Thessaloniki On Less Than $25 A Day

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, and is the former co-capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The city is full of ancient monuments, beautiful sea views, as well as vibrant culture.

Thessaloniki fish market
Thessaloniki fish market. Photo by kcsarioglu.

However, just because you want to fit in Thessaloniki on your holidays to Greece, doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. With our handy guide, you can travel to the heart of the old Mediterranean East, on less than $25 (or €18.50) a day.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation is always one of the biggest outgoings for the traveller on a budget – but it is here that you can make the greatest savings. For a traveller to Thessaloniki, there are three options. The first of these is a budget hotel or hostel – the Hotel Kastoria costs around $13 a night. The second is to book a locally-owned B+B when you arrive – look out for the people waiting at the train or bus station, and haggle a great deal. The final option is to pack a tent. Thalatta Campsite is right on the waterfront, and costs $4 for a two person tent – so your accommodation could be as little as $2 per person each day!

Budget hostel in Thessaloniki
This kind of hostel you can expect to sleep in when traveling in Thessaloniki on abudget

Food

Supermarkets are always good options for a cheap and hearty lunch that will keep you going until dinner, or try local markets for the freshest fish and other local goods. However, there are plenty of good dining options that cost less than $8 around the Central Market, such as snack bar Kentrike Stoa or try fried minnow platters at Loutros, near the old Turkish Market, Bezesteni. If it’s your last night, then you’re more than justified in rewarding yourself with a delicious (but cheap) meal somewhere by the waterfront.

Greek salad
A delicious Greek salad you can get anywhere

Sights to see

One of the best things about traveling to somewhere like Thessaloniki is that the attractions are mostly free. History is threaded throughout the city, from the landmark White Tower, remnant of the ancient city walls, to the more modern buildings of Aristotelous Square. And with the beach always representing a free day out, your daily activities don’t have to break the bank, or even make a dent in it.

Aristotelous Square is one of the main squares of Thessaloniki
Aristotelous Square is one of the main squares of Thessaloniki. Photo by George M. Groutas.

The Church of Agios Dimitrios is a beautiful example of Orthodox architecture in the city, and costs nothing to enter (although there is a suggested donation). For real history buffs, the Byzantine Museum an absolute must-see, and costs $5.5 dollars entry, with half price concessions. However, all public holidays and some selected out of season days are free, so it’s worth checking in advance.

See also  How to Travel in Mexico for Under $25 a Day

In the Byzantine days, Thessaloniki was a city of opulence and great wealth. Nowadays, however, it’s more than possible to explore it on a budget. With some careful management, and some savvy choices, there’s no reason your vacation here should cost you more than $25 per day.

Have you ever made it to Thessaloniki? Did you find this city a cheap travel destination?

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Agness Walewinder
Agness Walewinder
Travel freak, vagabond, photography passionate, blogger, life enthusiast, backpacker, adventure hunter and endless energy couchsurfer living by the rule "Pack lite, travel far and live long!"
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24 thoughts on “Thessaloniki On Less Than $25 A Day”

  1. Avatar of Steven

    Agness, I bet you indulged yourself in this yummy Greek salad! Thessaloniki looks so beautiful and interesting! I need to make it there soon!

  2. Avatar of Stef - Food & Photos around the world
    Stef - Food & Photos around the world

    Thessaloniki is definitely a place I wanna go to one day. The hostel looks nice, never had an outdoor-dorm before but if there isn’t any thunderstorm, it should be fine to stay there ;)
    And the Greek salad looks indeed sooo delicious!

  3. Avatar of Sarah

    I though Greece was much more expensive and I couldn’t make it there on $50 a day. Thanks guys for the tips, very useful!

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      It was so good and costed only 5 euros (as far as I remember). I had a wonderful view from the restaurant :).

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Hey Rika! I’ve been to Crete in August and I can tell you it’s one of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe. I could easily travel there for around $20 per day with a plenty of activities and iced coffee. P.S. I’ll let him know LoooooooooooooooooooooooL :)

  4. Avatar of Mike

    As always I like the affordable suggestions and ideas you two have, Agness. I love Greek salad btw. One question though, you sleep outdoors at that hostel? Or that is an option if you so choose. That’s so cool if that’s the case :)

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder

      That was one of the options you could go for. You could either stay in dorms (8-10 people) or sleep outdoors with 20 more beds and no air-conditioning :).

  5. Avatar of Heather

    Oh my gosh, I love Greek food so much! We spent three weeks in Greece for our honeymoon but never made it up to Thessaloniki. We wanted to save something for the next trip :-)

  6. Avatar of Matt

    I was just in Thess and loved the city! Thanks for the budget suggestions as the city can get expensive if you’re not paying attention. I found it to be a family friendly locale as well. Cheers!

  7. Avatar of Colleen

    Is the photo of the outdoor hostel the same as the one you mentioned about the hostels in town the Hotel Kastoria? I would love to stay at the outdoor one when I visit Greece but I could not tell from their website! Thanks!

  8. Avatar of Alexandros

    hi to all.i was in Thessaloniki ,for many years.YES,its beautyfull city.now,we live out of the city,and we have our olives,olive oil,fresh fish and vegetables,very close to airport,and all the good in our life.Alexandros

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