Cheap flights to Thessaloniki are available from Gatwick and Stansted airports near London. Flights to Thessaloniki will arrive at Thessaloniki International Airport. The Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organisation operates a 24-hour bus service between the airport and Thessaloniki city centre. The bus stops at Macedonia Central Bus Station and Thessaloniki’s New Railway Station. Taxis are available for journeys into the city centre. They can be hired from the taxi stands outside the terminal building, and fares cost around 15 to 20 Euros.
OASTH (Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organisation) operates the bus network around Thessaloniki. The company provides around 80 bus routes around Thessaloniki and the surrounding area. Check the OASTH website for more information regarding routes and timetables. Single tickets are available from vending machines aboard buses. Two-journey tickets (valid for two journeys within 90 minutes) and 24-hour tickets (valid for unlimited journeys within a 24-hour period) are also available. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks around the city. Taxis are easily available throughout Thessaloniki. They can be flagged down in the street, and occasionally under a ‘TAXI’ sign.
Thessaloniki’s long history has provided the city with a multitude of fascinating attractions. Start with a stroll around the surviving Byzantine city walls. One of the more well-known sights in the city is the White Tower, constructed by the Ottomans in the 15th century. The museum within the Tower features a permanent exhibition focused on Thessaloniki’s Byzantine heritage. The city has a wealth of Roman ruins, including a Forum with two Roman baths within, the Arch of Galerius and the remains of the Palace of Galerius. Discover more about the city’s history at the Archaeological Museum. Visit the Ataturk Museum to learn more about the founder of modern-day Turkey.
The dome-topped Bezesteni market is a treasure trove of brightly hued textile and glittering jewellery. Built in the 15th century, the covered market is one of the most atmospheric shopping destinations in the city. Locals and visitors alike flock to the bustling Modiano Market for fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, as well as dainty titbits from the delicatessens. Take a breath at Thanasis and enjoy homecooked dishes such as stuffed squid, grilled fish and bakaliaro (fried, battered cod). Krikelas offers elegant Greek cuisine, with a menu that makes the most of the season’s best produce. It also has a large wine list and tasty Greek desserts including halva with almonds. Nightowls will find no shortage of entertainment once the sun sets. The area around Aristotle Square is packed with cafes and bars open until the late hours, while the Ladadika district boasts some of the city’s most popular nightclubs.