SOME BASIC TOURIST AND LOCAL INFORMATION

Thessaloniki (or Salonica, as is mostly known to English speaking people) is the second largest city of Greece, with a population of about 1 million, located in the North, about 500 Kms from Athens. It is amphitheatrically built along the Thermaikos Gulf. Its main university, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), is the largest of the country as regards student population (about 40.000) and faculty members. The city has a rich history behind and is known as the"Byzantine city" of Greece, as it flourished mainly during the period of Byzantine (i.e. East Roman) Empire. Part of he heritage left from that period is reflected in the numerous old churches and other monuments that make up the scenery of the city' s every day life. Thessaloniki is a city that is pleasant and easy to walk around, especially in the downtown area crowded with squares, stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and, of course, in the very popular seaside strip starting from the port, going all the way down for 4 Kms along the sea, passing behind the Macedonia Palace Hotel, and terminated to the Music Hall. This is the favorite place of residents and visitors to walk, jog and bike.

ARRIVAL

Thessaloniki is connected by regular direct flights (or by flights via Athens) with almost all main European cities. The airport is located at a distance of about 15 Kms from the center (to the east) and the only transporation available is by taxi cabs. The normal price of a transportation from the airport to the central zone of the city is 5-10 euros, depending on destination.

There is a railway station to the west of the city. There are train connections with the south, north, and north-eastern Greece, as well as with certain Balkan and European cities (Belgrade, Bucharest, Munchen etc). Several bus lines, among them lines No 1, 2, 3 and 10, commute passengers to and from the railway station.

Bus connections exist with all parts of the country and the several bus stations are mainly located west, near and around the railway station (with the exception of Halkidiki bus station which is located east).

WEATHER

Summers are hot - as in the rest of Greece - but rather dry. Temperatures in July normally are 30-35 degrees Celcius, or even higher.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Transportation within the city is accomplished by a dense network of buses. Tickets cost 0.5 euros and can be bought in almost every yellow newspaper stand that one can meet around in every corner. Bus hours of operation: 05:00-00:30 every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and the traffic conditions. Some special routes (night buses) also operate after midnight approximately every hour.

A large number of taxis are also available. Compared to the cost of commuting by bus, getting around by taxi (blue and white cabs) is rather inexpensive in Greece. Taxis can be hailed from the street; however it can be sometimes quite difficult to find a taxi, especially during rush hour. Taxis can also be hired from various local offices.

CURRENCY

Greece's monetary unit is EURO.

BANKING

All major Credit Cards (VISA, DINERS, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, EUROCARD, JCB) are welcome in Greece. Most of the shops accept payment by credit card. Traveller's cheques or Eurocheques issued by all major companies are also widely recognised. You can cash the travellers' cheques at all Greek and foreign banks and big hotels. A means of identification is necessary for the transaction. Banking hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 14:00, Friday 08:00 to 13:30 (closed on official holidays).

BUISINESS HOURS

Business hours of Thessaloniki shops: On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday stores are generally open from 9:00 till 14:00 and from 17:30 till 20:30 p.m. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays stores are only open from 9:00 till 15:00 p.m. and do not open again in the afternoon. Some big department stores and supermarkets remain open during weekdays from 9.00 to 20.00 and on Saturdays from 9.00 to 18.00.

PHARMACIES

Pharmacies follow in general the same hours as shops, except that they are closed on Saturday mornings. Most medicines are available only by doctor's prescription, except for simple remedies, such as aspirin, which is available not only in the drug stores but also at the little kiosks which exist everywhere in the city.

RESTAURANTS AND TAVERNAS

Restaurants and tavernas are open for lunch from 12 or 12:30 to 16:00. In the evening, restaurants open at about 21:00 and close between midnight and 1:00 am. Fast food and kebab ("souvlaki") shops usually serve food all day long, and some of them stay open till late at night. Coffee shops and bars are open all day from about 8:00 a.m. until late in the night.

CINEMAS AND THEATERS

All cinemas in Greece show original versions of movies, subtitled in Greek, and usually have shows starting at approximately 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. . Theatres have one performance per day during the week at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m, and are closed on Mondays. On weekends there are usually two performances, the first one starting at 6:30 p.m. and the second at 9:30 p.m.

MUSEUMS

Unless otherwise indicated all state museums are closed on Monday. Opening hours are generally between 9:00 a.m. and 14:30 or 15:00 p.m. The following museums and art galleries are strongly recommended:

1) Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki: 6, M. Andronikou Str.

2) Museum of Byzantine Culture: 2, Leoforos Stratou (Stratou Avenue)

3) Historical and Art Museum of Thessaloniki, White Tower, Leoforos Nikis (Nikis Avenue)

For information concerning all musuems of Thessaloniki, please visit the site Museums of Thessaloniki