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nadellii

Active member
I was in Thessaloniki this past summer and I noticed more than one Starbucks. Why are there so many?

Not only that, but I am curious if the Greek population has embraced it and if they're popular.

Lots of people were in all that I saw, but I couldn't tell if it were Greeks, tourists, students, etc...

I had thought that Greek coffee drinks were different, and I had no idea Greeks liked coffee like this!
 
I believe that at last count there were at least 18 Starbucks in Athens. Espresso is definitely popular; saw fewer people ordering frappes and ellinikos……freddo is definitely in! No matter the type of coffee, the cafe culture is thankfully as strong as ever.
 
I believe that at last count there were at least 18 Starbucks in Athens. Espresso is definitely popular; saw fewer people ordering frappes and ellinikos……freddo is definitely in! No matter the type of coffee, the cafe culture is thankfully as strong as ever.
Wow! 18! I saw at least a handful in Athens and Thessaloniki. I wasn't complaining that's for sure but I found it interesting. I expect more of a Frappe experience in Greece. Of course, I did manage to have plenty of those. But no matter where I went, I could find at least a few places with an espresso machine.
 
Starbucks! Ye, nah. They tried to come into Australia and thought they would dominate the market here but to their great surprise and embarrassment, they had to close 75% of their stores 8 years after. Why? Because we have real coffee here and a coffee culture that is not all about the profits but about the experience. The Greek and Italian immigrants that came here in the 50s and 60s built a coffee culture that is second to none, especially in Melbourne. These cheap junk american franchise operations whose only focus is profits, don't understand what real coffee is. Now that I've had my little rant, I'm off to my favourite cafe to get a magic. o_O :coffee:
 

Is Ladadika a Good Area to Stay?

I might be going to Thessaloniki, and I’ve been looking at different neighborhoods to stay in. Ladadika keeps coming up because it seems very central and close to restaurants, nightlife, and the waterfront.

For anyone who has stayed there, is Ladadika actually a good area to base yourself? I like the idea of being able to walk to a lot of places, but I’m wondering whether it gets too noisy at night or feels overly touristy.

I’d also love to know how convenient it is for getting to the main sights in Thessaloniki. Can you easily walk from Ladadika to places like the White Tower, Aristotelous Square, and the historic churches, or would I be relying on taxis or public transportation?

I’m still in the early planning stage, so I’m open to other neighborhood suggestions too. Is Ladadika where you would stay, or would you choose somewhere else?

How Did Thessaloniki Feel the First Time You Visited?

The first visit to a city often leaves a very specific imprint — not just what you saw, but how your body reacted to being there. Some places feel impressive, others overwhelming, and some quietly settle into you without asking permission.

I’m curious about people’s first experiences of Thessaloniki. When you arrived for the first time, how did it feel?

Did the city come across as familiar or unexpected? Calm or charged? Did the sea change your sense of space? Was it the pace, the light, the food, the conversations drifting past cafés, or something harder to name? Sometimes it’s not a landmark that sticks, but a mood — the way time moved, or didn’t. It has been so long since I was there for the first time!

Best Markets for Food Shopping in Thessaloniki?

One of my favorite things to do when visiting Greece is browse local food markets, and Thessaloniki seems like it would be especially fun for this. I’d love to hear which markets are best for finding fresh produce, olives, cheeses, spices, baked goods, and other Greek specialties.

Are there particular markets in Thessaloniki that you always recommend to visitors? I’m interested in both larger traditional markets and smaller neighborhood spots that locals actually use for everyday shopping.

I’d also love recommendations for specific stalls or shops within the markets, especially for things like feta, local cheeses, cured meats, herbs, honey, olive oil, or sweets that would make good gifts to bring home.

Are mornings the best time to visit? And are there any markets that are especially worth seeing even if you’re mostly going for the atmosphere and experience?

Favorite bakeries in Thessaloniki?

I may make it to Thessaloniki this year, and one thing I’m really looking forward to is the bakery culture there. Honestly, some of my favorite travel memories come from grabbing a quick snack or light meal from a bakery and just walking around the city.

I’d love recommendations for bakeries that locals genuinely like, especially places good for things like bougatsa, spanakopita, koulouri, tiropita, sandwiches, or simple sweets. I’m not necessarily looking for fancy pastry shops, more the kinds of bakeries people stop into regularly during the day.

Are there certain bakeries known for specific items? Also, are there areas of the city where the bakery scene is especially strong?

Part of what excites me about Thessaloniki is that everyone says the food culture there is incredible, and bakeries seem like a huge part of everyday life in the city.

Is Ano Poli worth the uphill walk?

I've been looking into different neighborhoods to explore in Thessaloniki, and Ano Poli keeps coming up as a place worth visiting. The traditional houses, narrow streets, and beautiful views over the city sound wonderful, but I'm wondering whether the uphill walk is as challenging as some people say.

I love exploring neighborhoods on foot, especially places with interesting architecture, little cafés, and a more traditional atmosphere. Ano Poli seems like it would be a nice change of pace from the busier waterfront and city center.

For those who have visited, is the walk up worth the effort? Are there particular streets, viewpoints, or historical sites that you recommend seeing while you're there?

I'm also wondering if it's better to walk uphill from the center or take a taxi or bus to the top and explore on the way down. I'd love to hear everyone's experiences!
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