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Acropolis Flair

Strung along a cobbled tightrope of historic quarters and high-tech eateries, Athens? boutiques and bazaars are legendary. So sling on your Mexican Bazaar Blue & White Mexican Tunic, strap on one of chic Greek designer Tatiana Choremi?s Med-sea-colored Aqua All Seeing Eyelash Bracelet, and grab some of that Greek Goddess style.

Main image Ken Ku, CargoJane, Geotraveler, Athens-taxi.org, Simplyathens

The big charm of this hip city framed by its historic Acropolis is the lack of big malls - in Athens' family-run shops, like Bettina?s fab family store showcasing edgy drapes of designer Sophia Kokosalaki and other Greek creators, reign supreme.

guidepal

Address: 29 Anagnostopoulou str. 10673 Kolonaki, Athens, Tel: +30 210 3392094

For a Greek-salad-sized dollop of what Athens does best, head to upscale jetsetter hang out Kolonaki to browse racks stacked with laid-back chic wear in boutiques like Elina Lembessi and Vasia Jojopoulou?s travel inspired threads at Passion Alley.

Feed your retail fervor with some brunch at savvy-insider dining venue Funky Gourmet, then doff your PRYMAL hot pink fedora, bring along a NANNACAY Maldives straw tote to stash your buys and head for Monastiraki?s funky flea market.

Frannieloves, Theodoreandmabel,

Address: Funky Gourmet: 13 Paramithias St and Salaminos, Keramikos, 10435, Tel: +30 210 5242727. Monastiraki: Avissynias Square, Athens, Greece 37 9767223 72397

The best day to visit the city?s biggest bazaar is Sunday, when you can pick your way through antique headgear and other vintage chic. Once you?ve filled your tote with goodies, check out some of the stunning gold replicas of Byzantine and Hellenistic jewelry at Byzantino or follow your feet to the store of poet sandalmaker Stavros Melissinos. The white-maned foot wear creator whose poetry figures on the Greek national curriculum has been making shoes since here to eternity, but Melissinos? hand-tooled leather creations that have been worn by The Fab Four and Jackie O, are still achingly cool.

Where to Sleep

Semiramis Hotel

Lounge poolside or dine in the 5-star restaurant at this stunning hotel -- set in the center of Kifisia overlooking the small park of Kefalari, and only a minute away from the cafe and restaurant area, the friendly staff and impeccable service make this property hard to leave.