Thessaloniki: what to see and where to go

DATE

Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in Greece, located in the north of the country, in the region of Central Macedonia. At times, Thessaloniki natives referred to the city as the “co-capital”, not to propagate the popular cultural rivalry with Athens but rather to highlight the historical importance of the city which was considered the co-capital of the Byzantine Empire because of the strategic positioning the port of Thessaloniki enjoyed.

 

Folklore aside, Thessaloniki’s rich history is evident around almost every corner. Nowadays, however, the city is not only favoured by history aficionados, but the city’s vibrant cultural life attracts over 7.9 million visitors annually!

 

The historical sites in Thessaloniki date as early as 315BC, when the Macedonian King Cassander named the city after Alexander’s the Great half-sister, to contemporary projects such as the 2008 renovation of the famous Nea Paralia, the renowned 6km-long waterfront promenade.

Within the city’s centre, one can find 15 UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, most of which are Early Christian and Byzantine churches. Remarkable is the Rotunda, an impressive round building decorated with marvellous mosaics, which initially functioned as the mausoleum of Roman Emperor Galerius but was converted to a church and later a mosque and is used today due to its excellent acoustics as a unique cultural centre.

Thessaloniki’s most well-known landmark is the White Tower which was built in the 15th century during a time when the city belonged to the Ottoman Empire. The surviving city walls, part of the Ottoman fortification, circle around the city and offers a great walking route to visitors who want to take in Thessaloniki’s multicultural historical past.

 

Other important cultural centres are the museums of Thessaloniki, which cover classical and contemporary fields, such as the Museum of Photography. Noteworthy is the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, held annually every November, whose screenings and programs are attended by an international pool of cinephiles and filmmakers.

 

Thessaloniki is equally, if not more, lively by night! The city’s long-established multi-ethnic composition has paved the ground for exquisite gastronomical experiences of traditional and avant-garde recipes. Several places offer live music, such as Rempetika— songs based on the sounds of bouzouki— which contribute to the perfect night in the historic centre. Ladadika is an exceptionally favoured neighbourhood for all ages as it is dense in bars and tavernas, live music, and tasteful scents!

 

Whether you are here for a day or a week, Thessaloniki has much to offer! As you are strolling by Aristotle’s square, the ideal meeting point in Thessaloniki, don’t forget to come by the Elxis office, which is located on the seafront boulevard at Nikis 3, with a prime view of Thermaikos Gulf and Mt. Olympos!

  • All
  • Blog
  • In The News
  • Market Insights
  • Purchase Tips
  • Regional Guides
All
  • All
  • Blog
  • In The News
  • Market Insights
  • Purchase Tips
  • Regional Guides
Blog

Pure C: excellence in the details

Every now and then, you come across a property that captures your attention from the very first moment. The once-ordinary architectural elements turn into pieces …

Sunny days villas project overview
Blog

Sunny Days are here to stay!

Are you dreaming of the perfect Greek island getaway? Look no further than the latest Sunny Days project in the south of Crete. This brand-new …

Porto Katsiki Lefkada
BlogRegional Guides

Lefkada’s best beaches: the ultimate list

Lefkada is a beautiful island nestled in the Ionian Sea, which is on the west coast of Greece. Lefkada is very appealing to those looking …

A representative beach of Karpathos
BlogRegional Guides

Four things to do on Karpathos

In 2017, Athina and Vincent bought a house on the island of Karpathos using the services of Elxis. Now they live there permanently! Learn in …

The famous Patrino Carnival
BlogRegional Guides

The Carnival Season in Greece

Every February, in places around the world, people celebrate Carnival. Internationally Venice and Rio are renowned for their festivities, but did you know that the …

A person signing a legal document
BlogPurchase Tips

Inheritance tax in Greece

Have you inherited Greek real estate property, and you are wondering what the related legislation is? Every country has its own inheritance regulations and according …

Compare Listings