Greece’s “second city,” the cultural capital of Thessaloniki, is a seafront metropolis with a fabulous waterfront lined with inviting cafes, a fascinating walled old town and former Turkish quarter with narrow streets and traditional tavernas. It boasts Roman ruins and Ottoman alleyways along with a rich culinary scene and colorful food markets. Wine enthusiasts will find lots to love as well, with some of the nation’s very best wines produced here, something that’s reflected in the extensive array of bars and restaurants.
Named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki has a fascinating story behind it as part of the kingdom of Ancient Macedonia as well as being a Roman metropolis at one time. You can learn more about it at this extensive museum that covers seven eras from prehistoric times to the early Christian period
View a glimpse of the city’s Roman history by visiting these two original Roman structures that date from the 4th-century AD and originally formed part of the same magnificent complex. You’ll be able to see hand-carved battle scenes on the pillars of the Arch which depict events from the 298 AD Persian campaign. The stout Rotunda has been a Roman temple, Christian house of worship and a mosque, and features some spectacular mosaics.
This expansive museum showcases thousands of artifacts from Byzantine and Pre-Christian time, including wall paintings, ceramics, rescued arches from historic buildings, frescoes and mosaics. The permanent exhibits focus on early Christians, their beliefs, daily life and rituals and include a number of early Christian tombs and graves that were excavated in the city.
One of the city’s oldest Byzantine churches, the Haga Sophia is a domed basilica that has witnessed everything from the Iconoclastic wars to the Crusades and Ottoman rule. After the 1917 fire it was restored, and today visitors are often most impressed with its interior that includes beautiful wall-wall-wall decorations with paintings and mosaics that date as far back as the 11th-century.
The circular whitewashed tower on the waterfront is the iconic symbol of the Thessaloniki. Just like the city, it’s quite storied, formerly occupying a corner of the Ottoman and Byzantine defenses before many of the walls were destroyed in the late 19th-century. It was a jail during Ottoman rule and the site of numerous torture victims, nicknamed the “tower of blood.” Today its interior houses a large museum that showcases life in various periods in the city, along with multiple artifacts and a home dating to the Byzantine period, including typical furnishings of the time.
One of the hottest nightlife spots in the city is in Ladadika, a neighborhood between the port and historic center. Its colorful neoclassic buildings that surround clubs traditional tavernas, bars and late-night cafes. But you won’t want to miss sipping a drink or two in one of the floating boat bars like the Arabella Boat Bar. A pirate-style ship, it brings passengers on sunset cruises along the gulf, complete with an open bar and dancing.
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