THESSALONIKI

Thessaloniki, also known as Salonica, is the second largest city in Greece and is often referred to as the City of Ghosts due to its rich and often turbulent history.

Over time in this city, there has been a myriad of different religions and ethnicities including Orthodox Greeks, Spanish Jews, Albanians, Sufi Dervishes, Egyptian merchants and slaves, Ottoman royalty and German occupiers. The city has survived war and famine, invasion and drought, fire and flood and has evolved into the fascinating and eclectic melting pot of creativity and culture that we see today.

It is an easy, affordable and laid-back destination to visit in Greece and delivers a lot, from Turkish Hammans and Ottoman Markets, Ancient archeological sites, award-winning restaurants and bars and stunningly beautiful beaches and mountains in close proximity. Do yourself a favour and add at least a few days in Thessaloniki to your Greece itinerary. You won’t regret it!

Year Round

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3-4 days

Historic Center

What to expect

Language: Greek, but most people in tourist areas speak English ( and more)

Currency: Euro

Credit Cards and ATMs: You can find ATMs all over Greece. Every major town and city has them, even in mini marts, travel agencies and some hotel lobbies.  Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and in fact, it is illegal for taxis, hotels and any business working in tourism not to accept them.

Plugs: The plugs in Greece are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. For many people, appliances and devices will work fine, but if you are from the USA, you will need a dual-voltage styling iron or hair dryer.

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Best time to visit Athens

Year round

How long to go for

At least 3 nights

How to get around Athens

The ancient centre is very compact and walkable

Where to stay in Athens

The Historic Centre is centred around the Acropolis, which rises in the middle of the city in all its glory. Visitors can stay comfortably in any of the neighbourhoods surrounding The Acropolis, as these areas are relatively flat, close together, and easy to explore on foot.

This article explains the different neighbourhoods and our hotel suggestions, as well as a section on the Ports and areas near the airport.

Which hotels have the best Acropolis Views?

There are many hotels with great Acropolis views, although rooms there will come at a premium.

Check out:

Electra Metropolis

360 Degrees

Zillers Hotel

Many also have rooftop bars and/or restaurants and breakfast areas that have amazing views, so you can save money by utilising them all.

A for Athens

Athens Was

Grande Bretagne

Where to stay as a family or group

There are some hotels that have family rooms, interconnecting rooms, and some even have 2-bedroom apartments.

They all include a great breakfast too, which can really add up when travelling with a family.

Have a look at:

 Athens Gate

Grecotel Pallas Athena

The Gem Society

There are also self-contained apartments that we recommend, although these usually don’t include breakfast.

Aunties Home in Plaka

Met34

Mythos Luxury Suites

NS Place

How long should I stay in Athens

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. There is a LOT to see and do and many amazing day trips nearby as well.

  • many archaeological and historical sites including the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus and more
  • more Museums per capita than any European city
  • amazing shopping – the best in Greece!
  • the food scene is on fire – there are thousands of bars, cafes, traditional tavernas and restaurants, some of which have Michelin ratings
  • a year-round calendar of festivals and events

We recommend a minumum of 3 nights in Athens, but many people say they wish they had more.
If you allow 4 or 5 you can do a day trip or two.

What are the top things to do in Athens?

There is so much to see and do.

The main categories of activities and attractions are:

  • Archaeological and historical sites
  • Athens Neighbourhoods
  • Food Tours
  • Cooking Classes
  • Shopping
  • Surrounding view points:
    • Mt Lycabbetus
    • Areopagus Hill
    • Philopappos Hill
    • Nymphs Hill
    • National Observatory of Athens
  • Markets
  • Cultural Centres
  • Museums
  • The Riviera
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
What are the best day trips from Athens

There are a lot!

The ones we consistently recommend are:

Delphi

Cape Sounion

Corinth 

The Saronic Islands

SANTORINI, NAXOS & ATHENS

AMAZING THESSALONIKI DAY TRIPS

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THESSALONIKI – THE CITY OF GHOSTS

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