Hi, I'm Piibe. I'm here to tell you a love story...well, sort of.

I'm here to tell you the story of how I went from not being able to properly pronounce the name of Thessaloniki to falling in love with the city and now calling it my home.

I hope this article will inspire you to consider visiting places in Greece that are not the usual suspects like Athens and the no doubt breath-taking Greek islands.

I will provide you with the insights that I have collected over the 5 years I have lived in this vibrant city, telling you about all the best places to visit, day trips to make around the area, and of course where to eat and drink, as Thessaloniki is considered to be the culinary capital of Greece!

The article is divided into the following sections:

• 15 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki

• 10 Best Places to Eat in Thessaloniki

• 5 Best Day-Trips starting from Thessaloniki

15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN THESSALONIKI

Sightseeing at the Seaside

Grab a coffee from one of the thousands of coffee shops that Thessaloniki is packed with (a Freddo Espresso which is an iced coffee if you want to feel like a true local) and head to the seaside. Except for the sea and the sun, they are amazing just by themselves, you should head your way to:

1. The White Tower is an iconic landmark of the city and a former prison and execution site. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city and the sea, and learn about the history of Thessaloniki in the museum inside.

2. The Statue of Alexander the Great was the legendary king and conqueror born in Pella, near Thessaloniki. The statue is just a short walk away from The White Tower and depicts Alexander on his horse Bucephalus, ready for battle. It's one of the most important landmarks in Thessaloniki, so do not miss it!

3. The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos is a modern art installation on the waterfront that consists of 13 giant umbrellas made of steel. A perfect way to end your seaside stroll with a photoshoot to collect material for your next Instagram post, before heading for lunch in a traditional Greek taverna.

Ano Poli- Neighborhood with a character

If you are like me and always searching to discover also the more alternative side of the places you visit, then you simply can't miss Ano Poli which is the most colorful and unique neighborhood in the whole town!

In translation Ano Poli means the "upper town", so as you might guessed, it requires some effort to climb the stairs and discover the stone-paved streets of the former Ottoman quarter, but I can promise you that the views of the city and the traditional houses you will encounter on your way are worth every step made on that slightly uphill journey!

And as you have already lost a couple of breaths of the uphill route, here is a list of epic landmarks that you can visit while you are already on the "upper town"-

1. Vlatadon Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the only Byzantine monastery in Thessaloniki that is still functioning, was founded in the 14th century.

2. Heptapyrgion or by its Ottoman name Yedi Kule, is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress that offers the best views of the whole town.

Pasha Gardens, a park with pine trees, is home to the "Dragon Houses", the most mysterious and controversial attraction of Thessaloniki that even many locals don't know about. While strolling down from the "upper town" along the city walls, visit the Gaudi-like stone structures and feel the unique spiritual energy of the place whose architecture and purpose are still unknown to this day.

Church Hopping

So, the concept is easy- we all know Bar Hopping, right? I changed the word "bar" with "church" and there we have it- the same activity, but with a very different purpose.

Thessaloniki has a wide variety of everything, churches are no exception. One can find some exquisite masterpieces, but at the same time stumble across hidden gems on the corner of the next street. To make choosing from the seemingly endless options easier- here is a list of my favorite churches in Thessaloniki:

1. Church of Agia Sofia, dating back to the 7th century, stands as one of the oldest churches in the city. Its current structure is a testament to Byzantine art and architecture, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the centuries, it has served as a cathedral, a mosque, and, after its liberation in 1912, once again as a church. The church has a big garden around it, making it a perfect location to enjoy a quick snack and coffee in the city center.

2. Church of Agios Dimitris is no doubt the most famous church of Thessaloniki, that honors Thessaloniki’s patron saint. Built on the ruins of a Roman bath, this historic site has witnessed centuries of history. Inside, visitors can explore the crypt where Saint Dimitrios was imprisoned and martyred. The church’s architecture reflects Byzantine influences, and its stunning mosaics depict scenes from the saint’s life.

3. Church of Agios Nikolaos Orfanos falls into the category of hidden gems. Originally part of a monastery, the church is located near the eastern walls of the Upper (Old) Town and boasts outstanding Byzantine frescoes that cover almost every inch of its interior. The small church is surrounded by a lush green garden that feels like a true peaceful oasis where time might as well stop for a while.

Slow day in the Museums

The fact is, that there are MANY things to see in Thessaloniki. That means that at the end of the day, you might have spent all your day walking and breaking the records of your personal best "steps of the day". If you are looking to incorporate some more slow-paced activities into your days spent in Thessaloniki then visiting a museum could be an excellent option, not only to rest those tired legs but also to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the place. Some excellent options include:

1. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is one of the largest museums in the country and the central museum of northern Greece, it offers a captivating journey through the region’s history. From Prehistory to Late Antiquity, its permanent exhibition showcases a rich collection of ancient artifacts. Visitors can explore unique masterpieces of classical Greek art, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.

2. MOMus Museums short for the Museum of Modern Art is a collection of 4 museums in Thessaloniki that in November 2018 officially joined forces, creating a single, large, integrated public cultural institution, whose aspiration is to leave its mark on international modern and contemporary art, photography, sculpture and the experimental arts.

3. The Museum of Illusions is located in the heart of Thessaloniki. This unique museum boasts 60 visual and interactive illusions that challenge your senses and ignite wonder. From the mind-bending “infinity room” to the gravity-defying “inverted room,” each exhibit reveals how our perception of reality is influenced by science, vision, and perspective.

Stroll around Kamara

Thessaloniki is known also as a student city because the city hosts many major universities in the country. Around the Kamara area, it's possible to experience the most raw vibrant energy that the city has to offer and that is for many reasons-

1. Navarinou Street is one of the busiest areas of the town, being packed with students most of the day, but becoming alive, especially in the evening hours. Known for its cheap fast food options, students often meet there and bring the whole area alive, so grab yourself a cheap crepe and enjoy the vibe.

2. Arch of Galerius or Kamara was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Galerius. Its purpose was to create a road that would pass through the arch, connecting it directly to his palace. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to the emperor’s power and vision in early 4th-century Thessaloniki. Nowadays Thessaloniki, Kamara is often used as a starting point for various protests that take place in Thessaloniki and Greece generally.

3. Rotonda is another fascinating monument nearby. Constructed in 306 AD by the Roman tetrarch Galerius, the Rotonda was initially intended as his tomb. Although it began as a temple, the deity to which it was dedicated remains a mystery. Over time, the Rotonda has served various purposes, including being an Orthodox church, a mosque during Ottoman rule, and now a museum.