hi people, I'm going to Thessaloniki in August to study Greek at the local University's summer school. I expect to meet many interesting people from all around the world there. I'll be staying from 15.08. until 13.09. I've already checked the usual tourist sites. what I'm asking you is if you can reccommend some hip places to go while in the city. I mean, some meeting places for like-minded people interested in alternative lifestyles and alternative culture, some hip bars/clubs, some places that there are street musicians, and stuff like that. I'm also a great rembetiko fan and I'd like to know if a good rembetiko club is available in Saloniki. I mean as authentic and genuine as possible and away from the cheesy pop that is usually served as 'Greek ethno music' to the tourists.
Brainjuice, My first trip into Greece in 1971 was Saloniki.. nice place...stayed in the Youth Hostel there.. good Greek food...if you have time...make a ride from Saloniki towards Kavalla..nice scenery... maybe you can use this link..greetings.. Emiel.. http://greecetravel.com/thessaloniki/
If you have time, try visiting some of the islands too. They're beautiful and you'll end up meeting lots of lovely people there.
Kozmicblue, You are very much right.. Greek islands..soo damned colourful.. I remember Corfu..Kerkyra etc... www.ionian-islands.com Emiel
thank you all for the suggestions! it was nice of you! however, I'm afraid I'll have to stick to the city most of the time cause I'll be studying and stuff, besides being on a rather limited budget. I've already been to Thessa twice, not for very long, but managed to see the White Tower, the Archeological Museum and the St.Demetrios Cathedral. not that I mind visiting those great sites again, but I'll be in town a whole month and I wanna make the most of it. I already know of some clubs, districts (e.g. Ladadiko) and beaches when I can have fun but I'm curious whether there is a place exactly for my hippy tastes, if you know what I mean. otherwise, I've been to a Greek island, and that's Chios - a fantastic place, I recommend it to everybody. I didn't like the main commercial and tourist area, but there are many pittoresque villages there, some places of historical value and, last but not least, awesome secluded beaches and lagoons with still green waters washing a golden or a black (!) sandy beach. I fancy one can even camp on those, not having to pay for an expensive hotel room with TV and other luxuries I personally don't need most of the time. the nearby little island of Inusses is also worth visiting. not to mention that the Turkish coast is very near. now back to Northern Greece. except for Thessaloniki, I'd like to visit Mount Athos if that's possible.
Since you are now probably already there I am sure you have figured out that if you want authentic Rebetiko then all you need to do is visit the local taverna's instead of the big commercial night clubs. Don't know if you will enjoy it as the local teens only frequent those places if they are with their parents. Enjoy, and kali horaxi.....means "have a good time"
I visited Thessaloniki in April 2006, it is definetely worth place to go. So many interesting places to go and see, but Kavala still remains my number one place in Greece ever - it is so calm and romantic place, don't miss it, if you haven't been there.
e littleHip ! åëëçíßäá å? ôé ãéíåôáé ñå êáëá åéóáé? áðï áèÞíá? ðï ðï êáéñï åß÷á íá äù åëëçíá åäù ìÝóá..
The Archaeological Museum of the city is a must: A collection of precious objects from the tombs of Vergina and treasure Sindos, sarcophagi, mosaics and sculptures, will amaze you.
We found many parts of Thessaloniki to be quite dirty and not really inviting. On the other hand, there were very nice areas. A bit of a tale of 2 cities in one. Took a taxi this morning from Thessaloniki Taxi Transfer and have now settled in Nea Moudania, the ‘gateway’ to the Kassandra ‘finger’ of Halkidiki. And what a difference it seems to be compared to Thessaloniki. No overloaded bins, clean streets, wide sidewalks even suitable for badsighted people or wheelchairs.
