Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece after Athens, is the capital of Macedonia Prefecture and it has honorarily been called co-capital, to emphasize on its historical, cultural and administrative importance, not only to Greece, but the whole wide region of Balkans. Our city is named after Alexander the Great’s half - sister, Thessaloniki and its actual meaning is “victory of the Thessalians”, so you can already tell Thessaloniki’s link to ancient culture.
Tour around Thessaloniki
The city is very famous about its museums and sight seeing attractions that can be easily visited by feet or by bus. Walking through Thessaloniki’s city center you’ll realize that most of the buildings have maintained their historical architecture, starting with the famous Aristotle Square, named after the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotelis. Close by you can also stroll around Thessaloniki’s well known markets, tasting traditional food and drinks, experiencing local flavours and tastes.
All the city center roads take you to discover the infamous waterfront of the Thessaloniki, which has a length of 5 kilometers, from the port to the city’s Concert Hall. Walking during the magnifying sunset, you can find open sports areas, gardens with different names and themes, cafes, restaurants, bars, which we recommend going around with bikes, scooters or just walking.
Popular experiences and highlights
1. White Tower
The imposing White Tower stands as the landmark of Thessaloniki since the 16th century. It was first used as the “Kalamaria Fortress”, Blood and Janissaries Tower, before it was symbolically painted white by the Ottomans in 1890. Inside of it there’s a museum that shows the long history of the city connected to the building, whilst on top floor, you’ll get the full 360 view of Thessaloniki.
2. Kamara-Rotunda
Thessaloniki’s triumphal Arch of Galerius is part of a 4th-century AD building complex which includes the Rotunda, an outstanding site that represents the culture of Byzantine architecture and the street next to Navarino Square. Both Arch of Galerius and Rotuda have been incribed by UNESCO in 1988 to be parts of the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki. The buildings nearby accomodate young university students, so the roads are filled with affordable food and shops, people are sitting down having a beer and it is a place where you can also get a… tattoo, since the tattoo shops are gathered to that area and open most of the days.
3. Ladadika
In this colorful area of the city you can either walk and see some of the oldest buildings and taverns of the city or treat yourself with greek traditional food and drinks. Stylish bars and clubs also await for you in the night, so don’t worry, you’ll get the best of the experience any time of the day you may visit.
4. Multiple museums
Since Thessaloniki is a city that holds a lot of cultural significance in the country, so there you have it museum lovers! You can start by visiting the breathtaking Archaelogical Museum or the Byzantine Museum, and the surprises do not stop there, because being multicultural is one the characteristics of the “co-capital”. That means you can visit the Jewish Museum, or if you are a fan of contemporary art, the State Museum of Contemporary Art, the Folk and Ethnographic Museum, the Thessaloniki Olympic Museum, the Art Gallery of the Society for Macedonian Studies, the War Museum and the Teloglion Foundation of Art.
5. Nightlife
Greece has one of Europe’s most well known nightlife “zones”, and Thessaloniki is no way lacking of that at all. You can always find people partying, almost everyday of the week, at all kinds of clubs or bars, with different music, aesthetics and people. Be prepared with your best mood and party clothes to dance the night away! Don’t forget, parties will be on during all EuroPride week!