Eight really cool things to do and see in Thessaloniki

Everything you must see and do in Greece's second-largest city that will make you want to come back for more…

The Pantheon of Greece

The eastern quarter of the city's historic centre is dominated by one of the most significant early Christian monuments in the world, the unique Rotonda, which many compare to the Pantheon at Rome. Founded at the beginning of the 4th century, this architectural masterpiece, with its intricate decorative mosaics, harmoniously spans the pagan and Christian worlds. Its original purpose gives rise to various hypotheses, such as it has been a temple to Zeus or built by Caesar Galerius as his mausoleum. During the early Christian period, it was converted into a church, while from 1524 to 1591 it functioned as the Diocese of Thessaloniki, before being turned into a mosque by the Ottoman conquerors until the city's liberation in 1912. In its interior, the figures with their expressive countenance, the colour gradations and exquisiteness of the motifs, constitute the whole as an achievement of world art. 

Coffee on every corner

Nestled inside magnificent neoclassical buildings, by the seaside or along the traditional streets of Ano Polis with its breathtaking views, cafes are the alter ego of a city that chooses to live life out of the fast lane, distanced from the pressures of time. Coffee time for the Thessalonians is an expression of human contact. A koulouri (sesame covered bread ring) or a loukoumi (Turkish delight) on the side facilitates laid-back conversation. It is said that the best frappé is made in Thessaloniki and it would be right. It is also said to be impossible for a visitor to the city not to take time out to sip a cup of Greek coffee with its characteristically rich kaimaki (crema). Again, it would be right.

Fun by the sea

Over an uninterrupted stretch of ​​approximately five kilometres of beach, you will find lots of exciting things to do, be you on your own, in the company of friends or, better still, with children. Explore the city by bike or electric scooter, sail on a pirate vessel in Thermaikos Bay, visit any or all of the 12 theme gardens that extend from the White Tower to the Concert Hall. Stop for ice cream at one of the glass kiosks of Nea Paralia and have your picture taken in front of the 'Umbrellas' sculpture by George Zongolopoulos.

Open-air markets

Fifty and counting! So many are open-air markets in Thessaloniki, and each one is an orgy of sights, sounds and flavours with a display of seasonal fruits and vegetables, nuts, organic products, spices, honey, tahini, handmade pasta, legumes, meats, seafood, clothes, plants and household items. Merchants will sing and treat you, transforming an everyday visit into a delightfully unique experience. Don't miss out on a stroll around Kapani, Thessaloniki's traditional market. Having been in operation since Ottoman times, with its small shops and expansive maze of stalls, the clock here seems to have stopped in a bygone era.

Culinary cuisine

In the second-largest city of Greece, gastronomy goes by many names. Meze, koulouri, bougatsa (cream or cheese pie), Panorama triangle, tsoureki with mahlepi, syrupy sweets. Nowhere else in Greece have so many and such varied flavours come together. Byzantine cooking techniques bubble in the same pot as French and Jewish influences and the delectable traditions brought in over the years by the refugees from Pontos, Asia Minor and Constantinople. At this crossroads of delicacies in the metropolis of gastronomy, whether you choose to fine dine in a chic restaurant or grab a table at a modest ouzo eatery, the result will be the same because whatever you choose, it will be so tasty as to never forget…

By sailboat in Thermaikos Bay

What could be more pleasant than being out on a sailboat in the largest bay of the Aegean Sea? Float past the olden suburbs of Thessaloniki and take in the unique view of its beach-front and its White Tower. The captain and crew will steer you to the sights of historic buildings, monuments and the city's tales. During these organized outings, you can try traditional meze, washed down with wine or tsipouro. Enjoy the sun and the sea and the incomparable sunset of the city with the sun setting right by you…

Cultural Treasures

Thessaloniki is one of the few cities in the world with 15 monuments listed since 1988 as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They date from the Early Christian years (4th c.) to the Late Byzantine period (13th -14th cent). Namely, the Byzantine walls of Thessaloniki (4th - 5th c.), the Rotonda of Ayios Georgios (4th c.), the Basilica of Panayia (Holy Mother) Ahiropiitou (5th c.), the Basilica of Ayios Dimitrios (7th c.), the Chapel of Saint David (Monastery Latomou - 6th c.), The church of Ayia Sofia (8th c.), the church of Panaya of Chalkeon (11th c.), the church of Ayios Panteleimon (14th c.), the church of Ayios Apostolos (14th c.). the church of Ayios Nikolaos the Orfanos (14th c.), the church of Ayia Ekaterini (13th c.), the church of Sotiros (The Saviour - 14th c.), the Monastery of Vlatada (14th c.), the church of Prophet Elias (14th c.) and the Byzantine baths (14th c.).

A Kaleidoscope of Colours…

Reds, yellows, purples, oranges in a wash of innumerable hues, fading into the infinite blue, thus is the exultant sunset of Thessaloniki, one of the city's most glorious spectacles. Wherever you may be, all you have to do is turn your gaze seawards, to the horizon awash with the colours of a sun diving into Thermaikos Bay.