Your Insider’s Guide to Athens’ Best Shopping Malls

Golden Hall

Meg Cope

Founder and creative director of Zaccys London

Why Golden Hall is my favourite Athens Shopping Mall…

The presence of natural light inside Golden Hall, thanks to the high ceilings and abundance of glass and mirrors, is one of the main reasons I enjoy visiting (I love the stylish fountains in the outdoor space and the beautifully-decorated shop windows too). It’s also a manageable size, not too vast and overwhelming.

Best time of the week to visit

In the late morning – when it’s still relatively quiet, but there are enough shoppers around to create a feeling of camaraderie.

Best shop to pick up something special to wear

I love the edit at Free Shop and can usually strike gold there. Attica is also a reliable source of current collections with clever seasonal edits and offers. The new Armani Exchange is very exciting and will now top my list on the hunt for fabulous finds!

For novel gift ideas?

Bookshops are one of my favourite places to browse, I do miss Daunt on Marylebone High Street, but Public is a fantastic shop, much loved by my two boys as well.

I also love the Ianos Art Shop – full of inspiring and fun gifts as well as beautiful cards and candles at Easter.

Notos, with the in-store Habitat is always on my list, as are Zara Home and the CookShop, both excellent sources for well-priced and interesting gifts any time of year.

Best spot for a caffeine break

Difficult. But I would have to say Carpo – one of the best shops in Greece in my opinion (I always visit their beautiful Piccadilly branch when in London). However, I’m also a fan of Il Barretto. My uncle is is from Northern Italy where the Bicerin hot chocolate is one of life’s great pleasures.

My favourite food stop

Hands down it’s Wagamama with its fab roof-top location: A rare chance in Greece to feed my chilli-fetish.

My favourite Golden Hall purchase was…

From the wonderful little florist stall on the ground floor: I picked up several lovely potted house plants which adorn my dining table.

Any other Insider tips to share?

Attica shoe gallery – where my new AW Zaccys London collection is now available – is a must!

Athens Metro Mall

Amanda Dardanis

Editor-in-Chief, Athens Insider

Why Metro Mall is my favourite Athens Shopping Mall…

I love its friendly “Goldilocks” size (not too big, not too small) and that it’s a great distillation of some of my favourite go-to high-street brands. It’s right next door to the Ag. Dimitrios metro, parking is cheap and easy-peasy and the recreational facilities make it an all-round family pleaser. I can bribe my two daughters with the promise of a movie at Village Cinemas, a cinnabon, or time at the games arcade and Volta roller rink.

Best time of the week to visit

The usual Greek mode is to ease into the day gradually but I’m an early bird so I like to go straight after the mall opens at 9am, during the week when you have the shops (and the changing rooms!) all to yourself.

Best shop to pick up something special to wear:

Simple Caractere – an eclectic treasure trove of high-fashion goodies with regular appearances by some of my favourite designers, such as Mary Katrantzou, Zadig and Voltaire, Matthew Williamson, Etro and Melissa Odabash (perfectly Mykonos!). On a budget? Check out BSB for great festive frocks during the party season and fab maxi-dresses that you can live in all summer long.

For novel gift ideas?

Flying Tiger – this posh Danish version of Jumbo never fails to deliver when you’re looking for stocking fillers or a fun kid’s party present. If I’m looking for a special gift for a friend, I’ll head to Folli Follie (I’m currently crushing on their Rock Safari clutches and Wonderfly rose-gold range); or to Parisian brand Lollipops, who excel at winter accessories (stylish felt hats and glam beanies and gloves).

Best spot for a caffeine break:

Sue me, but I don’t drink coffee! I always grab a red berry and banana smoothie from Yogo n’ Ice on the third-floor food court.

My favourite food stop:

Mongo for their tasty Asian stir fries that you assemble yourself and can load up with as many veges and spices as you want. Or TGIF for one of their enormous salads if you want to make more of a meal of it, so to speak.

My favourite Metro Mall purchase was…

I want to say something classic and classy. But, it was my hooded fleecy snowflake pjs with the white pompoms that I got from Oysho two years ago.

Any other Insider tips to share? 

The view from the top-floor food court is stupendous and rivals Athens’ best rooftop bars. It’s a great meeting point all-year-round.

McArthur Glen – Smart Park

Heather Nomi Tshuma

Fashion photographer and model

Why McArthur Glen-Smart Park is my favourite Athens Shopping Mall…

McArthur Glen-Smart Park is a distinctly different breed from most downtown shopping centers.  Together, the two adjoining retail parks make an inviting open space, set out to resemble a village environment (complete with street signs and fountains), and packed with all sorts of brands and leisure activities that make it a top day out for all the family. There are plenty of great eating options and ample parking. You can also find designer wear at really competitive prices, as well as high street shops like H & M, Zara, Attractivo and for the fuller-bodied, M.A.T.

Best time of the week to visit

I usually go between Tuesday and Friday for a calmer experience. The weekends are super busy, which can be fun – except when one has small children to chase around!

Best shop to pick up something special to wear

I like Cavalli Class for their striking prints and edgy designs. One can often pick up a good piece at a decent discounted price. Some lines in the Discount Outlet Designer stores are from past seasons at a reduced amount.

Best spot for a caffeine stop or food break

Il Barretto is a super spot for a well-deserved caffeine break and for delicious food to break up your retail therapy. When I’m shopping with the little ones though, they always appreciate a quick stop at Haagen Daz where they can enjoy ice-cream while the grown ups get their caffeine fix.

My favourite McArthur Glen-Smart Park purchase was…

My most treasured and favorite purchase was a couture frock by Ralph Lauren discounted from 260€ to 80€ (that was a very lucky day!)

Any other Insider tips to share?

The kids’ play area is amazing. The promise of 45 minutes there is bribe enough for my children to tow the line while we shop. We take a quick walk-past first (so they can see what they’ll be missing out on if they don’t behave themselves!). Good deals can readily be found with online shopping. But one cannot find – or buy – the feel-good experience that you get from a day trip to McArthur Glen.

Attica City Link

Caroline Pateras

Social Media Manager Athens Insider

Why Attica is my favourite Athens Shopping Mall…

The best part about shopping at Attica is that you don’t feel like you need to embark on a pilgrimage to get to your shopping mecca. It is so central that it invites you to drop in for an impulsive buy whenever you happen to be in town. And the window displays are such a draw too! I like the fact that the make-up counters are at the ground level as you walk in – its rescued me many a time after a long workday to freshen up for an evening out!

Best time of the week to visit

I tend to go during weekdays but love the idea of shopping on Super Sundays (when the stores are open), to take in the festive vibes.

Best shop to pick up something special to wear

I’m partial to Brooks Brothers for the men in my family – especially for formalwear for awkward teen sizes. They cater to the 14 to 18 year-olds better than most brands. Diane von Furstenburg for flattering wrap-dresses. Napapijri is a great stop for stocking up on swimwear.

For novel gift ideas?

Alexandra Tsoukala for ‘arty’ girlfriends, Marc Jacobs for accessories from laptop sleeves to small clutches, Angelo di Spirito Rosa jewellery for millennials, Diptyque candles for all occasions!

Best spot for a caffeine stop or food break

Zonar’s just next door for people-watching, or the Numismatic Museum Café just across for a meal in a serene garden, or a quick grab-and-go snack at Paul or at the Plaza Café at NJV Athens.

My favourite Attica purchase was…

A DVF dress that I have worn on more occasions than the euros I spent on it. Worth every cent!

Some great make-up bargains at Bobbi Brown and MAC.

Any other Insider tips to share?

The great thing about Attica is that you can take the edge off your compulsive shopping guilt with some cultural refinement – so try and watch a play at Pallas or take in an exhibition at one of the several museums in the vicinity. Or at the very least, knock back a few cocktails at one of the rooftop bars.

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