Neighbourhood guide · Athens, Greece
Syntagma
Constitution Square, the Greek Parliament and the grand hotels: the central hub of Athens, with the National Garden on one side and the city's main shopping street on the other.
About Syntagma
Syntagma, or Constitution Square, takes its name from the constitution granted here in 1843. Across the avenue stands the Hellenic Parliament, the former royal palace, and in front of it the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the Evzones in traditional uniform. The changing of the guard happens every hour, with a larger ceremony and band on Sunday mornings.
Behind the Parliament is the National Garden, a shady oasis of ponds and paths that leads to the Zappeion and on to the Panathenaic Stadium, venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896. From the square, pedestrian Ermou Street, the city's busiest shopping street, runs down to Monastiraki.
The square is ringed by landmark hotels such as the Hotel Grande Bretagne, and the streets around it hide many of the world-ranked cocktail bars that have put Athens on the drinks map. It is also the city's transport hub, with the metro to the airport, the airport express bus and the tram to the coast all starting here.
Where Syntagma is
The best of Syntagma
Six of the best hotels in Syntagma
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Rooftop pool
Athens Capital Center Hotel – MGallery
A five-star on Syntagma Square with an infinity rooftop pool and bar facing the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill.
Syntagma SquareExplore View on map
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Rooftop pool
Electra Metropolis
A sleek five-star on Mitropoleos with a rooftop pool, restaurant and bar facing the Acropolis. Excellent value for its location.
15 MitropoleosExplore View on map
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Food hotel
Ergon House
A 'Greek deli hotel' built around a food market and restaurant. Rooms upstairs, regional Greek products and a lively atrium below.
Mitropoleos StreetExplore View on map
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5-star icon
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Athens' most famous hotel, facing Parliament on Syntagma Square since 1874. Opulent rooms, a celebrated rooftop restaurant and a spa.
1 Vasileos Georgiou A'Explore View on map
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5-star
King George
Elegant, intimate luxury next door to the Grande Bretagne, with antique-filled rooms and Tudor Hall's rooftop views of the Acropolis.
3 Vasileos Georgiou A'Explore View on map
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Boutique luxury
Xenodocheio Milos
A refined boutique hotel from the team behind Estiatorio Milos, with serene rooms and acclaimed Greek seafood downstairs.
3-5 KolokotroniExplore View on map
Five of the best cafés in Syntagma
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Sourdough
72H Artisanal Bakery
A sourdough bakery and café on Mitropoleos Street, named after its long fermentation, serving breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads and pizza.
27 Mitropoleos StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1939
Athenée
The legendary Zonar's, a meeting place for well-dressed Athenians since 1939, reborn as Athenée on luxury Voukourestiou Street: a lounge-style café for coffee, pastries and light meals on one side and a brasserie on the other.
9 Voukourestiou StreetExplore View on map
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Profiteroles
Choureal
A sweet stop off Ermou Street where you build your own profiteroles, choosing the choux, fillings and toppings, with coffee alongside.
2 Diomeias StreetExplore View on map
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Espresso bar
Kaya
A tiny, no-frills espresso bar inside the Bolani Arcade near Syntagma Square, all about the coffee: a house blend plus a rotating range of beans from local roasters, made to take away.
Bolani Arcade (Stoa Bolani)Explore View on map
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Neighbourhood bakery
Neropistolo
A small bakery on Voulis Street for buttery croissants, spinach pie, banana bread and a much-talked-about Basque cheesecake, with coffee to go.
35 Voulis StreetExplore View on map
Six of the best restaurants in Syntagma
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Aperitivo hour
Ami
An Italian bistro that has become a favourite meeting point for an evening aperitivo in the city centre, with a menu by chef Dimos Samourakis.
Voulis Street & Apollonos StreetExplore View on map
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Rooftop views
GB Roof Garden
The legendary rooftop of the Grande Bretagne, facing the Acropolis and Parliament. Mediterranean dishes and one of the most famous views in the city.
Hotel Grande Bretagne, 1 Vasileos Georgiou A'Explore View on map
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Fusion
Nolan
A small, buzzing bistro where Greek, Japanese and Nordic influences collide. Creative sharing plates in a relaxed setting a few steps from Syntagma.
31-33 VoulisExplore View on map
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Rotisserie
Spit Jack
A lively brasserie built around the rotisserie, turning out spit-roasted meats with sides and wine, a few steps from Syntagma Square.
10 Skoufou StreetExplore View on map
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12-seat counter
Sushimou
A twelve-seat sushi counter where the chef prepares nigiri, sashimi and rolls in front of you, one of the most sought-after Japanese meals in Athens. Booking essential.
6 Skoufou StreetExplore View on map
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Rooftop views
Tudor Hall
Grand rooftop dining on the seventh floor of the King George, with panoramic views of the Acropolis and Syntagma Square. Classic elegance for special occasions.
King George Hotel, 3 Vasileos Georgiou A'Explore View on map
Six of the best bars in Syntagma
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World's 50 Best Bars – No. 55
Baba Au Rum
A long-time fixture of the world rankings with more than 400 rums. Tiki-tinged, rum-forward cocktails and a lively crowd in the heart of the centre.
6 KleitiouExplore View on map
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World's 50 Best Bars 2026 – No. 40
Barro Negro
A love letter to agave spirits and Mexican drinking culture, with a farmhouse feel. A huge mezcal and tequila list and superb agave cocktails.
15 PaparrigopoulouExplore View on map
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Since 1972
Galaxy Bar
A tiny, timeless bar hidden in an arcade off Stadiou, pouring whisky since 1972. Old-school charm and a loyal crowd of regulars.
10 Stadiou (in the arcade)Explore View on map
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Festive interior
Noel
A jewel-box bar with gilded mirrors, candles and a year-round festive glow. Creative cocktails and a party atmosphere late into the night.
59B Kolokotroni (Kourtaki Arcade)Explore View on map
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Late-night favourite
The 7 Jokers
A wood-panelled classic with puppets hanging from the ceiling and a soundtrack of rock, swing and funk. Great for drinks that turn into dancing.
7 VoulisExplore View on map
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Athens icon
The Clumsies
One of the bars that put Athens on the global cocktail map. A multi-level space serving coffee by day and inventive twists on the classics by night.
30 PraxitelousExplore View on map
Nightlife in Syntagma
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All-day venue
Booze Cooperativa
A creative cooperative that runs from morning coffee to late-night DJs, with exhibitions, board games, jazz and indie nights.
57 KolokotroniExplore View on map
Five of the best places for fitness & spa in Syntagma
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Pool & wet area
Aegeo Spa, Electra Metropolis
A downtown spa dedicated to the revitalising power of water, with an indoor pool and wet area that are normally open to visitors as well as hotel guests, plus facials, Far East-style massages and rituals inspired by ancient Greece.
15 Mitropoleos StreetExplore View on map
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Multi-award-winning
GB Spa, Hotel Grande Bretagne
The multi-award-winning spa beneath Athens' grandest hotel: an indoor pool, herbal steam bath and ice fountain, a couples' suite, Ayurvedic rituals, massages and facials, with a menu of light food and drinks to enjoy between treatments.
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Syntagma SquareExplore View on map
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Premium health club
Holmes Place Syntagma
The city centre's most prestigious health club, right on Syntagma Square: a 25-metre indoor pool with Jacuzzi, separate saunas and Turkish baths for men and women, a full gym, classes, BoxFit, a café and a spa next door. Popular with guests of the nearby luxury hotels.
Syntagma Square (1st floor)Explore View on map
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Classes in English
NYSY Studios
Two central studios, a few minutes' walk from Syntagma, founded by a former San Francisco filmmaker, with yoga, Zen meditation and Pilates classes, workshops and private lessons, all available in English.
Aiolou Street and Nikis StreetExplore View on map
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Yoga outdoors
Somayoga
Regular yoga sessions in the shade of the National Garden, plus special classes at the foot of the Acropolis and at the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio. A lovely way to start a day in Athens.
Classes in the National GardenExplore View on map
Three of the best museums in Syntagma
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King Otto's first palace
Museum of the City of Athens
The story of 19th-century Athens told in the house where King Otto and Queen Amalia lived before the royal palace was built, with period furniture, paintings and a large model of the city in 1842.
5–7 Paparrigopoulou Street, Klafthmonos SquareExplore View on map
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Old Parliament
National Historical Museum
Modern Greek history from the fall of Constantinople to the 20th century, displayed in the grand neoclassical Old Parliament, five minutes' walk from Syntagma Square: weapons, costumes, paintings and relics of the War of Independence. Closed on Mondays.
Old Parliament, 13 Stadiou StreetExplore View on map
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Schliemann's mansion
Numismatic Museum
One of the world's great coin collections, from ancient Greek drachmas to modern money, housed in Iliou Melathron, the lavish mansion built for Heinrich Schliemann, with a lovely garden café. Closed on Tuesdays.
Iliou Melathron, 12 Panepistimiou StreetExplore View on map
Four of the best shops in Syntagma
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Greece's biggest department store
attica Department Store
Greece's largest department store, a few steps from Syntagma in the Citylink building, with floors of international and Greek fashion, designer labels, beauty, shoes, homeware and a café. Tax-free shopping for non-EU visitors, personal shopping and alterations.
9 Panepistimiou StreetExplore View on map
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Elegant arcade
Citylink & Spyromiliou Arcade
A whole city block of shopping beside Syntagma, built around attica department store and the elegant interwar Spyromiliou Arcade, with boutiques, cafés such as Clemente VIII, restaurants and historic theatres under one roof.
Between Stadiou, Voukourestiou, Panepistimiou & Amerikis StreetsExplore View on map
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The main shopping street
Ermou Street
Athens' busiest shopping street runs downhill from Syntagma Square towards Monastiraki, car-free for most of its length. Zara, H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Sephora, Nike and Greek chains line both sides, with the little Byzantine church of Kapnikarea in the middle of the street. Side streets such as Voulis, Nikis and Perikleous have more shops. Most stores close on Sundays.
Ermou Street, from Syntagma Square to MonastirakiExplore View on map
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Luxury row
Voukourestiou Street
The pedestrian street that climbs from Syntagma towards Kolonaki is Athens' luxury row, with international fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès, fine jewellers and watchmakers, all within a few minutes' walk of the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
Voukourestiou Street, Syntagma to KolonakiExplore View on map
More from our lists in Syntagma
Restaurants in Syntagma
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Yakitori
Birdman
An intimate Japanese pub and grill near Syntagma Square, known for its charcoal-grilled yakitori and skewers.
35 Voulis & 2 SkoufouExplore View on map
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Book weeks ahead
Sushimou
A tiny sushi counter with just a dozen seats, serving a set omakase menu of nigiri and sashimi only. Open weekday evenings; reservations by phone after 2pm, for up to four people.
6 SkoufouExplore View on map
Cafés in Syntagma
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On Syntagma Square
Starbucks Syntagma
Starbucks in the neoclassical Public building on Syntagma Square, opposite the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the top of Ermou Street: a reliable coffee stop at the heart of the city.
Syntagma Square (Public building, Karageorgi Servias Street)Explore View on map
See the full list: 20 of the Best Cafés in Athens: Specialty Coffee, Classic Cafés & Chains
Bars in Syntagma
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Hotel bar
Alexander's Bar
The Grande Bretagne's signature bar, beneath an 18th-century tapestry of Alexander the Great. Polished service, classic cocktails and real old-world glamour.
Hotel Grande Bretagne, 1 Vasileos Georgiou A'Explore View on map
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Gin specialists
Gin Joint
A stylish bar devoted to gin, with a vast collection of bottles and perfectly made G&Ts and martinis. Cosy inside, buzzing outside.
1 Christou LadaExplore View on map
Hotels in Syntagma
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Art deco
Gatsby Athens
An art-deco-inspired boutique hotel in the centre with a stylish rooftop bar, creative restaurant and beautifully designed rooms.
18 LekkaExplore View on map
Attractions in Syntagma
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Green escape
National Garden
A shady green oasis behind Parliament, created for Queen Amalia in the 1830s, with ponds, a small zoo, Roman ruins and the grand Zappeion at its southern end. Free, and the best escape from the summer heat in central Athens.
Vasilissis Amalias AveExplore View on map
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Every hour, on the hour
Syntagma & the Changing of the Guard
Below the Parliament on Syntagma Square, the Evzones of the Presidential Guard change guard every hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with the full ceremony and band on Sunday mornings. Free, moving and unmissable.
Syntagma SquareExplore View on map
Cinema in Syntagma
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The oldest in Athens
Aigli Zappeiou
The city's oldest open-air cinema, in the gardens beside the Zappeion Hall, where films have been shown since 1903. Around 400 seats under the trees, mainly new releases, with pizza and cocktails from the bar. Its season usually runs to the end of October; then it closes for the winter and reopens in spring 2027.
Zappeion GardensExplore View on map
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1930s arcade cinema
Astor
A single-screen cinema in a 1930s arcade off Stadiou Street, one of the oldest in the city, known for indie films, restorations and cult seasons. Open all year.
28 Stadiou Street (Korai Arcade)Explore View on map
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Arthouse revival
Cinobo Opera
A classic city-centre cinema revived by the distributor Cinobo, with carefully chosen arthouse and international films and many festival screenings, including the Athens International Film Festival. Open all year.
57 Akadimias StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 24 of the Best Cinemas in Athens & Glyfada: Open-Air & Indoor
Medical & Health in Syntagma
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Next to Syntagma
Athens Dental Specialists
A group of dental specialists a short walk from Syntagma Square, covering check-ups, emergencies, implants, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, with an English-language website.
3–5 Athanasiou Axarlian StreetExplore View on map
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Syntagma & Glyfada
Elite Plastic Surgery
A team of plastic surgeons and dermatologists with clinics on Ermou Street near Syntagma Square and in Glyfada, offering cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments.
18 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1843
Ophthalmiatreio Athinon (Athens Eye Hospital)
Greece's historic public eye hospital, founded in 1843, in the city centre between Syntagma and Omonia. Its eye emergency service runs every day, including weekends and public holidays, from 8am to 2.30pm. Appointments through the national 1566 line.
26 Eleftheriou Venizelou (Panepistimiou) & 2 Sina StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 20 of the Best Hospitals, Clinics & Therapies in Athens
Shopping in Syntagma
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Handmade Greek leather sandals
Ancient Greek Sandals
The Greek brand that took handmade leather sandals worldwide, with its classic and new-season collections on the first floor of The Naxos Apothecary, a few minutes from Syntagma. There is also a shop at the airport.
3-5 Kolokotroni & Voulis Street (1st floor)Explore View on map
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Trend-led fashion
Bershka Ermou
The Inditex group's youngest label, with trend-led fashion, denim, trainers and accessories for women and men, on Ermou Street.
50 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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At the Syntagma end of Ermou
H&M Ermou
H&M's store at the top of Ermou Street, a minute from Syntagma Square, for affordable fashion for women, men and children, basics and accessories.
11 Ermou Street & Voulis StreetExplore View on map
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Flagship on Ermou
JD Sports Ermou
JD's flagship on Athens' main shopping street, with a big wall of sneakers from Nike, adidas and New Balance, sportswear, and exclusive drops.
22 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Luxury watches
Kessaris
Athens' leading luxury jeweller and watch retailer, with its own high-jewellery collections and watches from Omega, Breitling, Jaeger-LeCoultre and more.
7 Panepistimiou AvenueExplore View on map
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Open late
KFC Syntagma
KFC on Mitropoleos Street, a few steps from Syntagma Square: fried chicken buckets, burgers, wings and fries. Open daily from 11am until 2am, and until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights.
3 Mitropoleos StreetExplore View on map
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Greek natural skincare
Korres Ermou
The Greek natural beauty brand that began in an Athens homeopathic pharmacy, with its full range of skincare, body care and fragrance, a minute from Syntagma Square at the top of Ermou Street.
4 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Greek jewellery house
Lalaounis
The flagship of Greece's most famous jewellery house, known for gold pieces inspired by ancient Greek art. Its jewellery museum shop is by the Acropolis.
6 Panepistimiou Avenue & Voukourestiou StreetExplore View on map
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Women, men & kids
Mango Ermou
The Barcelona label's store on Ermou Street, with Mediterranean-style fashion for women, men and children, from tailoring to summer dresses.
20 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Clothing, lingerie & food
Marks & Spencer Ermou
The British favourite on Ermou Street, with women's and men's clothing, lingerie, children's wear, beauty, and a food hall of M&S favourites.
33-35 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Smart, timeless style
Massimo Dutti Ermou
The most polished of the Inditex brands, with tailoring, knitwear, leather and linen for women and men, on Ermou Street.
29 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Greece's first McDonald's
McDonald's Syntagma
Greece's very first McDonald's, opened on Syntagma Square in 1991 at the top of Ermou Street: burgers, fries, McCafé coffee and the Greek menu specials, with a view over the square.
2 Ermou Street, Syntagma SquareExplore View on map
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Streetwear concept store since 2010
Ministry of Concrete
A streetwear and skate concept store a few minutes from Syntagma, founded in 2010, for international skate and street labels, limited sneaker releases, caps and accessories.
3-5 Athanasiou Axarlian StreetExplore View on map
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Official Rolex retailer
Ora Kessaris Rolex Boutique
Kessaris' official Rolex and Tudor boutique on Voukourestiou Street, Athens' most exclusive shopping street, a short walk from Syntagma Square.
8A Voukourestiou StreetExplore View on map
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Casual & streetwear
Pull&Bear Ermou
Relaxed, street-inspired fashion for men and women, from denim and hoodies to trainers, in the Inditex group's Ermou Street store.
31 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Make-up, skincare & fragrance
Sephora Ermou
Sephora's big Ermou Street store, a few minutes from Syntagma, with make-up, skincare, haircare and fragrance from hundreds of brands, plus in-store services such as make-up sessions and brow bars.
24 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Greece's sneaker specialist
Sneaker10 Ermou
The Ermou Street branch of Greece's own sneaker chain, for the latest Nike, adidas, New Balance and other releases, plus streetwear labels such as Carhartt WIP.
51 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Young women's fashion
Stradivarius Ermou
The Inditex brand for young women's fashion, with on-trend clothes, shoes and accessories at high-street prices, on Ermou Street.
59 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Cruelty-free since 1976
The Body Shop Syntagma
The British cruelty-free beauty brand at the top of Ermou Street, by Syntagma, for its body butters, shower gels, skincare and gifts, with a refill station for many favourites.
10 Ermou Street & Voulis StreetExplore View on map
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Women, men & kids
Zara Ermou
Zara's big store halfway down Ermou Street, with the latest women's, men's and children's collections, shoes and accessories.
47 Ermou StreetExplore View on map
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Since 1895
Zolotas
The historic Athenian jewellery house, famous for hand-hammered gold inspired by ancient Greek treasures, in its flagship store near Syntagma Square.
10 Panepistimiou AvenueExplore View on map
Real Estate in Syntagma
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Award-winning since 1999
doxiadis+
The Athens landscape architects behind gardens for private homes, villas and resorts across Greece, known for drought-tolerant planting with native Mediterranean species. The practice won first prize in the competition for the public space in front of the Acropolis Museum.
6 Apollonos StreetExplore View on map
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Farrow & Ball stockist
Enzo by Kordosis Athens
An official Farrow & Ball stockist in central Athens, near Syntagma, selling the full range of paint and wallpaper, with colours mixed to order in the shop.
39-41 Praxitelous StreetExplore View on map
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Athens & Glyfada
Paraphernalia
An independent design and lifestyle store near Syntagma, with a second shop in Glyfada, selling lighting, ceramics, furniture, vintage pieces and objects from around the world.
15 Ioannou Paparrigopoulou StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 28 of the Best Estate Agents, Interiors & Antiques in Athens
Transport in Syntagma
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Coach tours since 1953
CHAT Tours
Athens' longest-running sightseeing operator, founded in 1953, with scheduled coach day trips and multi-day tours to the Corinth Canal, Mycenae and Epidaurus, Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, plus Saronic island cruises.
9 Xenofontos StreetExplore View on map
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Day trips across Greece
Hop In Sightseeing
A licensed Athens operator with day trips and tours to Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi, Arachova and Meteora, and cruises to Hydra, Poros and Aegina.
44 Vasilissis Amalias AvenueExplore View on map
See the full list: Getting Around Athens: Airport, Metro, Taxis, Ferries & Day Tours