Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece by Katerina
What is it like to live in Thessaloniki? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?
Thessaloniki, being the second largest city of Greece and of the most historical ones, is generally a very lively and pleasant city to live. It's situated by the sea, and has beena very multicultural place as show us the numerous monuments of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman era. It's full of museums, festivals, delicious and affordable local mediterranean cuisine and the most famous nightlife in Greece. A big variety of disco's clubs, bars and cafés corresponds to all different tastes. It is a city I would definitely recommend for an erasmus exchange, since it's also a very good basis for near explorations to many places of big historical and natural value!
What is the student lifestyle like in Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki hosts the biggest university in Greece and two smaller ones which makes her basically a students' city, able to offer a lot of opportunities in festivals, parties, food and night life entertainment.
How much does it cost to live in Thessaloniki?
The cost is relatively law compered to most European countries. The unibersity's mensa is free. The city centre also offers huge vareity of food places in very low prices. Rents for a small appartament vary according to the region and the condition of the house from 200-300 cold. If someone chooses to share an appartment with other students the cost reduces a lot. Adding the bills, bus card and personal expenses the total cost of living per month doesn't exceed the amount of 600 euro.
Is it difficult to find accommodation in Thessaloniki? Is there any advice you can give?
No it is not very difficult as it's a very big city with a lot of offer. The earlier students search for the accommodation the more choices they ll have. Popular regions are Kamara, Navarinou Square, Kassandrou street, Kato Toumba and Harilaou region.
What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?
The food is one of the most important assets of Thessaloniki which is famous all over greece for its tasty intercultural cuisine offered in very low prices. Mediterranean cuisine with a lot of Oriental elements, using a lot fresh vegetables, big variety of very tasty fast food such as gyros, souvlaki, crepes, pizza, Mexican, Chinese and Japanese Restaurants. The highlight is the pastry and bakery shops.
What places would you recommend visiting in Thessaloniki?
The museum of the white tower, the arc of Gallerius and the Roman Agorà, the walls of the city in the upper town, the churches of Saint Dimitrios and Agia Sophia, the Archaiological, Byzantine and Ethnological museums and many others.
Is it good to eat out in Thessaloniki? Can you tell us your favourite spots?
It's a must! Traditional breakfast contains koulouri which is sold in every bakery and in the street, while the most famous is bougatsa places, offering a special kind of pie with sweet cream or cheese.For greek food lovers gyros and souvlaki places can be found almost everywhere with fulfilling portions costing 2,5 euro, pizza per slice costs around 1.5 euro while for healthy eaters I highly recommend "Kritiko Perivoli" offering huge fresh salads with vegetables and fruits from Kreta at the cost of 2.5 euro.
Is the nightlife good in Thessaloniki? Where is good to go?
The night life is considered to be the best in Greece and one of the best in Europe. Starts around midnight and ends in early morning.According to everyone's taste a very large ammount of pubs, bars, clubs, discos and bouzoukia places are offered. If one thing is certain it's that you ll never get bored in Thessaloniki.
What advice would you give future students heading to Thessaloniki?
I would advice them to avoid using bikes because neither the bike roads are developed nor the drivers are careful and of course to be prepared meeting a country that has been massively hit by the economic crisis for the past decade with whatever that means in every aspect of life. Appart from that Thessaloniki is a city you can fall in love with as most of the students who come here for studies end up staying here forever!
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