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acamp7

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I would love to travel quickly by train from Thessaloniki to Athens...is this possible?
 
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There trains between the 2 cities with at least four per day. The trip takes about 4 hours.
 
There trains between the 2 cities with at least four per day. The trip takes about 4 hours.
I've never taken a train in Greece, only bus so I don't know what it's like. Although trains are usually always better! Have you taken it? What was your experience?
 
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Sorry the only time I used a train in Greece was Metro in Athens . Others have told me about the train, apparently a fast train but it can't be that fast if it takes 4 hours to cover the 500 km. I usually pick up a car at the airport and use that for our stay in Greece, I even take the car of Ferries, most rental companies will not allow that. I use the same mob every time and they allow as long as you tell them what islands you are going .
If you have some time and you can drive, rent a car and go to Meteora, a Unesco listed monastery, it is not far out of the way.
 
Sorry the only time I used a train in Greece was Metro in Athens . Others have told me about the train, apparently a fast train but it can't be that fast if it takes 4 hours to cover the 500 km. I usually pick up a car at the airport and use that for our stay in Greece, I even take the car of Ferries, most rental companies will not allow that. I use the same mob every time and they allow as long as you tell them what islands you are going .
If you have some time and you can drive, rent a car and go to Meteora, a Unesco listed monastery, it is not far out of the way.
Doesn't sound super fast lol, but fast for Greece! So that's the bright side
 
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Fast train is supposed to take 3 hours:

 
The train offers a unique perspective of Greece's landscape, with picturesque views of the countryside, olive groves, and vineyards. It's a relaxing way to travel, allowing you to sit back, unwind, and soak in the beauty of the Greek countryside. The train is comfortable and well-equipped, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Greece's capital city. Plus, the journey is relatively quick, taking around 4-5 hours, depending on the train you choose. Overall, I highly recommend taking the train from Thessaloniki to Athens for a memorable and scenic travel experience. If you're interested, you can also explore train horns, which can be a lot of fun. Here you can find some info https://bosshorn.com/products/dewalt-train-horn.
 
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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?

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?

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!

First impressions of Thessaloniki compared to Athens?

I’ve been to both Thessaloniki and Athens, but it’s been a while, so I’m trying to refresh my memory a bit.

Someone I might be traveling with this summer asked me how the two cities compare, and I realized I wasn’t sure how I’d describe it now. I remember Athens feeling bigger, more intense, and obviously packed with history at every turn.

Thessaloniki, on the other hand, felt a bit more relaxed and maybe more focused on food and day-to-day life, but that’s just how it stuck with me.

I’m curious how others see it, especially if you’ve been more recently. Do they still feel that different from each other? If you had to explain the vibe of each city to someone going for the first time, what would you say?

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!
Share and discuss your Thessaloniki photos, questions and experiences!

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