Thessaloniki: our tips and practical information

Thessaloniki, view from Ano Poli
Thessaloniki, view from Ano Poli - © Laure M.

Thessaloniki:our tips and practical information. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your stay in Thessaloniki.

1- What’s the best time of year to visit Thessaloniki?

You can visit Thessaloniki all year round! Each season has its own advantages:

  • Spring and autumn are our favorite seasons to visit Thessaloniki: the city is calm and sunny, but the days are cooler than in summer. It’s ideal for taking long walks along the waterfront and surveying the city.
  • Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the beaches around Thessaloniki (Chalkidki) and admire the city in the sunshine
  • In winter, you can enjoy museums and good restaurants.

Thessalonique
The narrow streets of Thessaloniki, Ano Poli © Laure M.

2- How many days can I stay in Thessaloniki?

  • The town is not very big. Nevertheless, we recommend a minimum stay of two days if you want to have enough time to enjoy it all.
  • Three days is even better, as you’ll be able to see a number of museums and monuments, and wander around the different districts.
  • And if you have more time (4-5 days), take advantage of it to visit Thessaloniki’s surroundings: Chalkidiki and its beaches in one day, Vergina and Pella in another (Vergina is an absolute must-see; to find out more, read our article).

3- How do I get to Thessaloniki : our tips and practical information

  • By plane: Thessaloniki has its own airport, which is very convenient (Thessaloniki – Makedonia airport). There are several direct flights a day from Athens, as well as international flights. To find out more, consult Aegean, where you’ll find the lowest-priced flights.
  • To get from the airport to the city center (about 20 km): take bus no. 78. Alternatively, you can pre-book a cab on the Welcome PickUps website.
  • By car: about 5 hours’ drive from Athens (500 kilometers). And if you need to rent a vehicle, don’t hesitate to take a look at the Rental Cars price comparison service.
  • By bus : KTEL buses run between Athens and Thessaloniki. There are almost a dozen connections a day. It’s a 6-hour drive and a bus ticket costs around 40 euros. More info on this website.
  • By train: high-speed, direct trains link Athens and Thessaloniki in just under 4 hours. More information on the Hellenic Train website.

Thessaloniki
The statue of Alexander the Great in Thessaloniki © Laure M.

4- Getting around Thessaloniki

If you’re staying in Thessaloniki, a car is not essential. You can easily get around by foot, bike, bus or cab. It’s easy to get around Thessaloniki on foot. In fact, it’s the best way to discover the city.

There’s also a sightseeing bus that makes a number of stops, allowing you to get off at the sites you’re interested in. price: €10. Reservations here.

The Baja Bikes agency also offers a range of bike tours of the city.

On the other hand, to see Thessaloniki’s surroundings (the beaches of Chalkidiki or the fabulous site of Vergina) a car is essential. You can rent one from Rental Cars.

Another option is an organized day trip to Vergina or the beaches of Chalkidiki.

5- Where to stay in Thessaloniki?

Generally speaking, you’ll find plenty of hotels and accommodation in Thessaloniki. We recommend that you visit Booking website to make your choice.

We give you our favorite hotels in our article “Our addresses in Thessaloniki“.

6- Find out more about Thessaloniki

To find out more for Thessaloniki, read our articles :

We wish you a pleasant stay.

Laure M.

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