Thessaloniki, Greece Travel Community

What do Athenians think about Thessaloniki?

1 - 4 of 4 Posts
seleanor

seleanor

Active member
Before any Athenians or Greeks get their feelings hurt in the comments, please know that this video was just for fun! Personally, I love both Athens and Thessaloniki and have had great experiences in both places. I have found that Athens is very beautiful during Christmas time, and I prefer to travel there in the off-season since it can get very hot during the summer and pretty empty during August. Thessaloniki is great during the summer because it's right by the water so you can enjoy that cool ocean breeze.

 
I vote for both! Both cities are so charming - they give you a different experience than the other... So hard to pick but the video was interesting!
 
They should ask people from Thessaloniki what they think about Athenians... they will tell you that Athenians use the wrong words for foods.

In Greek, straw = kalamaki. In Athens, kalamaki = souvlaki. If you order souvlaki anywhere in Greece you will get meat on a stick, but if you order souvlaki in Athens you will get a gyros.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kosta_karapinotis
ellinasgolfer0320 said:
They should ask people from Thessaloniki what they think about Athenians... they will tell you that Athenians use the wrong words for foods.

In Greek, straw = kalamaki. In Athens, kalamaki = souvlaki. If you order souvlaki anywhere in Greece you will get meat on a stick, but if you order souvlaki in Athens you will get a gyros.
Click to expand...
This is something that always confuses me whenever I'm traveling to different cities in Greece
 
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

5 Days in Thessaloniki Enough or Too Much?

I’m starting to plan a possible trip to Greece with my family, and Thessaloniki is high on my list. I’ve always been interested in the history there — Byzantine sites, Roman ruins, Ottoman influences — plus the food scene seems incredible. It feels like a city with a lot of character compared to some more tourist-heavy destinations.

What I’m trying to figure out is timing. Would about five days in Thessaloniki be a good amount, or is that more than the city really needs? We tend to travel at a relaxed pace, not rushing from place to place, but I also don’t want to run out of things to do.

For those who’ve visited, how long did you stay? Did you wish you had more time, or less? Would you combine it with nearby day trips?

What makes Thessaloniki different from Athens food-wise?

I’m curious how people here think about the food differences between Thessaloniki and Athens. Both cities are obviously incredible places to eat, but they feel very different to me in ways that go beyond specific dishes or restaurants.

Thessaloniki often feels more informal and food-driven in daily life, like late-night eating, mezedes culture, bakeries and street food that feel essential rather than optional. There’s also a heavier presence of refugee, Balkan, and Asia Minor influences that seem to shape flavors, spice use, and portion style. Athens, by contrast, sometimes feels more Mediterranean-polished and regionally diverse, pulling influences from all over Greece rather than leaning into one strong local identity.

But that’s just my perception. For those who know both cities well, what actually makes Thessaloniki different food-wise?

How hot is Thessaloniki in summer?

Because of everyone's schedules this year, we're going to Greece in July instead of our usual late summer trip. We'll be spending most of our time in the Thessaloniki area, and I've actually never visited that part of Greece in July before.
Hhow hot does it usually get? I know Greece is warm in general during the summer, but is the heat in Thessaloniki manageable, especially if you're walking around the city? Does the humidity make it feel much hotter, or does the sea breeze help at all?

We're planning to do a mix of sightseeing, wandering around neighborhoods, and eating outdoors, so I'm wondering if there are certain times of day that are better for exploring.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's been there in July. Any advice or things you wish you'd known before going would be greatly appreciated!

Thessaloniki Weekend Itinerary Ideas

I’m starting to plan a short trip to Thessaloniki and will likely only have a weekend there, so I’m trying to figure out how to make the most of the time. I know the city has a strong food culture, a lot of history, and a great waterfront, but I’m not sure how to structure a 2–3 day visit.

For those who have been, how would you break up your time? Are there specific neighborhoods, landmarks, or food spots that should be prioritized? I’m especially interested in a mix of walking, good meals, and a few key historical sites without trying to rush through everything.

Would you recommend focusing on the city itself, or is it worth trying to fit in a quick day trip nearby?

Getting to Know the Creative Side of Thessaloniki

As Thessaloniki continues to change, I’m curious about the creative side of the city that exists beyond the obvious landmarks and nightlife. Not just big festivals or well-known venues, but the quieter, everyday forms of creativity that shape how the city feels.

I’m interested in places where people make things: small galleries, independent bookstores, workshops, rehearsal spaces, studios, writing groups, and informal gatherings. I’m also curious how creativity shows up in daily life, in neighborhoods, cafés, street culture, or the way people use public space.

For those who live there or spend time in the city, what feels genuinely creative to you? Are there neighborhoods, spaces, or habits that come to mind? And has the creative scene changed in recent years, or stayed largely the same? Any personal observations or lesser-known examples would be especially welcome from locals here.
Share and discuss your Thessaloniki photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top