Thessaloniki Guide for Budget Travelers
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Thessaloniki is the second largest city next to Athens. It boasts monuments and museums for those who love history, and the city is extremely walkable. There's no need for a bike or moped in this lively city.
There's not a lot to do in Thessaloniki. The city does have plenty of old artifacts including: the Arch of Galerius, a 4th-century monument, the White Tower, and many ruined walls from from thousands of years ago. But other than old artifacts, this city doesn't have much going on in the winter months. During the peak season, the city lights up with music and nightlife, powered by international students and backpackers. Overall, Thessaloniki isn't spectacular like many of the other Greek cities. But, if you are stopping for a day or two, it's the perfect amount of time to check out this port city. |
Price of Services in Thessaloniki
Hostels - Hostels in Thessaloniki are reasonable priced for being the second largest city in Greece. The summer will be more expensive than the fall and winter months as expected. The starting price for a 5-15 dorm room in the fall or winter will start from 12€ ($13USD). Anything in the summer time for a 5-15 bed dorm will cost upward up of 20€ ($22USD). Anything under 5 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 15€ ($17USD) or more for 2-4 person dorm room in the fall or winter. Summer prices for a 2-4 bed dorm will start at 25€ ($28USD). Private dorm rooms in the fall or winter will start around 20€ ($30USD). Summer prices for a private will be anywhere from 45-60€ ($50-67USD). Weekends will also effect prices. The most expensive days to rent a hostel bed is Friday and Saturday night.
Food Costs - Food in Thessaloniki is reasonable priced if you go for delicious gyros. Greece is known for a being a reasonable priced country for food. Starting prices for a budget breakfast will be 3€ ($3.50USD), 3€ ($3.50USD) for a budget lunch and 5€ ($6USD) for a budget sit-down dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay 2€ ($2.50USD) or more for a light beer (pint).
Transportation - Transportation in Thessaloniki will cost a fortune if you aren't careful. Avoid taxis as much as possible in Thessaloniki due to its outrageous starting price of 4€ ($5USD). Every km a taxi will charge .68€ ($.75USD) for 3km (1.8 miles). Metro buses are a good option at 1€ ($1.25USD) for any stop in the city limits.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 7€ ($8USD) for most exhibitions. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a great monument to for 6€. Walking tours are popular amongst backpackers due to the tour being free and based on tips.
Food Costs - Food in Thessaloniki is reasonable priced if you go for delicious gyros. Greece is known for a being a reasonable priced country for food. Starting prices for a budget breakfast will be 3€ ($3.50USD), 3€ ($3.50USD) for a budget lunch and 5€ ($6USD) for a budget sit-down dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay 2€ ($2.50USD) or more for a light beer (pint).
Transportation - Transportation in Thessaloniki will cost a fortune if you aren't careful. Avoid taxis as much as possible in Thessaloniki due to its outrageous starting price of 4€ ($5USD). Every km a taxi will charge .68€ ($.75USD) for 3km (1.8 miles). Metro buses are a good option at 1€ ($1.25USD) for any stop in the city limits.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 7€ ($8USD) for most exhibitions. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a great monument to for 6€. Walking tours are popular amongst backpackers due to the tour being free and based on tips.
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually .80€ ($.90USD) per bottle (.5L). Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 10€($11USD) a day if you budget right.
Couchsurfing - Staying with a local instead of a hostel will save a ton of money. But don't use this site solely to help your wallet. It's a great way to make new friends who can show you the "local" spots that tourists don't know about. Couchsurfing hosts tend to ignore abusers of the system. Offer to cook a meal or two in exchange for their gratitude.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually .80€ ($.90USD) per bottle (.5L). Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 10€($11USD) a day if you budget right.
Couchsurfing - Staying with a local instead of a hostel will save a ton of money. But don't use this site solely to help your wallet. It's a great way to make new friends who can show you the "local" spots that tourists don't know about. Couchsurfing hosts tend to ignore abusers of the system. Offer to cook a meal or two in exchange for their gratitude.
Red Flags
The City - There isn't a lot to do in Thessaloniki. Don't book your hostel for more than two days. You'll be disappointed. One to two nights at the maximum in this city.
Hidden Gems
Hostel Arabes - This is one of the more unique and comfortable hostels I've stayed at in Europe. The outdoor kitchen, lounge area and 1.50€ tall boy beers make this hostel one of my favorites. To top it off, it's the cheapest hostel in town. Make sure to stay here when in Thessaloniki.
Top 3 Things to Do in Thessaloniki
#1 The Bay of ThessalonikiTake a stroll on the bay of Thessaloniki as the sun beams down on you. This is my favorite place in the city. The water is a pure blue color with gentle breezes flowing through your hair. A must see when in town.
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#2 The White TowerThe most famous monument in the city, The White Tower, boasts a spectacular view on the Bay of Thessaloniki. Examine the architecture while enjoying a cup of Greek coffee.
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#3 Enjoy a Cup of CoffeeThe Greek culture has a laid-back vibe that can only be experienced through a cafe or restaurant. Take a seat in a cute cafe as you feel immersed in the incredible Greek culture.
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