Living and working in Thessaloniki
Lisa
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4 minutes reading time
Thessaloniki is vibrant and bustling! The second largest city in Greece is located in the northwest of the country and is a vibrant destination where you can truly relax. The city has many trendy cafes, cozy pubs, and an active nightlife. 'The sister of Athens' also has a rich history and therefore much to offer culturally. Sounds good, right? Are you going to live and work in Thessaloniki soon? Then read on to find out what there is to experience!
Life in Thessaloniki
One of the most famous attractions in Thessaloniki is the White Tower. Despite its name, there is little white to be seen on the tower, as it has more of a beige color. In the past, this tower was mainly used as a prison. From the tower, you have a breathtaking view and can take in this beautiful city. This is an absolute must-see when you are working in Thessaloniki. The bustling Aristotle Square is also worth multiple visits, both during the day and in the evening. Various events take place here throughout the year. While you're there, why not visit the Ladadika district as well? A typical student area full of cozy streets with colored walls where you can enjoy delicious food. In the evening, this is the place to go out. Speaking of food... We highly recommend the Panellinion restaurant. They serve delicious Greek dishes, and in the evening, the restaurant turns into a club where you can dance until the early hours of the morning!
If it's not too hot, you can take a stroll or bike ride along the Thessaloniki waterfront. You'll also pass by the earlier mentioned White Tower. Near the White Tower stands the monument of Alexander the Great, one of the greatest figures in Greek history. A fun fact is that Thessaloniki is named after Alexander the Great's step-sister.
Shopaholics among us will love this city. For your daily groceries, you can visit the covered Modiano Market to get all of your freshest products. If we have to mention a downside, it's that Thessaloniki doesn't have a beach. But don't worry... just an hour's drive away, you'll find the beaches and coves of Halkidiki and Chalkidiki. Perfect for a weekend trip when you're working in Thessaloniki! If you prefer to stay in the city but still want to cool off, many hotels have nice pools that you can use for a reasonable price.
Working in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is a delightful city to live and work in. A whopping 40% of the population are students, which is why the city is also known as a typical student city. There are ample job opportunities, and the demand for English-speaking employees is growing tremendously! Despite the recent crisis, Thessaloniki still holds a strong position in the Balkan economy. Especially the cruise ship industry has experienced significant growth due to the city's ideal location. Are you already excited to work in the bustling Thessaloniki? Take a look at our job vacancies!
Living in Thessaloniki
Due to the influx of international students to Thessaloniki, there are many rooms available for rent. The cost of renting a room is relatively low, with prices averaging between EUR 150 and EUR 350. The cost of living in Greece is lower than other European countries. On average, you'll spend about 600 to 700 EUR per month (including rent).
The city has several charming neighborhoods to live in. Ano Poli is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and is also known as the 'upper town' because it sits higher than other neighborhoods, guaranteeing a beautiful view! This neighborhood is one of the few parts of the city that remained intact after a major fire in 1917. Ladadika is the student district of the city, this is the place to enjoy affordable dining or relax at a café.
Below, we've listed some websites where you can find potential apartments or rooms:
Experience shows that it's relatively easy to find accommodation, but keep in mind that many new students arrive in August and September, making it a bit more challenging to find housing quickly during those months. Public transportation in Thessaloniki is very affordable. The bus is the most commonly used public transport mode. The price for a bus ticket is much lower than what we're used to in other European countries, with a single journey costing EUR 0.80 and EUR 0.90 for a round trip. The city doesn't (yet) have a metro or tram system. You'll certainly have plenty of time to explore the city when you start living in Thessaloniki!
Feeling intrigued after reading about working in Thessaloniki? Read more about all the hotspots or take the leap and apply directly to one of our vacancies abroad!