Record stores are part of a city’s history. Vinyl stores are so much more than a testament to what people are listening and dancing to at any given time. These collectors’ haunts are where total strangers get to argue or agree over their shared passion for analogue sound, and even form friendships through music. Strong feelings spin among vinyl’s dusty grooves. Even in digital 2019, record store owners and vinyl collectors believe in the romantic notion of holding onto music that comes with labour, artwork and the occasional noise.
Although Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music are today’s main platforms for music consumption, there’s a paradox happening in downtown Athens, where you’ll find more than 35 record stores. Among them you’ll find some great classic shops, warehouses that will satisfy your crate-digging needs and get your fingertips dusty, and new generation stores with boutique aesthetics and eclectic selections. But which ones are worth a visit? Here’s a curated selection of some of the best record stores in Athens.
Classic Record Stores
Record House
If you’re heading towards the Athens Riviera, make a stop in the lively residential neighbourhood of Nea Smirni. There you’ll find Record House. Although nearly 50 years old, this is one of the most up-to-date vinyl stores in Athens. It stocks a wide range of, well, everything—because that’s how its loyal customers like it. This is a classic record store in every sense, where asking usually means receiving. Make sure to go down to the basement where you can find used records at up to 50 percent off.
Half-a-century-old vinyl shop deserves a visit.
Courtesy: Record House
Courtesy: Rock 'n' Roll Circus
Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus
A record store dedicated to jazz, funk, soul, Brazilian and world music. Among the new and used vinyl, you’ll find the odd rock, kraut or Greek title. But the theme is mainly “black music” with labels like Analog Africa, Light In The Attic, Soul Jazz, Stones Throw, Trunk and more occupying the shelves. The shop’s used collection mainly comes from the owners’ frequent visits to the Utrecht vinyl bazaar in the Netherlands.
To Diskadiko
Just a few blocks away from Monastiraki, in Psirri, is To Diskadiko. Dealing in both new and used vinyl and CDs, here you’ll get your hands on great picks from the rock genre (punk to metal and progressive), jazz, funk and soul, as well as some Anatolian/Turkish and Greek sounds.
Courtesy: To Diskadiko
Discobole
This classic record store in Exarchia has nurtured all generations of music lovers since it opened in 1983. Discobole deals in new vinyl and CDs of the electronic genre—it was and still remains a highly updated store in the genres of house, progressive, minimal, techno, dubstep and more. But you can also get your hands on rock, jazz and even classical LPs. To keep up with the times and satisfy the demands of its nation-wide clientele, Discobole’s collection can be accessed online via its excellent e-shop.
Digging
Courtesy: Zaharias Records
Zaharias Records
A must-visit for vinyl-heads in Athens, Zaharias is probably the most famous record store in Athens. It’s located in an arcade on Ifestou, the main street of Monastiraki flea market. The ground floor is full of pop, rock and Greek records. Head down the stairs to your right if you’re searching for soul, funk, soundtracks, jazz and more. (There’s a big CD section at the back of the arcade too.) Zaharias mostly deals in used records, which the owner finds during his frequent travels abroad. Afterwards, venture further into the flea market; there are lots of other record stores and antique shops with stacks of vinyl to look out for.
Fokionos Records
A crate-digger’s paradise, Fokionos is more of a warehouse than a record store. This basement in Kypseli provides access to a jaw-dropping 300,000 used records. Clearly, there is no need to highlight genres here. But there is a need for an appointment if you want access to this treasure trove. Expect lots of Greek pressings.
Mr. Vinylios
Founded in 1993, this independent record store specialises in US imports. It contains over 50,000 records. Mr. Vinylios has a great collection of used rock records, as well as a strong Greek repertoire from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. You’ll also spot other genres like jazz, blues, metal and soundtracks. This time-capsule is just a few metres away from Zaharias, at 24 Ifestou Street.
Courtesy: Mr. Vinylios
Vinyl City
This second hand vinyl store in Exarchia is probably one of the cheapest ones in Athens. The owner imports records on a regular basis straight from Chicago and every once in a while he goes crazy on the pricing. You can get your hands on some amazing Latin, jazz, Brazil, disco, boogie and house 12” singles and LPs—most of them in great condition—if you’re determined to dig through the thousands of records. Take our advice and don’t miss out on this little gem of a store.
New Record Stores
Syd Records
This small record store on happening Protogenous Street in Psirri houses an eclectic collection of punk and psych rock. It’s often the stage of Syd Sessions, hosting groups and artists in-store or out on the street guerilla-style. Named after guitarist and Pink Floyd founding member Syd Barrett, it is located right next to… Barrett, a grungy café bar for your espresso needs.
Courtesy: Syd Records
Courtesy: Kasseta Record Shop
Kasseta Record Shop
Another arcade dweller is Kasseta Record Shop on Sofokleous Street. This independent record store deals mainly in new releases. It faithfully follows the reissue trend of the times, picking up techno, house and disco 12”, as well as experimental, ambient and jazz LPs for its interesting selection. If you happen to enter the arcade and find yourself accidentally joining a party, it’s their doing.
Homcore Synthesizers & Vinyl
Homcore is a conceptual record store housed in an apartment on pedestrian Ipitou Street, a little slice of cool wedged between Syntagma and Plaka. The owner, a proper analogue maniac, envisioned this space as a place where music aficionados can enjoy a homely vibe while digging and listening to records. The result is unique and beautiful. The store also deals in synthesizers, keyboards, and drum machines, all of which you can buy or rent. As for its vinyl selection, think electronic.
Courtesy: Homcore Synthesizers & Vinyl
Courtesy: Underflow Record Store & Art Gallery
Underflow Record Store & Gallery
A truly distinctive space in Athens, Underflow is a record store, a bar and a live stage rolled into one. The cavernous ground floor (a former motorbike repair shop) houses a gorgeous collection of avant-garde jazz and world music. Vassilis, the super-friendly and knowledgeable owner, usually mans the tiny bar himself, serving coffee and single malts for your pleasure. The basement is where the magic happens, often in improvisational manner with experimental jazz acts. There are live gigs most Friday nights.
LoFi Concept Records
A new entry in the record store scene, LoFi has DIY written all over its space and concept. Its eclectic record collection revolves around hip-hop, beatmaking and the sound system culture, touching on jazz, funk and soul for good measure. New releases land regularly on the shelves, but you can also dig through some crates of used vinyl. LoFi is also home to ArtLab, where you can get your hands on some beautiful handmade jewellery, pots, lamps and paintings.
Courtesy: LoFi Concept Records
Courtesy: Entropia Records
Entropia Records
Entropia started as an online record store, the mutual vision of two friends and record collectors who decided to formalise their chaotic passion for vinyl. Their secret HQ first opened its doors to vinyl enthusiasts via appointment and pick-ups at Agios Panteleimonas. Now, the crew can be found at the Kypseli Municipal Market, where they often throw some amazing pop up DJ sets. Their sound is carefully handpicked and ranges from the obscure to the more obscure, touching on jazz, world, fusion, library picks and more. Both new arrivals and second hand records are available, plus merchandise such as t-shirts, books and collectables.