Record House Athens
Brand spanking new vinyl
Have a look at the picture above. Can you see the little poster on the bottom right corner? It's of Steven Wilson's 2016 release 4½. While I wouldn't count it as one of his greatest works, the mere fact that poster is there is very important for me: Mr. Wilson is probably the first person that pops to mind when people ask me what kind of music I like or who my favourite musician is. He's said to be the best musician to not have hit the mainstream.
It was therefore an exciting surprise when I entered Record House, my neighbourhood music store, and saw that they were almost as unapologetically in love with the guy as I am, if not more (it was hard typing this out). Yes, I'm so obsessed, I didn't even mention Nick Waterhouse, the artist on the album the lady's holding in the picture (thanks Marilena).
Shops with used music are getting easier to find all around the world, but a place where you can catch up on new releases can be trickier. Record House has been around since 1971. That's 45+ years of cassettes, vinyl records, CDs, concerts DVDs, box-sets, last-minute gifts, collector's items, "if I like XYZ what else will I like?" suggestions from the assistants, incredible atmosphere and a central location in the commercial centre of Nea Smyrni.
Even my mum used to shop records here!
About this spot
Explore Athens like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Ktistakis
Loukoumades from heaven
Ktistakis is hidden in the streets around Omonoia Square but deserves every moment you will spend searching for it. It makes only one thing: delicious little loukoumades.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Namaste
A genuine Indian experience
Namaste presents classic Indian cuisine enriched with the dishes of the unique mountain country of Nepal and the flavours are authentic and refined!
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Mrs Dalloway's
You can buy yourself flowers
The flower bouquets are naturally dried and painted with water-soluble, non-toxic colors. The dried flowers can decorate a space for 1 to 2 years!
By
Asimina
Mitrothanasi
Au Revoir
Classic and unique
"Au Revoir" is, simply put, the oldest bar in Athens. It opened in 1958 and has been serving classic drinks since then. Even Frank Sinatra paid a visit.
By
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Rema Pikrodafnis
Athenian wilderness
"Rema Pikrodafnis" is one of the few relatively untouched streams in Athens. I love this seemingly abandoned part of it, a symbol of what Greece really is.
By
Dimitris
Hall
FOOD Str
Quality burgers in Monastiraki
"FOOD Str" in the center of Athens is my spot of choice when I'm out late drinking and need a cheap (vegetarian!) burger or some fish and chips!
By
Dimitris
Hall
Babouras
Feel the buzz of Petralona
"Babouras" Athens is a cafe/bar in Petralona that combines the old with the new. My tip would be to bring your camera with you - the light's very pretty.
By
Dimitris
Hall
Homesick
Retro mode in Eksarcheia
"Homesick" Athens is my go-to cafe/bar in Eksarheia when I want some retro decoration and a nice beer with hearty freebies. Don't miss talking to the owner!
By
Dimitris
Hall
Eugenides Digital Planetarium
Across the universe
The "Eugenides Digital Planetarium" (est. 2003) in Athens is a fantastic place to get to enjoy an educational spectacle! I have so many memories from here.
By
Dimitris
Hall
Mousiko Kafeneio
The neighbourhood bar
It's at the perfect location, on a pedestrian zone close to this Athens' neighborhood, Nea Smyrni, central square, playing music and throwing parties.
By
Dimitris
Hall
Alsos Neas Smyrnis
Your lovely neighbourhood park
"Alsos Neas Smyrnis" in Athens is my neighborhood park where I go to run. It's an ideal place to relax and enjoy a low-key Athenian park setting.
By
Dimitris
Hall
Playce
I want to play a game
"Playce" in Athens is a board game café. Its selection is so big, I can't have played more than 5% of their games. With just 1€ you get unlimited playing.
By
Dimitris
Hall
Heading to Athens?
262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Athens?
✓ 262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
