Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece by agapi

What is it like to live in Thessaloniki? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in Thessaloniki is a great experience so, I would definitely recommend it! The city is not so big (like Athens, for example) but it is big enough and small enough at the same time to have a wellbeing routine. It is also a seaside city and, believe me, this is very important for your wellbeing, especially if you like the sea. Of course there is the old town (Ano Poli) and a big variety of monuments to visit!

What is the student lifestyle like in Thessaloniki?

The student lifestyle in Thessaloniki is absolutely amazing!!! There are plenty of things to do such us excursions in the landscape, visiting monuments and museums. People there are most of the times friendly and there is plenty of hospitality but of course there are some exceptions. People go out most of the days of the week(that is because there are many students) and even more on weekends of course. The nightlife is excellent and very cheap and for those who like to dance there are 3 latin clubs and several latin parties.

How much does it cost to live in Thessaloniki?

The cost of the life in Thessaloniki is low enough. Renting a house alone it may cost you from 150 to 300 euros. It depends of the area (for example 150 to 200 in Kamara and center of the city in general but in Toumba also) but the prices may vary of course. Now, as it concerns the cost of living there it may be from 200 to 300 euros. It depends on how you live. But it is important that there are special offers everywhere(supermarkets, coffee shops and clubs, schools of dance e.t.c)

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Thessaloniki? Is there any advice you can give?

no it is not difficult to find a place to stay but you have to be careful enough because especially in the center of Thessaloniki the buildings are very old (60s,70s) so some of the houses are not in good condition but most of theme in nowadays are renovated! Usually, the owners ask for the rent and one rent more for guarantee.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is also delicious!!! there are many fast food shops and of souvlaki!!!! (you should try that!!!) Yu can find Chinese and Mexican cuisine and several others of course. But Thessaloniki's best are her sweets!!!! you have to try of course trigona panoramatos!

What places would you recommend visiting in Thessaloniki?

In my opinion you, should visit the area of Castra. There you can visit the monuments of the Turkish era and the picturesque Ano Poli but the most important for me is the view. You can enjoy the whole Thessaloniki! Something similar is the tower of OTE where you can drink your coffee or your eat something while you will be enjoying Thessalonik's view. From my point of view you should also visit the exceptional church of Agios Dimitrios and Agia Sofia and many others smaller as well(some of them are part of the cultural heritage of Unesco!) And don't forget to take a walk in the New and the old beach and visit also Leukos Pyrgos!!!

Is it good to eat out in Thessaloniki? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I believe that you can find many nice places for eating out. In my opinion, some of them are "The brothers" in the center of the city, "Xalaro" restaurant in Kalamaria, "Avanti pizza" 3 minutes of Kamara on feet, "Mitato" where you can taste Cretan cuisine and "Rodi and Meli" in Ladadika. There also are many other places as good as them and you can also find many in the Ladadika area. I would also propose you Plateia Athonos and Bit Pazar where you can find live music too.

Is the nightlife good in Thessaloniki? Where is good to go?

The night life in Thessaloniki is awesome!!! There are many clubs until late at night and small bar as well. Some examples are: Monroe entertainment group, Ola Ellinika (there you can hear only greek music), J'adore club theater, Markiz and many many others!!!!You could also find very nice bars in the area Valaoritou (mostly rock) and of course don't forget live stages(bouzoukia)!!! they are located a bit out of Thessaloniki (Sfagia area or close to the airport) and there you can experience greek live music until early in the morning. It is a little bit more expensive choice though. Finally, for those who like to dance I can propose you Ache cubano latin bar, Habanita latin bar and La rosa negra latin bar. All of them located in Ladadika.

What advice would you give future students heading to Thessaloniki?

The educational system is really good but not so organized (especially in Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki) so you have to be patient sometimes but you should get advantage of the system especially in the University of Macedonia!!!
At thee same time, LIVE THE MOMENT, DON'T FORGET TO EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS AND LEARN SOMETHING FROM THEM! AND SMILE!!!! Greece needs smiles during crisis and you will feel like home, believe me!!!