Thessaloniki, GreeceThe Essential Guide to Thessaloniki
Summary: Exploring the Best of Thessaloniki: Your Guide to Top Sites, Restaurants, Nightlife, and More. From Cultural Experiences to Outdoor Adventures, We'll Help You Make the Most of Your Time in the City.
Welcome to Thessaloniki! If you're planning to move to Thessaloniki, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Thessaloniki has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a plethora of attractions for tourists and locals alike. The city's most iconic landmark is the White Tower, a 15th-century monument that offers panoramic views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf. The Rotunda of Galerius, originally a Roman mausoleum and later a mosque, is now a museum showcasing the city's Byzantine past. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki houses a vast collection of artifacts from Macedonia. The Museum of Byzantine Culture, winner of the Council of Europe's Museum Prize, is another must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The Ano Poli (Upper Town) is the old part of the city that survived the great fire of 1917. It offers a glimpse into the city's past with its traditional houses, Byzantine walls, and breathtaking views. The Aristotelous Square, the main city square, is a bustling area with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Modiano and Kapani markets are perfect for those who want to explore local produce, spices, and traditional Greek food.
Thessaloniki's restaurant and nightlife scene is vibrant and diverse, catering to all tastes. The city is famous for its tavernas, such as Sempriko, which offers traditional Greek cuisine in a cozy setting. For a more upscale dining experience, Clover Food Lab serves innovative dishes in a stylish environment. For seafood lovers, Agora is a popular choice, known for its fresh fish and friendly service.
The city's nightlife is equally exciting. The Valaoritou district is known for its lively bars and clubs. The famous Mylos complex, a former flour mill turned entertainment venue, hosts concerts, exhibitions, and club nights. For a more relaxed evening, Fragile, a popular cocktail bar, offers a wide selection of drinks in a chic setting. The city also has a thriving music scene, with many bars and clubs featuring live music, such as the famous Eightball Club and Stage.
Recreational activities in Thessaloniki are varied and cater to different interests. The city's beautiful promenade is perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, or simply enjoying the sunset over the Thermaic Gulf. The Thessaloniki Water Park and Magic Park, located in the suburb of Peraia, offer fun-filled activities for families. For sports enthusiasts, the Toumba Stadium, home to PAOK FC, offers an exciting football experience.
Thessaloniki is also a city of festivals. The Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival attract cinema lovers from all over the world. The Dimitria Festival, a cultural event held annually since the 1960s, features music, theatre, dance, and visual arts performances.
For those who enjoy shopping, Tsimiski Street is the city's main shopping street, boasting a wide range of stores, from high-end fashion boutiques to local artisan shops. The Mediterranean Cosmos is a large shopping and entertainment complex offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and a cinema.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Thessaloniki: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"Thessaloniki, being a cultural city.. has many nationalities mixed together.. Much more so than when I first arrived in Greece.. There are many groups/organizations here in Thess. I.W.O.G. International Women`s Organization of Greece e-mail: [email protected] They meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month (not in summer) for coffee, networking & social activities.. yearly membership 35 euros or guest fee 5 euros ( this pays for your tea/coffee , cake/snack at the meetings )there is also a raffle & 2nd hand book store, all money raised goes to local charities... T.O.W.E.R. ( Thessaloniki Organization for Women Employment & Resources ) Non for profit organization to help women ... It is not a job agency..! web site: www.tower4women.gr
e-mail: [email protected] During the first week of June, all the country specific clubs get together to raise money for local charities... with the International food festival , with over 30 countries taking part.. this year it will be held on Sunday 6th June at Aretzou plaza Krini , next to the beach..," said one expat living in Thessaloniki.
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"As a general rule, peoples priorities here are work & family... Well family comes first.. But Greeks in general are very sociable, if you make the effort to speak to your neighbors, especially if you have children you'll find them to be friendly.. Okay so some expats object to there neighbors interfering (as they see it ) Greeks will give you their opinion (whether asked for or not ) on everything from whether your child should be wearing a jacket or not, to what food your making that day ... I know nothing about sport, but my son informs me that there are 4 football teams for Thessaloniki.. 1. PAOK 2. ARIS 3. IRAKLIS 4. APPOLON KALAMARIAS Thessaloniki has a great variety of clubs, bars, tavernas & restaurants.. The last 5years or so has seen a change, with Indian, Chinese & Japanese restaurants opening.. We also have Mac Donald's, Pizza Hut and coming soon... Kentuky Fried Chicken...! So you won't get to home sick... Night life generally doesn't get started til after 10pm.. So don't be surprised when your new friends ask you out for a drink at the time you'd usually be thinking of going to bed..," commented an expat living in Thessaloniki.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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