Thessaloniki Travel Guide: Essentials Before You Go

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Thessaloniki is Greece’s vibrant northern port city—rich in history, lively food and café culture, compact and walkable with great seaside promenades. Plan for seasonal crowds, bring comfortable shoes, and be ready to explore Byzantine sites, food markets, and nightlife.

Visa / entry requirements

- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: enter with national ID card or passport; no visa required.
- US/Canada/Australia citizens: passport valid for duration of stay; visa-free Schengen travel up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Other nationalities: check the Greek/Schengen visa rules for your country; apply at the nearest Greek consulate. 
- COVID/health: no routine restrictions currently—verify latest rules before travel (tests/vaccination requirements can change).

Best time to visit

- April–June and September–October: best weather (mild, fewer crowds). 
- July–August: hot and busy with domestic tourists; good for beach day trips but expect higher prices. 
- November–March: cooler, some rain, but cheaper and fewer tourists; museums and cafes cozy.

Safety tips

- Thessaloniki is generally safe for tourists. Use common-sense precautions: 
  - Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (markets, buses, waterfront). 
  - Avoid poorly lit side streets late at night alone. 
  - Keep copies of documents and emergency contacts.
- Emergency numbers: 112 (EU-wide emergency), 100 (police), 166 (ambulance).

Local customs & etiquette

- Greeting: handshakes are common; friends may kiss on both cheeks. 
- Dress: casual is fine; modest attire if visiting churches (cover shoulders/knees). 
- Tipping: not mandatory; rounding up or leaving ~5–10% in restaurants is appreciated. 
- Dining: Greeks eat late (dinner often after 9pm). Share meze plates; hospitality is valued.

Currency & payments

- Currency: Euro (EUR). 
- Cards: Widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard); carry some cash for small shops, markets, and kiosks. 
- ATMs are common; inform bank of travel to avoid card

Thessaloniki Travel Questions & Answers

Thessaloniki Travel Guide: Essentials Before You Go

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