Welcome to Thessaloniki
Welcome to Thessaloniki - place of paradise
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the geographic region of Greek Macedonia. It is the fifth largest and most populated city in the Balkans and the second most populated city that is not a capital, after Istanbul. Thessaloniki is the Greece's second major economic, industrial, commercial and political centre. The city is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general. That`s why it is considered to be Greece's cultural capital.
Information and fact
Night-life
Dance and listen traditional Greek “bouzoukia” music during the whole night. Thessaloniki was voted one of the top 10 ultimate party cities in the world by Lonely Planet in 2010.
Thessaloniki is full of different options. If you want to do what the locals do, go to night club, taste traditional meals of grilled meat, vegetables and wine at Aristotelous Square before going to night clubs. If you are looking for popular bars with live music, The White Tower is good landmark for you. If you want to go to the loudest bars and wildest discos, head for the Mylos warehouse, located in the port district. The last couple of years the most popular night spot have been the streets among Valaoritou and Syngrou roads. The party starts late every night and the place is full of people until the early hours of the morning.
Shopping
All you’ll have to do is going inside and wander around the “square” where is four major streets: Egnatia st., Ethnikis Amynis st., Nikis Av. and Venizelou st. There is something for everyone, area is full of huge department stores with international-, local-, and unique brands. While shopping you can take a break have a coffee in Thessaloniki`s famous food markets. Don`t forget to taste bougatsa, a traditional breakfast pastry. Officially, shops are open Monday to Friday 09:00-21:00 and Saturday 09:00-20:00 but most of the shops are closed for lunch and siesta between 14:30 and 17:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Sigthseeing
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival is established as one of the most important film festivals in Southern Europe. During the exhibitions for the event, every museums, galleries, bookshops and cafés are open. Thessaloniki also holds an annual International Book Fair. Thessaloniki is full of beautiful places to visit, you can just choose what kind of things you want to see. If you want to see a lot, sightseeing walks are for you.
Time
UTC/GMT +3 hours
Climate
Thessaloniki's climate is directly affected by the sea and it includes many climate types (Mediterranean climate, humid subtropical climate and semi-arid climate.
Thessaloniki's summers are hot with rather humid nights. Maximum temperatures are usually above 30°C , sometimes more than 40°C. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average 24-hour temperature of 26°C. Winters are relatively dry, with common morning frost. Sometimes there is snow, but it does not last for more than a few days. During the coldest winters, temperatures can drop to −10°C and the coldest month of the year is January.
Public transport
Public transport in Thessaloniki is served by buses. The bus company operating in the city is called Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH). Thessaloniki Metropolitan Railway began in 2006 and in 2018, it is set to become the city's most vital public transport service.