1 - 4 of 4 Posts

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.
 
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.
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:
 

What are your thoughts on Modiano Market?

I'll be visiting Thessaloniki soon, and one place that keeps coming up in my research is Modiano Market. It looks like a great place to experience local food, browse specialty shops, and get a feel for the city's atmosphere.

For those who have been there, what did you think? Is it worth setting aside a few hours to explore, or is it more of a quick stop? Are there any vendors, foods, or shops that you would especially recommend? I'd love to try some local specialties, pick up a few edible souvenirs, and maybe stop for a coffee or light meal while I'm there.

If you've visited recently, has the market changed much after its renovation? Any tips for the best time of day to go or things first-time visitors shouldn't miss would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your advice!

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?

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?

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