Whether you’re here for the food, the shopping or the stories, Evripidou Street is a uniquely Athenian experience ‒ authentic, aromatic and unforgettableJust a few steps from the historic center, Evripidou Str. offers travelers a side of Athens that feels like stepping into a bustling Eastern bazaar. Stretching from Agion Theodoron Sq. to Athinas Str., this atmospheric street is a feast for the senses: the aromas of spices and the vibrant street life reflect the multicultural soul of the city.

 

 

Often called “the stomach of Athens”, Evripidou is home to the city’s central market (Varvakios Agora), old-style grocery stores, spice shops and delicatessens selling pastourmas, loukanika, legumes in burlap sacks, dried nuts and herbs brought from Asia Minor, Istanbul and Armenia – all of which have left their delicious mark on Greek cuisine.

 

Among its narrow storefronts, you’ll discover shops selling handmade soaps, essential oils and vintage kitchen tools – a nostalgic nod to a bygone era. It's a place where time slows down and everyday shopping feels like a cultural experience. In addition to food, Evripidou offers surprises at every turn: artisanal home goods, handcrafted lamp shades, specialty baking tools, packaging supplies and quirky fashion finds. Many stores have been operating here for over half a century, now run by second or third generations of shopkeepers who maintain deep bonds with their customers.

 

Evripidou is also home to two historic churches. The Byzantine Church of Agii Theodori (11th century) still hosts traditional rituals – like unmarried women bringing kollyva to be blessed, hoping to dream of their future husband. At No. 70 stands the tiny chapel of Agios Ioannis, built around 565 A.D., one of Athens’ oldest active churches.

 

 

In recent years, small boutique hotels have begun to appear, offering excellent value for travelers who  want to stay in the heart of the city. One standout is the award-winning Athens Market Portrait Hotel, housed in a beautifully restored 1919 neoclassical building that once welcomed guests like Lucian Freud. Nearby, the recently renovated Hotel Evripides and other charming guesthouses offer friendly service and easy access to the main sights.

 

Don’t miss the famous local eateries like Karamalnidika tou Fani for authentic meze or Telis Grill House, for its legendary pork chops. And if you're a poetry lover, you might be intrigued to know that Napoleon Lapathiotis was born right here. A stroll down Evripidou Str. is more than just a walk – it’s a journey through flavors, history and everyday life. Come hungry, stay curious and let this timeless street surprise you.