Thessaloniki, Greece Travel Community

Why So Many Starbucks in Thessaloniki?

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nadellii

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.
 
Deborah said:
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.
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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:
 
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Experiencing Local Culture in Thessaloniki?

This might sound a bit cliché, but when I travel, especially somewhere like Thessaloniki, I really want to get a genuine feel for the local culture, not just check off the main sights.

I’m curious what that actually looks like there. Is it more about spending time in certain neighborhoods, sitting at cafés, or exploring markets? Are there specific areas where locals tend to go that visitors might overlook?

I’m also wondering if there are particular routines or small experiences, like a morning coffee spot or evening walk—that really capture the rhythm of the city.

For those who have been, what made Thessaloniki feel authentic to you? I’d love to go beyond the typical tourist experience and connect more with the everyday atmosphere.

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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?

Lesser-Known Things to See in Thessaloniki

I'm considering spending a few days in Thessaloniki this summer and have started putting together a list of places I'd like to see. The major attractions are easy enough to find, but I'm especially interested in some of the lesser-known sights around the city.

I've read about the White Tower, the waterfront, and a few of the major museums, but I'm curious about places that don't always make it into the guidebooks. Historic neighborhoods, overlooked churches, interesting viewpoints, local markets, hidden courtyards, small museums, or anything else that gives a different perspective on the city would be great to hear about.

I'm also interested in places that locals enjoy but visitors might not think to seek out on their own.

For those who know Thessaloniki well, what are some of the lesser-known things to see that are worth adding to an itinerary?

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I’ve read so many different opinions — some say you can see the main sights in a quick weekend, while others insist you need nearly a week to really get the feel of the city. I’m leaning toward spending 3–4 days, but I don’t want to rush it if Thessaloniki deserves more time.

Between the historical sites, the food scene, the waterfront walks, and exploring places like Ano Poli and the markets, it sounds like there’s a lot to take in. I’d also love a relaxed coffee culture experience — sitting by the sea or people-watching in Aristotelous Square.

If you’ve been, how long did you stay, and did it feel like enough? Would you have added another day or two? And are there any day trips nearby that are worth factoring into the schedule?

Is the Rotunda open to the public right now?

Does anyone know if the Rotunda is currently open to the public? I’ll be in Thessaloniki soon and really want to visit it. It’s one of those places that completely captures the city’s layered history. I’ve read that it’s alternated between being used as a Roman mausoleum, a Christian church, and later a mosque, which makes it one of the most fascinating monuments in Greece.

I’ve seen some recent mentions online about restoration work and limited visiting hours, but the information isn’t consistent. I’d love to go inside and see the mosaics up close if it’s possible.

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