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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:
 

Is Ladadika a Good Area to Stay?

I might be going to Thessaloniki, and I’ve been looking at different neighborhoods to stay in. Ladadika keeps coming up because it seems very central and close to restaurants, nightlife, and the waterfront.

For anyone who has stayed there, is Ladadika actually a good area to base yourself? I like the idea of being able to walk to a lot of places, but I’m wondering whether it gets too noisy at night or feels overly touristy.

I’d also love to know how convenient it is for getting to the main sights in Thessaloniki. Can you easily walk from Ladadika to places like the White Tower, Aristotelous Square, and the historic churches, or would I be relying on taxis or public transportation?

I’m still in the early planning stage, so I’m open to other neighborhood suggestions too. Is Ladadika where you would stay, or would you choose somewhere else?

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?

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.

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?

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

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