Athens has a vintage fashion scene as diverse and charismatic as the city itself, and digging around the city for second-hand bargains is also a great way to explore some of the capital’s most eclectic streets. From statement jackets and velvet kimonos to tea dresses and one-of-a-kind accessories, this city has just about everything you could want to find. Scroll down to read our guide on where to shop for the best vintage fashion Athens has to offer.
Shopping for second-hand bargains in Monastiraki and Plaka
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the touristy hustle of Plaka and Monastiraki. The alleys are often so crowded that it’s hard to see beyond the Hercules print t-shirts and evil eye charms. Persevere. In the army surplus stores on Ifestou Street, duffel bags and khaki jackets swing from high rails. Pick up utilitarian staples like hard-wearing navy sweaters and oversized jackets. The best of the bunch is Stratiotika.
At the end of Ifestou is the antique market of Platia Avissinias. This square is the go-to-place for retro chairs and art deco lamps; you might also stumble on stalls selling leather trench-coats or shearling bomber jackets. Go on Sunday, the flea market’s busiest day, to increase your chances of a fashionable find. Café Avissinia is a bohemian institution and a prime spot for a coffee break between bargain-hunting. If you can’t find a table on the square, head up to the top floor for fabulous Acropolis views. Afterwards, check out the vintage suede jackets and fur vests displayed outside another second-hand store, Gounes. Or head inside for more serious (read: expensive) statement jackets. Wander up to Retrosexual Vintage Shop, a colourful trove of vintage furniture, lighting and retro ornaments.
Vintage finds in Platia Avissinias.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Heaven for vintage buffs at Amerikaniki Agora.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Retro Americana on Athinas Street
Athinas Street, which connects Monastiraki Square to Omonia Square, is one of the most hectic and eclectic high streets in Athens. Hidden on the second and third floors of a drab grey office building is Amerikaniki Agora. The store is so densely packed with vintage clothes, it feels like a hoarder’s paradise. Along the colourful rails, you’ll find everything from extravagant ball gowns to denim jackets.
Just below Omonia Square, Millesime is an equally well-stocked second-hand store. While less theatrical, the rails are no less bountiful and extremely affordable. Pristine beige overcoats can be snapped up for €10, cashmere cardigans for a few euros. Stock is regularly updated so it’s well worth stopping by a few times if you’re in town for a while.
Vintage fashion in Psirri
While the second-hand shops on Athinas Street work with volume, the vintage boutiques on nearby Protogenous Street, are strong on curation. This hip Psirri street is the heart of the Athens vintage fashion scene. At Treasure House Vintage, George Karras has sourced a fine collection of Levi's jeans, statement coats and printed shirts from Italy and France. Neighbouring Guadeloupe is great for retro accessories and swimwear. At Like Yesterday, browse antique lace, pretty tea dresses and beaded clutches. Reward your rummaging with artisan ice cream at Kokkion, on the corner of Protogenous and Athinas Streets, where the amazing flavours change by the day as well as the season.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Athens' vintage fashion pioneer Remember Fashion.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Psirri is also home to cult favourite Remember Fashion. Founded in 1978, this pioneering store (originally located in Plaka) introduced a punk aesthetic to Athens, earning an international fanbase that includes Chloe Sevigny, Debbie Harry, and Lana Del Ray. These days, Yannis Tsouvanatos and his partner Athina offer a mix of cropped neon knitwear and velvet kimonos, alongside vintage denim and limited-edition, avant-garde designs. New Skin, a tiny shop hidden inside quirky Psirri arcade nearby, has a curated selection of ‘90s streetwear and custom-made jackets that adds flavour to this progressive community of independent retailers .
Designer labels in Kolonaki
Head north to the high-end shopping enclave of Kolonaki, where label-lovers can pick up luxury cast-offs. Start at Second Hand Lux, frequented by the city’s leading stylists and fashion bloggers for archive pieces from Prada, Fendi and Burberry.
Accessory enthusiasts should hit Mint Vintage Boutique, where covetable Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga handbags are immaculately presented in a minimalist space. Similarly, Brand Stories offers rare Chanel bags and sought-after Gucci shoppers, as well as vintage watches, scarves and jewellery.
Refuel with a smoked salmon salad or eggs benedict at Philos, a highly-Instagrammable design café that also sells Scandi-style ceramics.
Head to Philos for Scandinavian homewares and top-notch breakfasts.
Photo: Orestis Seferoglou
Back to the 80s at Yesterday's Bread.
Photo: Orestis Seferoglou
Alternative style in Exarchia
In the neighbourhood of Exarchia, the city’s edgy, creative energy is reflected in the many second-hand shops. Your first stop should be Mimis—The Source of Sunglasses, one of Athens most cult vintage shops. No second-hand items here, but instead there's an enormous old stock of vintage sunglasses of every shape, style, and colour, all at rock-bottom prices.
At Dalston, the slick curation by Effie Pappa ensures each piece shines. Expect to find Missoni knitwear and tailored coats from Jil Sander, as well as emerging international brands.
Also on Ippokratous is Hotsy Totsy, a recent addition to the Athens second-hand scene. Racks are divided by style and colour, so you can flick quickly through quirky Hawaiian shirts, on-trend midi-skirts and floaty frocks. Towards the end of Kallidromiou Street, you’ll find Yesterday’s Bread, an established spot that’s always full of savvy shoppers sifting through 80s anoraks, retro sportswear and a large stash of kimonos.
After shopping, grab a bite at Ama Lachei, a neighbourhood favourite housed in an old neo-classical school-house.