Start your mid-morning with a spot of shopping and a delightful brunch menu at one of the coolest concept stores in Athens.
Do you think it’s difficult to find a place that combines gardening advice and small Greek independent clothing labels with a shot of espresso and fluffy pancakes? Not anymore.
Imaginative concept stores are popping up all over Athens, offering a great range of unique items and services. Below we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite Athens concept stores for your next trip to the Greek capital.
MINŪ ATHENS
A vivid space in Psyrri, Minu combines the sale of indoor plants, furniture and designer objects, with works of art. At the same time, you can enjoy a cup of organic coffee, homemade lemonade or tea with a homemade cake or taste one of the Asian-inspired dishes on the menu created by Athinagoras Kostakos.
A: Sarri 50, Psyrri
EAST COAST
A concept store with a surfing vibe and an environmental conscience. KVD2137 is the store’s clothing brand made using 100% organic cotton and water-based dyes. Here you’ll only find reusable cups, cork coasters, soy candles and a vegan menu. Taste the protein bread with fig and mushroom, the carob bread with scrambled eggs or the vegan cinnamon rolls.
A: Palaiologou 9, Piraeus
WILD SOULS
A concept store that feels more like a gallery of nature’s wild treasures, it highlights both the nutritional benefits of nuts, as well as the incredible value of simplicity. Apart from the protagonists (nuts), at Wild Souls, you will find smooth and crunchy almond butter, hazelnut butter, and super-rich cashew nut butter; all free from preservatives, sugar and palm oil, elements that Areti, the owner, dislikes. Don’t miss the halva and the American style sweets.
A: Voulis 36, Syntagma
ANAMESA CONCEPT STORE
The brightly coloured basement on Nikis street is full of creations by Greek and international designers (that focus on sustainable and ethical fashion), Instagrammable accessories, design objects and tasty smoothies. Don’t miss the personalised handwritten packaging with your personal style tips by ANAMESA and the daily updated stickers collection.
A: Nikis 24, Syntagma
PLEGMA
This concept store combines interior design with tasty food and coffee. Handmade ceramic mugs, pots, small furniture items and decorations, stationery, utensils, bags, accessories, serving items, personal care and household items that are perfect for gifts. Enjoy energy bowls and light lunch choices such as a soba noodle salad, while browsing design books and magazines or city guides.
A: Efranoros 10, Pangrati
PHILOS
Set in a stunning 1930’s neo-classical building, Philos Athens, (part cafe/ part event space/ part boutique) located down Solonos Street in chic Kolonaki, is the Greek capital’s ultimate destination store and favourite weekend hangout alike!
Set in a stunning 1930’s neo-classical building, Philos Athens, (part cafe/ part event space/ part boutique) located down Solonos Street in chic Kolonaki, is the Greek capitals’ ultimate destination store and favourite weekend hangout alike!
Having closed its doors over a year ago (due to the pandemic) Philos’ loyal local fanbase was overjoyed at the store’s recent re-opening; allowing visitors to once again experience three levels of delightfulness (it’s so carefully thought out, it makes you feel right at home.)
From the moment you step inside, you’re immediately drawn into a real living space- featuring a grand wooden staircase, distressed walls, classic meander tiles and an eclectic mix of furniture that’s so warm and welcoming – you can easily sit here all day admiring the authenticity of this exceptional setting. With a finely curated edit of brands that combines high fashion with exciting emerging designers; Philos’ minimal space is filled with homewares, art, books, magazines, apparel, jewellery, shoes and other accessories.
Throughout the sleek store are beautifully displayed covetable pieces and distinct items that you’ll no doubt want to take home with you. The concept behind Philos is to evoke and inspire. Here customers don’t just come to shop. They come to engage, to sit back, to enjoy the energy, the people; and to discover the stunningly restored space that still reveals so much about its rich history (the building was once the property of Greek art collector Evripidis Koutlidis.)
On the ground level is where you’ll find the cozy eating area. Philos’ delightful menu is based on the principles of simplicity and farm-to-table dishes- using local vendors and seasonal produce. From fresh eggs (made any which way you like) to French Toast with cinnamon and honey; plus their great coffee, refreshing salads and healthy juices- it’s easy to see why Athenians from all over the city love coming here for brunch on any given day of the week.
But not only- as it’s open till late- you can also arrive here in the afternoon, or early evening and enjoy a light dinner, along with a fine wine or your favourite drink of choice!
A: Solonos 32, Kolonaki
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday – 9 am to 12 am, Saturday- 10 am to 12 am, Sunday 10 am to 8 pm
If it’s shopping you are after, Athens has something for everyone. From international labels and cool concept stores to colourful marketplaces, stunning boutiques in chic neighbourhoods, and shopping outlets located just outside the city- there are endless options for every style and budget.
So, whether you’re a fan of window browsing, or prefer to buy as you please, here is our list of best places to shop in Athens!
Kolonaki
Luisa World in Kolonaki
Just a few minutes away from Athens centre is one of the best areas to shop in the city- especially if you’re looking for high-end stores. The charming streets are filled with beautiful boutiques that feature Greek and international designers. And if you love spending endless hours browsing, Kolonaki is a must. This fashionable neighbourhood has no shortage of luxury labels, stylish concept stores, cool cafes, trendy bars, and classy restaurants (plenty of places to sit down for a nice long lunch, or a quick bite to eat). Here you will find unique pieces of couture and ready-to-wear clothing, as well as a stunning range of shoes, accessories, beauty products, and more.
Kifissia
About a 30-minute train ride from downtown, Kifissia is filled with elegant and classy boutiques. This is where you’ll bump into stylish Athenians from all over the city looking for the latest seasonal pieces. From high-end stores that stock clothing, handbags, jewellery; plus decor and homewares by both international and Greek designers- Kifissia stands out for its impressive range of shoe shops.
Glyfada
Along the Athenian Riviera you will come across one of Athens’ most popular shopping strips in Glyfada, which is filled with boutique after boutique- stocking womenswear, menswear, and kidswear. Home to SOHO SOHO and Glyfada Centre, there are plenty of stores featuring local and international designers. It’s a long open-air shopping mall, so make sure you are prepared with comfy shoes and an umbrella if rain is forecast!
Ermou St and Monastiraki
Ermou St
A paradise for shoppers, pedestrianised Ermou Street stretches over one and a half kilometres in the centre of Athens. Along the way, you will come across a variety of stores that stock international brands and local designers. From beauty stores such as Sephora and Mac through to the largest retailers in fast fashion- Zara, H&M, Pull & Bear and Bershka, you will find them all at Ermou. For those who love shoes, make sure you stop off at Migato, Mourtzo and Tsakiris Mallas, which are local brands. We also suggest you make time to check out the streets parallel to Ermou, for lots more stylish boutiques and designer wear.
Monastiraki
As you make your way down Ermou St, you will arrive at the heart of Monastiraki, which is famous for its Flea Market. Here you will discover a variety of stores including souvenir shops, vintage and second-hand shops. It’s the perfect place to pick up all your bric-a-brac and on Sundays, the streets of Monastiraki welcome a colourful open-air market, which is well worth visiting as there is nothing here you can’t find. Tip: When you walk through the Flea Market make sure you stroll through the tiny alleys and check out the little antique shops.
Plaka
One of the city’s busiest spots- it’s home to several stores. Here you will find locally made jewellery, sandals, and clothes; as well as books, vinyl, antiques, and souvenirs to take home with you. Make sure you check out the good range of clay, copper, and ceramics that can be found on pretty much every corner of Plaka.
McArthur Glen
Awatara in Plaka
This was the first designer outlet in Greece, where you’ll find international labels with price reductions from 35 – 70%, all year round. McArthur Glen Athens Designer Outlet is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Athens International Airport and 30 minutes drive from Athens city centre. Open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm- there are over 100 stores including Hugo Boss, BSB, Diesel, Gant, Moschino, Ralph Lauren, Prince Oliver, Salvatore Ferragamo, Scotch & Soda and Toi & Moi.
Factory Outlet
If you are around Piraeus way (maybe waiting for your ferry to depart) and you have some time to kill- head to the Factory Outlet where you can get heavily discounted prices on labels including Adidas, Ben Sherman, Boss, Converse, Diesel, Folli Follie, G-Star Raw, Karl Lagerfield, Nike, Pepe Jeans, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reebok and Ted Baker.
Golden Hall
If you’re in search of Athens’ leading shopping mall with a great range of stores then head to Maroussi, where you’ll find Golden Hall Shopping Mall. About a 20-minute drive from the heart of the city, the mall features both international and Greek fashion brands under one roof including Adidas, American Eagle, Benetton, Diesel, DKNY, GAP, Nike and Zara.
The Mall
Attica Department Store
The Mall is one of the largest shopping centres in Athens. Also located in Maroussi, this popular shopping centre houses over 200 stores that are spread through four levels. Open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 9 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 8 pm here you’ll find Adidas, Calvin Klein, H&M, Intimissimi Uomo, Lacoste, LEGO Store, Migato, Massimo Dutti, Nike, Replay, Sephora, Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger, Tsakiris Mallas, Benetton, Victoria’s Secret, Zara and Zara Home.
Attica
Attica is Greece’s largest department store. Housed in a neo-classical building it’s located right in the heart of Athens and here you’ll find a range of high-end brands and personalised services. From womenswear, menswear, kidswear, sportswear, accessories, jewellery, and homewares; Attica is a one-stop-shop for designer brands including Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dsquared 2, Escada, Emporio Armani, Isabel Marant, Kenzo, Maje, Max Mara, Missoni, John Varvatos and Zeus + Dione.
