Thessaloniki Travel Tips and FAQ

Thessaloniki is a straightforward city to navigate, but a few practical tips will save you time and money. Here is everything you need to know about getting in, getting around, staying safe, and navigating local customs.

Travel Tips for Thessaloniki: Arriving and Getting Around

Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)

Thessaloniki International Airport Makedonia (SKG) is 13km south of the city center in the suburb of Mikra. The airport handles flights from 30+ European cities plus domestic connections to Athens (50-minute flight, 6 to 10 daily on Aegean and Sky Express), the Greek islands, and seasonal charter flights. Terminal facilities include cafes, a duty-free shop, ATMs, car rental desks (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt), and free WiFi. The airport is small: you can walk from arrivals to the taxi stand in 2 minutes. There is no train or metro connection to the airport yet (a metro extension is under construction with completion TBD). See our Thessaloniki weather by month guide for more details.

Getting from SKG Airport to the City Center

• Bus 01X / 01N: The cheapest option at €2 per ticket (buy from the kiosk outside arrivals or pay €2.30 on board). Bus 01X runs every 15 to 20 minutes during the day (6 AM to 10 PM) and takes 40 to 45 minutes to reach the city center (Aristotelous Square stop). Bus 01N is the night service (10 PM to 6 AM), running every 30 to 40 minutes. Both buses stop at the central bus station (KTEL) and the train station before reaching the city center.
• Taxi: A flat rate of €20 to the city center (daytime, 5 AM to midnight) or €25 (nighttime, midnight to 5 AM). The taxi stand is directly outside the arrivals terminal. Journey time is 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Confirm the flat rate with the driver before departing. Uber is not available, but the FreeNow app (formerly Beat) works for hailing taxis with fare estimates.
• Car rental: Desks for Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Sixt are in the arrivals hall. A small car rents for €25 to 40 per day. Parking in the city center is difficult and mostly paid (€2 to 3 per hour at street meters). Consider renting a car only for day trips to Halkidiki, Mount Olympus, or Vergina.

Thessaloniki Metro (Line 1)

Thessaloniki’s long-delayed metro opened in November 2024 after 20+ years of construction delays caused by archaeological discoveries during tunnel digging. Line 1 runs from the New Railway Station in the west through the city center (stations at Venizelou, Agia Sofia, and Syntrivani near the University) to Nea Elvetia in the east, with a branch to Kalamaria. Single tickets cost €1 (90 minutes) and are purchased from ticket machines at stations. The metro operates from 5:30 AM to midnight. The central stations (particularly Venizelou) function as mini-museums displaying the Roman and Byzantine archaeological remains uncovered during construction. The metro has reduced bus congestion on Egnatia Street, the city’s main east-west artery. See our best time to visit Thessaloniki guide for more details.

Buses, Taxis, and Walking

• City buses (OASTH): Thessaloniki’s bus network covers the entire urban area. Single tickets cost €1 (valid 90 minutes, purchased at kiosks or onboard for €1.10). The most useful routes for visitors: Bus 01X/01N (airport to center), Bus 50 (Cultural Route: connects major museums and landmarks on a circular route, €2 for a day pass), Bus 12 and 31 (center to Kalamaria). Buses run roughly 6 AM to midnight with reduced frequency on Sundays.
• Taxis: Thessaloniki’s blue taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. Minimum fare is €4, with a typical ride within the center costing €5 to 8. Taxis use meters by law; make sure the driver turns it on. The FreeNow app works in Thessaloniki. Tip 10% or round up to the nearest euro.
• Walking: The historical center is compact and highly walkable. You can cover the White Tower to Kamara (Arch of Galerius) to Aristotelous Square in a 20-minute straight line. Ano Poli requires uphill walking on cobblestones. The waterfront promenade is flat and ideal for longer walks or cycling (ThessBike rental stations along the route).

Travel Tips for Thessaloniki: Visas, Money, and Connectivity

Visa and Entry Requirements

Greece is in the Schengen Area. Visitors from the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. As of 2025, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is operational: non-EU visitors from visa-exempt countries must apply online before travel (€7, valid 3 years, linked to your passport). Check the official ETIAS website for current requirements. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. See our things to do in Thessaloniki guide for more details.

Currency and Payments

Greece uses the euro (€). ATMs are plentiful throughout the city center and at the airport. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in the center accept credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; American Express less so). Carry some cash for small purchases at Kapani Market, street food stalls, and taxis (though FreeNow app taxis accept card payment). Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: round up the bill or leave 5 to 10% for good service at restaurants. Tip €1 to 2 for taxi rides and hotel porters. See our Thessaloniki events and festivals calendar for more details.

SIM Cards and WiFi

Free WiFi is available at most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in the city center, and at SKG airport. For mobile data, Cosmote (Greece’s largest provider), Vodafone Greece, and Nova all sell tourist SIM cards at the airport, at their city-center stores, and at kiosks. A tourist package with 10 to 15 GB of data plus some local calls costs €10 to 15 and is valid for 30 days. Purchase at the airport Cosmote or Vodafone booth on arrival or at any Germanos (Cosmote) or Vodafone store on Egnatia Street. See our best neighborhoods in Thessaloniki guide for more details.

Travel Tips for Thessaloniki: Safety, Health, and Practicalities

Is Thessaloniki Safe?

Thessaloniki is a safe city by European standards. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main safety issues are pickpocketing on crowded buses and around the Kapani Market area (keep wallets in front pockets and bags zipped), and occasional rowdy behavior around the Valaoritou bar district late at night on weekends. The area around the railway station can feel sketchy after dark; take a taxi rather than walking through it at night. Solo female travelers generally report feeling safe in the city center, Ladadika, and Ano Poli, though the usual precautions apply after midnight in nightlife areas. Emergency number: 112 (EU-wide). Tourist police: +30 2310 554 877 (located at 4 Dodekanisou Street near the White Tower). See our where to stay in Thessaloniki guide for more details.

Tap Water and Food Safety

Tap water in Thessaloniki is safe to drink, though most locals drink bottled water due to the slightly chlorinated taste. Restaurants serve bottled water unless you specifically request tap. Food safety standards are high; street food (souvlaki, bougatsa, koulouri) from busy stalls is safe to eat. The city’s food culture is taken seriously, and the turnover at popular spots ensures freshness. If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid eating raw seafood from market stalls (restaurants are fine).

Tipping, Language, and Local Customs

• Language: Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in the tourism and hospitality sectors, especially by anyone under 40. Restaurant menus in the center are usually bilingual. Learning a few Greek phrases is appreciated: ‘Kalimera’ (good morning), ‘Efharisto’ (thank you), ‘Parakalo’ (please / you’re welcome).
• Dining hours: Greeks eat late. Lunch is typically 2 PM to 4 PM; dinner rarely starts before 9 PM and restaurants fill from 9:30 PM onward. Kitchens in most restaurants stay open until 11:30 PM or midnight. Cafes are open all day and do not close between meals; the morning coffee ritual can stretch from 10 AM to noon.
• Siesta and Sundays: Many shops close on Sunday and some close for a midday break (2 PM to 5 PM) on weekdays, though tourist-area shops around Aristotelous Square and Tsimiski Street stay open continuously. Banks and post offices close at 2 PM on weekdays.
• Dress code for churches: When visiting Orthodox churches (Agios Dimitrios, Agia Sofia, Rotunda), modest dress is required: covered shoulders and knees for both men and women. Some churches provide wraps at the entrance, but it is better to carry a light scarf.
• Smoking: Greece has high smoking rates. Indoor smoking is technically banned in restaurants and bars, but enforcement is inconsistent. Expect some smoke in nightlife venues.
• Coffee culture: Thessaloniki takes coffee seriously. Standard orders: ‘Elliniko’ (Greek coffee, unfiltered, served in a small cup with grounds), ‘Freddo espresso’ (iced espresso, the default summer order), ‘Freddo cappuccino’ (iced cappuccino), ‘Frappe’ (instant iced coffee, the classic Greek summer drink). Coffee is never rushed; a single coffee can occupy a table for 2 hours.

Day Trips from Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is an excellent base for exploring northern Greece. The top day trips within 90 minutes of the city include: Mount Olympus (90 minutes south, trailhead at Litochoro, hiking the Enipeas Gorge takes 3 to 4 hours), the Royal Tombs at Vergina (1 hour west, the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, a UNESCO site, €12 entry), Ancient Pella (45 minutes west, Alexander the Great’s birthplace with extensive mosaics, €8 entry), and the beaches of Halkidiki (Kassandra Peninsula is 45 to 60 minutes south with organized beaches and beach bars, Sithonia Peninsula is 90 minutes south with quieter, wilder coves). Buses to all destinations depart from the Macedonia Intercity Bus Station (KTEL), 5km west of the center. Organized day tours are widely available and bookable through hotels or online platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator.

Suggested Hotels in Thessaloniki

If you are still deciding where to stay, here are three reliable picks across different budgets:

Electra Palace Thessaloniki

Five-star luxury on Aristotelous Square with a rooftop pool, panoramic restaurant, and classic rooms with marble bathrooms. The location and views are unmatched in the city. Best for couples and luxury travelers. Check rates and availability

S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki

Modern boutique hotel in the city center with a rooftop terrace, contemporary design, and floor-to-ceiling windows. A strong mid-range pick for design-conscious travelers. Best for couples and style-focused visitors. Check rates and availability

City Hotel Thessaloniki

Solid 3-star value 50 meters from Aristotelous Square with soundproofed rooms and an on-site restaurant-bar. The price-to-location ratio is hard to beat. Best for budget-conscious travelers who want centrality. Check rates and availability