Thessaloniki, Greece Travel Community

What do Athenians think about Thessaloniki?

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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.
 
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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
 
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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?

Is Thessaloniki walkable for a whole weekend trip?

It’s been a while since I last visited Thessaloniki, and I’m considering bringing my family there for a weekend this summer. We’ll be a multigenerational group, parents in their 70s, my wife and me, and two teens — so I’m trying to figure out how walkable the city really is these days.

From what I remember, the waterfront promenade was perfect for long, easy walks, but I can’t recall how manageable the rest of the city felt, especially when the summer heat kicks in. Are most major sights (White Tower, Ano Poli, markets, museums) close enough to each other to explore on foot without wearing everyone out?

Also curious whether public transport or taxis are convenient enough to fill the gaps if walking becomes too much for the older members of the group.

For anyone who’s been recently, is a mostly walkable weekend realistic for a family like ours?

Best way to explore the White Tower?

I might be spending some time in Thessaloniki soon and one of the landmarks I’m most excited to see is the White Tower. I know it’s one of the city’s most iconic spots, both for its history and the views from the top, but I’m a little torn on the best way to experience it.

For those of you who’ve been, did you explore it on your own or go with a guided tour? I’ve read that the museum inside gives a good overview of the city’s history, but I’m wondering if a guide adds more context that you might otherwise miss. On the other hand, doing it solo might give me more freedom to wander and take in the exhibits at my own pace.

What do you recommend? Is it worth paying for a guide, or is the DIY approach just as rewarding?

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.
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