Thessaloniki: The Vibrant Heart of Northern Greece

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Ti kanete?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Eseis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menu, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Iyia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voi-thee-a!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fi-ge!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Ka-le-ste tin Asti-no-mia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε ένα γιατρό!
  [Ka-le-ste ena giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho ha-thee]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [E-mai a-ro-stos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agorasoo...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kito]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [E-ne mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Mi-si (dek-a)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Pro-ee]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [A-po-yef-ma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vra-doo]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Si-me-ra]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Av-rio]
• 1Ένα
  [E-na]
• 2Δύο
  [Thi-o]
• 3Τρία
  [Tri-a]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tes-ser-a]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pen-de]
• 6Έξι
  [E-xi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Ef-ta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Ok-to]
• 9Εννέα
  [En-ne-a]
• 10Δέκα
  [Dek-a]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Poo ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine ee dhee-ef-thin-see?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto har-ti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to e-pom-eno (le-o-foree-o)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena ees-ee-tee-ree-o (ya ....)]

Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon, who named the city after his wife Thessalonike, the sister of Alexander the Great. The city's strategic location along the Thermaic Gulf and its connection to the Via Egnatia, a major Roman road, made it an important commercial hub in the ancient world.

During the Roman era, Thessaloniki grew in significance and became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. The city's prosperity is evidenced by the construction of monumental buildings such as the Roman Forum, the Galerian Complex, and the Arch of Galerius. The Apostle Paul also visited Thessaloniki during his second missionary journey, establishing one of the earliest Christian communities in the city.

Thessaloniki flourished during the Byzantine era as one of the empire's most important cities. The city was renowned for its architectural and artistic achievements, including the construction of several significant churches like the Hagia Sophia and the Rotunda. Thessaloniki also played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the development of Byzantine culture.

In 1430, Thessaloniki fell to the Ottoman Empire and remained under Ottoman control for nearly five centuries. During this period, the city became a melting pot of cultures and religions, with significant Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities coexisting. The city's architecture was also influenced by Ottoman styles, with notable examples including the Alaca Imaret and the White Tower.

Thessaloniki was incorporated into the modern Greek state in 1912 during the Balkan Wars. The city experienced significant growth and modernization, especially after the devastating Great Fire of 1917, which led to extensive rebuilding efforts. Thessaloniki also played a crucial role during both World Wars and the Greek Civil War, shaping its contemporary identity.

Today, Thessaloniki is a vibrant cultural center known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and dynamic arts scene. The city's annual International Film Festival and the Thessaloniki International Fair are significant cultural events that attract visitors from around the world. Additionally, the city's numerous museums, galleries, and historical sites continue to celebrate its illustrious past and cultural heritage.

Thessaloniki is accessible via Thessaloniki Airport 'Makedonia' (SKG), which is about 15 km from the city center. The airport serves numerous international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a bus (Line 01X/01N), or rent a car to reach the city. Thessaloniki is also well-connected by train and intercity buses to major cities in Greece and neighboring countries.

Public transportation in Thessaloniki includes buses operated by OASTH, which cover the city and its suburbs. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or on the bus. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. For more flexibility, consider renting a car. Thessaloniki is also bike-friendly, with several bike rental services available. Walking is a great option for exploring the city's historical center.

The official currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are abundant throughout Thessaloniki for cash withdrawals. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets.

Thessaloniki is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas like Aristotelous Square and the Ladadika district. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. Neighborhoods such as Vardaris and parts of the Ano Poli can have higher crime rates, so stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Thessaloniki has well-equipped hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The police station and other emergency services are efficient and helpful.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head and wear appropriate attire in churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't leave a tip on the table; hand it directly to the server.

To experience Thessaloniki like a local, visit the Modiano and Kapani markets for fresh produce and local products. Take a leisurely stroll along the Nea Paralia waterfront, especially around sunset. Engage with locals in traditional tavernas in the Ladadika district. Don't miss out on trying 'bougatsa' and 'tsoureki,' local culinary delights. For a unique experience, catch a ferry to the nearby Thermaic Gulf islands.