Best Things to do in Thessaloniki Greece)

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, with a population of more than 1 million inhabitants. This port city has 3,000 years of history, and its early Christian and Byzantine architecture are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thessaloniki has always been the crossroads of civilizations, and a place where East and West meet. The influences of Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Jews give Thessaloniki a very unique character. Today, this is the largest university center of Greece, with world-renowned cultural heritage, a gentle Mediterranean climate, and with an extremely rich nightlife. Let's explore the best things to do in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki Seafront Promenade At the seafront, you can enjoy a lovely walk along the promenade, one of the best places to visit in Thessaloniki. 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. The White Tower Considered as the city's landmark, the White Tower is clearly one of the best places to see 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. Today, this historical place is one of the biggest tourist attractions, it is completely open for visits, it has his own museum in which you can learn more about the history of this place or buy souvenirs. Aristotle's Square This is the main square in Thessaloniki, and it is located in the city center. The square was built in 1950, and it was designed in 1918, by Ernest Hebride. On the northeast side, the Olympian Theatre Cinema hosts the Thessaloniki International Film Festival every March. The Church of Saint Demetrius The Church of Saint Demetrius is Thessaloniki's main religious landmark, and awes visitors with its fantastic Byzantine architecture. After Thessaloniki's patron Saint Demetrius was martyred in the 4th century, a church was built on the same site. You can see the place where he supposedly died in the crypt underground. Simiski Street This street is a popular tourist attraction spot, and is known for housing a variety of stores to shop from. In addition to the standalone boutiques and stores on this street, it houses the Plataea Center Mall, which is one of the largest malls in the town. The Rotunda The Rotunda, built by Roman Emperor Galerius in 306 AD, is the oldest of Thessaloniki's churches and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place had several purposes, first, it was used as a pagan temple, then it was turned into a Christian church, it was also used as a mosque throughout the Ottoman period, and minaret is still standing outside. The Arch of Galerius or Kamara Just a few steps from the Rotunda, you'll find another Roman monument, the Arch of Galerius. It was built 298 AD, and the structure was dedicated to the victory of the Roman Emperor Galerius, who beat the Sassanid Persians here in the same year. Lodatica District Behind the ferry port, a short walk from Aristopoulos Square, is the historic district of Lodatica, with colorful houses, small taverns, bars, and different shops on cobblestone streets. If you want to experience the taste of the local cuisine, wander around different shops and restaurants, then this historic district is the perfect place for you. Lodatica used to be a merchant district, settled by many of the city's Sephardic Jews. During the wars in the 20th century, the quarter became a cosmopolitan red-light district, and with businesses and clientele from all over the world. What makes Lodatica so unique and interesting today, is mainly thanks to its preserved 19th century buildings, and lively atmosphere. Church of Agia Sophia It is one of the oldest churches in Thessaloniki, and one of the World Heritage Sites on the UNESCO list. A church has stood on this location since the 3rd century, although this version was built in 1205. Agia Sophia Square A small square in front of the Church of Agia Sophia. One of the most beautiful places in the center of the city, with some well-preserved old buildings. You can find different shops and restaurants along with the entire place. The Zongolopoulos Umbrellas One of the most famous sculpture in Thessaloniki is the famous 30 meters high, stainless steel sculpture, titled Umbrellas on the Waterfront. It depicts umbrellas mounted on high masts, that look as if they were to fly away in the wind. The sculpture was designed by the late Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos, who exhibited the umbrellas for the first time on the celebration of the 45th Venice Biennale. Alexander the Great Monument The Monument of Alexander the Great is situated next to the sea. The structure is around 6 meters tall, and shows Alexander riding his famous horse Bucephalus. Anopoli, Thessaloniki's Old Town Anopoli is located on the north side of Thessaloniki, and this is the only part of the city, that did not burn out in the big fire which took place in 1917. You can reach the top by walking or by bus. You can go for a stroll through the cobblestone streets, and will see the traditional Balkan houses that date back to Ottoman times. If you are a fan of local cuisine, this is a great place for you to visit. There are plenty of little taverns, which will give you the unique opportunity, to taste the amazing local cuisine of Macedonia and Greece. The Nuts Factory A wonderful place with a huge variety of all types of nuts. It is on the road overlooking the sea. Church of Panagia Akira Poietos The Church of Panagia Akira Poietos is one of the oldest churches in Thessaloniki, dating back to the 5th century. The existence of a monumental porch on the south side of the church, indicates that it was linked with the most important artery in the ancient city, the Leophoras, now Ignatia Street. It was built on a Roman public baths complex, parts of which are preserved outside and beneath the church. Trigonion or Chain Tower The Trigonion Tower is the Byzantine city wall's most famous tower. It is part of Thessaloniki's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the late 15th century, to prevent an invasion of the city, and help during a siege. It is a great fortification project, that was raised by the Turkish authorities, after the occupation of Thessaloniki at 1430. The Trigonion Tower is also known as Thessaloniki's Balcony. It provides an excellent view of the old city and the Gulf of Thermakos. Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki The walls of Thessaloniki are the fortification structure that once surrounded the city, starting from the Middle Ages through 1874, when large segments of the walls, including the entire seaward section, were demolished as part of the Ottoman restructuring of Thessaloniki's urban fabric. Today the walls stand about 4 kilometers long, which is half of their original perimeter, 8 kilometers, and are up to 10 to 12 meters high and 4.5 meters wide. Yahudi Hammam and Bay Hammam Thessaloniki offers several historic hammams, dating to the Ottoman Empire, when the Ottoman invaders brought their hammam culture to Greece. One of the most interesting bathhouses is the Yahudi Hammam, which dates back to the 16th century. The name stands for Bath of the Jews, as this area was home to a large Jewish community at that time. Another interesting example is the Bay Hammam, it was constructed in the 15th century and used to be a very spacious and luxurious bathhouse. Church of Prophet Elias It is one of the 15 Paleo-Christian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki that were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Kapani and Modena Markets Street markets encapsulate the vibrancy of the city and its real authentic character. Modena and Kapani, two of the most popular street markets, serve as a delicious introduction to Thessaloniki's vibrant culinary scene. There, you will find the best local products in the city, olives, spices, herbs, traditional Greek cheeses, meat, fish, fruits, vegetable and many more at a low price. The Byzantine Church of Panagia Chalkion Panagia Chalkion is an 11th-century church, located south of the ancient Agora of Thessaloniki, near the center of the old city. It is one of the 15 Paleo-Christian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki that were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Shopping in Thessaloniki Shopping in Thessaloniki is a pleasure. The main shopping street in Thessaloniki is Tsimiski. As you go towards the sea, shopping gets more exclusive. If you enjoy luxury boutiques, go to Proxenou and Mitropouliou streets, and the perpendicular more gentle, Las Soni or Chrysostoma streets. You will find all the classic and international brands on Tsimiski, Ermou and Ignatia streets. Metropolitan Church of St. Gregory Palamas The St. Gregory Palamas Holy Metropolitan Church is located in the center of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki's Boat Tours It is a must thing to do when you visit the city. Tourist boats dock in front of the White Tower of Thessaloniki. The view from the sea is fantastic, and the scenery is stunning. Thessaloniki's Nightlife Thessaloniki is one of the best places in Greece to go out at night. The area around Valaioritou street is the perfect destination if you want to experience nightlife in Thessaloniki. There are many hip bars, nightclubs, or live music bars, and you will always find a place to party all night long. However, there are many more things to see and do in this beautiful city, such as, Archaeological Museum, Museum of Byzantine Culture, Atatürk Museum, Jewish Museum, Heptapurgeon, Roman Forum, Ancient Agora, etc. Thank you very much for watching, and see you again soon.