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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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?

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.

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?

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?

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?
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