Shopping in Greece: Kiosks, Street Markets and Bakeries

Greek shopping vocabulary and habits, from the all-purpose περίπτερο to the weekly λαϊκή αγορά, with phrases for asking prices and paying.

Shopping in Greece mixes modern supermarkets with traditional kiosks, bakeries and open-air markets. A few phrases make each easy.

Where to shop

το σούπερ μάρκετ — supermarket
ο φούρνος / το αρτοποιείο — bakery
το περίπτερο — kiosk on the street, selling newspapers, drinks, snacks, phone top-ups, tickets and much more
η λαϊκή αγορά — weekly street market for fruit, vegetables and more
το μανάβικο — greengrocer
το κρεοπωλείο — butcher
το ψαράδικο — fishmonger
το φαρμακείο — pharmacy
το μαγαζί — shop (informal)
το εμπορικό κέντρο — shopping centre

The kiosk (περίπτερο)

The kiosk is an institution. You can buy water, ice cream, cigarettes, chewing gum, bus tickets, phone credit and newspapers, often late at night. You just ask: Ένα νερό, παρακαλώ.

Street markets

Neighbourhood markets (λαϊκές) operate on set days, with stallholders calling out prices. Fresh, seasonal produce is cheap, and it's fine to ask for a taste.

Ένα κιλό ντομάτες, παρακαλώ. — A kilo of tomatoes, please.
Μισό κιλό. — Half a kilo.
Λίγο ακόμα. — A bit more.
Είναι φρέσκα; — Are they fresh?
Πόσο κάνει το κιλό; — How much is a kilo?
Αυτό, παρακαλώ. — That one, please.

Quantities

ένα κιλό — a kilo
μισό κιλό — half a kilo
ένα τέταρτο — quarter (of a kilo)
μία ντουζίνα — a dozen
ένα κομμάτι — a piece
ένα πακέτο — a packet
ένα μπουκάλι — a bottle

Asking prices and paying

Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it?
Πόσο κοστίζει;
Είναι ακριβό / φθηνό. — It's expensive / cheap.
Έχετε κάτι πιο φθηνό; — Do you have something cheaper?
Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα; — Can I pay by card?
Μετρητά — cash
τα ρέστα — the change
Την απόδειξη, παρακαλώ. — The receipt, please.

At many small shops, cash is preferred, and card machines may be limited to larger amounts.

In the bakery

ένα ψωμί — a loaf
ένα κουλούρι — a sesame bread ring (common breakfast snack)
μια τυρόπιτα — a cheese pie
ένα τσουρέκι — sweet bread, especially at Easter
Ένα ψωμί, παρακαλώ, κομμένο. — A loaf, sliced, please.

Opening hours

Opening hours vary by shop and season. Traditionally, many shops close in the afternoon on some days and reopen in the evening, and many are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets and tourist-area shops have longer hours. Check before you go.

Sales

Seasonal sales (οι εκπτώσεις) happen at set times in winter and summer. Signs say εκπτώσεις or προσφορά (offer).

Bargaining

Prices are generally fixed, but in tourist markets and with souvenirs, some friendly negotiation may be possible: Μπορείτε να κάνετε καλύτερη τιμή; — Can you do a better price?

Useful phrases

Θα ήθελα ... — I would like...
Έχετε ...; — Do you have...?
Πού είναι ...; — Where is...?
Ευχαριστώ, αυτά είναι. — Thanks, that's all.
Καλή συνέχεια! — Have a good rest of the day (said by shopkeepers).

Practical tips

Carry cash for kiosks and markets.
Greet shopkeepers: Καλημέρα.
Bring a bag.
Try local fruit and cheese.

Common mistakes

Expecting shops open all afternoon.
Not carrying cash.
Assuming a kiosk sells only newspapers.

Look up shopping words with English Greek Dictionary →