Where to stay in Thessaloniki

See

The northernmost Byzantine Walls of the city and parts of the eastern walls are still standing, as is the city's symbol, the White Tower. The rest of the walls are in the picturesque Upper Town which offers a spectacular view over the bay, especially in the late afternoon. When the Roman Empire was divided into the tetrarchy in 293 AD, Thessaloniki became the administrative capital of one of the four portions. Emperor Galerius commissioned an imperial palace and other structures.

• Byzantine Walls
• Arch of Galerius
• Palace of Galerius
• Roman Forum
• Rotunda
• Saint Demetrios
• Church of the Acheiropoietos
• Latomou Monastery
• Hagia Sophia
• Panagia Chalkeon
• Saint Catherine
• Saint Panteleimon

Do

• Cultural Route public bus tour
• Thessaloniki Concert Hall
• Waterland
• Discovery Yachting
• Nautilia Yachting
• World Naked Bike Ride
• Thessaloniki International Fair
• Thessaloniki Film Festival

Eat

Greeks consider Thessaloniki a gourmet city - but bear in mind that this refers to the excellent local specialities and cheap-and-cheerful ouzo taverns rather than to haute cuisine or a range of foreign restaurants. The latter are best avoided in Thessaloniki.

Drink

Thessaloniki is by far the liveliest city in Northern Greece, maybe even the whole country. Most of the trendy bars at the old sea-front (Nikis Ave.) and around, many of the tavernas are either downtown or in the old city (Kastra). You can also find numerous bars and tavernas at Krini, an area in eastern Thessaloniki. If you want to check out what the whole bouzoukia scene is all about, try the clubs Pyli Axiou and Mamounia, at Vilka. You will also find a lot of night clubs, bars and restaurants in Ladadika, the neighbourhood with the old warehouses next to the port. The student area is around Kamara (the Arch of Galerius), with many cheaper cafes and bars.

Stay safe

Thessaloniki is generally a very safe city but watch your pockets and travel documents as there may be pickpockets, especially in buses during rush hour. Some people may feel uncomfortable walking in the areas around the railway station at night and it's better to avoid them along with places like Dendropotamos, and Sfageia. These areas are full of abandoned buildings and factories and are a hotspot for drug-use and prostitution.