ATHENS | The vinyl and compact disc revival continues to gain pace around the world, as people seek a physical, more personal connection with their music that streaming can’t provide.
Athens, Greece, has a great mix of record stores for people looking to add to their vinyl collection. From old spots that have stood the test of time, to newer record stores that spotlight certain genres, and newer artists, you’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy listening to.
At last count, there were around 35 independent record stores in Athens. I’ve not included them all. I’ve instead curated a list featuring what I consider to be some of the best record stores in Athens of vinyl.
Fokionos Records
Fokionos Records is a huge basement record warehouse, home to over 300,000 used records. You’ll find music from all over the world here, with plenty of Greek records spanning a wide variety of genres and eras. Visiting the physical store is by appointment only, but you can search their collection on Discogs.
⚲ Pl. Kanari 13, Athina 113 61
Hiccups Liquor and Vinyl Records Store
If you’re looking not just to purchase some vinyl, but also some alcohol, then Hiccups Liquor and Vinyl Records Store does exactly what its name suggests. There’s a small, but diverse, quality selection of Greek and international vinyl, along with an excellent selection of wine, craft beer, and spirits, many from small, independent Greek producers.
⚲ Dimitrakopoulou 106, Athina 117 41
LoFi Concept
Lo-Fi Concept is one of Athens’ newest record stores. They have an excellent, constantly updated selection of newer records, with a focus on hip-hop, electronic, jazz, funk, and soul for good measure. The space is also home to ArtLab, purveyors of locally handmade jewellery and trinkets.
⚲ Odissea Androutsou 38, Athina 117 41
Mr. Vinylios
If crate digging is your thing, then Mr. Vinylios is the place for you. Opened in 1993, this record store holds a treasure trove of around 50,000 records. There’s a focus on used rock records, and a strong selection of vintage Greek pressings.
⚲ Ifestou 24, Athina 105 55
Record Club
For those looking for vintage records, the basement venue, Record Club, is an excellent option. Housed in a former 1960s nightclub, which then became a recording studio, Record Club offers and extensive collection of vintage vinyl from the 1950s through to the 1990s. All of the records have been properly cleaned and graded.
⚲ Voulis 36, Athina 105 57
Syd Records
Syd Records is the place to visit for an eclectic collection of punk, new wave, dark wave, and post punk records. The space is also home to “Syd Sessions”, where Syd Sessions local and international artists hold intimate, stripped-down sets. If you want a coffee or drink after, you can check out Syd’s sister venue, the bar Barret, next door.
⚲ Protogenous 13, Athina 105 54
Underflow Record Store & Gallery
Underflow is a record store and art gallery that’s also doubles as a part-time bar and live music venue. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for avant-garde jazz, experimental folk, electronic, and world music. Underflow have their own record label, and owner Vasilis is always happy to have a chat and guide you towards a few records you might enjoy.
⚲ Kallirrois 39, Athina 117 43
Vinyl City
Owner Paul, and his son Spiros, have created a little gem with Vinyl City. There’s an extensive selection of records, with a focus on Latin, jazz, disco, and soul. Records are regularly imported from Chicago, and the pricing is very keen.
⚲ Ippokratous 132, Athina 114 72
Zaharias Records
Located just around the corner from Mr. Vinylios, Zaharias is one of Athens’ most well-known record stores. Mostly dealing with second hand vinyl (and CDs), you’ll find a treasure trove of records from a wide variety of genres, housed across multiple levels.
⚲ Ifestou 20, Athina 105 55
Have you searched for vinyl records in Athens, before? Did your favourite spots make my list? What would you add to this Athens record store guide?