City in Central Macedonia, Greece
Thessaloniki
Greece's second city: student-driven nightlife, great food, waterfront walks and Byzantine churches, at lower prices than Athens. Good for long stays; summers are hot and the center can feel gritty.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,580–2,360Comfortable, one person · €1,400–2,100Details
- Value for money49/100Better value than 48% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 34°CDetails
- Air quality20 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · PollutedDetails
- Internet91 MbpsFixed broadband, Greece medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe to drink, though some find it hard; many locals use bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$45–90Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFREENOWVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted almost everywhere; carry cash for bakeries, kiosks, markets and small tavernas.Details
Where to stay in Thessaloniki
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ladadika–Aristotelous Square | Waterfront, restaurants and bars; central for first-timers |
| Ano Poli (Upper Town) | Quiet, hilly old streets with views and tavernas |
| Kamara–Navarinou | Student life, cafés and cheaper food |
| Kalamaria | Residential, seafront promenade, new metro stations |
Apps that work in Thessaloniki
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber and WhatsApp
- Ferryhopper: Compare and book ferries between islands
- Taxis: Street taxis use the meter; card payment is required but some drivers resist. Flat airport fares are not guaranteed, so use an app.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Greece.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted almost everywhere; carry cash for bakeries, kiosks, markets and small tavernas.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most Greek bank ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros; Euronet costs more. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Round up or leave 5–10% in tavernas and cafés, ideally in cash; card tips often can't be added.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; IRIS bank transfers are for locals with Greek accounts.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Ferries from Turkey and Albania cross the Schengen external border, so expect full passport checks there.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 166 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1571 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from Telekom, Vodafone and Nova at Athens airport and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Greece
Going to Thessaloniki solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.