Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning waterfront. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,000,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD, widespread acceptance of credit/debit cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's recommended to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind, with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, N26, and local banks like Alpha Bank and Eurobank accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and traditional rentals available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Haven't Met and The Backpacker offer low-cost lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Ladadika district is vibrant and close to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Vardaris area has a mix of coworking spaces and affordable rentals. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Multiverse is popular for its modern amenities and social events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | La Doze Bar provides a great atmosphere with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | TechMeetups and local startup events are held regularly at various venues. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like Thessaloniki Expats organize regular meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are operational and easy to use in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Availability through services like Lime and local rental shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Halkidiki Peninsula beaches are approximately 90 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Olympic Air offers regular flights to other Greek islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aegean Airlines provides numerous international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E90 highway connects Thessaloniki to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Thessaloniki Train Station links to multiple domestic and international routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly pass for local buses costs around €30. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by KTEL connect Thessaloniki to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | AHEPA Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Thessaloniki and Diakosmos offer various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Facilities like Gold's Gym and Holmes Place have various memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and laundry services are available in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and e-food deliver a variety of cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Souvlaki is a must-try local dish available at many street vendors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Avocado and Veganaki offer excellent plant-based choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit Kafeneio for traditional Greek sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Modiano Market offers fresh produce and local products at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms offer delivery services alongside international ones like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Sklavenitis provide grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Ladadika and Ano Poli areas are known for vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Voreia Brewery offers tours and tastings of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Koursaros and La Maison du Vin feature extensive Greek wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell local delicacies throughout the city, especially around Aristotelous Square. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like PizzaFan and Bakaliko offer popular international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The White Tower and Rotunda are iconic sites in Thessaloniki. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Byzantine Culture and the Thessaloniki Film Festival events are significant. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient Agora and the Roman Forum. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Agios Dimitrios is one of the city's most important churches. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Thessaloniki International Film Festival takes place every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Ano Poli district features historic architecture and cultural richness. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theatro Dassous hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Modiano and Kapani markets are vibrant and offer local produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city has a lively music scene with venues like Principal Club Theater. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore areas like Ladadika for unique urban art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn to cook Greek cuisine at the Culinary Institute of Thessaloniki. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like the State Museum of Contemporary Art showcase modern works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Ottoman-era Bey Hamam is a notable historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Thessaloniki has a blend of cultures, reflected in its diverse architecture and local traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | First leg of Halkidiki offers stunning landscapes and beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Olympus National Park is about an hour's drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront promenade offers beautiful paths for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The area around the Byzantine walls provides beautiful city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Axios Delta offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches in Halkidiki have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services deliver across Greece and abroad. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Stores like iFix offer repair services for gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like K2E offer Greek language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The City Library of Thessaloniki is a great place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers host events and provide resources for expats and locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | eSports venues like Gaming House are popular among gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Thessaloniki offers a range of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Greek tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign-controlled subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on estimated property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Greece offers tax incentives for new residents under certain programs. |