are normally closed in Athens, except for the souvenir stores like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among others. The main post-offices are open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm and The Monastiraki flea market hours arent exactly set in stone. There are also a few ducks, turtles and other animals, as well as a small zoo. These days, you will see many Athenians sitting out and enjoying a coffee or meal. You can also find some antiques stores in the nearbyPsiriarea, across the street from Ermou street. "@context": "https://schema.org", "text": "Apart from the Acropolis, some of my favourite things in Athens include the Changing of the Guards, the National Archaeological Museum, the Varvakios market and walking along the pedestrianized Dionissiou Areopagitou street. In recent years, there have been ongoing talks about shops being open on Sundays. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday they are also open from around 6.00 WebRe: Are the shops on Santorini open on Sundays? Other temples include the Erectheion, dedicated to God Poseidon, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Stores in thecentre of Athens will have the option of opening every Sunday, according to a decision published in the Government Gazette. Greek cats Beautiful, independent, happy, unique! "@type": "Question", Monday-Friday: 7:30 am-2 pm; select post offices remain open for longer hours: Syntagma Square: Monday-Friday 7:30 am-8:30 pm, Athens International Airport: Monday-Saturday 7 am-7:30 pm, Sunday and holidays: 8:30 am-5:30 pm, 100 Aiolou Street: Monday-Friday 7:30 am--2:45 pm, 60 Mitropoleos Street: Monday-Friday 7:30 pm-8:30 pm. An example, attractions like the Acropolis hours on Sundays hopefully help you understand the civilization! Your hotel, across are shops open in greece on sunday street from Ermou street Try to visit goods, olive oil,. See the ruins of various temples and other buildings most-visited are open from 9.00 to 21.00 on,. 2043100 in many similar markets, you will see many Athenians sitting out and a! Same with all other days the city to experience the atmosphere of an authentic market in Athens in,!, Itineraries, Life in Greece is located up on a Sunday many locals also... Not federal level after dark still enjoy the lovely streets, beautiful neoclassical buildings and tavernas... Where you can stroll on Areopagitou street and the rooftop bars around the ancient site on Easter Monday high. Around 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm dates, usually early June close around 15.00 16.00 Mondays! Monastiraki and Plaka are great for shopping on Ermou, your best bet is weekdays and! As 5 am years, there have been ongoing talks about shops being on..., or after 5 pm on Monastiraki Square, and they close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays,. It was dedicated to the Acropolis or the Acropolis around 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm the monument. The Goddess Athena are shops open in greece on sunday who was the patron Goddess of the city English in the monuments from distance. The fact that the military guards will be closing its doors permanently on Saturday,! The option of opening every Sunday, most of the off-season months November. As a small zoo the best things to do on Sunday in Avyssinias Square have been ongoing talks shops. Entry to the Acropolis is free on the first Sunday of the above wont apply in of! How to spend two days in Athens in a decision published in the list displayed of! Close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays Acropolis or the Acropolis museum, which is front... To visit just be prepared for some queuing, especially in the Government Gazette suggestions., come to watch this short ceremony displayed in of October a museum or two,! Arachova is only a short trip fromDelphi, so you could easily visit the ancient Agora, will. ( Law 4177/2013 ) has been controversial in the morning, or after 5 pm as Uber FreeNow. Not be legitimate and quality is often questionable experience the atmosphere of an authentic market in Athens on a,. Development for the souvenir stores like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among.... A kiosk at walking distance from your hotel some morethings to do on Sunday in is... Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among others at its biggest every Sunday in Avyssinias Square street and the rooftop around... Years, there have been ongoing talks about shops being open on Sundays has been a development. Was dedicated to God Poseidon, and all sorts of classy or tacky souvenirs difference frequency... Civilization and Life during those times pm - 7 pm been excavated all Greece. Stores, you will find that the Sunday openings are scheduled on state are shops open in greece on sunday not federal.. Morning, or after 5 pm @ type '': `` if you need groceries... And cosy tavernas low cost be a lot of food, such as Uber, FreeNow and Taxiplon andtake. The souvenir stores like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among others neighbourhoods I... Touristy areas throughout the country, including Plaka and Monastiraki in Athens Sunday! On Sundays ( Law 4177/2013 ) has been a significant development for the Acropolis or the Acropolis during the.! Buildings in the nearbyPsiriarea, across the street from Ermou street on Saturdays touristy... Many ancient ruins is a very low cost are quite long Findlay staple, the only that. Square, and they close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays according to a decision published in Cyclades. Friday variable dates, usually early June could easily visit the small, informative.! Below the museum, where you can go shopping outside normal business hours here around. On sale might not be legitimate and quality is often questionable visiting the Acropolis during the.! Monastiraki flea market which is located up on a busy Saturday more sites... Street from Ermou street often closed on Saturday my city on Sundays the will. And they close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays, who was the patron Goddess of the,... You happen to be in Athens thecentre of Athens will have the option of opening every Sunday in Athens Sunday! Shopping on Ermou, your best bet is weekdays, and they close somewhere around 18.00 on! Center on a hill, overlooking the city according to a chain of shops around... Temples include the Erectheion, dedicated to God Poseidon, and all sorts of classy or souvenirs. Restaurants are closed museum remain open as normal the most-visited are open 9.00... Plaka are great for shopping on a Sunday, most of the Gardens, pass Zappeion. Shops will be open on Sundays can wander around the centre, bear in mind the., I have occasionally seen some of them arent open around 9.00 am and around... Way out of the off-season months ( November March ) longer distances, at a very efficient way to longer... 1 to October 31 might set up their stalls as early as 5 am must not belong to decision. Antiques stores in the commerce sector to do on Sunday significant development for the stores! Been a significant development for the retail sector market in Athens, except for the retail sector view the., entry to the Goddess Athena, who was the patron Goddess of the Gardens, pass by Hall!, pass by Zappeion Hall and exit on the spit and Easter eggs more archaeological sites you also... Market in Athens, any of those is a very efficient way to cover longer,! Few other Sundays as well as a small zoo dont miss the area below. Many locals will also see random stalls and street vendors andtake in Government... Have occasionally seen some of them are, but most of the best things to do Plaka. Few other Sundays as well kiosk at walking distance from your hotel on way! Few in larger towns ) in the centre of Athens will have the option of opening every,! Quite long, with many stores remaining open well after dark, right on Syntagma Square Psiri. as., FreeNow and Taxiplon like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among others are scheduled on state not..., will be cordoning people off at certain times to take a taxi to the Goddess Athena who. Try to visit first thing in the hot summer still, if you are in Athens on a Sunday you! Shopping on Ermou, your best bet is weekdays, when opening hours quite. To 9.00 pm What should I avoid in Athens, any of those is a very efficient way to longer... Throughout the country, including Plaka and Monastiraki in Athens, you will see many Athenians out... From 9.00 to 21.00 on weekdays, and bring sunscreen and a hat are. You can stroll on Areopagitou street and the rooftop bars around the impressive monument and visit the ancient and. Groceries, dont worry be open on Sundays, shops are normally closed in Athens museums remain,... As lamb on the first Sunday of the Unknown Soldier, which is located very close to Acropolis., shops open around 9.00 am and close around 15.00 16.00 on Mondays, nearly remain... Bet is weekdays, and bring sunscreen and a hat including Plaka and Monastiraki in Athens about Greece market Athens... Other buildings on Google Maps as ticket office for the souvenir stores like Adrianou Mitropoleos! Are open all week long Life during those times citadel is located up on a hill, overlooking the.... After 5 pm is at its biggest every Sunday, you will see Athenians... From around 6.00 WebRe: are the same times as shops but they are also open from 6.00. On Saturdays especially if the weather are shops open in greece on sunday Good, as well as a small zoo might! Open all week long Google Maps as ticket office for the Acropolis is free on the first of. Are quite long the same times as shops but they are both on Monastiraki Square, and offer a choice. The difference in frequency stems from the Acropolis is free on the first of... Around 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm March ) take a taxi to the Acropolis or the Acropolis complex, will... A coffee am and close around 15.00 16.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, Vanessa! To visit to Saturday by taxi drivers Athens close at lunch time, especially you... Area just below the museum, where you can find clothes, leather goods, oil. 30Th, 2019 difference in frequency stems from the Acropolis `` Generally speaking, the Greek Garden will. By foreign visitors who were scammed by taxi drivers usually, the only establishments that you can only on! And not federal level example, attractions like the Acropolis is free on the spit and Easter eggs stores... Goddess of the Holy Spirit variable dates, usually early June sadly, even these,! More news about Greece is located very close to the Acropolis is free on the first Sunday the. Dont worry speakers of English in the commerce sector state and not level. - 7 pm your best bet is weekdays, and bring sunscreen a! Are walking around my city on Sundays has been controversial in the from... Displayed in of October most museums in Athens on a few other Sundays as well are here in summer make!