Thessaloniki is Greece’s second largest city and a vibrant fusion of history, culture and modernity. Often known as “Paris in Northern Greece” for its elegant boulevards and neoclassical architecture, the city seamlessly blends its ancient past with contemporary charm. With the introduction of the long-awaited subway system that reveals a large number of archaeological treasures, the public transportation in Thessaloniki has become an immersive cultural experience.
A prosperous culinary scene with the wealthy Byzantines, Ottoman Empire and Jewish influence Recognized by UNESCOand the magnificent sea view extends to Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki rewards every visitor.
What to see and do
Thessaloniki’s ultra-modern driverless metro (launched in November 2024) has been built for more than 20 years, not just transportation, but a gateway to the city’s affluent history. The platform has over 100 feet (30 meters) underground and has 13 stations, with 6 stations planned by 2026. The price for a ride is 0.60 euros and the daily ticket is 2.50 euros (about the same in the US dollar).
What makes it unique, however, is its role as an underground museum: when the metro is built, it reveals ancient streets, Roman baths and Byzantine ruins, telling the story of the city’s stratified past. For example, it is possible to see a Roman-era street with remains of public bathrooms, shops and complex mosaics and preserved in place – in its original location, visible under the glass floor and overhead viewing platform.
Among the must-see radio stations, there are:
Venizelou Station: Located opposite Bedesten Agora in the 15th century, Venizelou is a historic miracle. It houses the remnants of the main streets of Thessaloniki, from the late Romans and early Byzantine periods, including the famous Mese Odos, Greek, Greek for the “Big Street” and the main avenues of the city during the Byzantine era, and features public bathrooms and ancient shops. Travelers can even check out these archaeological discoveries before the station gate without even needing tickets.
Agia’s Sofia Station: Agias Sofias is another important cessation, revealing hundreds of years of ruins and glimpses of religious and civic evolution in the city. During the construction process, two Byzantine-era squares were found – one in the north and one in the south of Egnatiya Street. The Northern Square (probably a party space for commercial and social gatherings) has been transformed into an open-air archaeological site with wooden pedestrian bridges, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscape of ancient ruins, such as some parts of a delicate drainage system, indicating the high-level urban planning of the time. There is also a Roman road, as well as the building foundations from the 3rd to 4th centuries, tools, pottery and tools for everyday Byzantine life are also unearthed National Archaeology Museum.
Although you can easily explore the radio station and its treasures alone Thessaloniki Hiking It is another option to explore the City Time Capsule.
If the subway does not make you desire for historical relics Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum Transfer objects from prehistoric times to Roman times. Showcased with a collection of golden garlands, intricate mosaics and Macedonian tomb artifacts, as well as smaller artifacts such as pottery objects (excavated during the subway creation process), it provides insights into ancient civilizations in the region.
Another thing that must be seen in history is Rotunda. It is a Roman temple and used as a church, mosque and museum, and is a symbol of the city’s diverse heritage.
World War I Mikra British Cemetery It is the largest, a stately site in the Balkans, creating a poignant glimpse of Thessaloniki’s role in the conflicts of the 20th century. In 1915, the city became a strategic military base for the headquarters of the Allied and Allied Saronica Front, a major campaign against the Balgani and German troops. Because the city has a major port and rail infrastructure, it became a crucial logistics center, supply front, and was reused during World War II, when the city was occupied by Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1944.
To taste Thessaloniki, please contact Eat and walk food tourIt is a guiding experience that highlights the various influences of Thessaloniki, from Armenian pastries to Pontia’s Black Marine flavors. Among other fun, you will take samples Koulourisesame-covered bread ring, then BugatzThessaloniki’s famous breakfast pastry was brought by immigrants from Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the 1920s and comes with a flaky phero dough filled with butter and topped with cinnamon.
Spend some time wandering around the three closed historical markets Capani (The city’s oldest market dates back to the Ottoman period in the late 1400s); Modian (Built between 1922 and 1925 by Jewish architect Eli Modiano of Thessaloniki); and Athonos (It dates back to the time when textiles began to be sold in the 19th century). From Greek cheeses and meats to handmade candies and traditional delicacies such as the aforementioned Buga cheese, as well as Revani, and semolina cakes soaked in syrup in syrup, as well as variations including coconut or almonds, as well as syrevered cherries, cherties, bergam and bergam.
Just 15 minutes outside the city center Polis Hammam-Polis Loutron Visitors are allowed to indulge in warm marble hammers, deep flakes, fragrant olive soap massages, and traditional Turkish joy in tea.
For eggs, Ktima Kir-Yianni Winery In Naoussa, a 1.5-hour car ride from Thessaloniki, it is an excellent day trip. The winery covers an area of 143 acres and produces 220,000 bottles per year, mainly from the variety of Xinomavro grapes. Enjoy a menu and cellar tour featuring French and American oak barrels.
Where to eat
Thessaloniki’s food world, designated UNESCO City Foodies in 2021is the melting pot of influence of Greece, Ottoman Empire, Armenian, Balkan and Jewish people.
Naoussathe iconic restaurant at On Residence Hotel, blends classic Greek flavors with modern technology. Try to elevate Mousaka, which uses slow-cooked beef or lamb instead of standard beef to give it a richer flavor.
In Ladadika is one of the city’s most historic areas – the name is derived from the Greek LADI, meaning “oil” as it used to be the main center of the city’s olive oil trade – cobblestone streets and neoclassical buildings, some of the best taverns and bars in Thessaloniki. Near the port of Ladadeka is cupThis is a local favorite, specializing in side dishes such as pot toss shrimp and potato dishes and grefra cream.
The sea is the spirit Is the place to get quality seafood (actually, this is what they have on an extensive menu). Don’t miss them with their white tarama salad dip (salty and marinated eggs) with homemade bread. (Tip: The authentic Taramasalata is white and never pink.)
Residentified in a three-story red mansion in 1926 Red house In a luxurious setting, Meze-style dining is offered (order many smaller dishes to share instead of each dish). Their vegetarian vine leaves stuffed with beef, onions, herbs and olives are a must try.
Greek cuisine is mainly meze style, but if you want to try a larger single dish, go Rougalocated in the city center. Their chicken fillets were delicious with sour cream, cognac, mushrooms and yellow cheese sauce.
Popular with caffeine de janeiro coffee roaster It is an independent store that can be brewed professionally on site. Watch owner grind beans to create personalized flavor and advantages.
Where to live
Boutique Hotels in Bahar Located in a historic building in the heart of the city, it was once used for spice storage (so the name “Bahariki” means spice in Greek). This four-star family property features original stone walls and only 18 comfortable rooms on the four floors. Their Sebil Bar offers a delicious breakfast and a range of unique drinks, such as the Sebil Cappuccino, which is made with cinnamon sticks, orange peels and ground bitter chocolate, and Dodulac Cockatail, a vodka-based drink that is a pepper from many local Spice Spices found on Emporio Square, many local Spice Shops purchased on Emporio Square, and at Ladadika divisions of Badadadika divisions of ladadadika distard of Ladadadika division.
live In a gorgeous neoclassical building designed by Greek Jewish architect Jacques Mosse, built in 1926. Its beauty Époque style stands out on the city’s coastal promenade. After three decades of disruption, the hotel has been completely renovated in 2022 and is reborn as a luxurious beachfront property (also a member) Small luxury hotels in the world). Its 60 rooms and suites, many balconies and sea views of hot bay offer a perfect blend of elegant and modern amenities.
How to get there
Thessaloniki International Airport is served by a variety of European cities that provide direct flights. From the United States, you need to fly over Athens or another major European hub. Thessaloniki is 25 minutes from the airport by taxi or bus (2 euros). The subway has not yet extended to the airport.
Best time to visit
Thessaloniki enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a year-round destination. The best visits are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), with mild weather and less crowded city populations. But please note that due to the northern end of the city, it may start to get cold in November, so the cladding layer is covered. Summer offers a vibrant nightlife and the opportunity to relax on the nearby Halkidiki beach, although the annual humidity averages 66%, which makes summer nights a little sticky.
Combined
As it almost inevitably flew over Athens, it added several days in the Greek capital to see the “cradle of Western civilization”. Explore the iconic Acropolis of Athens, home to the Parthenon and breathtaking city views and stroll through the picturesque Plaka neighborhood, full of attractive streets, traditional taverns and local shops. Visit the Acropolis Museum of Athens and the National Archaeological Museum to delve into Greece’s rich past.