Sightseeing
White Tower of Thessaloniki
Considered as the city’s landmark, the White Tower is clearly one of the best places to see in Thessaloniki. Built in 1535, the tower was originally surrounded by heavy walls, as it was used as a prison during the Ottoman occupation of Greece. There, many prisoners were tortured and executed, and the Tower acquired its nickname: “The Tower of Blood”, or “The Red Tower”. It was renamed “the White Tower” in 1890, after a prisoner entirely repainted it in white in exchange of his liberty. Another version of the story says that it was renamed by the Greeks in 1913, 1 year after they reconquered the city. The 34-meter high tower is now hosting the White Tower Museum, dedicated to Thessaloniki’s History from the Roman Era to the present day. During your visit, you should also go to the tower’s top floor. There, you will admire a beautiful 360° view of the city, the sea and even Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest summit.
Promenade (Nea Paralia)
If you’re spending a few days in the city, then you should definitely take a stroll along its waterfront. It’s one of the best things to do in Thessaloniki. There, you can walk on a 5-km long promenade on the seaside. This promenade was completely renovated a few years ago and connects the Photography Museum, the White Tower and Thessaloniki Concert Hall. On the seaside, you will find many bars and restaurants frequented by locals and tourists alike: the place is really vibrant! It feels a bit like the Greek version of the “Croisette”, in Cannes, or the “Promenade des Anglais” in Nice.
Historic city center
If you’re a History and Archaeology lover, then you should visit Thessaloniki’s most famous ancient sites: -The Ancient Agora: the former social and religious city centre during the Greek and Roman periods. -The Arch of Galerius, also named “Kamara”. It was built in 305 A.D to celebrate a victory over the Persians. The only remains still standing are 2 original pillars and an arch, decorated with battle scenes. -The Rotunda of Galerius was built as a Mausoleum for the Emperor. Then, it became a church and later a Mosque. It’s one of Thessaloniki’s oldest monuments. -The Galerius Palace is a ancient Roman palace. Located on Navarinou Square, it was part of a huge complex, with the Arch and the Rotunda I mentioned above. There isn’t much left of it.
Arch of Galerius
Rotunda
Navarinou Square
Favorite coffee haunts of students will be yours too!
Roman Forum of Thessaloniki
Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki
Built around the early 7th century CE, the Great Church was the main civic church of the city for much of its history. Today, the huge, freestanding building of classic Byzantine architecture is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, intricate Greek Orthodox mosaics line the domes and chandeliers light the room, adding to the peaceful solemnity. The cathedral stands in green Agia Sophia Square in the old town Ana Poli, a lovely place to chill in the Grecian sunshine.
Restaurants next to the apartment
Γιόκ Μπαλίκ
To Elliniko
DORÉ ZYTHOS
The Rouga
The garden Thermaikos
Cin Cin
Food scene
Donkey the breakfast farm
Museums
The city has many museums, and here are the best ones: -The Archaeological Museum showcases a collection of remains found around Thessaloniki and in Greek Macedonia -The Museum of Byzantine Culture houses more than 3000 artefacts, jewelry and mosaics from the Byzantine Empire -The Jewish Museum: there, you will learn more about the Jewish community in Thessaloniki and its History, especially during Word War 2. -The Photography Museum, to discover ancient and modern Greek photographs. -The Olympic Museum, if you want to know everything about the Olympic Games History, from the Ancient Times to the present day. -The Museum of Cinema, if you want to know more about Greek cinema and how movies are made. -The Contemporary Art Center of Thessaloniki -The War Museum and its collection of Greek weapons, medals and uniforms.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Centre
154 Egnatias Street, 546 36 THESSALONIKI
Tel No: +30 2310 291111
Fax No: +30 2310 284732
web site: www.helexpo.gr
Shopping in Thessaloniki
You’ have already seen all the best places to visit in Thessaloniki? Then, you should take some time go shopping in the city. And you will find everything you need! If you enjoy luxury boutiques, go to Proxenou and Mitropoleos streets, and the perpendicular Morgenthau, Lassani or Chrysostomou streets. You will find all the classic and international brands on Tsimiki, Ermou and Egnatia streets. Finally, for a more vintage style, go to the city centre’s narrow alleys: Agias Theodoras, Issavron and Zefxidos.
Mitropoleos str.
Mitropoleos Avenue is almost parallel to Tsimiski Avenue but has lesser extent. This road, along with Ermou Street and Proxenou Koromila Street, are a much more expensive choice as it concerns fashion. On Mitropoleos Street the visitor will discover some of the city’s known patisseries, branches of internationally known fashion brands and smaller boutiques. Most of the haute couture branches of the city centre though (Burberry etc) are located on Proxenou Koromila street, formerly known as The First Parallel.