Shopping in Athens

For expats who love to shop, Athens is the place to be. With various shopping avenues available, there is something for everyone. From fresh produce to locally made goods, expats will be able to experience the authentic taste and culture of Greece.

Expats who revel in a good bargain and a vintage find should visit the abundance of flea markets. Conversely, those who prefer designer brands and high-end fashion will find Athens's shopping centres and boutiques highly satisfactory.

Markets in Athens

Monastiraki Flea Market

Monastiraki is located in Old Athens, where both locals and tourists love getting lost in the pedestrian streets. One section is tightly lined with shops selling souvenirs emblazoned with 'I Love Greece', while others are filled with fantastic antiques and vendors selling artisanal Greek handicrafts.

On Sundays, when most stores in Athens are closed, the streets off Avissinias Square become an open flea market where people sell antiques and bric-a-brac items off tables and carpets.

Athens Central Market

The Athens Central Market is one of the best and cheapest places to buy fresh food and provides a lively, colourful experience. Walking through the lanes, expats will find fresh meat and fish, bellowing vendors and endless Greek deli offerings.

Malls and shopping streets in Athens

Ermou Street

The largest outdoor shopping street in Athens houses recognisable international brands including Mango, Marks & Spencer, Zara and Sephora. These are interspersed with popular Greek shops like Tsakiris Mallas, Folli Follie and The Hondos Center.

The Mall Athens

When Athenians say 'the mall', there is only one they are referring to. The Mall Athens was built after the 2004 Olympic Games in the centre of Maroussi, an upmarket suburb in northern Athens. Situated close to the Neraziotissa station, its numerous levels contain plenty to keep shopping enthusiasts occupied, from clothing and department stores to entertainment facilities like a cinema and food court.

Boutique shopping in Athens

Expats who prefer poking in and out of boutique shops over the indoor constraints of a typical mall are in luck. Lovely neighbourhoods such as Kifissia, Halandri, Kolonaki and Glyfada are well-known shopping destinations that feature designer shops and locally owned businesses.

Kifissia and Halandri, in the northern suburbs, are popular for offering a day of shopping, eating and coffee drinking. Boutiques line the streets around Kolonaki Square and the Voukourestiou pedestrian walkway, which is especially famous for its succession of high-end shops. Lastly, Glyfada is the centre of shopping in the south of Athens. A few minutes from the sea, the streets of this suburb are flanked by dozens of shopping choices.