Welcome to Thessaloniki!
Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in Greece. It is built amphitheatrical by the sea. A multi cultural city, it is known for its hostile people and tasty food.
It has the largest university the "Aristotle University of Thessaloniki", which is also famous internationally for its Erasmus programme, which attracts students from all over the world.
The main university is in the centre just a few blocks east of the famous Roman Arch of Galerius. Behind the Arch, there is an ancient roman monument (later used as a church) called the Rotonda.
- Museums include the White Tower, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, the Jewish Museum and
- Ano Poly (the "upper town") is any area to walk around a bit if you are bored and feel like a walk uphill through some beautiful, tiny streets. For nice views, you can take a bus to Kastro and the Monastery and see the old part of the city.
- The Roman Forum (where many of our performances take place) is an amazing place to visit, in the heart of the city, just above the main and biggest square, the Aristotelous Square.
- Thessaloniki is full of beautiful churches. Aghia Sofia is a monument of great value and beauty.
- The promenade of Thessaloniki (in Greek "paralia") is a great place to walk by the sea and relax. You can also get free 30min boat rides if you buy a drink (€3-5) from near the White Tower.
- To get out of the centre, Kalamaria and Nea Krini are nice little harbours for walks. Bus nr. 6 and nr. 5 (central bus stop at the White Tower) can take you there.
- If you rent a car, go to Chalkidiki, to places like Nea Iraklia (40' from Thessaloniki Centre by car, also reachable by bus) or Afytos (about 1 hour drive unless summer traffic).
- Closer beaches include Perea and Agia Triada. Take a boat to a beach: €3.50 http://karavakia.com/
Transport by BUS
The Moovit App is quite good for buses, but you can also use the OASTH App which often shows the bus locations.
Bus 78 from the airport costs €2 and it's approx every 30mins. It can be very crowded at times. If you just miss one from the airport, instead of waiting a long time, you can instead ride the bus 79 for 5 minutes to IKEA and then get a connecting bus to the centre. In that case, just buy a €1.50 90min ticket which allows you take up to 3 buses. Normal tickets cost €1 but you cannot change bus with this.
* Remember to validate tickets on each bus, or if you buy a ticket from a machine, note they do not give change!
If you need to get to the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, you can either take bus 8 from Egnatia Street or bus 5 or 6 from Mitropoleos Street.
Transport by TAXI
Taxi is actually a very cheap way to get around in Greece, but be very careful with the prices. The lowest fare is 3,50 euros and should be enough for a 2-3 km ride, which pretty much takes you around the centre of Thessaloniki. The ride from the airport to the centre, under normal traffic conditions, should not cost more than 20 euros (max.). Better to ask the taxi driver about the price before you ride their taxi!
Accommodation
For accommodation, the most convenient is usually Airbnb. If you have never used Airbnb before, click here to open an account with this invitation link and you will get €35 discount for your first booking.
Note that we recommend you do not stay in the west of the city, and also not too far north-east which is very up-hill. Ideally somewhere central or towards the south-east, and aim to not be more than about 10 blocks from the sea. If you have any doubts about a place, send us the link and we'll give you feedback. The ideal centre reference point is the White Tower.