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City Shopping Guides

City Shopping Guides: Athens

Greek designer Ioanna Topouzoglou is the founder and creative director of Mashu, a vegan accessories line that supports Athens’ exquisite craftsmanship and industry.

Here, Ioanna tells us about a Greek mythology-inspired boutique and shares where to find the best authentic produce, vintage treasures and local concept stores in the Greek capital. 


Best area or street for shopping…

The most famous neighbourhood in Athens for shopping is Kolonaki. In its streets, you’ll find luxury brands (head to Voukourestiou Street) as well as chic, independent boutiques (go to Skoufa, Anagnostopoulou and Patriarchou Loakim streets). This area is my go-to for shopping days. 

Where can we find the best vintage shops?

Head to the Monastiraki area, specifically Avissinias Square for everything vintage. It’s full of vintage shops offering furniture, clothing, jewellery and antiques. On Sundays a huge market takes place so you’ll find an even greater collection. For vintage fashion visit Yesterday’s Bread in Exarchia, or for designer bags and accessories go to Brand Stories in Kolonaki. I also love a small shop in Psiri called Treasure House which has the best selection of vintage denim. 

 

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One place only locals know about is…

Takis Bakery in the Koukaki area, near the Acropolis Museum; it has some of the most delicious bread and pastries in town. Also, I like to visit the Greek Farmers Markets known as Laiki. These sell the very best organic seasonal products in Athens. You’ll find them all over the city on varying days. 

Your favourite local brands or boutiques…

Karavan Clothing in Syntagma Square is a local brand that injects unique patterns and monochromes into their high-quality collections. I love anything colourful and feminine, and Karavan does those things so well. Nidodileda is a local concept store in Kifissia with handmade, bohemian and feminine clothing as well as accessories and homeware. Finally, I’m going to say Mashu (obviously!). Artisans based in the city make all of our bags by hand, so a Mashu bag is a fashion-forward local token that doesn’t just look great, but supports local craftsmanship too. Our showroom is available for shopping appointments – learn more here

 

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The best souvenir to take with you….

It sounds cliché, but the best thing you can leave Athens with is experiences; the smells and tastes are what I miss the most when I’m not there. But if you want to take something physical with you when you leave, I recommend Greek honey, Greek olive oil, or Greek herbs. Your cooking at home will be a new level of delicious.

The best place to treat yourself is… 

At the Grand Bretagne spa for a massage. Then, after such a relaxing experience, take a walk to Portatif for the tastiest sweets in town.

The best shopping experience?

The best overall shopping experience is at Attica Department Store. Outside of just shopping, it provides all kinds of elevated services for convenience such as hair and beauty salons, wine bars, personal shopping, restaurants, alterations and more. 

The best store design?

Hermina Athens in the centre of the city. It’s in a renovated neoclassical building and the store is minimal, with clean lines and a focus on Greek beauty: white, gold, marble, and elements of Greek mythology dominate the aesthetic.

 

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The best pit stop for lunch or coffee?

Yiantes in Exarchia. It’s a Greek restaurant within a beautiful courtyard in the centre of Athens and serves delicious food in a nice atmosphere. Alternatively, visit Ergon House to shop for local produce and eat delicious brunch. 

 

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