Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece (after capital Athens), is the cultural, political and economic centre of North Greece and the historic region of Macedonia. As it has been an important urban centre all through its history it has honorarily called co-capital of Greece, to emphasize on its historical, cultural and administrative importance for the nation and the broader Balkan region. Home to several UNESCO-protected Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments, Thessaloniki has many stories to tell. It is a popular destination for a city break, has a lively nightlife scene, is home to a huge and active student population, has a multi-cultural historic background and is known for its romantic atmosphere. For years it was considered the conservative pole of Greece (especially compared to Athens), but the growing popularity of Thessaloniki Pride, as well as other civic initiatives, has shown that it remains an extrovert, open, friendly and welcoming city to its citizens and visitors alike.

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!