Often described by Greeks as the country’s “second capital,” Thessaloniki is a city where history and modern creativity coexist effortlessly. Ideal for a city break or short stopover, it offers a rich tapestry of experiences and unforgettable memories in less-visited northern Greece. As the capital of the mountainous region of Macedonia, this university town is unlike any other Greek city. A vibrant urban hub with a population exceeded only by Athens, Thessaloniki offers a cultural crossroads with a gritty, alternative, avant-garde atmosphere. Layers of history visible from ancient Greek and Roman monuments sit alongside structures reflecting the city’s Byzantine, Ottoman, and Jewish heritage. Renowned as a UNESCO city of gastronomy and coffee culture, Thessaloniki nestles where the eastern Mediterranean meets the Balkans. The crossroads city boasts a lively nightlife and a dynamic arts scene with flourishing galleries and museums, international film and arts festivals, traditional tavernas, gourmet dining, street food, and major exhibition and conference venues. A City Made for Walking A city of holdover relics blends with a modern metropolis Photo: Nicholas Kontis Above all, Thessaloniki is a city made for walking. Whether on an organized tour or exploring independently, a visitor strolling its streets follows the footsteps of the many civilizations that shaped its history. The Palace of Galerius, the Triumphal Arch and the Rotunda served as the administrative and religious heart of the city during the early-4th-century reign of Emperor Galerius. Today they stand as remarkable legacies of Roman rule and early Byzantine art and architecture. In particular, the Rotunda provided one of the earliest Christian monuments in the Eastern Roman Empire. Today, the surrounding area, known as Kamara, has become a lively student quarter. Young people gather beside the ancient ruins sipping frappés, sharing drinks and playing music. They give the neighborhood a bohemian atmosphere that locals often compare to Athens’ Psiri district. Remarkable Cultural Heritage The White Tower stands tall along the Thessaloniki waterfront, as the symbol and one of the main attractions of the city. Photo: Nicholas Kontis Jews arrived in Thessaloniki after their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Well into the 20th century, they outnumbered Turks and Greeks in the city. In 1943, however, Nazi Germany deported the Jewish population to Auschwitz and other camps, where 43,000 (96 percent) met their death. Of 10,000 children, only 58 survived the genocide. Thessaloniki’s Jewish Museum recalls the lifestyle of the thriving Salonica community before the Second World War. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkiye, was born in Thessaloniki in 1881. His birthplace, now the Atatürk Museum, stands as a poignant reminder of the Ottoman era. Each year on November 10, the date of his passing, thousands of Turks travel here to visit the historic site. The imposing Church of Agios Dimitrios honors Thessaloniki’s patron saint, who is celebrated annually on October 26. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, its mystical interior makes this unique shrine one of the city’s most revered landmarks. The White Tower stands as one of [...]