The Thessaloniki Edit
A city by the water
Thessaloniki invites you to drift between its streets and the sea. Give the city a little time and everyday life becomes as interesting as the view.
7 min read / 9 chapters- Day by day
Day by day
Suggested days, at your own pace.
The Soul of the Seafront & Ancient Empires
What to do: Start your trip at Aristotelous Square, the grand, curved focal point of the city that opens right onto the sea.
Walk eastward down the wide pedestrian promenade of Nea Paralia (the New Waterfront).
Your destination is the iconic White Tower.
Keep walking down the promenade to snap a photo under the famous, whimsical Umbrellas sculpture by George Zongolopoulos.
Food Tip: On your way down the front, skip the overpriced seaside cafes.
Instead, duck one block inland to a local bakery and order a traditional Koulouri (a sesame-crusted bread ring) and a Freddo Espresso (Greece's signature iced espresso) to enjoy like a local on a bench by the water.
What to do: Walk inland towards the massive Rotunda, a monumental circular building built by Roman Emperor Galerius in 306 AD that has served as a pagan temple, a Christian church, and a mosque.
Just a few steps away are the ruins of the Arch of Galerius (locally called Kamara).
This area is always buzzing because it is the ultimate meeting spot for the city’s massive university population.
Food Tip: For lunch, find a small, understated spot in the lanes around Kamara.
What to do: As the sun goes down, head to Ladadika, a historic district of converted oil-storage warehouses with colorful facades and cobblestone streets.
It is pedestrian-only and completely comes alive after dark with music and string lights.
Food Tip: Avoid the restaurants directly on the main square of Ladadika.
Slip into the quieter side alleys or cross the main street over to the Athonos Square market area.
Order Bouyourdi (feta cheese baked in a clay pot with tomatoes, hot peppers, and olive oil) and a plate of grilled octopus, washed down with a small bottle of Tsipouro (local Greek spirit).
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- Land with a plan
- Get connected before you head out
- The last leg to your door
- Up into the Byzantine Past & Hidden Markets
- Culture, High Fashion, and Sunset Drinks
- Visit the Birthplace of Atatürk
- Small things that make the difference
- Master the "Meze & House Wine" Taverna Strategy