Politeia Bookstore Athens
Best bookshop in Athens
If you're anything like me, one of the first things you check out when you visit a city is its bookstores. I'm sorry for all the bookworms who've passed through Athens over the years and weren't aware of the existence of this here gem.
"Platonos Politeia" is Greek for Plato's Republic. "Politeia" can also mean state (as in the United States) or land/country. Quite literally, Politeia is the land, the republic, of books.
I'm going to be perfectly clear with you: when it comes to size, selection and prices, this is hands-down the best bookshop in Athens. This is where I bought my José Saramago collection, my Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy of Four, my first Discworld novel... I could go on, but the point is that you can find just about anything here. It's so big as to have four separate entrances divided by genre: literature, fiction and sci-fi, non-fiction and arts & misc.
One of the biggest reasons I feel so excited to be sharing this spot with you is that Politeia has a surprisingly large selection of books in English as well as Greek - as good if not better than the likes of big media chains like Public, but with stunningly better prices. The only reason I don't visit more often is because it's virtually impossible to leave without spending half the day browsing and then buying some random book I didn't even know existed.
Note: I took the picture during Christmas -- it's not always that busy!
About this spot
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Lacandona
A delicious alternative spot
"Lacandona" Athens is fair trade cafe/grocery store. It's one of my favorite places for a coffee - don't miss their exciting mojito parties!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Coast to Coast
Walk next to the sea
Athens has the big advantage that it's built by the sea. If you feel like you want to relax, walking along the kilometers of unbroken coastline is one...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
By the Glass
The perfect place to be local
"By the Glass" in the center of Athens is in one of the most 'secret' urban arcades and offers you more than 200 different wines... Central & 100% local!
by
Javier
Muñoz
A Hidden Village
Just for curious walkers
There is A Hidden Village in Ano Petralona in Athens. Here's a bit of the deepest Greek villages right in the centre. What a beautiful, quiet gem!
by
Javier
Muñoz
Statues of Ζappeion Garden
Beauty made of marble
The Statues of Ζappeion Garden depict national heroes, benefactors of Greece and also mythological characters. But I love two of the statues the most...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Stoa tou Vivliou
Culture in the heart of Athens
At "Stoa tou Vivliou" in Athens you can find and visit many publishing houses - it's the 'book arcade'. I like it because it's intellectual & alternative.
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Organic Market
Saturday morning shopping
This "Organic Market" in Athens is not just any organic market: it's in an old squat with a beautiful garden and people are just so friendly there!
by
Margarita
Kalogeropoulou
Krikos
The combination of almost everything
"Krikos" Athens was my go-to when I use to live in the neighbourhood, given their cosy atmosphere and delicious coffee. Nice place to go on a sunny day...
by
Margarita
Kalogeropoulou
Leloudas
The (almost) century-old tavern
"Leloudas" (est. 1928) in Athens is a taverna/restaurant for locals and truck drivers! The atmosphere is very friendly and homey - check out their wine...
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Rafiki
New Age kafeneio
"Rafiki" in Athens offers the experience of a new age kafeneio: few but very well cooked dishes of mezedes with local ingredients. Check their music nights
by
Sofia
Skioti
Anafiotika
The island inside Athens!
"Anafiotika" is so close to Athens' most famous sight, the Acropolis, but it is still a secret. I love losing myself in its narrow streets...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Ormos Afroditis
My dearest fish restaurant
"Ormos Afroditis" in Piraeus, Athens, is great if you like shrimp & seafood. I really love the '80s decoration, the raki is good and the beer is cold!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Heading to Athens?
263 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 263 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Athens
Our team loves Athens
Get to know our other Spotters from Athens
As featured on:
