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The Hellenistic period was a time of great change in Greek urban centres. Through examples mainly drawn from Asia Minor (Ionia and Caria), this study aims to identify the full importance of empty spaces (except streets and squares) in cities. A typology distinguishes between temporary empty lots, abandoned neighbourhoods and spaces within city walls called Geländemauern. It shows the variety of these areas. Those hosting no specific activities can be covered by bushes or can be used as dumping grounds. But other spaces allowed urban farming, livestock breeding or various cultures taking place in the middle of the city, or in a more marginal position inside the fortified space. Many apparently empty areas must have held buildings made of perishable materials used for economic or political activities, or dwellings.