Thessaloniki

Greece

Things to do in Thessaloniki:

View the Gallery The White Tower

Thessaloniki Restaurants

Cheap (18)

Deskati

Famous for its chicken dishes, this popular little tavern has indoor and outdoor seating. Try the delicious chicken wrapped in bacon served with potato salad. read more
Affordable (23)

Zappio

This taverna is busy all day long, serving up cooked dishes in minutes. Frequented by students and businessmen, the food is delicious, at prices that won't break the bank. Try the mouth-watering... read more
Good quality (19)

To Kourdisto Gourouni

Centrally located, facing the medieval church of Aghia Sophia, this place offers German sausages and beers, plus other tasty international dishes. read more

Thessaloniki Nightlife

Chilled (24)

Olympion

This caf�-bar next to one of the city's oldest cinemas is a meeting place for all ages. Relax and enjoy a cocktail at any time of the day. read more
Live Music (21)

FIX

This place hosts some of the biggest names in the Greek charts, with music until the early hours. read more
Clubbing (22)

Lotus Bar

This small bar opened its doors nearly two decades ago and is still going strong. Open from 10pm till dawn, and playing a good selection of oldies, the fun atmosphere attracts an energetic crowd. read more

This Month in Thessaloniki (March):

By Darren Allen

Shopping: Browse the shops along Tsimiski Street. For souvenirs, stop at the shopping centre, just after Karoil Deihl Street, where you'll find a cluster of arts and crafts shops and galleries.

Sightseeing: The Thessaloniki Documentary Festival pulls in the crowds this month, with a good selection of work by national and international directors (12-21 March, filmfestival.gr).

Key areas: Head to the zoo in the Old Town (signposted from Egnatia Street), open from morning till late evening. Catch a taxi there, then walk back into Thessaloniki, taking in the views over the city.

Day trips: Halkidiki is a must at this time of year. Hire a car and explore the Kassandra Peninsula, taking in its quaint villages, from Athitos to Kalandra. Stop for lunch at Siveri Beach, where you'll find tavernas serving tasty fish and seafood dishes.

Thessaloniki Trivia

March: After 400 years under Turkish rule, Greece won independence on 25 March 1821. The annual celebrations run throughout the country - get stuck in and enjoy the party!
February: On 5 August 1917, a strong wind spread a fire that started on Olympiados Street, nearly destroying Thessaloniki. It was finally put out but almost 70,000 people had been made homeless, so half the city had to be rebuilt.
January: Greece's smoking ban became law on 1 July 2009. But bars, caf�s and restaurants over 70m2 can have sealed-off smoking rooms - as long as there is sufficient ventilation.