WALKING PATH: COMMERCIAL TRIANGLE & ERMOU STREET

Syntagma Square aka Constitution Square. Thus, history in the making. It has been the stage of every major event in Greek political and social life. Facing the imposing House of Parliament, it is the most convenient meeting point for heading downwards Ermou Street. A street that takes its name after Hermes, the ancient god of trade. It is one of the first streets designed by Kleanthis and Schaubert- the pioneers of nineteenth century urban redevelopment in Greece. Ermou Street has been a women' s fashion center for more than a hundred years. Nowadays, window- shopping is even easier since the street is pedestrianized and it offers a wide range of mainstream goodies like clothes, shoes, gifts, cosmetics and jewelry. It is really a girl-powered shopping experience. NEARBY: Shops in Lekka street, between Perikleous and Kolokotroni streets, as well as the nearby arcades offer a great variety of silver items, candlesticks, bowls, vases and jewels. Many of these are Greek handmade artworks. There are also many low-cost cloth and shoe shops in the scenic Evaggelistria and Aghiou Markou pedestrian streets.

Eolou Street is definitely less frantic compared to Athinas Street. It is one of the most pleasant window-shopping areas of Athens since it is entirely pedestrianized. It is crammed with neoclassical buildings, such as the National Bank, that give a glimpse of old Athens. There are many coffee shops, especially around the newly rejuvenated square of Agia Irini church. Predominately the area offers opportunities for clothes and shoe shopping but there are plenty of specialized shops that sell from knitwear to towels and from lace to power tools.

MEANWHILE: Before or after shopping at Ermou Street: The National Gardens can be the best escape from the throbbing life of this city. Pass Zappeion and head towards Panathenaic Stadium, one of the most ancient and well-preserved stadiums in Europe. You can walk down Vasilissis Olgas Avenue pass Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus to find yourself in the charming tourist streets of Plaka.

Tip#4: Expect the Unexpected In western European capitals high - street markets are mainly related with shopping malls and fashion outlets. Not in Athens, though. Next to department stores or museums you will find street vendors selling fresh fruit and locally grown produce all year round.