Ultimate Thessaloniki Travel Guide: Insider Tips and Recommendations
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✨Explore Sections: Tap the categories like 'Must Try in Thessaloniki’ and ‘Nightlife’ for targeted recommendations.
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Useful Travel and Safety Tips
General Safety
Thessaloniki is considered quite safe for female and solo travelers. Common sense precautions are advisable, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and staying aware of your surroundings.
Familiarise yourself with the local public transport system. The OASTH buses cover most of the city and suburbs.
Google Maps is not connected to the public transport system, so if you want to check the timings you can either use the official website, through Movie app or in each station countdown panel.
Market Awareness
When visiting local markets like Modiano or Kapani, keep an eye on your personal belongings, as these bustling areas can attract pickpockets.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are an EU citizen, you should carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries
Tipping
Tipping is customary but not obligatory in Greece. In restaurants, it's typical to leave a tip of 5-10% of the bill if service charge isn’t included. For taxis, rounding up the fare is generally appreciated.
Smoking
As of November 19th, 2019, the new GreekSmoking BanLaw is coming into force broadly to all closed public spaces, including public and private working spaces, restaurants, bars, means of transportation etc.
Drinking in the streets
Surprisingly, it's allowed to drink in the streets in Greece, although the locals rarely do. So you might get some weird stares, but hey - you have fun!
Useful Contact Numbers
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 112
Thessaloniki Tourism Office: +30 2310 278 110
Best time to visit Thessaloniki
To be honest… all year round! Ofc, the warmer months are better since you also get to enjoy the beach.
I’ve visited Thessaloniki in April, June and November and couldn’t complain.
Must Try in Thessaloniki: Culinary, Drinks, Experiences
Culinary Delights
Bougatsa: Traditional Greek pastry bougatsa from Thessaloniki. Try this cream-filled pastry at a traditional cafe for breakfast or for a really late night snack.
Think of Thessaloniki as the Hollywood of bougatsa—it's where this star of a pastry gets all the limelight it deserves!
This is more of a late-snack for them. When you go clubbing until 6AM and you crave something afterwards, Bogdatsa Ginnis is where you'll fin everyone.
Gyros
Ofc I couldn't forget this one. Gyros in Thessaloniki are a treat not to be missed!
Thessaloniki's take on the classic Gyros stands out for its distinctive blend of spices and the method of serving. Unlike in other parts of Greece, the Gyros here are seasoned with a local spice mix that includes sweet paprika, cumin, and a hint of oregano, giving it a unique, aromatic flavour that dances on the palate.
Starting strong with a 10/10 option:
Don't hate me for making you hungry with this picture from Giok Balik.
Seafood
Remember you are at the sea. We are not skipping seafood PERIOD
If you're in for something fancy:
And the most important: Trigona Panoramatos
No joke, this is my favorite dessert ever, ever in the entire world. You need to try it.
Imagine biting into a crispy, syrup-soaked phyllo triangle, bursting with the smoothest, creamiest custard you've ever tasted.
Last time I eat 3 in 1 single day. And you'll see, that's a lot.
And to be honest, if you spend enough time in Thessaloniki.... you will get fat.
The food is amazing, and the deserts and their variety is overwhelming. So I encourage you to forget about guides and just venture yourself in anything that looks good. It probably tastes as good.
Drinks
Ouzo
Although this one is controversial, it's worth trying. Even if you spit it out!
Pro tip: if you dont like it, just try it out with water or beer. Lovely greek cocktail. :d
Any restaurant or bar will serve ouzo. So good luck.
Greek Coffee
Why include coffee here? Because greek coffee is a bit special.
Greek coffee is finely ground and slowly brewed with water and sugar in a pot called a briki. It's served strong in small cups with the grounds settled at the bottom, unlike Italian espresso which is quickly made under pressure and served without grounds, or American coffee which is lighter, filtered, and served in larger quantities.
What to do?
Visit the White Tower: The city's most famous landmark offers panoramic views of Thessaloniki and the sea.
You actually cannot miss it, as it's in the most popular part of the city, right next to the sea promenade and you'll feel at some point that "All roads lead to The White Tower"
Check out the descriptions for more insights of each place & some short history lessons & good ig shooting spots. (hehehe)
Explore the Rotunda and Galerius Arch: Dive into the history that dates back to Roman times with these impressive structures.
Stroll Along the Waterfront Promenade: Enjoy a leisurely walk, bike ride, or simply people-watch along the beautiful seafront.
Locals fondly refer to the promenade as "Thessaloniki’s living room," where everyone goes to "breathe." It's known for spontaneous gatherings and is a place where students, families, and lovers meet, making it a true social hub.
Discover Ano Poli: Wander through the old city's narrow, cobblestone streets and take in the traditional architecture and stunning views from the city walls.
Modiano Market: Sample Greek specialties and fresh produce in this lively covered market.
Other activities you might like
Here are some curated activities I have personally tried or am planning to try this summer that include exploring outside of the city .
Stay tuned for a new guide for Halkidiki this summer!
Sunset Viewpoint
One place I visit ever. single. time. I visit Thessaloniki is the "Acropolis of Thessaloniki", situatiedin Ana Poli district, which already describes it's beauty from the name itself.
I suggest you head that way around 6-6:30, right before sunset, so you have enough time to walk around, enjoy the view. Why not grab a coffee from Coffe Island or a beer from the local shops to enjoy at the top?
Check out the description for more insights, but believe me, all the stairs are worth it.
Disclaimer: you'll need to climb some stairs to get here, so not very accessible friendly.
This is right next to Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki (which you can visit every day between 8AM and 3:30PM, except Wednesdays)
Nevertheless, you can walk along its outside walls and enjoy the view alongside it.
In my humble opinion, I find it a better walk than the seaside Promenade.
If you prefer to enjoy the view in a restaurant, I've got you.
You'll probably see it anyway on your way to the Acropolis point, but you can also enjoy a similar view at
Nightlife
Is there something worth doing here? Thessaloniki has come to be associated with entertainment and nightlife. So yes, don't worry.
If you don't believe me regarding the nightlife here, how about a preview from one party post-covid there:
Where to stay
Supermarkets
The most popular around the city center is Masoutis. But you will find them all over the city. Check out the picture below to recognise the red sign.
I recommend trying some tzatziki even from the supermarket, just to get angry of how good and cheap it is here comparing to how way worse it's at home. :)
But if you are in for something more international that you're confutable with, you can find your regular creals at the only Carrefour in the city center (the other have closed):
That's it for now! I truly hope this guide helped you and brought value in your future trips.
If you have questions or need more specific help you can always book a 1:1 consultation, here, on Thatch,
Or just contact me directly on Instagram.
> @andrica99
Have a nice trip!
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